Rent-to-own, Moneris and the Kennedy Center - a natural triumvirate, yes? Well, it was last night when the more than 100 rent-to-own small business owners gathered for an evening's dinner in Washington, D.C. at the famous Kennedy Arts Center. APRO, the national trade association for the rent-to-own industry and Moneris the debit/credit card processing company partnered in grand Capital Hill fashion as the social event for APRO's annual Legislative Conference. 

As Pat Albright from Moneris told me last night, he is hooked. Hooked on Moneris obviously but also hooked on rent-to-own, politics and the combination thereof. And he should. We were honored with the personal visit from Rep. William Lacy Clay's Senior Policy Advisor, Frank Davis, who exclaimed how much he appreciates the professionalism the industry displays with each and every congressional office. After he addressed the large crowd, Frank received a standing ovation from a group of small business dealers who exemplify the passion and customer dedication worthy of praise and admiration. And, speaking of praise and admiration, Moneris falls in that category as well hosting last night's dinner and joining the rent-to-own industry in our journey to explain our business, industry and our customers to the U.S. Congress.

We know from fact and experience when we explain the rent-to-own industry and transaction to new customers, the public, the media and Congress the appreciation and support for rent-to-own becomes much greater and apparent. We at the Kennedy Center last night celebrated that point in full form. Especially after you heard the dozens of stories of new congressional co-sponsors for the industry supported federal bills - H.R. 1767 and S. 1012 - and the new friends made on Capital Hill.

And, again, thanks to Moneris for helping us tell our rent-to-own story and, especially, for celebrating our story in perfect D.C. fashion at the Kennedy Center for APRO's Annual Legislative Conference.