A Key Part of the Economic Recovery Is Finally Happening

By Sam Ro
www.businessinsider.com

GDP grew at a blazing 4.2% rate in Q2.

The most exciting line item of the GDP report is real nonresidential fixed investment, which is a fancy way of saying business investment. In Q2 it jumped a whopping 8.4%, which was much stronger than the initial 5.5% estimate.

"The drivers in this category included impressive gains in structures spending (9.4% from the previously reported 5.3% increase) and business equipment expenditures, 10.7% versus the initial estimate of 7.0%," noted Bloomberg economists Rich Yamarone.

This suggests "that businesses began to put cash to work in Q2 as the US economy rebounded from the early-year growth stumble," said TD Securities' Gennadiy Goldberg.

This Is What We've Been Waiting For

The financial crisis was highlighted by a credit crunch, which left even the most financially healthy corporations strapped for cash. As a result, corporate America had been accumulating and hoarding trillions of dollars of cash on their balance sheets.

And because growth has been slow and the outlook uncertain, corporations have largely returned excess cash flows to investors through share buybacks and dividends.

With the economic recovery and bull market in stocks entering its sixth year, economists and strategists have argued that the next leg of growth would have to be driven at least in part by a boom in business spending.

However, all of the catalysts for a business spending boom appear to finally be coming together.

We know growth is picking up.

Equipment is getting old.

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Classified Ads---Management

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

Boston, Mass. Accomplished Sales & Relationship Management Professional with business development experience in the financial services industry. Recognized by market leaders as industry expert in Professional Practice financing, as well as Residential Mortgage Lending. Keen insight and understanding of transaction process and financial requirements of customer. Proven record of exceeding sales goals. deb.harold@hotmail.com

Work Remotely Business Development - Are you looking to enter/increase your Healthcare lending? Let me identify and qualify healthcare (all verticals) vendors, distributors, and end users who utilize leasing/financing as a tool to sell equipment for you. Many years experience - contact Mitchell Utz at mitutz@msn.com or  (215) 460-4483.

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

 

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Financial Pacific Completes First Year as Subsidiary of Umpqua Bank

It was past press time to include Paul Menzel, CLP, President of Financial Pacific, in the reaction to the July Equipment Finance and Leasing Association MFLI-25 article, but since this is an anniversary event, here is Mr. Menzel's celebration:

“We originated $80MM in new volume in the 2nd quarter of 2014, excluding portfolio acquisitions. This represents an increase of 129 percent over the 2nd quarter volume for 2013 of $35MM for the company, which was acquired by Umpqua Bank on July 1, 2013.

“We completed our first year as a subsidiary of Umpqua Bank, and the association has been extremely successful for all concerned, including our associates, clients and Umpqua. With the Umpqua’s capital and lower cost of funds, we are better positioned than at any time in our history to provide critical access to capital for our funding partners.  We now offer the industry’s broadest credit window for the small-ticket, vendor and middle-market segments.

“We also welcomed the addition of a team of leasing professionals from Umpqua’s acquisition of Sterling Financial in April of 2014. The team is led by Steve Tidland and serves the lower middle market for equipment finance credits between $100,000 and $500,000 from their offices in Anaheim, CA.

“However, we too saw some summer softness which we consider typical.  We are already seeing an uptick in activity now so the summer seems to be coming to an end in terms of business activity.”

The Wednesday article had comments from: John Boettigheimer President, Centra Leasing, Inc.; Christopher A. Enbom, CEO, Allegiant Partners; Allan Levine, President, Madison Capital: David T. Schaefer, CLP, Chief Executive Officer, Orion First Financial, Elaine Temple, President, BancorpSouth Equipment Finance, with a summation from ELFA President and CEO Woody Sutton, CAE.

http://leasingnews.org/archives/Aug2014/8_27.htm#elfa

 

 

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Navitas Reaches Three Year Growth 1,124%; Makes Inc. 500

Gary Shivers’ company, Navitas, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, formed in 2008, has reached a three year growth of 1,124%, qualifying the company for Number 421 in the September, 2014 issue of Inc. Magazine’s 500 top US companies.

Gary Shivers,
President, CEO

“This is a great achievement for our company, one that all of our employees, investors, and partners are extremely proud of," he said. "I strongly feel that our dramatic growth is due to our total company focus on helping our customers transform the way they use financing, from simply a procurement method into a new customer acquisition strategy."

Shivers should know, he was Executive Vice-President, Advanta Leasing Corporation (1986-1996), the co-founded Marlin Business Services (1996-2007). On December 20, 2006, Gary R. Shivers resigned as President and as a director of Marlin Business Services Corp. He had a separation agreement for one more year with termination January 31, 2007, followed by an 18 month non-competition agreement.  (1)

Rich Pfaltzgraff
Senior VP/Chief Financial Officer

"The exciting news is, we are still a very young company with a lot of new products and services still to come, which keeps me very optimistic about our continued future success," he said.

(1) Shivers Resigns from Marlin
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/December%202006/12-20-06-flash.htm

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New Hires—Promotions in the Leasing Industry

David Atkinson has been appointed Executive Vice President of Business Development, Bluepoint Solutions, Henderson, Nevada. “He will be responsible for the growth of the company by managing and developing the sales organization and existing customer relationships....Atkinson brings more than 25 years of sales management experience to his new role at Bluepoint.  He has previously led successful sales teams at Oracle, Basic Four, Trilogy, i2Technologies. His previous accomplishments consist of revamping compensation plans at The Tribune Company, helping start-ups hire quality sales personnel, and designing repeatable, measurable, transferable and manageable sales processes." Bluepoint Solutions provides end-to-end payment processing and content management solutions to community financial institutions.

