Archives---April 28, 2010
Equipment Leasing and Finance Association Appoints
William G. Sutton, CAE as President

Ralph Petta Appointed Chief Operating Officer

ELFA Positioned to Continue Moving Forward
Under New Executive Leadership

Washington, DC— The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA), which represents companies in the $518 billion equipment finance sector, announces the appointment of Rear Admiral (retired) William G. Sutton, CAE, as President of the ELFA. Ralph Petta, who served previously as interim president of ELFA, was named Chief Operating Officer.

Rear Admiral (retired) William G. Sutton

Most recently, Mr. Sutton served as interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Association, Education and Business Institute, Inc, in Arlington, VA. A former U.S. Navy Rear Admiral with 30 years’ military service, Mr. Sutton previously served as Commerce Assistant Secretary of Manufacturing and Services, a unit of the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. Appointed by President George W. Bush, Rear Admiral (retired) Sutton was unanimously confirmed by the Senate. He joined the Commerce Department after serving for five years as president of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), an association that represents manufacturers of more than 90 percent of North American-produced central air conditioning and commercial refrigeration equipment. Mr. Sutton attained the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential in 2007 through the American Society of Association Executives.

Full Article:
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2010/4_28.htm#elfa_prez

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Classified Ads---Credit

(These ads are “free” to those seeking employment or looking
to improve their position)

Credit, syndication, workout experience Exceptional work ethic, common sense coupled with practical experience in equipment finance, consumer, commercial. Can interact with all levels of borrowers and intermediaries. Not an originator – but can help sales team close – great up sell ability. Will relocate for the right opportunity AND can work remotely.aaacorrespondent@gmail.com

Orlando, Florida As a Commercial Credit Analyst/Underwriter, I have evaluated transactions from sole proprietorships to listed companies, across a broad spectrum of industries, embracing a multitude of asset types. Sound understanding of balance sheet, income statement and cash flow dynamics which impact credit decisions. Strong appreciation for credit/asset risk.  rpsteiner21@aol.com  407 430-3917

Free Posting for those seeking employment in Leasing:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted-post.htm

All “free” categories “job wanted” ads:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted.htm

 

John Kenny  Receivables Management • End of Lease Negotiations & Enforcement • Fraud Investigations • Credit Investigations • Asset Searches  • Skip-tracing • Third-party Commercial Collections john@jkrmdirect.com | ph 315-866-1167| www.jkrmdirect.com

(Leasing News provides this ad as a trade for investigations
and background information provided by John Kenny)

Lease Fleece Judge Verdict on Citibank Kingpin

Leasing News was never able to get the court files on Citibank vice-president and alleged main source, according to the FBI, who was the conduit to those in indicted in "Operation Lease Fleece" in Southern California. The main culprits are Mark McQuitty and Jim Raeder along with Adam Zuckerman. Mark McQuitty got 24 months, Jim Raeder got one day, and Adam Zuckerman got 37 months. (1) It appears Callahan was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Cormac J. Carney to one year probation. Several of those indicted also got off "easy," including the vendors with phony invoices.

John J. Callaghan was one of the 23 who were originally charged with the fraud, basically buying "sales/leasebacks" and non-existent equipment as "new" leases.
www.leasingnews.org/archives/November%202007/11-14-07.htm#jail

Here is the latest form the Orange County Weekly copyrighted article:
http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/2014/04/cormac_carney_judge.php

1. Sentencing of McQuitty, Raeder, Zuckerman
   http://leasingnews.org/archives/Dec2012/12_19.htm#raeder

Lease Police Articles
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Lease_Fleece.htm

 

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6th Bank to Fail has Tier 1 risk-based 11% capital ratio
by Christopher Menkin

The five branches of Allendale County Bank, Fairfax, South Carolina were closed with Palmetto State Bank, Hampton, South Carolina, to assume all of the deposits. Founded June 1, 1933, a second branch was opened in Fairfax in 1982, then two in Allendale, in 1981 and 1987, and the fifth in Brunson, 2003. At December 31, 2014, the bank had 21 full time employees.

