Michelle Windsor Jackson, Mark Windsor, Aaron Windsor and Kathy Windsor celebrate 30 years in business.

Lebanon, Missouri-based National TV Sales & Rental owners, Mark and Kathy Windsor, held their annual barbecue last weekend at their home, Windsor Farm. All of National TV Sales & Rental employees and families were invited to come together to celebrate their 30^thanniversary.

"This year is our 30th anniversary but we have been having this barbecue at our home as long as I can remember, probably at least 20 years," Kathy said.

Newest National TV Sales and Rental member, Mark and Kathy's granddaughter, Jesse, held by her great grandmother.

Mark and Kathy have lived on Windsor Farms for 23 years and raise their very own cattle of which they prepared for their guests, "Windsor Beef". The festive BBQ also included a number of activities such as swimming, an annual horseshoe tournament with cash prizes, skeet shooting, an inflatable jousting arena where employees could challenge upper management and a very memorable two-story waterslide enjoyed by both young and older guests.

Every family went home with a custom National TV Sales and Rental 30^th Anniversary cooler to commemorate the event and also pay tribute to the company's charity of choice, 'Families helping Families'.

The Missouri Rental Dealers Association wrapped their three-day annual regional trade show and seminar on Thursday, June 23rd. This year proved to be the most successful turnout in both rental dealers and vendors yet.

Day two started bright and early on Wednesday morning as rental dealers split up into two groups to either play golf at the 4-Man Golf Scramble or catch some bass at the Bass Fishing Tournament - see results below. Participants grabbed some lunch and had a chance to freshen up before that evenings events.

Attendees reconvened at the Vendor Showcase where they were greeted with a cocktail reception, raffle and any last bits of buying and networking with vendors. Dinner and the annual awards banquet shortly followed the Vendor Showcase.

MRDA President, John Cleek Jr., welcomed all those in attendance while kicking off the awards presentations honoring both new and tenured vendors. Dan Cole of National Rent to Own provided a PAC Fund and APRO update followed by Senator Gary Romine who presented a legislative update for Missouri.

Mark Connelly took the stage and shared his goals for the upcoming year as newly elected president of APRO. He pledged loyalty to the industry and believes there is much success in RTO. APRO's Executive Director, Bill Keese, then went over his upcoming retirement and the board's plans for an Executive Director search. He thanked all of those in the RTO industry and stands by his notion of unparalleled camaraderie. He closed with highlighting the importance to vote in this year's presidential election.

"Go vote! My job, your job, our jobs are dependent of it. This is a watershed year in politics and your vote makes a difference," said Keese.

Senator Gary Romine announced and handed out trophies to the winners of the 4-Man Scramble golf tournament followed by Tiger John Cleek who followed suit with the winners of the Bass Fishing Tournament. See results below.

MRDA's Executive Director, Ken Steiner closed the awards presentation celebrating his 20th year of managing the association and trade show. He shared his gratitude for the vast interest of vendors in showing at the exhibit hall, confessing it was more than they were able to accommodate this year and thus left a handful [of vendors] on a waiting list. MRDA now has a fast growing list of vendors set for next year's show and encouraged interested parties to secure their spot for 2017's trade show as soon as possible.

"It's been such a great journey of working with dealers and vendors. I've never had so many friends. When talking with vendors, I always say, I'm not a dealer, I'm a friend."

Click here to see more photos of Heartland of America 2016.

