ELFA Reports Borrowings Fell 23% from the Previous Month
U.S. business borrowing for equipment falls 3%

“What, Me Worry?”

U.S. companies' borrowings for capital investments fell about 3% in November from a year earlier, the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) reported by Reuters on Thursday; 23% from
October.

"Uncertainty brought on by the prolonged trade frictions with China...was partly responsible for this slowdown," ELFA Chief Executive Officer Ralph Petta said, adding that credit markets were performing well, with losses and delinquencies in acceptable ranges.

The complete full report was not made available to Leasing News but came from Reuters. The press release should be posted Friday at www.elfaonline.org.

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Great News! Continued Economic Growth Ahead in 2020
According to Major Alternate Lender Kabbage

By Mary Miller, Coleman reports

Kabbage says it has now loaned more than $6.5 billion to over 170,000 small businesses on its platform since it was founded in 2009. According to their Small Business Revenue Index, small businesses across the U.S. reported overall strong revenue growth in every state and industry in the first half of this calendar year.

The Kabbage Index Value (KIV) represents data used to track revenue growth of U.S. small businesses. The latest KIV numbers increased by nearly 22 points, from 136.8 to 158.4 points, reflecting a small business median revenue growth increase of 15.7% in the first six months of 2019.

This shows a 22% increase from the first six months of 2018 and a dramatic increase from the second half of 2018 when the small business median revenue rose by only 1.8 percent.

The Kabbage Small Business Revenue Index gathers its data from real time revenue and business performance data from more than 200,000 small businesses, 83% of which have fewer than 10 employees. Kabbage uses the KIV to accurately measure monthly median revenue growth of these small businesses. Based on an initial KIV of 100 in January of 2017, small business median revenue has grown 58% through June 30, 2019.

Here are the highlights from recent KIV statistics:

• The construction industry led small business revenue growth. The KIV reportedly increased from 138.6 to 170.9 (or 23.3%) in the first six months of 2019. This is down slightly from the same reporting period of 2018 (24.1%).

• Agriculture, mining, and utilities achieved the second-highest ranking with a 19.1% increase in growth rate.

Holly Wade, NFIB's Director, Research and Policy Analysis. said, "Strong optimism continues in the small business sector. Last year was the most optimistic on record as measured by NFIB's Small Business Economic Trends survey. Since then, we are still at strong levels in 2019 with small business owners reporting above-average optimism.

“Despite a slight slowdown in 2019, likely due to the government shutdown earlier this year and escalating tariffs, overall, the small business economy is roaring ahead with no sign of a near term recession."

The Kabbage Small Business Revenue Index shows healthy revenue growth numbers in the first half of this year, pointing to continued economic growth in every state and across every small business sector through the end of 2019.

Coleman Report, 28081 Marguerite Pkwy.
#4525, Mission Viejo, CA 92690
bob@colemanreport.com

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New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Adam Byers was promoted to Credit Analyst and Team Leader via a network of Office Equipment Dealers, GreatAmerica Financial Services, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  He joined the firm March, 2001, Documentation Specialist; promoted 2003, Leasing Professional; promoted June, 2005, Credit Analyst; promoted June, 2012, Credit Analyst and Team Leader.  Education: Mount Mercy College, Accounting: Marketing & Statistics classes taken (2003 -2004).  University of Iowa. Sport, Health, Leisure & Physical Studies, Recreational Therapy, Bachelors of Science (1996 - 2000). Anamosa High School. GED (1992 - 1996).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-byers-9057005b/

Derek DiMartino was promoted to Vice President, Professional Development, Ascentium Capital, Kingwood, Texas. He is located in Dover Area, New Hampshire.  He joined the firm March, 2015, as Finance Manager; promoted March, 2016, Regional Sales Manager; promoted November, 2016, Vice President, Sales.  Previously,  he was Business Development, B2W Software (February, 2014 – March, 2015); Account Manager, Mirror Image Internet (June, 2013 – February, 2014); Inside Sales Representative, IBM-EMM Solutions (September, 2012 – June, 2013); Account Development Representative, IBM-EMM Solutions (August, 2011 – November, 2012); Business Development Representative, dynaTrace Software (January, 2011 – July, 2011). Education: Saint Anselm College, Criminal Justice (2002 – 2005). University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Legal Studies, General (2000 – 2002).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-dimartino-15a3152b