Allendale County statistics show a declining population going to 9,839 from $10,414 in 2010. Blacks made up 73% of population, with whites 23.7% and Hispanic 2.7%. 36.3% are below poverty level with median household income of $25,566.
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/45/45005.html

The City of Fairfax had a population of 2,024 at the 2010 census, a loss of over one-third of its population of 3,206 from 2000.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairfax,_South_Carolina

Walter R. Harter, chairman, and his brother, John B. Harter, president, ran the bank, which may have been started by their father John Edward Harter. A 44 bed nursing facility was named after him at Allendale County Hospital. The two men's mother recently passed away at age 104, on February 10, 2014. Leasing News was unable to confirm this was a family-owned bank.

Allendale County Bank at the end of last year, the last FDIC records available, had a very healthy Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 11.04%. In writing these reports, I have never seen a bank failure with such a high ratio. In addition, year-end 2014 shows a $10,000 profit.

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be $17.1 million.

Perhaps things really deteriorated in the first three months of this year, but the numbers were not posted by the FDIC.

Year-end numbers don’t seem to show much, except the non-current loans really jumped up the last two years, especially high for such a small bank, it was reported year-end that the average loan was $26,003:

Non-Current Loans

2006	$354,000.00
2007	$159,000.00
2008	$155,000.00
2009	$200,000.00
2010	$62,000.00
2011	$285,000.00
2012	$640,000.00
2013	$1,059,000.00

Charge Offs

2006 $439,000 ($333,000 loans to individuals, $105,000 other loans)
2007 $642,000 ($368,000 loans to individuals, $274,000 commercial/industrial)
2008 $563,000 ($336,000 loans to individuals, $236,000 commercial/ind., -$9,000 1-4 family res.)
2009 $694,000 ($385,000 commercial/ind., $309 loans to individuals)
2010 $504,000 ($267,000 commercial/ind., $237,000 loans to individuals)
2011 $495,000 ($220,000 commercial/ind.,$181,000 loans to individuals, $94,000 nonfarm/nonres.)
2012 $471,000 ($243,000 commercial/ind., $138,000 loans to individuals, $90,000 nonfarm/nonres.)
2013 $407,000 ($187,000 commercial/ind., $151,000 other loans, $69,000 1-4 family res. property).

Construction and Land, 1-4 family multiple residential, Multiple Family Residential, Non-Farm Non-Residential loans.

Net equity and profits
(In millions, unless otherwise)

Net Equity

2006	$3.20
2007	$3.20
2008	$3.40
2009	$3.60
2010	$3.50
2011	$3.45
2012	$3.40
2013	$3.40

Profit

2006	$12,000.00
2007	$83,000.00
2008	$155,000.00
2009	$72,000.00
2010	$7,000.00
2011	-$38,000.00
2012	-$23,000.00
2013	$10,000.00

  
As of December 31, 2013, Allendale County Bank had approximately $54.5 million in total assets and $51.0 million in total deposits. In addition to assuming all of the deposits of the failed bank, Palmetto State Bank agreed to purchase essentially all of the assets.

FDIC Memoranda December 31, 2013 (in dollars):

	2013	2012
Average assets	57,811	55,640
Average earning assets	50,019	48,729
Average equity	3,453	3,480
Average loans	26,003	25,904

http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2014/pr14031.html

List of Bank Failures:
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/banklist.html

Leasing News Bank Beat:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Bank_Beat.htm

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Best-Performing Regional Banks of 2013
SNL Financial Chart

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Top 25 Publically Trade Regional Banks of 2013
SNL Financial Chart

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Iowa Federal Court Rules Hurricane Sandy Does Not Excuse
Lessee’s Obligations Under a GE Capital Copier Lease
By Tom McCurnin
Leasing News Legal News Editor

Lessee’s Claim That Hurricane Sandy Excused Performance Under Leases Was Rejected by Iowa Federal Court, But Questions Remain As to Lessor’s Compliance with Commercially Reasonable Sale Requirements

General Elec. Capital Corp. v. FPL Service Corp. 2013 WL 6238484 (N.D.Iowa 2013)

I just love it when I get to read about lame excuses lessees use to get out of leases. In today’s case, the lessor, GE Capital, leased industrial copiers to FPL of Long Island in 2011, and right after the lease was booked, Hurricane Sandy hit the area, destroying the business. After the hurricane, FPL stopped making its rental payments. To this day, FPL has made only 19 of the 60 payments it agreed to make.