Bass Fishing Tournament Winners

1st Place: Tiger Cleek and John Cleek, Jr. (Cleek's/Aaron's)
2 keepers; 4.01lb big bass; 5.97lb total weight

2nd place: John Nissen and Joe McArtor (Cleek's/Aaron's)
2 keepers; 3.39lb big bass; 4.36 total weight

3rd place: Steve Braning and Cheryl Braning (National RTO)
1 keeper; 3.54lb big bass and total weight

4th place: Dan Kopsas and Rick Windsor (National TV Sales & Rentals)
1 keeper; 3.17lb big bass and total weight

4-Man Scramble Golf Tournament Winners

1st place, Score: 63 - J. McCabe, B. VanderWerf, S. Murpyhy, D. St. Peter

2nd place, Score: 64 - J. Pinkley, J. Seleby, A. Drambraukas, R. Rineberg

3rd place, Score: 66 - L. Beshore, J. Roth, R. Haney, M. Adams

4th place, Score: 68 - M. Williams, A. Rinbone, M. Smith, S. Wilmsmeier

Closest to Pin: Gary Jones and Scott Young

Women's Long Drive: Karen Bunch

Men's Long Drive: Aaron Windsor

Click here to see more photos of Heartland of America 2016.

This year was a great APRO show in Cincinnati, where the Missouri Rental Dealers Association had some outstanding achievements as an association and the people that make it up!  Details below:

1)      "Tiger" John Cleek received the highest honor you can receive at APRO as he was the recipient of the "Lifetime Achievement Award"!!!  As you all know, Tiger was a co-founder of MRDA in 1987, has served on the board ever since, 2 terms as MRDA President, and APRO board member for 13 years, chairing the State Association coordination committee and 2 years as APRO President.   Great job, Tiger!!!

2)      Missouri was the "State Association of the Year"!!!!!   We'd like to think everyone for their hard work in 2015 and we really think that the combination of an excellent trade show and the 5 city community service project was what separated us from the rest.  This is the 6^th time that Missouri has won this award, which is the most of any state in the country, and the 3^rd time since 2007!!!

3)      Mark Connelly was elected as the new APRO President!!!!   Mark has done a great job on our board, plus serves on the Iowa and Florida boards, APRO board, and the Aaron's board, plus he's the Chief Operator of 50 plus stores throughout the country.

More info and pictures at https://www.rtohq.org/news/1085/60/Fuse-2016-General-Session-Fuse-Trade-Show-and-APRO-Awards-Evening/

Below you will find a link for dealers to the brochure for the Heartland of America Regional Trade Show.  This year we will have product training sessions as outlined in the brochure.  As always, we have a golf tournament and a fishing tournament for those who like to golf or fish, or you can just come to the Lodge and relax some.

The Lodge has informed us that they expect a sold out situation on Tuesday night and possibly on Wednesday.  If you think you might be coming, we suggest you call and make your lodging reservations ASAP.  There is no charge if you need to cancel as long as you do so by 3 days before your scheduled arrival.  The Lodging information is also in the brochure.

So why don't you print off the registration form, fill it out and either mail it in or scan the form and email to the email address as noted on the brochure.  If you have any questions, feel free to call John Cleek, Jr, MRDA's President (573-449-1010) or Ken Steiner, MRDA's Executive Director (573-489-0622).

We hope to see you at the Lake.

Board of Directors
Missouri Rental Dealers Association

Dealer Info and Packet

The 2016 Heartland of America Tradeshow will take place June 21st-23rd at the Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, MO.  Click for details below!

Exhibitor Packet

The 2016 MRDA Annual meeting and Seminar will be here April 7 at the Hampton Inn in Columbia, MO.  Please join us.  For more info click the links below, based on your needs.  Next, we have done a great job with our PAC fund.  Through PAC fund contributions and fund raisers we are making friends and educating politicians on what we do and the great service we provide, but our work is never done.  Print off and turn in these forms to the designated address to be a part of the MRDA and our mission!

MRDA Vendor Sponsorship Form

MRDA Dues Form

MRDA PAC Form

The Missouri Rental Dealers Association continue their 5-city community service tour with a stop in Dexter, Mo at The Stoddard County Mission Pantry on Tuesday, November 10th. Jerry Pinkley, Show Me RTO Vice President and MRDA Vice President was project lead and organized the event that included employees from Rent1, Heartland and Show Me RTO. They presented Stoddard County Mission Pantry with a $1000 check and spent the day volunteering at the pantry. MRDA's next stop is at Convoy of Hope in Springfield.