Steve Dodge was hired as Regional Vice President, Material Handling and Automation, First Finance Corporate Services, Chicago, Illinois. Previously, he was Vice President, Insight Financial Services (October, 2018 - October, 2019). Prior he was at CHG, Meridian, starting September, 2018, Pre-Sales Consultant and Project Manager; promoted January, 2012 National Manager, Managed Services (January, 2012 - December, 2013); promoted December, 2013, Senior Account Executive.  He began his career at The Northridge Group, starting August, 2008 as Analyst; promoted February, 2010, Sales and Support.  License: ITIL v3. Education: University of Michigan, B.S. Brain, Behavior and Cognitive Science (2004 - 2008).  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevebdodge/

John Hawthorne was promoted to AVP, Equipment Finance, Union Equipment Finance, Inc. Lincoln, Nebraska.  He joined the firm January, 2015, as Equipment Finance Officer. He began his career at Union Bank & Trust, starting December, 2011, Customer Service Representative; promoted October, 2013, Credit Analyst; promoted August, 2015, Credit Analyst II. Education: Nebraska Wesleyan University, Bachelor of Science (B.S). Business Administration, 3.66 (2008 - 2012).  Bellevue University Master of Science (M.S.), Finance, 3.9 (2012 - 2014). He is a member of the Nebraska Trucking Association, the AGC Nebraska Chapter and Nebraska Building Chapter, and the Equipment Financing and Leasing Association. Union Bank & Trust is a privately-owned Nebraska bank that has 38 full-service and loan production offices in Nebraska and Kansas.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-hawthorne-uef/

Kim King was hired as Sales and Marketing Representative, Navitas Credit Corporation, Columbia, South Carolina.  She is located in Palm Desert, California.  She joined the United Association of Equipment Lessors, January (2005) as Operations Manager; promoted January, 2009 as Membership Manager to the National Equipment Finance Association (formerly UAEL); promoted February, 2005, Senior Association Coordinator, Meeting Manager. Education: California State University, San Bernardino, College of Business and Public Administration.  Business Management, Public Relations, Marketing.  College of the Desert. Associates of Arts in Business Management, Finance & Marketing. (2007 - 2009). https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimkng/

Tom Myers was hired as Vice President, Ascentium Capital, Kingwood, Texas.  He is located in Baltimore, Maryland. Previously, he was Vice President, Business Development, Madison Capital, LLC (2011 - December, 2019); Finance Representative, Marlin Business Services Corp., (August, 2015 - February, 2016); Relationship Manager, GE Capital (2009 - 2011); Regional Sales Manager, TCF Equipment (2005 - 2009); Territory Manager, Caterpillar Financial (2002 - 2005).
Education: Salisbury University. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-myers-99550815/

Victor Munoz was hired as Vice President, Regional Manager, Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, Technology Finance, Dallas, Texas. Previously, he was Vice President, Logistics Finance, Capital Equipment Finance, CIT (April, 2019 - November 2019); Regional Manager, Meridian Leasing Corporation (March, 2011 - March, 2019); Vice President, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance, Technology Finance Group (September, 1999 - February, 2011). Volunteer: Board Member, Director of Interactive Leasing, HFMA Florida Chapter (May, 2015).  Education: California State University, San Bernardino, College of Business and Public Administration, Bachelors of Science, Finance and International Business (1992 - 1997). Activities and Societies: Financial Management Association, Sigma Chi Fraternity, Student Body Council. https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartinfrastructure/

Matthew Ozanich, CFA, was hired Assistant Vice President, Risk Management, 36th Street Capital, Morristown, New Jersey   "This increases 36th Street Capital’s risk management capabilities and increases our speed and capacity to underwrite and approve transactions." Previously, he was Vice President, Nations Equipment Finance (November, 2017 - September, 2019); Vice President, Stonebriar Commercial Finance (April, 2016 - November, 2017). He started at Guggenheim Partners February, 2011, as Analyst; promoted April, 2012, Associate; promoted Senior Associate, April, 2013; promoted Vice President, April, 2015. Prior he was at KeyBanc Capital Markets, starting January, 2007, Teaching Assistant for Statistics 203; promoted July, 2007, Rotational Corporate & Investment Banking Analyst; promoted July, 2009, Credit Analyst. Licenses: Chartered Financial Analyst designation, DVA Institute (Issued August, 2016).  Volunteer: Mentor, Governor's Committee on Scholastic Achievement Mentoring Program, November, 2015 - March, 2016). Education: University of Rochester, BA, Economics, Statistic, Certificate in Management Studies (Tracks, Accounting and Finance, Marketing) (2003 - 2007).  Activities and Societies: Football, 2003.  Cum-Lude, Omicron Delta Epsilon (International Honor Society for Economics), Dean's List 8 of 8 Semesters. West Allegheny High School (1999 - 2003). Activities and Societies: Valedictorian, Football 2001 State Champions, 2002 Co-Captain. https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewozanich/