The lease also contained a repair, or replace clause, in the event that the equipment is damaged or stolen. But FPL never repaired, nor did it replace the copiers. The lessee offered to surrender one of the copiers, and the lessor retrieved and resold the unit.

The first issue, which is ridiculous, is that because Hurricane Sandy hit Long Island, there is no breach of lease. The Federal Judge quickly disposed of this issue, due mainly to the hell or high water clause in the lease. [Ironic that there would be invocation of hell or high water in a case involving a hurricane!!] Thus, the lessee was in fact liable for breach of lease. However, the issue of damages is another question.

GE apparently contended that the lease was a true lease, and therefore Article 2A, not Article 9 applied, and it did not have to comply with the commercially reasonable sale provisions. This was a bit of an eye-roller because the lease had a dollar purchase option. So, the Lessor had to follow the Article 9 rules.

The Lessor then argued that the lessee waived compliance, which again is another eye-roller, because a borrower cannot waive the protections of Article 9, except after default and in writing, which didn’t happen. So, all aspects of a commercially reasonable sale had to be proven.

The Lessor had problems with proving a commercially reasonable sale. Apparently, its evidence consisted mainly of conclusions. In addition, its foreclosure sale notice, while very short, omitted one of the copiers. This wasn’t fatal to the case, it merely shifted the burden of proving a commercially reasonable price from the Lessee to the Lessor. Normally, if the secured creditor establishes a commercially reasonable procedure, a commercially reasonable price is inferred.

What are the lessons here?

• First, for the collectors reading this, when trying to prove a commercially reasonable sale, the Court needs actual evidence, not merely conclusions. Every aspect of the procedure has to be documented and laid out for the Court.

• Second, I’m not wild about making downright bad arguments to a Federal Judge. Here the Lessor argued that a $1 lease was a true lease. Really?

• Third, those hell and high water clauses came to rescue again here.

The bottom line to this case is that the Lessor did a reasonably good job of proving its case here, but there was room for improvement. The Court basically came out and said that it would have granted summary judgment if the papers were better prepared, “I note, however, that if GECC had offered admissible evidence supporting Tyler's affidavit, I would likely conclude that GECC's sale of the copiers was commercially reasonable as a matter of law.”

GE Capital Case (15 pages):
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/GECapitalCase_4282014.pdf

Tom McCurnin is a partner at Barton, Klugman & Oetting in Los Angeles, California.

Tom McCurnin
Barton, Klugman & Oetting
350 South Grand Ave.
Suite 2200
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Direct Phone: (213) 617-6129
Cell (213) 268-8291
Email: tmccurnin@bkolaw.com
Visit our web site at www.bkolaw.com

Previous Tom McCurnin Articles:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/leasing_cases.html

Leasing 102
by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP

“What is the Use?”

I have written many times on the importance of knowing the use of the equipment to satisfy tax and legal requirements. It also allows you to select the proper documentation.

If the use has a major impact on the value at termination for a “fair market value” transaction, then you need to have language in the lease that increases the lease payment to compensate for the overuse. Many lessees claim the use is the purpose for today, but as time moves on, the use may increase and have a reduction impact on the equipment value.

In addition, if the use is to contain, maintain, or transport hazardous material, or may be dangerous in the use of the equipment, you may need to add additional language or a specific rider that attempts to protect you from responsibility for any accident, spill, or damage to people or property. Some lessors think they can handle the risk with increased insurance. However, they do not high enough insurance to cover what might happen.

I strongly recommend that understanding the “use” and realizing the impact to the “owner” is paramount. It doesn’t mean you need to walk away. It means you need to make this an Equipment Finance Agreement (EFA), where the user is the owner.

One of the problems is knowing what is hazardous material? You would be very surprised at the variety of hazardous material used in production equipment and transported in over the road trucks.

The term “use” for lessors should include “how” the equipment is use and what processes does it need to operate. If you get a list of chemicals it should be investigated to determine what safeguards are necessary to require in the lease.