"It has been a very humbling experience." Jerry reflects "To see how much work those folks do (at any food pantry) to gather, separate, bag and give out that much food and to know that there are many people who are in need of assistance."

Dexter, MO Give Back Pics  https://www.flickr.com/photos/rtohq/sets/72157658081892773

Next up, Springfield,MO!

2015 Award Recipients

The APRO "Buddy" Awards are presented every year to those outstanding individuals and organizations that have raised the level of what can be done to better the industry for everyone. The "Buddys" are named in honor of APRO's founder and first president Bud Holladay.

The recipients are named at the annual APRO Awards Banquet held during the association's National Conference and Trade Show.

Click "more info" or this link to take you to more of the article... https://www.rtohq.org/about-apro/honoring-rto-s-finest/

Click on the link below to see the inspiring story of Thomas, the son of Pres of MRDA, John Cleek Jr.

https://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/188263/golf-helps-toltons-thomas-cleek-relax/

(MRDA President John Cleek, Jr. recognizes Macy Mitchell, Director of Operations at All American Rental & Sales, with a plaque for his service to the association.)

Around 71 rental dealers from across Missouri took April 7 to trek to the Hampton Inn in Columbia for an informative keynote address and legislative update.

President John Cleek, Jr. also recognized board members and officers for their terms of service to MRDA.

Dan Cole of National Rent to Own provided a PAC Fund and APRO update followed by Senator Gary Romine who presented a legislative update for Missouri.

Dusty Ray corporate trainer for Rent One, was the keynote speaker. His presentation of "The Most Profitable Habits You Can Form" dealt primarily with the sales process and changing your philosophy and communication skills.

MRDA members also elected new officers, re-electing President John Cleek, Jr, Vice President Jerry Pinkley and Secretary/Treasurer Scott Mitchell and elected new board members: Kevin Holloway - Rent One
Mike Turek - Arona Tom Moore - National Rent to Own - all other current board members were re-elected.

Members began moving forward with implementing the plans for the annual MRDA Heartland if America Trade Show at Lake of the Ozarks Missouri June 9-11. Contact Ken Steiner "<steineraa@aol.com> for more information.

For pictures of the event, click here!

Rent-to-own chain Rent One is in the midst of a chain-wide store remodeling project designed to refresh its look while making its showrooms more appealing to female consumers.

The 70-store family business, owned by CEO Larry Carrico and wife, Sharon, hired Connie Post and her Affordable Design Solutions for the refresh which, to date, has been rolled out to 20 stores in Missouri, Indiana, Illinois and Arkansas. Another 20 stores are on tap to be refurbished this year.

Click Below for the full story.

You are invited to attend the 2015 MRDA Annual Membership Meeting.  We would like to thank the following sponsors:

Gold Level: Coaster CO of America and Protect-A-Bed

Silver Level: Twin Star International

Here are individual PDF links to print off for new members, current members and vendors to register, see a schedule of events and the seminar topic.

General Meeting info, registration and dues form for new/current members and vendors

We would like to invite dealers to attend the Ninth Annual, Heartland of America Regional Trade Show and Seminar at the Lodge of Four Seasons Resort in Lake Ozark, Missouri. This trade show is for the dealers in Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Missouri. Of course, dealers in other states are more than welcome to attend.  The states planning this trade show want to make this trade show a fun and successful investment for those attending. This show is directed at the store management level and will let owners and managers alike see all of the latest products. This year will feature a new format based on the past dealer requests. It will allow more time in the exhibit hall. MRDA is dedicated to making the 2014 trade show the biggest and best ever.  Please join us in that celebration.  We want to thank APRO for helping to sponsor this tradeshow.

Click here for dealer registration, agenda, and product trainings.