Daniel Barker was promoted to Broker Channel Manager at TimePayment Corp., Greater Boston, Massachusetts, area.  He joined the firm as Credit Administrator, July, 2011, was promoted to Credit Analyst, November, 2011, then Sr. Credit/Broker Services Analyst, January, 2013; promoted then to Broker Team Lead, January, 2014.  Before TimePayment, he was Credit Administrator, TimePayment Corp (July, 2011–November, 2011). He joined Arrow Uniform as Billing Clerk, October, 2008; promoted to Credit Memo Analyst, October, 2009, then Accounts Payable Analyst, October, 2010. Prior he was Accounting Temp to Hire, Snelling Staffing Services (August, 2008-December, 2008); Operations, Operations, Trailer Connection LLC (July, 2008–August, 2008); Internship, Beebe & Company, P.C. (April, 2006 – May, 2006); Accounting Assistant, J. Garza CPA PLLC (2005 – 2006); From 2008 to 2011, he was at FBC of Gibraltar Michigan, first as VBS Coordinator, then in 2008, Kids4Truth Director. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program Tax Preparer, Baker College (IRS Certified) (2007 – 2008). Education: University of Phoenix, Master of Science (MS), Accountancy (2008 – 2010); Baker College of Allen Park, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Accounting (2006-2008). Baker College of Allen Park, Associate of Business, Accounting (2004–2006).     
www.linkedin.com/pub/daniel-barker/76/523/513

Donald Crecca was hired into Syndications at IBM, Armonk, NY. Previously, he was Director, Capital Markets, CIT Group, Inc., Vendor Finance (July, 2007 – August, 2014); Senior Program Manager, Stryker Corporation (July, 2005 – July, 2007). He went to work January,1993, at GE Capital as Remarketing Support Specialist; promoted to Risk Analyst, March, 1994; then Sales Representative/Program Manager, June, 1996; Relationship Manager, January, 1998; Operations Manager, July, 2000; Manager, Inside Sales, January, 2001; National Sales Manager, Healthcare Financial Services, July, 2003. He then started as Senior Program Manager, Stryker Corporation (July, 2005-July, 2007). He began his career as Portfolio Analyst (August, 1991-1993). Education: Gettysburg College, BA, Management (1987–1991).       
www.linkedin.com/pub/donald-crecca/13/2b0/2a6

Mark Haley was hired as Vice President of Business Development at North Mill Capital LLC, Greater Boston, Massachusetts Area. Previously he was Business Development Officer, Bibby Financial Services (July, 2013 – July, 2014); Founder/Director of Business Development, Bay Colony Capital (June, 2008 – June, 2013). Education: Union College, BA, Economics. Activities and Societies: Captain, Varsity Ice Hockey; Chi Psi Fraternity
www.linkedin.com/pub/mark-haley/12/658/571

Bryan Murphy, CLP, was promoted to Salesforce Administrator at First American Equipment Finance, Rochester, New York.  He joined the firm June, 2008 with this last position as Vice President, Project Manager. Previously, he was Vice Translations Technician, One Communications (August, 2007 – June, 2008); Human Resource Support Specialist, Paychex (September, 2004 – August, 2007). Projects: Implementing Computer Leasing Refresh Plan (Link) (July, 2012 – Present)/ Certifications: Certified Lease Professional, CLP Foundation - http://www.clpfoundation.org (October, 2012 – Present). Education: State University of New York College at Oswego, BS, Business Administration (2000 – 2004). Activities and Societies: Student Advisory Council to the Dean of the School of Business’ Phi Beta Lambda
www.linkedin.com/pub/bryan-murphy-clp/23/152/9a7

Chuck Phillips was announced as Director of Capital Finance at Solect Energy Development, LL; based out of Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Previously, he was Vice President, TD Equipment Finance, TD Bank (May, 2011 – June, 2014); Technology Services Specialist, Hewlett-Packard (May, 2010 – May, 2011); Senior Vice President, Business Development Officer, Bank of America (December, 2005 – February, 2009); Senior Account Executive-New England, ePlus (2004 – 2005); Global Account Manager, Dell Financial Services (2003 – 2004). He joined Hewlett Packard (Formerly Compaq & Digital Equipment) November, 1993 as Senior Sales Services Representative; July, 1995 promoted to North American Engagement Manager; May, 1999 promoted to Finance Area Manager-New England/North East. Education: Saint Bonaventure University, BS, Marketing.
www.linkedin.com/pub/chuck-phillips/0/5aa/304

Reza Saffarian was announced as Vice President of Operations at Pacific Rim Capital, Aliso Viejo, California.  He joined the firm May, 2014.  Previously, he was Founder, MRST Consultants (December, 2013–May, 2014); Program Manager, PMO, Cisco Systems (November, 2007–December, 2013); Senior Solution Architect, NetSol Technologies Inc. (January 2007–November, 2007); Vice President, Element Financial Corporation (2004–2006); Vice President, De Lage Landen (2002 – 2004); Vice President, Bank of America Leasing (2000 – 2002); Vice President, CitiCapital (1994–2000). Languages: Persian. Education: LaSalle University Master of Science (M.S.), Information Technology, 4.0 (1998–2000) Activities and Societies: Member of Beta Gama Sigma. Pepperdine University, Master of Science (M.S.), Business Administration, Management and Operations (1983–1985). Pepperdine University, Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Business Administration and Management, General (1979–1983). Activities and Societies: Member of the International Student Body
www.linkedin.com/pub/reza-saffarian/26/3b1/1a8

David Silvers joins EverBank Commercial Finance to lead the firm's funeral vehicle financing segment, a new business line within the industrial group. He previously was Assistant Vice President at 1st Source Bank, Cincinnati, Ohio (May, 2006-August, 2014). Education: Miami University.
www.linkedin.com/pub/david-silvers/44/139/a45 

Jennifer Whitney was hired as National Business Manager, Eastern Funding, LLC, New York, New York." (She) will be responsible for new loan originations nationwide with a focus in the self-service laundry niche."  Previously she was at Alliance Laundry Systems for 14 years, promoted in 2011 to Financial Service Manager. "(She)... received her B.B.A. in Finance and Business Administration from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Ind. Prior to joining Alliance, she worked for JP Morgan Chase f/k/a Bank One."

 

((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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Leasing Industry Help Wanted
 

 

Collector, Atlanta, GA Experienced, calling 11-90 day delinquent customers, assisting Asset Re-marketer with delinquency reporting, weekly reporting to home office. Sales, Chicago, Atlanta Work out of main office and satellite. Heavy phone sales calling on both independent dealers and end users (cold/warm calling), marketing, weekly reporting to management. Outside territorial salespeople will also be considered. Contact: Michael Testa 312-881-3133 mtesta@secondcityleasing.com www.secondcityleasing.com Financing for Commercial Truck & Trailer, Exotic, High Line, Vintage & Classic Automobiles, Taxi, Livery & Paratransit

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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Sales Makes it Happen by Steve Chriest

All Sales Are Complex

More than a few leasing salespeople and their managers think of the leasing sale as transactional. I want to suggest that the leasing sale, at all levels, is a complex sale. As is true in any complex selling situation, it's what and who you don't know that usually spells disaster for your selling efforts.