Robert Smith was promoted to Senior Vice President, Director of Capital Markets, Univest Capital, Inc., Besalem, Pennsylvania. He joined the firm June, 2006 as Vice President, Capital Markets.  Education: West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor's Degree, Finance General (1998 -2003).  Monsignor Bonner. https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertsmithcapmkts/

Kevin Spillane has been hired as Client Manager, CIT Bank, New York, New York.  He is located in the Greater Denver Area. Previously, he was Vice President, Sales, Ascentium Capital (December, 2013 - December, 2019); Client Manager for New York, New England, NJ, PA, VA, DE & DC, CIT Vendor Finance (January, 2012 - November, 2013); Express Area Manager, Avaya Finance Services, a Division of CIT Vendor Finance (November. 2005 - January, 2012); National Inside Sales Area Manager, The CIT Group (January, 2008 - December, 2011); Financial Area Manager for SMB Call Center, Hewlett Packard Financial Services (2004 - 2005); Credit Analyst, Hewlett Packard Finance Services previously Compaq Financial Services (1999 - 2004). Education: Metropolitan State University of Denver (2004 - 2005). 4.0 GPA Member of the National Dean's List.  City University of New York, College of Staten Island. American History (United States) 1995 - 2998). Activities and Societies: Student Government Association (Board member to oversee spending of activity fees), Program Development Committee (organized activities for students). California Coast University. Bachelor of Science. BS, Management. (2019).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinspillane/

Help Wanted

 

 

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FinTech #102 by Alex Vasilakos

What Are Listings and Why Do they Matter?

Listings are an online summary of essential information for your business that serve as a powerful tool to help customers find you online and in real life. Here’s what you need to know:
NAP+W

No, we didn’t fall asleep on the keyboard. NAP+W is the acronym that explains all the information that should be included in business listings.

Name
Address
Phone number
+
Website

These four pieces of information are the business listings starter-pack. They provide the basic information potential customers need to have in order to research, contact and locate your business.

Want to score some major bonus points? Include information like hours of operation in business listings.

Will my listings work?

The effectiveness of a business listing depends on the information’s presence and accuracy. Listings are available through a variety of sources, including search engines, online directories and maps, or social sites. When it comes to listings presence, more is definitely better. Availability on as many sources as possible will create multiple avenues for consumers to find your business. But (and this is a big but), presence only pays off if the listings are accurate. Listings are accurate if the information is correct and consistent across all potential sources. Seems easy enough, right?

Why are listings important?

Listings with good presence and accuracy will undoubtedly pay off for your business. Here’s how:

• No more hide and seek

Just as the brightly lit bat signal guides everyone’s favorite caped crusader (that’s right Superman, we said it!), accurate and readily available listings will help guide consumers right to your business’s door steps.

If a business’s listing is incorrect or missing, the majority of consumers will feel less confident about the brand, likely leading them to choose a competitor’s product or service. The availability of accurate listings ensures customers are actually able to find brick and mortar locations while they’re open for business. This means money in the business owner’s pocket and, just as importantly, it means the business can be reviewed.

• “In my humble opinion…”

An ample review pipeline is an essential tool for developing a business’ online reputation and fostering brand loyalty. Reviews allow customers to communicate their experience with a business to potential buyers, but if consumers can’t find a business listed online, their opinion of it won’t be well-informed. Accurate listings create the opportunity for transparency between businesses and consumers in the form of reviews, and the availability of this information will help increase a business’s visibility.

• All aboard the search engine

Consistent, accurate listings and the generation of reviews will directly benefit a business’s visibility by boosting its ranking in local search engine results. Search engine optimization is a complex tool, so why not take advantage of it by simply ensuring your business is listed accurately! Increased visibility means more customers, and what business owner doesn’t want that?

Now what?

This listings low-down provides a basic definition and describes the benefits of business listings. Create listings on sites worth lots of points to improve your listings score. We’ve ranked them by importance using a lot of key factors—how many sites reference them, traffic, demographics and more.