The Missouri Rental Dealers Association (MRDA) is pleased to invite you to participate in the 2014 Heartland of America Regional Tradeshow and Seminar, June 10th-12th at the Lodge of the Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Missouri.  MRDA and our board of directors are dedicated to making the 2014 tradeshow the biggest and best ever.  By exhibiting at this tradeshow you will have an excellent opportunity to make new contacts with rental dealers in the region and be able to showcase your company's products and services.

Please click on the links below for registration and tradeshow information.  The next page has further exhibitor information as well.

Exhibitor Packet and Registration

Layout of Booths at Tradeshow

The Missouri Rental Dealers annual Heartland of America regional trade show wrapped last week with successful tournaments, a much anticipated awards banquet and trade show.

Some 70 booths at the Lake of the Ozarks were filled by 44 exhibiting companies -- 6 of which were brand new vendors. Dealer turnout was again strong with close to 140 dealers and guests representing close to 20 member RTO companies.

"With so many brand new vendors this year and the number of booths already sold for next year, we were very pleased with the success of the Heartland Show," said MRDA Executive Director Ken Steiner. "That is a great credit to the work of the board and our members to really make this show vital."

SEE FULL PHOTO GALLERY OF THE EVENT HERE. (Special thanks to Mark Windsor and Dan Kopsas for photos)

*To download one or more photos, select photo, choose the more "..." option, select size.

Golf Tournament Winners:

1st place (Pictured above): Aaron Windsor, National TV Sales & Rental, Dan Haight from Pioneer Music Company, Andrew Schuereman from Whirlpool and David Kaye from Benefit Marketing Solutions.

2nd place: Steve and Tanner Kaza from The Step2 Company and Charlie Brinkman from American Wholesale Furniture (3 some)

3rd place: Eddie Wilson from Donco Trading Company, Bill Korn from American Wholesale Furniture, Danelle Stanger from O'Rourke's Sales Company & Gary Romine from Show-Me RTO

Longest putt:  Aaron Windsor from National TV Sales and Rental

Closest to the Pin: Bill Tennison from Heartland Furniture and Appliance (front 9) and Kathy Windsor from National TV Sales & Rental (back 9)

Longest Drive: Josh Rookstool from Sunheat International (men) and Ann Cleek from Cleek's dba Aaron's Sales and Leasing (women)

-  Whirlpool Corporation sponsored the trophies, RentDirect Nationwide for sponsoring the lunch, Pioneer Music for  sponsoring the continental breakfast and Imagery Marketing Group for sponsoring the golf balls.

Fishing Tournament Winners:

1st place -  "Tiger" John Cleek and Tiger John Jr. -  8.83lbs (Cleek's Inc./ Aaron's)
2nd place -   Jeff Dowdy and Shawn Oligschlaeger - 4.11lbs (Cleek's Inc./ Aaron's)
3rd place -   Doug Neuhaus and Vic Lombardo -  2.66 lbs (National Rent to Own)
4th place -   Jeremy Philips and Brian Barnes -  2.09lbs (Show Me Rent to Own)
5th place -  Dan Cole and Steve Branning -  1.15 lbs (National Rent to Own)
6th place -   Ron Reyering and Tim Hector -  0.0 lbs (Ashley Furniture and National Rent to Own)

Big Bass -   Vic Lombardo 2.66 lbs.

- Tournament was sponsored by Ad Pro and each bass fisherman received a polo shirt and hat compliments of Ashley Furniture.  Coaster Company of America was a bronze sponsor.

SEE FULL PHOTO GALLERY OF THE EVENT HERE

Attention:  All Missouri Rent-To-Own Dealers and Vendors:

You are invited to attend the 2013 Missouri Rental Dealers Association's (MRDA) Annual General Membership meeting and seminar. Hotel rooms are still available at the group rate. We would like to thank the following sponsor: Platinum level: RentDirect Nationwide, Silver level: Twin-Star International and Bronze level: Bemco Mattress

Agenda/Meeting information and Sign up - click here or go to next page to view

Romine elected; Conseco defeated

Taking the Pulse

Gary Romine

Long time Missouri RTO Dealer and past APRO President Gary Romine of Show Me Rent to Own, was handily elected to the Missouri Senate 3rd District Tuesday with 54 percent of the vote over Democratic challenger and state representative Joe Fallert.