The complex sale characteristics of vendor sales are easy to see. Selling to vendors usually involves more than one buying influencer on the vendor side. Not only must the senior managers in a vendor organization approve doing business with you, but the vendor's salespeople and support staff must also stand behind doing business with you and your company. Reluctance on the part of any of these influencers and players can spell big trouble for your sale. In addition, the decision-making process, especially for large vendor accounts, can be involved and can take a good deal of time.

What about a leasing sale to an individual lessee who runs a small business? You're dealing directly with the decision-maker. He or she can make a quick decision and does not need to consult with anyone regarding the decision, right? This sale is simple and transactional, right? Wrong!

What most salespeople and managers miss about these transactional sales is the fact that in many cases, in fact in almost all cases, unseen decision influencers lurk in the background. A sole proprietor who operates a one-man machine shop, for example, may have a spouse who works in the business, but behind the scenes, exerting strong influence over capital expenditures. That same entrepreneur may belong to local trade group that offers free advice on financing alternatives for its members. This small business owner may have a CPA, and perhaps an attorney with whom he consults on all major business decisions.

So, what appears to be a simple, transactional sale is actually a complex sale that may involve multiple decision influencers. The fact that the machine shop owner may also engage outside experts to evaluate financing options also adds to the complexity of the decision-making process. It is best to find out if he will discuss it with his bookkeeper or his certified public accountant, or even his son-in-law, who is an attorney.

Don't be fooled into thinking any sale is as simple as it appears. If you don't know everything there is to know about your customer's buying decision process, or you haven't identified, or aren't aware of all the key decision influencers, both seen and unseen, you may lose your sale without ever knowing why.

About the author: Steve Chriest is the founder of Selling UpTM (www.selling-up.com), a sales consulting firm specializing in sales improvement for organizations of all types and sizes in a variety of industries. He is also the author of Selling The E-Suite, The Proven System for Reaching and Selling Senior Executives and Five Minute Financial Analyst, Basic CREDIT & Analysis Tools for Non-Accountants. He was the CEO of a very successful leasing company and executive at a major company. You can reach Steve atschriest@selling-up.com.

Sales Makes It Happen Articles:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Legacy/index.html

 

 

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Financial and Sales Training 
(For our "Lease School/Franchisors" list, please click here)

These individuals act as a consultant in 75% or more of their main business, actually training staff or individuals of a leasing company. These are not schools or franchisors, which can be viewed 
by clicking here.

Winders Consulting Co., Inc.	Selling Up TM
Institute For Personal Developement	Teichman Financial Training
Adrian Miller	Wheeler Business Consulting, LLC

Several hold classes, and most will travel to their client's premise.

To qualify for this page, they must be an active member in an equipment leasing association.

Please fax our request form back to 408-317-2066 or you
may e-mail to: kitmenkin@leasingnews.org.

Second Column: YCS - Year Company Started | YELB - Years in equipment Leasing Business

Name City, State  Contact Website Leasing Association	YCS YELB (see above for meaning)	Geographic Area	Specialty
Institute For Personal Development Vourhees, NJ Linda P. Kester linda@lindakester.com 856.489.6558 www.lindakester.com National Speakers Association	1996 18	United States	Motivating, Educating and empowering leasing sales reps to top performance. Practical ideas for success using the telephone and internet.
Adrian Miller  Port Washington, NY  Adrian Miller amiller@adrianmiller.com 516-767-9288  www.adrianmiller.comwww.adrianmiller.com/blog/	1989	International	Highly results-driven, informative and enjoyable sales skills training programs  that will leave participants empowered for bottom-line success.  AMST guarantees a positive return on training time and investment.
Selling Up TM      San Francisco, CA Stephen Chriest schriest@selling-up.com 800-745-8075 www.selling-up.com (A)	2000  20	International	By leveraging people, process and technology, Selling Up guides the next step in revenue generation and elevates sales organizations into appreciating corporate assets.
Teichman Financial Training Sausalito, California Bob Teichman, CLP BoTei@aol.com 415.331.6445 NAELB, NEFA	1998 51	International	"We specialize in the technical side of leasing, offering comprehensive training in packaging, credit, pricing, structuring, financial analysis and operations. Our clients include lessors, lessees, lenders, associations, and government agencies."
Wheeler Business Consulting, LLC Fallstow, Maryland Scott Wheeler, CLP Scott@wheelerbusinessconsulting.com 410-877-0428 www.wheelerbusinessconsulting.com NAELB, NEFA	2008 26	USA	Provide multiple educational products to individuals and companies engaged in the leasing/financing industry. Encourage & facilitate personal and corporate strategy building to promote efficiencies, increase productivity & future success.
Winders Consulting Co., Inc. Louisville, KY Terry Winders, CLP Leaseconsulting@msn.com 502-649-0448  ELFA, NAELB, NEFA	1991 35	USA	Lease seminars and training on rules & regulations pricing, documentation, sales. Also procedure audits, and help to establish a leasing activity or company for brokers, bankers, and captives.. Expert witness on legal & tax.

(A) Selling Up's Sales Management Operating System™ ( SMOS™) provides companies and business units of all sizes with a proven methodology and unique tools offering a comprehensive, flexible, scalable approach to managing all elements of the organizational sales process.

 

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Settlement tab for biggest banks surpasses $128B
SNL Feature Article
By Sam Carr

With the latest settlements from Bank of America Corp. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc., the settlement tab for the largest six bank holding companies by assets climbed above $128 billion for credit crisis and mortgage-related settlements, according to data compiled by SNL Financial.

Bank of America's record $16.65 billion settlement, announced Aug. 21, is a comprehensive agreement covering actual and potential civil claims against the company from the Department of Justice, the SEC, the Federal Housing Administration, Ginnie Mae and several state attorneys general, as well as all pending claims brought by the FDIC.

According to the press release from BofA, the agreement, which primarily relates to conduct at Countrywide and Merrill Lynch prior to BofA's acquisition of those companies, includes $9.65 billion in cash and approximately $7.0 billion worth of consumer relief. The cash portion consists of a $5.02 billion civil monetary penalty and $4.63 billion in compensatory remediation payments.