Alex Vasilakos
Director of Marketing
The Finance Marketing Group
Alex@financemarketing.com 
Office: 518-591-4645x102 / Fax: 518-677-1071
90 State Street, Suite 1500, Albany, NY 12207

Alex entered advertising and marketing in 2003, right when the industry landscape shifted from traditional print to digital media. In that time, Alex has worked with numerous large accounts in both healthcare and financial services, and has helped small and medium-sized businesses grow and flourish in their respective digital markets. Alex has won countless awards for creative direction and strategy, and is certified by Google Partners in both AdWords and Analytics. Currently, Alex works exclusively with financial services companies, but his depth of knowledge and experience can help design and implement long-reaching strategies for businesses across all industries.

Previous Financial Technology Articles
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/fintech.html

Assure the quality of your communication content…grammar, spelling, syntax, punctuation…hire an expert. Whether website content, business or technical writings, take advantage of over forty years executive writing, proofreading and editing in the EFL industry…with the reader’s time and comprehension in focus. Ralph P. Mango ralphmango@hotmail.com Associate Editor Leasing News, responsible for proofreading and editing each news edition, as well as contributing content.

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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Peugeot S.A. (PSA) announced on Wednesday that they have signed a binding agreement for a 50-50 merger of their businesses. The deal will create the world's third largest car manufacturer by revenue and the fourth largest by automobile sales, trailing only Volkswagen, Toyota and the strategic alliance between Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors.

Fiat Chrysler, the group behind popular brands such as Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Alfa Romeo, was the eighth largest automobile group in the world last year, selling 4.65 million vehicles in total. Adding Peugeot's sales of 3.88 million cars, the newly formed company would leapfrog Honda, For Hyundai and General Motors to become number four in the increasingly consolidated car industry.

"With its combined financial strength and skills, the merged entity will be particularly well placed to provide innovative, clean and sustainable mobility solutions," the announcement of the deal reads, adding that the merger would create €3.7 billion in annual run-rate synergies, mainly thanks to technology, product and platform-related savings as well as scale effects in purchasing. The deal is still subject to shareholder and regulatory approval and could be completed in 12 to 15 months.

By Felix Richter, Statista
https://www.statista.com/chart/18174/top-10-automobile-manufacturers/

Tech Companies Launch First Digital Payment
Platform for Marijuana

For several years since American states started legalizing marijuana, the most significant challenge has been the issue of dealing with finance since financial institutions such as banks and credit unions were wary of conducting business with marijuana companies. This is because marijuana is classified as a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act, hence making it illegal.

The marijuana industry has been forced to operate on a cash basis due to a lack of access to financial institutions and this has led to a load of challenges such as slower payments and vulnerability to theft.

The inability of marijuana businesses to transact with financial institutions has affected the sector from the back end supply chain to the final consumer.

A platform that could revolutionize the financial system of marijuana businesses has been launched by two technology companies, Wayv and Hypur. Wayv has been added to Amazon to help marijuana companies sell their products.

The two companies provide marijuana business with a payment platform where a marijuana business can accept credit cards as for any other transactions. This allows marijuana brands to distribute products to retailers on credit. And Wayv auto-debits the retailers on the due dates.

The payment dashboard on the Wayv system allows brands to track payments for purchases and due dates of retailers’ credits. The system also calculates taxes and fees automatically.

The payment platform is designed in a manner that ensures that the businesses are compliant in every single step. This ensures transparency by enabling marijuana companies to conduct digital transactions just like any other business.

Speaking to High Times, the CEO of Wayv, Keith McCarty, said that the payment platform is integrated with compliance systems, which makes it impossible to carry out noncompliant actions. The system creates a level of trust that allows the banks to embrace and adopt the system.

The Wayv platform provides marijuana business with a fast mode of digital payments system throughout the supply chain and Wayv may eventually change how the marijuana industry operates.

Finance has been a significant issue in the marijuana supply chain, which eventually affects the consumers, said McCarty. Consequently, if money is not sufficiently flowing within the marijuana brands, it will be difficult to reinvest in raw materials and infrastructure to meet the demands of the consumers.

Wayv introduced a Dynamic Distribution Platform in the market earlier this year. The platform helps transform the marijuana supply chain into a design such as that of Amazon with a streamlined process. The system facilitates transactions between marijuana brands and retailers whereby retailers can shop brands, choose products, and place product orders from the easy to use interface. The products are then shipped to the retailers within a day using Wayv specialized logistics procedures.

California is the only city where businesses and consumers can use Wayv. However, the company is looking to expand to other states.