Romine could not be be reached by press time.

Democrat Pete Gallego closed the gap on incumbent and RTO Bill sponsor Francisco "Quico" Canseco to win a hotly-contest battle for Texas' largest congressional district with 50 percent to Canseco's 46 percent. Three percent was claimed by Libertarian Jeffrey Blunt and one percent was claimed by Green Party candidate Ed Scharf.

Canseco had enjoyed a solid lead at the start of the vote count with 55 percent of votes. About an hour later, he fell to 49 percent of votes to Gallego's 47 percent.

The two were neck and neck after most of the races had already been called. Just before midnight, Gallego sealed the race for district 23.

Canseco will continue as the sponsor of HR 1588 until the the end of the current session Dec. 31, 2012. A new sponsor will be considered by rent to own leaders in the next session of Congress when a new bill will be introduced.

Here's the link:  http://www.rtohq.org/news/10016/15/Romine-elected-Conseco-defeated/

"Canseco was a champion of our industry who helped pass our bill out of committee which hasn't happened since 2001," said APRO Government Affairs Director Richard May. "Small business lost a true champion."

If you've always wondered how past presdient John Cleek, Jr fills his time when not working, you'll find him wearing donned fedoras, glitter pants and black loafers performing Michael Jackson hits with his son.  His son Johnny and he performed at the vintage Blue Note Theatre in Columbia Missouri to dance and sing Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean" for a performance concert benefiting a local youth theatre program. Here's the link.  Enjoy.

http://youtu.be/1Ba7R3QYY-g

Gary Romine of Farmington-based Show Me Rent To Own, beat Terry Varner in the GOP primary in Missouri's 3rd Senate District Tuesday night.  Romine says running a positive campaign was one of the keys to his victory.

"With a humble heart I'd like to start by saying thank you to the people of the 3rd Senate District," Romine wrote on his Facebook wall. "Without you, the voters, I would not be in the position I am today. "To my family and friends for all their support, love, prayers and time during this election...Thank you!"

Romine reports he is "geared up" and ready to begin the next leg of his campaign when he  will face Democrat Joseph Fallert, Jr in the general election in November.

Join Romine's Facebook page here.

Attendees at the Heartland of America Regional Trade Show in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri made the their final day count placing hundreds of purchase orders with the 85 vendors across the 70-booth convention hall at the Four Seasons Lodge Thursday.

View tradeshow photos here.

The 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. show marks the final day of the revamped two-day business/pleasure convention which, this year, marked the 25th anniversary of host organization the Missouri Rental Dealers Association.

"It's been a really great show," said MRDA President J.C. Cox. "We're getting a lot of good feedback about the new show schedule, which we hoped would allow for greater attendance for the vendors. We're very pleased with the turnout and especially with the first time vendors and dealers. We're always proud to bring new members into the family of this landmark state association."

The industry's longest running regional trade show kicks off with extra flair this year as it also commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Missouri Rental Dealers Association -- one of the most active, influential and consistently recognized state associations.

Dealers from Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Missouri will head to the scenic Lodge of Four Seasons Resort in Lake Ozark, Missouri June 13-14 to mix business and pleasure with vendor meet and greets, product trainings, four man scramble a bass fishing tournament.

Download the brochure with schedule and registration info.

If you're a vendor, and want to have the ability to advertise on the MRDA wesbite as well as receive an annual discount, then please click the link below. You can get $150 off of the original price to advertise if you make your move from June 14-July 14, 2012.  With this you can attract many dealers across the country who view the MRDA website regularly for legislative news, industry news, and event updates.

Click here for a sign up sheet!