One day after BofA announced its $16.65 billion settlement, Goldman Sachs announced an agreement with the Federal Housing Finance Agency to settle litigation involving the sale of private label residential mortgage-backed securities to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Goldman Sachs agreed to repurchase the private label RMBS originally sold to the government sponsored enterprises from 2005 to 2007 for a total of $3.15 billion, consisting of approximately $2.15 billion payable to Freddie Mac and approximately $1 billion to Fannie Mae.

With the Goldman Sachs agreement, all of the largest six U.S. bank holding companies have settled claims with the FHFA over private label securities sold to the GSEs. The settlement marks the 16th that the FHFA has reached in the 18 private label RMBS lawsuits it filed in 2011. "Three cases remain outstanding and FHFA is committed to satisfactory resolution of those actions," the agency stated.

When considering the costs of the credit crisis and mortgage-related settlements, analysts also examine the amounts of loans previously sold that have been repurchased, or "putbacks," in addition to the settlements with regulators and investors.

In addition to litigation reserves, as of June 30 the six largest bank holding companies reported a combined $13.72 billion in representation-and-warranty reserves for one- to four-family mortgage loans sold or securitized, down from $15.28 billion in the linked quarter. In the first six months of 2014, the largest six bank holding companies repurchased approximately $1.10 billion in closed-end one- to four-family loans previously sold. This compares to $15.22 billion for full year 2013 and $7.81 billion during 2012.

 

 

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)

#### Press Release #############################

Douglas Guardian Sings Up Yamaha Motor Canada
as Inventory Inspection Partner

Toronto,  —Douglas Guardian Services Corporation announced that it has entered into a contract with Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd. to provide inventory inspection services for Yamaha Motor Finance Canada. The inspection services will be provided throughout Canada in support of Yamaha Motor Finance Canada Ltd.'s launch of its new inventory finance program to Canadian Motorsport and Marine dealers on January 1, 2015.

Ms. Leone Foxwell, who will be responsible for the new Inventory Finance Program stated: "We're excited to be able to offer this new program to Yamaha dealers. We believe that our new relationship with Douglas Guardian Services Corporation and their long standing presence throughout Canada is an integral component of this new program."

Bruce Lurie, CEO — Douglas Guardian Services Corporation added "We are honored to have been selected as Yamaha Motor's business partner in Canada. This will be a valuable complement to our existing workload and allows us to expand the long-term relationship we've had with Yamaha in the U.S."

ABOUT DOUGLAS GUARDIAN

Douglas Guardian Services Corporation is a full service inventory control company founded in 1932. The company is based in Houston, Texas and operates throughout the United States and Canada. Over the past 80 years, the company has provided customized collateral management solutions for a broad spectrum of industry segments. The company is privately owned and operated and provides its services to secured lenders including banks, leasing companies, manufacturers and finance companies. These services are conducted by a network of W2 company employed auditors throughout North America. If you would like more information about Douglas Guardian, please e-mail salesdouglasguardian.com or visit our website at www.douglasguardian.corn. 

#### Press Release ##############################

 

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#### Press Release ##############################

FDIC-Insured Institutions Earned $40.2 Billion 2nd Q, 2014
Up $2 Billion, Quarterly Loan Growth is Largest Since 2007

Commercial banks and savings institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) reported aggregate net income of $40.2 billion in the second quarter of 2014, up $2.0 billion (5.3 percent) from earnings of $38.2 billion the industry reported a year earlier. The increase in earnings was mainly attributable to a $1.9 billion (22.4 percent) decline in loan-loss provisions and a $1.5 billion (1.4 percent) decline in noninterest expenses. Also, strong loan growth contributed to an increase in net interest income compared to a year ago. However, lower income from reduced mortgage activity and a drop in trading revenue contributed to a year-over-year decline in noninterest income. More than half of the 6,656 insured institutions reporting (57.5 percent) had year-over-year growth in quarterly earnings. The proportion of banks that were unprofitable during the second quarter fell to 6.8 percent from 8.4 percent a year earlier.

Martin J. Gruenberg
FDIC Chairman

"We saw further improvement in the banking industry during the second quarter," FDIC Chairman Martin J. Gruenberg said. "Net income was up, asset quality improved, loan balances grew at their fastest pace since 2007, and loan growth was broad-based across institutions and loan types. We also saw a large decline in the number of problem banks. However, challenges remain. Industry revenue has been under pressure from narrow net interest margins and lower mortgage-related income. Institutions have been extending asset maturities, which is raising concerns about interest-rate risk. And banks have been increasing higher-risk loans to leveraged commercial borrowers. These issues are matters of ongoing supervisory attention. Nonetheless, on balance, results from the second quarter reflect a stronger banking industry and stronger community banks."

Total loan and lease balances rose by $178.5 billion (2.3 percent) in the second quarter to $8.1 trillion. This is the largest quarterly increase since the fourth quarter of 2007. Commercial and industrial loans increased by $49.9 billion (3.1 percent), residential mortgage loans rose by $22.7 billion (1.2 percent), credit card balances were up by $20.0 billion (3.0 percent), and auto loans grew by $10.9 billion (3.0 percent). Over the last 12 months, loan and lease balances increased by 4.9 percent, the highest 12-month growth rate since before the recent financial crisis.

Asset quality indicators continued to improve as insured banks and thrifts charged off $9.9 billion in uncollectible loans during the quarter, down $4.1 billion (29.5 percent) from a year earlier. The amount of noncurrent loans and leases (those 90 days or more past due or in nonaccrual status) fell by $13.4 billion (6.9 percent) during the quarter. The percentage of loans and leases that were noncurrent declined to 2.24 percent, the lowest level since the 2.09 percent posted at the end of the second quarter of 2008.

Despite the quarterly increase in mortgage balances, income from mortgage-related activity remained well below the level of a year earlier. Noninterest income from the sale, securitization and servicing of mortgages was $3.7 billion (42.5 percent) lower than a year ago. One- to four-family residential real estate loans originated and intended for sale during the quarter were $290.6 billion (63.9 percent) lower than in the second quarter of 2013, as higher interest rates reduced the demand for mortgage refinancing. Realized gains on securities sales also were lower than a year ago, as higher medium- and long-term interest rates reduced the market values of fixed-rate securities. Banks reported $770 million in pretax income from realized gains in the second quarter, a decline of $601 million (43.8 percent) from the second quarter of 2013.

