Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JULY 2021 50 A PRO recently held its first virtual Legislative Conference, following a year off due to the pandemic. Even as the rent-to- own industry's protection becomes increasingly important under a new presidential administration, building and maintaining political relationships has become increasingly difficult because of COVID-19. The 2021 APRO Virtual Legislative Conference offered attendees information, insight and support as RTO navigates the new political landscape. Following a productive morning meeting with state association presidents, the afternoon legislative conference sessions kicked off with Legislative and Legal Updates from Brian Farrington, shareholder at Cowles & Thompson, and Ed Winn III, APRO general counsel. Farrington covered employment topics of interest for rent-to-own businesses, including wage-and-hour, employment relationship, and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issues. Winn gave an entertaining and educational presentation on the state of federal policy, as well as current and recent investigations, legislation and regulations at the state level. He also reminded APRO members why staying involved in the political world is essential to the well-being of their businesses. "It's so very important that we tell friends and foes alike about RTO," Winn said. "RTO has a story to be told, and we need to be telling it. That's why we go to D.C." During Challenges in a New Administration, shareholders at Greenberg Traurig LLP, Robbie Kamerschen and Demetrius McDaniel provided an overview on the state of play in Washington, D.C., including President Biden's plan for small business and his tax agenda, the Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's probable priorities moving forward, and other federal issues and programs important to rent-to-own companies and their customers – such as minimum wage, corporate and personal tax rates, supplemental federal unemployment insurance, and infrastructure spending. APRO Executive Director Jill McClure facilitated a question and answer session between the virtual audience and speakers. Finally, before splitting into state association breakout groups, participants enjoyed the State Issues Lobbyists Panel featuring P.J. Cimini, founder and principal at Capitol Strategies Group LLC in Connecticut, Mike Houlihan, founder of Drexwood Partners LLC in Illinois, and Corinne Mixon, senior director of government relations at Rutledge Ecenia, PA in Florida. The panel covered a broad spectrum of legislative topics, including Zoom calls with lawmakers, regulatory investigative powers, COVID-19 liabilities, and why building strong relationships with customers is critical to state lobbying efforts. The 2021 APRO Virtual Legislative Conference was sponsored by TRIB Group, Ashley Furniture Industries, Benefit Marketing Solutions, Nationwide RentDirect, Nationwide Southwest, Audit Advantage, O'Rourke Sales Company, PTS Direct Benefits, Rivero, Gordimer & Company PA, Slumba LLC, and Whitsell and Company, PC. APRO VIRTUAL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE PROVIDES IMPORTANT INFO, INSIGHTS Kristen Card has been a contributing writer for APRO for more than 15 years. RO Kristen Card Rent-to-Own Trends Shareholders at Greenberg Traurig LLP: Demetrius McDaniel (left) and Robbie Kamerschen (right), with APRO Executive Director Jill McClure (bottom) Lobbyist Panel Speakers: Corinne Mixon (left), Mike Houlihan (right), and P.J. Cimini (bottom) State presidents met to discuss strategies and how best to manage operations as volunteer leaders

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