We would like to invite dealers to attend the Eighth Annual, Heartland of America Regional Trade Show and Seminar at the Lodge of FourSeasons Resort in Lake Ozark, Missouri. This trade show is for the dealers in Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Missouri. Of course, dealers in other states are more than welcome to attend. The states planning this trade show want to make this tradeshow a fun and successful investment for those attending. This show is directed at the store management level and will let owners and managers alike see all of the latest products. This year will feature a new format based on the past dealer requests. It will allow more time in the exhibit hall after the product trainings the day before. MRDA is celebrating its 25th Anniversary as an association this year and is dedicated to making the 2012 trade show the biggest and best ever. Please join us in that celebration. We want to thank APRO for helping to sponsor this trade show.

To see Event Schedule and/or Register as a Dealer click here!

Details of events on Next Page!

Dear Prospective Exhibitor:

The Missouri Rental Dealers Association (MRDA) is pleased to invite you to participate in the 2012 Heartland of America Regional Tradeshow and Seminar, June 12th-14th at the Lodge of the Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Missouri.  MRDA and our board of directors are dedicated to making the 2012 tradeshow the biggest and best ever.  By exhibiting at this tradeshow you will have an excellent opportunity to make new contacts with rental dealers in the region and be able to showcase your company's products and services.

Click here for Vendor Policies and Registration

The Missouri Rental Dealers Association contributed 24 computers to Joplin; not just to the Four State Home School Program for a new computer lab that hosts 50 plus students and adults for developing and continuing education, but also Americorps Information Resource Center who needed 12 computers to assist Joplin to get back on it's feet.

Click here for more info.

The 2011 Missouri Rental Dealers Association (MRDA) seminar on legal issues in RTO is set for September 20 and 21 and is free to all MRDA members.

The seminars to be conducted by APRO Legal Counsel Ed Winn III on general RTO Legal Topics and collections are set for Sept. 20 at the Holiday Inn North I-44 in Springfield, Missouri and Sept. 21 at the Holiday Inn South County Center in St. Louis.

 Sleeping Room Reservation Deadline: 30 Days before meeting.

 Download full registration information and brochure here or call  573/442-2963 or 573/489-0622 (cell) for more information.

Why become a member?

There are benefits for both vendors and dealers in the Heartland area to become members of the MRDA. Besides our successful annual tradeshows and educational seminars, we offer so much more to our members through constant support.  With our proactive MRDA Board, we are always looking to assist and improve our relationships, networking, legislative awareness, and give the support to anyone or business that is a part of the rent-to-own industry.

Click here for Dealer Tradeshow Packet and Information

Click here for Vendors Tradeshow Full Packet for Exhibiting/Registration and Exhibit Material Handling Form

Please read more, to see some testimonials from some of our long term vendors about our upcoming Heartland Tradeshow!

The company -- which consists of three stores in southeastern Missouri including Doniphan, Piedmont and Dexter -- has been part of the Dexter community for the past 14 years.

MRDA President John "Tiger" Cleek Jr. - "Missouri was honored to receive the State Association of the Year award for the 5th time and I would like to thank all of our board members and officers for their hard work this year.  This year was quite eventful as we donated 35 computers to a middle school in Fredericktown, MO as part of our annual Computers 4 Kidz program.  In June we hosted the 6th Annual Heartland of America Regional Tradeshow and Seminar at the Lake of the Ozarks and had one of our best shows ever with approximately 260 attendees.  We would like to thank all of the vendors who participated in our show and especially the ones who provided sponsorships for our events.  One of our major accomplishments this year was the design of our new MRDA website.  Thanks to APRO and Imagery Marketing, plus with the efforts of our communications chairman, Macy Mitchell of All American Rental, we were able to get a first class website for our state association at a very reasonable rate of $1800. Coming this fall in September we will continue our fall training in St. Louis with a 1 day training seminar featuring 4 different vendors and store level employees will be able to attend this event for free as members of MRDA.  We also owe a great amount of gratitude to Ken Steiner, our Executive Assistant, as he plans and organizes all of our events and makes our jobs easy."

A quote follows next from APRO Executive Director Bill Keese on the success of the MRDA...