Second quarter net operating revenue (the sum of net interest income and total noninterest income) of $169.0 billion was $1.5 billion (0.9 percent) lower than a year earlier, as a $2.0 billion (1.9 percent) increase in net interest income was outweighed by a $3.6 billion (5.3 percent) drop in noninterest income. The average net interest margin (the difference between the average yield banks earn on loans and other investments and the average cost of funding those investments) was 3.15 percent, the lowest since 3.11 percent in the third quarter of 1989, as declining asset yields at larger institutions outpaced the decline in the cost of funds.

Noninterest expenses for goodwill impairment declined by $4.4 billion, and expenses for salaries and employee benefits were $399 million (0.8 percent) lower than in the second quarter of 2013. Banks set aside $6.6 billion in provisions for loan losses, down 22.4 percent from $8.5 billion a year earlier. This is the 19th consecutive quarter that the industry has reported a year-over-year decline in loss provisions.

The average return on assets (ROA) rose slightly to 1.07 percent in the second quarter from 1.06 percent a year earlier. The average return on equity (ROE) rose from 9.46 percent to 9.54 percent.

Financial results for the second quarter of 2014 are contained in the FDIC's latest Quarterly Banking Profile, which was released today. Also among the findings:

Community banks earned $4.9 billion during the quarter. In the last Quarterly Banking Profile, the FDIC added a new section that reports on the performance of community banks – those institutions that provide traditional, relationship-based banking services in their local communities. Based on criteria developed for the FDIC Community Banking Study published in December 2012, there were 6,163 community banks (93 percent of all FDIC-insured institutions) in the second quarter of 2014 with assets of $2.0 trillion (13 percent of industry assets). Second quarter net income at community banks of $4.9 billion was up $166 million (3.5 percent) from a year earlier, driven by higher net interest income and lower loan loss provisions. The report also found that loan balances at community banks in the second quarter grew at a faster pace than in the industry as a whole, asset quality indicators continued to show improvement, and community banks again accounted for 45 percent of small loans to businesses.

The number of "problem banks" fell for the 13th consecutive quarter. The number of banks on the FDIC's "Problem List" declined from 411 to 354 during the quarter. The number of "problem" banks now is 60 percent below the post-crisis high of 888 at the end of the first quarter of 2011. Seven FDIC-insured institutions failed in the second quarter, compared to 12 in the second quarter of 2013.

The Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) balance continued to increase. The DIF balance — the net worth of the Fund — rose to $51.1 billion as of June 30 from $48.9 billion at the end of March. Assessment income was the primary contributor to the growth in the Fund balance. Estimated insured deposits declined by 0.2 percent, and the DIF reserve ratio (the Fund balance as a percentage of estimated insured deposits) rose to 0.84 percent as of June 30 from 0.80 percent as of March 31. A year ago, the DIF reserve ratio was 0.64 percent. By law, the DIF must achieve a minimum reserve ratio of 1.35 percent by 2020.

The complete Quarterly Banking Profile is available at http://www2.fdic.gov/qbp on the FDIC Web site.

##### Press Release ############################

 

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New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman: B of A Settlement

ON FIGHTING FOR EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW: As the state’s chief law enforcement officer -- and as co-chair of President Obama’s Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities Working Group -- my guiding principle is equal justice under law. There must be one set of rules for everybody, and everybody must play by the same set of rules. What Bank of America did was bend the rules for its own financial gain. Millions of Americans paid the price for that greed.

ON THE ROLE OF B OF A IN THE 2008 FINANCIAL CRISIS: B of A, Merrill and Countrywide securitized and sold residential mortgage-backed securities with underlying mortgage loans that they knew were defective, misrepresenting the quality of those loans to investors.  That misconduct, and similar misconduct by other major banks, caused the financial crisis.

ON SECURING $60B FROM THE BANKS THAT CAUSED THE FINANCIAL CRISIS: When I took office in 2011,  the federal government and other state attorneys general  were about to sign an agreement releasing the banks – including Bank of America – from much of their liability. I refused to sign, and less than one year later, the President formed the working group and named me co-chair. Since then, we have continued to investigate those banks and have negotiated deals totaling about $37 billion – roughly $2 billion of which has gone to help struggling New York families. If you include the 2012 National Mortgage Settlement, the total is more than $60 billion -- and New York has gotten more than $4 billion.

ON PROVIDING PRINCIPAL REDUCTION TO FHA-INSURED BORROWERS: The $16.65 billion Bank of America deal will funnel $800 million to New York -- $300 million in cash and at least $500 million in creditable consumer relief. That includes, for the first time, principal reductions on mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration. About 23 percent of all the distressed home loans in the state are FHA-insured, and these represent the largest portion of Bank of America’s remaining distressed loan portfolio in New York.

ON SUPPORTING LAND BANKS, HOUSING COUNSELING & LEGAL SERVICES: The bank will also transfer $20 million worth of distressed mortgages and abandoned properties to nonprofits and land banks, which help communities buy derelict homes, rehab them and put them back in the housing market. This includes $20,000 per property to assist with revitalization costs. And, Bank of America will provide at least $17 million to land banks, housing counseling agencies and legal service providers, so these front-line agencies can expand their vital services.

ON SENDING A STRONG MESSAGE: This settlement sends a strong message that banks that prey on customers and investors will be held accountable. I will continue to investigate financial institutions that bend the rules for their own benefit, and pursue equal justice for all New York families.

### Press Release ############################

 

Leasing News: Labor Day Special
By Fernando Croce

With Labor Day coming up next week, we at Leasing News offer a cinematic salute to every man and woman who ever endured a particularly harrowing day at the office. Check out these vintage and modern classics at Netflix.

The Grapes of Wrath (John Ford, 1940): Widely hailed as one of the great American novels, John Steinbeck's account of Oklahoma farmers struggling during the Great Depression received an equally acclaimed screen adaptation by one of cinema's great pioneering directors. The story follows the travails of the Joad family, who leave their poor rural hometown in search of the promised land of California in the middle of the Dust Bowl. Focusing mainly on determined matriarch Ma Joad (Jane Darwell) and oldest son Tom (Henry Fonda) as they confront one bleak challenge after another, John Ford's Oscar-winning classic paints a sprawling, poignant portrait of unshakable human perseverance in the face of often overwhelming hardship. The result is an unforgettably stirring cinematic experience.