Speaking to High Times, McCarty said that the turnkey solutions platform was designed for the marijuana industry. He also adds that the platform was built by experts who have extensive knowledge of cannabis.

www.cannabisnewswire.com

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U.S. Trailer Net Orders Dropped 38% M/M,
56% Y/Y and 52% YTD

COLUMBUS, IN – New US trailer orders of 21.2k were down 43% month-over-month in November, and after accounting for cancellations, net orders of 19.8k dropped 38%, after hitting their fourth consecutive sequential rise in October. Longer-term comparisons show net orders down 56% year-over-year and 52% compared to the first 11 months of 2018, according to this month’s issue of ACT Research’s State of the Industry: U.S. Trailer Report. However, the report reminds readers that the year-over-year comparison is to the second-highest order month in history.

Frank Maly, Director–CV Transportation Analysis and Research at ACT Research, said, “Not surprisingly, the dramatic revisions to fleet investment plans are reflected in both power units and trailers.  While still making money, margins are being squeezed, and as a result, cap-ex shrinks. In some cases, comments on fleets postponing scheduled replacement have been heard.”

Additionally, Maly said, “With industry fleet consolidation, the swings, both positive and negative, can be exacerbated; we’re seeing that impact on the current orderboard. Seasonal patterns projected November to be 2019’s strongest month, but on a seasonally adjusted basis, November volume was off 42% month-over-month and down 54% year-over-year.”

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Federal Reserve report assesses information presented
to prospective borrowers on small business online lender websites

The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday released Uncertain Terms: What Small Business Borrowers Find When Browsing Online Lender Websites, a report that examines the information that prospective small business borrowers encounter when researching and comparing credit products offered by online lenders.

Nonbank online lenders are becoming more mainstream alternative providers of financing to small businesses. In 2018, nearly one-third of small business owners seeking credit reported having applied at a nonbank online lender. The industry's growing reach has the potential to expand access to credit for small firms, but also raises concerns about how product costs and features are disclosed. The report's analysis of a sampling of online content finds significant variation in the amount of upfront information provided, especially on costs. On some sites, descriptions feature little or no information about the actual products or about rates, fees, and repayment terms. Lenders that offer term loans are likely to show costs as an annual rate, while others convey costs using terminology that may be unfamiliar to prospective borrowers. Details on interest rates, if shown, are most often found in footnotes, fine print, or frequently asked questions.

The report's findings build on prior work, including two rounds of focus groups with small business owners who reported challenges with the lack of standardization in product descriptions and with understanding product terms and costs.

In addition, the report finds that a number of websites require prospective borrowers to furnish information about themselves and their businesses in order to obtain details about product costs and terms. Lenders' policies permit any data provided by the small business owner to be used by the lender and other third parties to contact business owners, often leading to bothersome sales calls. Moreover, online lenders make frequent use of trackers to monitor visitors on their websites. Even when visitors do not share identifying information with the lender, embedded trackers may collect data on how they navigate the website as well as other sites visited.

The report is available at: https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/files/what-small-business-borrowers-find-when-browsing-online-lender-websites.pdf.

For additional information on small business and entrepreneurship visit: https://www.federalreserve.gov/consumerscommunities/small-business-and-entrepreneurship.htm.

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Equipment Leasing and Finance Industry Confidence
Up Again in December

Washington, DC,– The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation (the Foundation) releases the December 2019 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry (MCI-EFI) today. Designed to collect leadership data, the index reports a qualitative assessment of both the prevailing business conditions and expectations for the future as reported by key executives from the $900 billion equipment finance sector. Overall, confidence in the equipment finance market is 56.2, an increase from the November index of 54.9.

When asked about the outlook for the future, MCI-EFI survey respondent Valerie Jester, President, Brandywine Capital Associates, Inc., said, “We are experiencing a strong finish to the year and the fourth quarter. Given all the distractions of the national political stage I am a bit surprised. The tariffs that were imposed earlier in the year are having their effect on certain industries, but we continue to see good investment in equipment with the predominance of our customer base. I believe many have learned to tune out the ‘noise’ and focus on the necessities to compete in today’s markets. Waiting to make certain equipment investments is just not optional if you want to stay in the game.”

December 2019 Survey Results:
The overall MCI-EFI is 56.2, an increase from 54.9 in November.   