Many lessors have been surprised when an accident occurs that puts a lot of pressure on the lessee to pay for the damage done to people or property. Then when the lessee’s assets are exhausted they are looking to anyone to fill the void and the lessor looks very inviting. This is when the insurance should protect the lessor, but it may have reached its limit with the lessee, as well as the administrative and perhaps legal costs involved.

Mr. Terry Winders, CLP, has been a teacher, consultant, expert witness for the leasing industry for thirty-five years and can be reached at terrywinders11@yahoo.com or 502-649-0448

He invites your questions and queries.

Previous #102 Columns:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Leasing_102/Index.htm

 

Mr. Terry Winders available as a consultant regarding assisting attorneys in resolving disputes or explaining procedures or reviewing documents as utilized in the finance and leasing industry. He is the author of several books, including DVD's, as well as weekly columnist to Leasing News. He also performs audits of leasing companies as an expert on documentation, and has acted as an expert witness on leasing for litigation in legal and tax disputes, including before the IRS. He also has taught the senior bank examiners, how to review a bank leasing department, for the Federal Reserve in Washington D.C. and has trained the examiners for the FDIC on how to prepare a lease portfolio for sale. 502.649.0448/terrywinders11@yahoo.com

(This ad is a “trade” for the writing of this column. Opinions
contained in the column are those of Mr. Terry Winders, CLP)

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Leasing Industry Help Wanted

We are looking to grow our sales team! Sales Managers and Sr. Account Executives CalFirst is seeking seasoned sales professionals to join our sales team in Irvine, CA. Our sales professionals are responsible for originating equipment leasing and secured loan opportunities with middle to large size companies located nationwide. Transactions range from $1,000,000 to $30,000,000. For more information, please contact recruiting at: (949) 255-0500 ext. 392 Email: bcrogan@calfirst.com www.calfirst.com

National Sales Representatives Experienced, with existing business to bring, all industries. Salary plus commission, good benefit package. AXIS - A, B, C lender for small and mid-ticket markets. Call Jean Harlow– 800.994.0016 email or forward resumes to: HR@Axiscapitalinc.com axiscapitalinc.com    Growing with fast approvals and quick fundings

 

For information on placing a help wanted ad, please click here:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Hwanted/Hwanted-post.htm

Please see our Job Wanted section for possible new employees. 

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“In addition to Salary, Benefits”
Career Crossroad---By Emily Fitzpatrick/RII

Question: What other types of compensation could a potential employer offer?

Answer: If you are already a member of the workforce at any level, you are aware that a base salary is only part of a compensation package that can be expected. Some companies also provide very generous benefit packages, including stock options, dental care, company cars, telephone, laptop, travel expenses, etc…

Basic compensation can include base salary (and/or draw, if in sales), deferred comp (e.g. 401K), incentive comp (commission, stock, performance bonuses, medical insurance, relocation expenses). Some benefits, such as profit sharing, may only be available to senior-level employees.  

As far as paid time off benefits (vacation, personal days, sick days/leave) policies are fairly standard; vacation standards = two weeks for the first three years, three weeks thereafter. Additionally, some companies offer “comp” time in exchange of overtime.

Examples of Perquisites (Perks)

• Comp time

• Company car/gas allowance

• Extra sick/personal days

• Extra vacation

• First-class hotels or air travel

• Lower medical contribution

• Memberships

• Tuition/Training assistance/reimbursement

 

Examples of Relocation Expenses

• Home-buying trips

• Moving expenses

• Short term loans

• Temp dual housing

 

Senior-Level/C-Level Executives may also expect severance benefits e.g. insurance after termination, outplacement, etc... 

Make sure you understand the value of all the potential benefits in the salary/benefits package; they can vary widely from company to company and depending on your level, could be substantial.

NOTE: Determine which benefits are most important to you prior to starting any interview process. Remember salary is not the only “remuneration.”