On the Waterfront (Elia Kazan, 1954): Arguably the most respected picture in director Elia Kazan’s long and controversial career, this Best Picture Oscar winner also gave Marlon Brando one of his most unforgettable roles. Brando stars as Terry Malloy, a former boxer now eking out a living as a longshoreman, taking orders from thuggish union boss (Lee J. Cobb). In the face of rampant brutality, and after persuasion from a crusading priest (Karl Malden) and a murdered worker’s sister (Eva Marie Saint), however, Terry’s impassivity leads to a decision that will change his life forever. Stocked with gritty detail and brilliant scenes (including Brando’s legendary I-could-have-been-a-contender speech with Rod Steiger), Kazan’s explosive account of corruption, violence and redemption is served up with a visual and emotional intensity that continues to endure.

Matewan (John Sayles, 1987): A veteran of independent American cinema, writer-director John Sayles specializes in rich, multi-character narratives. Among his best films is this inspiring, fact-based 1987 drama, which chronicles the lives of coal miners in 1920 in the titular West Virginia town. As the workers scramble to form their own union to secure their rights, company bosses hire thugs to keep them under control. Black and Italian miners are brought in to break through the strike, causing many tensions to erupt in rough confrontations. Into this volatile territory steps Joe Kenehan (Chris Cooper), a labor organizer who quickly realizes that pulling these people together will be no easy task. With a cast that includes Mary McDonnell and James Earl Jones, this is a robust, evocative account of hope in the midst of conflict.

Roger & Me (Michael Moore, 1989): Polemical documentarian Michael Moore has long claimed the plight of the working-class as his recurring theme, and to some critics this concern was never more powerfully addressed than in his 1989 feature debut. Set in the director's hometown of Flint, Michigan, the film centers on the effect the city's leading company, General Motors, has on local blue-collar workers. When thousands of jobs are lost after the corporate owner decides to close several plants, the city's spiraling fortunes severely hurt the people. Armed with his camera and dogged persistence, Moore sets out to confront the company boss about the massive downsizing, resulting in many telling yet funny moments. With outrage and humor, Moore crafts a memorable ode to regular people chocked by greed.

Horrible Bosses (Seth Gordon, 2011): For a ruder and fleeter take on Labor Day, check out this popular working-place comedy. Directed with a nimble hand by Seth Gordon, the movie charts the professional woes of three friends, each of whom has to deal with bad supervisors. There’s Nick (Jason Bateman) and his smug corporate boss (Kevin Spacey), Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) and his psychotic office honcho (Colin Farrell), and Dale (Charlie Day) who works as an assistant to a roving dentist (Jennifer Aniston). When they decide to a page from Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train" and bump off each other’s bosses, however, reality refuses to play ball. Filled with energetic performances, twists and go-for-broke jokes, this is a consistently hilarious look at life’s daily frustrations and private rebellions.

Labrador Retriever Mix
Tacoma, Washington  Adopt-a-Dog

Cash
ID #A473413
Male
Neutered
Six Years
Black
Location 32

Shelter Staff made the following comments about this animal:
"Hi, my name is CASH and I would love to meet you. I am a Neutered Male Labrador Retriever mix. The shelter staff thinks I am about 6 years old. I have been at the shelter since Aug 22, 2014."

For more information about this animal, call:
Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County at (253) 383-2733
Ask for information about animal ID number A473413

Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County
2608 Center Street
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 383-2733

Adoption Hours
Mon-Tue-Wed: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Thursday: 11:00 am - 5:30 pm
Friday: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Sunday: Closed

Application:
http://www.thehumanesociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Dog-Adoption-Application.pdf

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

 

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Leasing Conferences—Updates
Last Day to Register on line for NAELB Conference

 

 

September 4-6
2014 Eastern Regional Meeting
Lord Baltimore Hotel
Baltimore, MD

All registrations must be received by the office no later 
than Friday, August 29, 2014. 
After this date, you must register on-site.

Exhibitors to Date

Amerisource Funding
Bankers Capital
Blue Bridge Financial LLC
Business Credit Reports
Bryn Mawr Funding
Channel Partners LLC
CLP Foundation
Financial Pacific Leasing, LLC
First Federal Leasing
Fora Financial
iCapital
instaCOVER
Leasepath
Maxim Commercial Capital LLC
Merchant Cash and Capital, LLC
North Mill Equipment Financing LLC
OnDeck
Pacific Western Equipment Finance
Pawnee Leasing Corporation
Preferred Business Solutions
RLC Funding
TEAM Funding Solutions
Varilease Finance, Inc.

Registration/Schedule Available

September 10-12
Canadian Finance and Leasing Association
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Whistler, British Columbia

Registration now Open, Program Available
http://www.cfla-acfl.ca/events/cfla-annual-conference-2014/

 

September 18-20

Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk
123 Losoya Street
San Antonio, Texas  78205
United States

The Women in Leasing Group would like to cordially other women in
leasing to our next luncheon at Acenar Restaurant located along the River Walk in San Antonio on Thursday, September 18, 2014 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm. The restaurant is within walking distance of the hotel for the NEFA Funding Symposium. If you would like to attend please RSVP by September 9th to Shari Lipski at 847.897.1711 or via email at SLipski@ECSFinancial.com

 

170 registered to date. Online registration
available until 9/18/2014. Full Information
here:http://www.nefassociation.org/events/event_details.asp?id=387999

Exhibitors to date

Amerisource Funding
Bank of the West
Blue Chip Leasing Corporation
Boston Financial & Equity Corporation
Business Credit Reports
Bryn Mawr Funding
Channel Partners, LLC
CLP Foundation
Collateral Specialists, Inc.
Conestoga Equipment Finance
Dakota Financial, LLC
Delta Management Group, Inc.
ECS Financial Services, Inc
Financial Pacific Leasing, Inc.
 FORA Financial
Funding Circle
Leasepath
LeaseTeam, Inc.
Great American Insurance
LCA Financial, LLC
Maxim Commercial Capital
Monitor Daily
North Mill Equipment Finance
OneWorld Business Finance
Orange Commercial Credit
 NCMIC Finance Corporation
Pawnee Leasing Corporation
 Quiktrak, Inc.
RLC Funding
RTR Services, Inc.
 Winston & Winston, P.C.