Emily Fitzpatrick
Sr. Recruiter
Recruiters International, Inc.
Phone: 954-885-9241
Cell: 954-612-0567
emily@riirecruit.com
Invite me to Connect on LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com/pub/emily-fitzpatrick/4/671/76
Also follow us on Twitter #RIIINFO

Career Crossroads Previous Columns
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/crossroad.html

Top Stories April 21--April 25
(You May Have Missed One)

Here are the top stories opened the most by readers:

(1) Look for More Changes in Conducting Leasing by Christopher Menkin
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2014/4_23.htm#look

(2) Archives---April 25, 2002
Death of PC Predicted--It's Laptops!
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2014/4_25.htm#archives

(3) New Hires---Promotions
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2014/4_25.htm#hires

(4) ELFA Funding Conference—-Major Turnout Expected
Bruce Kropschot to Cover for Leasing News
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2014/4_21.htm#elfa

(5) Leasing 102 by Mr. Terry Winders, CLP
Sales Effort
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2014/4_21.htm#effort

(6) Microfinancial 2014 1st & 2013 4th Quarter Soft
Not into “Cash Advance” Loans
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2014/4_21.htm#micro

(7) Securitization Viable Procedure for Raising Capital
for Brokers and Other Leasing Companies
By Tom McCurnin, Leasing News Legal News Editor
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2014/4_21.htm#viable

(8) ZRG Partners Reports Q1 20% Hiring Growth
by Larry Hartmann, Managing Partner
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2014/4_21.htm#zrg

(9) North Mill Equipment Finance Closes $30 Million
Loan Facility with East West Bank
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2014/4_23.htm#northmill

(10) Pictures from the Past---1984---Randy Bauler, CAE
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2014/4_21.htm#past

 

((Please Click on Bulletin Board to learn more information))
(Leasing News provides this ad “gratis” as a means
to help support the growth of Lease Police)

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Poodle Mix
Chicago, Lincoln Park Adopt a Dog

Kaplan
Breed: Poodle mix
Gender: Male
Age: 2 years
Location: Lincoln Park
Canine-ality: Goofball

Learn about our adoption instructions and fees. All PAWS Chicago dogs and cats are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and are up-to-date on shots based on age and arrival date.

If you are interested in Kaplan, visit the PAWS Chicago Adoption Center at 1997 N. Clybourn,
email: adoptions@pawschicago.org,
or call (773)935-7297.

http://www.pawschicago.org/adoption-instructions/

 

Adopt a Pet
http://www.adoptapet.com/

 

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Classified ads—Lease Portfolio/Legal

Leasing Industry Outsourcing
(Providing Services and Products)

Lease Portfolio / Legal

Lease Portfolio: Stilwell, KS  Looking to buy or sell lease portfolio? 20+ year lease consultant specializing in portfolio placement. Free initial consultation. References available on request. Contact today E-mail:MLOST@aol.com	Legal: http://www.leaselawyer.com/  "I enjoy brainstorming about all aspects of leasing. I'll be back to you within 24 hours of your call or e-mail!" Barry S. Marks, Esq. E-mail: poetbarry@aol.com
Legal: Los Angeles, CA Challenge me with your legal question about leasing. No charge for a "free" consultation. Richard Wagner, Esq. www.wzlawyers.com E-mail: rwagner@wzlawyers.com	Legal Management: Portsmouth, NH National Litigation, local representation. Replevin, writs of possession/attachment, relief from stay, deficiency judgments, service through recovery. Free resources. Call 855.EENGINE equipmentengine.com
Legal: Westport, CT We represent finance companies, banks, lessors, etc., in replevins/seizures, collections and bankruptcy matters in Connecticut and New York. Flat fee, contingency and hourly rates. Email:  rchinitz@replevinlawyer.com

All "Outsourcing" Classified ads (advertisers are both requested and responsible to keep their free ads up to date:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Outsourcing/Outsourcing.htm

How to Post a free "Outsourcing" classified ad:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Outsourcing/Outsourcing-post.htm

 

News Briefs----

Severe storms slam Midwest as first 2014 tornado death confirmed
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/severe-storms-slam-midwest-as-first-2014-tornado-death-confirmed/

Portland weather: Thunderstorms, showers and hail possible into the night
http://www.oregonlive.com/weather/index.ssf/2014/04
/portland_weather_chance_of_thu.html#incart_river_default

FDIC sues directors and officers of failed Bartow bank
http://www.ajc.com/news/business/fdic-sues-directors-and-officers-of-failed-bartow-/nfhjS/

Synovus shareholders approve reverse stock split
http://www.ajc.com/news/business/synovus-shareholders-approve-reverse-stock-split/nfhJW/

Manufacturers & Lessors brace for the used-car flood
http://www.autonews.com/article/20140421manufacturers-brace-for-the-used-car-flood

The biggest railroad investment in a century
http://www.chicagobusiness.com0426/ISSUE01/304269980/the-biggest-railroad-investment-in-a-century

In Bitcoin We Don’t Trust
http://ww2.cfo.com/cash-management/2014/04/corporations-resist-bitcoin-see-lack-of-regulation-as-a-negative-who-will-regulate/

Airbnb Wants to Be a Travel Agent
http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2014/04/25/airbnb-wants-to-be-a-travel-agent/?mod=ST1

10 things Dallasites love to hate
http://www.dallasnews.com/entertainment/headlines/20130705-10-things-dallasites-love-to-hate.ece

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--You May Have Missed It

How 7 minutes could cost a trooper’s widow millions
http://nypost.com/2014/04/27/troopers-widow-fights-for-denied-lifetime-benefits/

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SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer

Spark People Mobile Aps
http://www.sparkpeople.com/mobile-apps.asp

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Basketball Poem

Fast Break In Memory of Dennis Turner, 1946-1984 Edward Hirsch A hook shot kisses the rim and hangs there, helplessly, but doesn't drop, and for once our gangly starting center boxes out his man and times his jump perfectly, gathering the orange leather from the air like a cherished possession and spinning around to throw a strike to the outlet who is already shoveling an underhand pass toward the other guard scissoring past a flat-footed defender who looks stunned and nailed to the floor in the wrong direction, trying to catch sight of a high, gliding dribble and a man letting the play develop in front of him in slow motion, almost exactly like a coach's drawing on the blackboard, both forwards racing down the court the way that forwards should, fanning out and filling the lanes in tandem, moving together as brothers passing the ball between them without a dribble, without a single bounce hitting the hardwood until the guard finally lunges out and commits to the wrong man while the power-forward explodes past them in a fury, taking the ball into the air by himself now and laying it gently against the glass for a lay-up, but losing his balance in the process, inexplicably falling, hitting the floor with a wild, headlong motion for the game he loved like a country and swiveling back to see an orange blur floating perfectly though the net.

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Sports Briefs----

Amid Donald Sterling furor, Warriors rout Clippers
http://www.contracostatimes.com/warriors/ci_25649098/amid-donald-sterling-furor-warriors-rout-clippers

This photo set off an NBA owner’s race rant
http://nypost.com/2014/04/27/naacp-to-honor-nba-owner-as-obama-calls-him-ignorant/

Clippers stage silent protest to owner
http://www.sacbee.com/2014/04/27/6357981/clippers-stage-silent-protest.html

Blackhawks advance with 5-1 victory over Blues
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/hockey/blackhawks/ct-spt-0428-blackhawks-blues-nhl-playoffs-20140428,0,4852534.story

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California Nuts Briefs---

Canine Companions CEO Corey Hudson to retire
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20140427/articles/140429594

Ground zero for future of oyster farming
(Definitely worth a visit-Kit Menkin)
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20140426/business/140429633

Also Here: White Oak Grill opening
http://www.biteclubeats.com/white-oak-grill-opening/

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“Gimme that Wine”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJnQoi8DSE8

California Wine Sales Grow 3% by Volume and 5% by Value in the U.S. in 2013
http://wineinstitute.org/resources/pressroom/04242014

U.S. Wine Sales Rise For 20th Consecutive Year
http://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2014/04/u-s-wine-sales-rise-for-20th-consecutive-year

Greek Wines: Of Myths and Mediterranean Flavors
http://grapelines.com/greek-wines-myths-mediterranean-flavors/

Where to Put California's 2014 Vintage?
http://www.winesandvines.com/template.cfm?
section=news&content=131488

Free Mobile Wine Program
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2010/2_26.htm#mobile

Wine Prices by vintage
http://www.winezap.com
http://www.wine-searcher.com/

US/International Wine Events
http://www.localwineevents.com/

Winery Atlas
http://www.carterhouse.com/atlas/\

Leasing News Wine & Spirits Page
http://two.leasingnews.org/Recommendations/wnensprts.htm