 

September 19 - 20, 2014
Tianjin, China
Sudhir Amembal: 
The First Global Leasing Industry Competitiveness Forum
For More Information:
kelly@amembalandassociates.com

Qualified leasing professionals from outside of China will not be charged any registration fees. They are, however, expected to pay for all their travel expenses including accommodations and meals at the venue.

From the Chinese side, the speakers will include prominent leasing company executives and supportive governmental representatives; from the international side, the speakers will be drawn from senior executives from leading leasing companies and others who have played a vital role in leasing's international growth.

Speakers include:

• Sudhir P. Amembal, Chairman & CEO, Amembal & Associates, U.S.A.
• Crit DeMent, Chairman & CEO, LEAF Commercial Capital, Inc., U.S.A.
• Esteban Gaviria, CEO, Leasing Bancolombia, Colombia
• Shawn D. Halladay, Global Leasing Expert, Amembal & Associates and The Alta Group, U.S.A.
• Hugh Lander, Chief Executive Officer, BOQ Finance (BOQF), Australia
• Bob Rinaldi, Chairman-Elect, ELFA, U.S.A.
• Arnaldo Rodriguez, President, CSI International, Spain
• Jukka Salonen, Chairman, Leaseurope, Finland
• Fred Sasser, Chairman, Chicago Freight Car Leasing, U.S.A.
• Judy Tan, Managing Director, Caterpillar (China) Financial Services, China
• Wang Chong，Chairman,CDB(China Development Bank) Leasing，China
• Kong Linshan, Chairman, Minsheng financial leasing co., LTD, China
• Kong Fanxing,   Chairman, International Far Eastern Leasing, China            
• Cong Lin, President, ICBC Leasing, China

Information on Conference, including biographies:
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/2014ChinaForum_7302014.pdf

 

 

October 9 -10
Eurostars Grand Marina
Barcelona, Spain

Booking of rooms at the Grand Marina is to be done by filling in a Hotel Reservation Form, which can be downloaded from the Annual Convention website at:
http://www.annual-convention.eu/index.php?page=accommodation

Last year's event was a resounding success with more than 500 participants from across Europe as well from Australia, Canada, China, Morocco, South Korea and the USA.

Registration/Further Information:
http://www.annual-convention.eu/

October 19-21
2014 53rd Annual Convention
Manchester Grand Hyatt
San Diego, CA

Video Preview of ELFA Annual Convention
ELFA President and CEO Woody Sutton
(1:55)

• Friday, September 26, 2014: Last day to receive the special ELFA convention rate for your accommodations at the Manchester Grand Hyatt or the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina.
• Tuesday, October 7, 2014: Last day for mail-in and online registrations. After this date registrations can be made on-site. Please note: There are no refunds of registration fees after this date.

Full Information: Speakers, Brochure, Registration:
http://www.elfaonline.org/events/2014/AC/

 

 

Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas, Nevada

 It will bring together critical decision makers concerning credit and collections 
from all facets of financial services.

Agenda
http://www.collectionscreditrisk.com/conferences/fscc/agenda_preview.html

Registration
http://www.collectionscreditrisk.com/conferences/fscc/reginfo.html

 

November 5, 2014
Latin American Leasing &
Operation Forum
The Alta Group
Intercontinental Hotel Doral
Miami, Florida

Wednesday November 5th the Latin American Legal and Operations Forum will give participants access to the latest advances in the legal and operational practices in the industry. It will be an excellent opportunity to learn about the laws and regulations of leasing in different countries of the Americas.

The event will be simultaneously translated in English and Spanish.

Information:
http://www.thealtaconferencias.com/?task=view_event&event_id=9

November 5-7
34th Annual AGLF Fall Conference
Tucson, Arizona

Hotel Information
http://www.loewshotels.com/en/Ventana-Canyon-Resort

November 6 - 8
2014 Western Regional Meeting
Hyatt Regency Irvine
Irvine, CA

 

November 7, 2014
XII Latin American Leasing Conference
The Alta Group
Intercontinental Hotel Doral
Miami, Florida

Thursday 6th to Friday 7th the XII Latin American Leasing Conference will be held.  This will provide participants insights regarding developments in the professional practice of the leading rental companies in the Americas.  The conference will also showcase best practices leasing companies and finance teams are now utilizing in strategic planning and implementation of funding strategies as well as risk and asset management.

The event will be simultaneously translated in English and Spanish.

Information:
http://www.thealtaconferencias.com/index.php/component/
eventbooking/?task=view_category&category_id=1&Itemid=101 

 

November 11-13

The 2014 Middle East Leasing Summit to be held November 11-13 at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is reported to be strongly supported by leading leasing companies and international leasing association. 

This summit will gather regional government officials, vendor representatives, national organizations and industry leaders to interpret the air finance from the aspect of market situation, regulatory, growth point and second hand aircraft to better understand Middle East air finance market.

The conference promises "Deep insight into Middle East leasing market climate with introduction of Islamic Finance’s application and banks’ involvement. There is no doubt that this summit will provide a premier platform for its delegates to establish strategic cooperative partnerships, expand business. We firmly believe that your outstanding industrial background and broad knowledge would contribute significantly to the quality and scope of this
summit."

For more information, please visit the official website at
http://www.duxes-events.com/LeaseME/

November 12 - 14
Commercial Finance Association
70th Annual Convention
Washington Marriott Wardman Park
Washington, D.C.

 

November 16 -17
NJ Expo Regional
Teaneck, New Jersey
(Sunday evening- All Day Monday)

 

November 18 - 21, 2014
Istanbul, Turkey
The Third Annual Operating Lease Conference

"Three prominent and qualified speakers have been added to the agenda.
They are: Stephan van Beek, Senior Director Sales & Marketing Development - EMEA, Oracle Financing, an expert on software leasing; Arnaldo Rodriguez, President – International Division, CSI Leasing, who is the epitome of having successfully globalized the product; and, Esteban Gaviria, CEO, Leasing Bancolombia, who leads the most successful bank-held operating leasing company in Latin America. I will chair the conference and also teach a two-day seminar preceding the conference."
          Sudhir Amembal

For More Information:
kelly@amembalandassociates.com

CFA Related Conferences
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/CFAConferences_2014.pdf

CFA Network Calendar
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/CFAEventsCalendar_2014.pdf

ELFA ---2014 Schedule of Conferences, Workshops
and e-Learning Opportunities
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/ELFA2014ScheduleInfo_1212014.pdf

 

 

  

News Briefs----

Mortgage rates enjoy a longer summer dip
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgage-analysis.aspx?ic_id=Top_Stories_link_1

Pending home sales rebound in July, reaching 11-month high
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-pending-home-sales-20140828-story.html

GDP Expanded at 4.2% Rate in Second Quarter
http://online.wsj.com/articles/gdp-expanded-at-4-2-rate-in-second-quarter-1409229416

Why Boeing Is Battling Conservatives, Airlines Over Export-Import Bank
http://247wallst.com/aerospace-defense/2014/08/27/why-boeing-is-battling-conservatives-airlines-over-export-import-bank/

Market Basket Workers Begin Recovery Effort
http://www.boston.com/business/news/2014/08/28/market-basket-workers-begin-recovery-effort/20giMyHMHQR1Hc9bKntn9H/pictures.html

Arthur T. Addresses Supporters: ‘You Empowered Others to Seek Change’
http://www.boston.com/business/news/2014/08/28/arthur-addresses-supporters-you-empowered-others-see-change/qG0Gc2Zoy4B1URsgw8ZtMN/story.html

Free Tablet TV coming to San Francisco, other cities planned
http://tabtimes.com/news/ittech-accessories/2014/08/25/tablet-tv-coming-san-francisco-other-cities-planned

Operators roll out more nutritious breads to appeal to health-conscious
http://www.qsrmagazine.com/food-beverage/fresh-bread

Obama picks prosecutor Sarah Saldaña to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement
http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2014bama-picks-prosecutor-sarah-saldana-to-lead-immigration-and-customs-enforcement.html/

Collector, Atlanta, GA Experienced, calling 11-90 day delinquent customers, assisting Asset Re-marketer with delinquency reporting, weekly reporting to home office. Sales, Chicago, Atlanta Work out of main office and satellite. Heavy phone sales calling on both independent dealers and end users (cold/warm calling), marketing, weekly reporting to management. Outside territorial salespeople will also be considered. Contact: Michael Testa 312-881-3133 mtesta@secondcityleasing.com www.secondcityleasing.com Financing for Commercial Truck & Trailer, Exotic, High Line, Vintage & Classic Automobiles, Taxi, Livery & Paratransit

 
 

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--You May Have Missed It

Pennsylvania becomes 27th state to expand Medicaid
http://www.seattlepi.com/news/us/article/US-approves-Pennsylvania-Medicaid-plan-5719087.php

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SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer

Sparkpeople Free Mobile Apps
http://www.sparkpeople.com/mobile-apps.asp

[headlines]
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Baseball Poem

By Donald Hall
From “Fathers Playing Catch (Essays on Sport-mostly baseball) with Sons”
North Point Press, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, New York
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=br_ss_hs/002-2141354-2944804?platform=gurupa&url=
index%3Dblended&keywords=Fathers+Playing+Catch+with+their+Sons&Go.x=14&Go.y=11
“Half of my poet-friends think I am insane to waste my time writing about sports and to loiter in the company of professional athletes. The other half would murder to take my place.

“My obsession with sports began a year or two before my obsession with poetry, I suppose in mimicry of my father and in companionship. The first essay in this book talks about those days. Like other boys I wanted desperately to be an athlete, but, although (and probably because) I conceived that my father was prodigiously athletic, I wholly incompetent: I dropped the ball; I struck out; I practiced the airball layup. A few years back trying to write songs for a composer, I made this lamentation:”

In the baseball game of life

It's the bottom of the ninth:
We trail, bases are loaded, and I'm up.
The pitcher throws a sliders
Just where the plate gets wider.
I think, I swing, I foul it off my cup.
Then he brings if Express Freight
Through the fat part of the plate.
I think, I swing, I pop the baseball up.
In the basketball game of life
I am standing in the line:
Time's fine. I've got two shoots to win the game.
In the silent, breathless gym
My first one hits the rim.
I pause, I bounce the ball, I take good aim.
If I make it we will tie
But my shot hits only sky.
We lose. I disappear. I change my name.

In a third stanza, I dropped a game-winning pass at the end of the fourth quarter. I ended:

They can shoot me if they want to. I don't mind.

From “Fathers Playing Catch (Essays on Sport-mostly baseball) with Sons”
By Donald Hall
North Point Press, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, New York

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=br_ss_hs/002-2141354-2944804?platform=gurupa&url=
index%3Dblended&keywords=Fathers+Playing+Catch+with+their+Sons&Go.x=14&Go.y=11

 

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Sports Briefs----

Roger Goodell Alters N.F.L. Policy on Domestic Violence
 in Wake of Ray Rice Case
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/29/sports/football/roger-goodell-admits-he-was-wrong-and-alters-nfl-policy-on-domestic-violence.html?_r=0

Giants pitcher Yusmeiro Petit retires 46 straight for MLB record
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2014/08/28/yusmeiro-petit-sets-mlb-record-for-consecutive-batters-retired/14752635/

Anthony Brown Quits USC Football Team, Claims Steve Sarkisian Is Racist
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2179393-anthony-brown-quits-usc-football-team-claims-steve-sarkisian-is-racist

 

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California Nuts Briefs---

More hops to Hawaii from SF Bay Area  airports
http://www.contracostatimes.com/spotlight/ci_26388630/more-hops-hawaii

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“Gimme that Wine”

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

California drought: Livermore winemakers see lighter crop yields, smaller fruit
http://www.contracostatimes.com/contra-costa-times/ci_26424283/california-drought-livermore-winemakers-see-lighter-crop-yields

Napa, Sonoma wineries mop up
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/2576090-181/wine-wineries-clean-up-after

Wine Country Weekend celebrates 2 growing regions blessed with fog
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/lifestyle/2525620-181/wine-country-weekend-celebrates-2

Napa vintners say 95 percent of wineries up and running (w/video)
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/business/2606282-181/napa-vintners-say-95-percent

B.R. Cohn Winery Finds Earthquake Losses Less Than Feared
http://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataid=137865

Utah Approves Winery in Town With Polygamous Sect
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/utah-approves-winery-town-polygamous-sect-25154151

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