• When asked to assess their business conditions over the next four months, 10.3% of executives responding said they believe business conditions will improve over the next four months, down from 13.3% in November. 82.8% of respondents believe business conditions will remain the same over the next four months, an increase from 73.3% the previous month. 6.9% believe business conditions will worsen, down from 13.3% in November.
• 10% of the survey respondents believe demand for leases and loans to fund capital expenditures (capex) will increase over the next four months, a decrease from 13.3% in November. 76.7% believe demand will “remain the same” during the same four-month time period, an increase from 63.3% the previous month. 13.3% believe demand will decline, down from 23.3% in November.
• 20% of the respondents expect more access to capital to fund equipment acquisitions over the next four months, 80% of executives indicate they expect the “same” access to capital to fund business, and none expect “less” access to capital, all unchanged from November.
• When asked, 30% of the executives report they expect to hire more employees over the next four months, an increase from 26.7% in November. 63.3% expect no change in headcount over the next four months, a decrease from 73.3% last month. 6.7% expect to hire fewer employees, up from none the previous month.
• 23.3% of the leadership evaluate the current U.S. economy as “excellent,” up from 16.7% the previous month. 76.7% of the leadership evaluate the current U.S. economy as “fair,” down from 83.3% in November. None evaluate it as “poor,” unchanged from last month.
• 13.3% of the survey respondents believe that U.S. economic conditions will get “better” over the next six months, up from 10% in November. 80% of survey respondents indicate they believe the U.S. economy will “stay the same” over the next six months, an increase from 76.7% the previous month. 6.7% believe economic conditions in the U.S. will worsen over the next six months, a decrease from 13.3% in November.
• In December, 23.3% of respondents indicate they believe their company will increase spending on business development activities during the next six months, a decrease from 30% last month. 73.3% believe there will be “no change” in business development spending, an increase from 63.3% in November. 3.3% believe there will be a decrease in spending, down from 6.7% last month.

December 2019 MCI-EFI Survey Comments from Industry Executive Leadership:

Independent, Small Ticket

Quentin Cote, CLFP, President, Mintaka Financial, LLC

“We're more hopeful than optimistic that there is pent-up small business capital equipment demand that will release and spur increased financing volume. We wonder whether the trucking recession is the canary in a coalmine for future problems, or an isolated sector problem.” 

Bank, Small Ticket

David Normandin, CLFP, President and CEO, Wintrust Specialty Finance

“Our volume, credit quality and portfolio performance have all remained strong. Economic indicators are positive. Moving into an election year and the uncertainty that comes with it may cause stagnation.” 

Bank, Middle Ticket

Frank Campagna, Business Line Manager, M&T Commercial Equipment Finance

“Demand for financing within our core commercial & industrial loan business remains steady, and the pipeline is strong into the beginning of 2020 indicating continued pent-up demand for capital expenditures. Money costs remain at all-time lows, which may continue to fuel growth.

Unemployment numbers continue to decline. Admittedly there is uncertainty in some sectors such as rail, but these seem to be cyclical in nature and focus primarily around energy. We do anticipate growth in the plastics sector to offset some of this.” 

Why an MCI-EFI?
Confidence in the U.S. economy and the capital markets is a critical driver to the equipment finance industry. Throughout history, when confidence increases, consumers, and businesses are more apt to acquire more consumer goods, equipment, and durables, and invest at prevailing prices. When confidence decreases, spending and risk-taking tend to fall. Investors are said to be confident when the news about the future is good and stock prices are rising.

Who participates in the MCI-EFI?
The respondents are comprised of a wide cross-section of industry executives, including large-ticket, middle-market and small-ticket banks, independents, and captive equipment finance companies. The MCI-EFI uses the same pool of 50 organization leaders to respond monthly to ensure the survey’s integrity. Since the same organizations provide the data from month to month, the results constitute a consistent barometer of the industry's confidenHow may I access the MCI-EFI?

Survey results are posted on the Foundation website, https://www.leasefoundation.org/industry-resources/monthly-confidence-index/, included in the Foundation Forecast eNewsletter, and included in press releases. Survey respondent demographics and additional information about the MCI are also available at the link above.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeaseFoundation
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeaseFoundation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10989281/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/elffchannel

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that propels the equipment finance sector—and its people—forward through industry specific knowledge, intelligence, and programs that contribute to industry innovation, individual careers, and the overall betterment of the equipment leasing and finance industry. The Foundation is funded through individual and corporate donations. Learn more at www.leasefoundation.org.

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Fernando's View
Special Christmas Edition
By Fernando F. Croce

With a selection of picks running the gamut from heartwarming classics to hard-boiled noir to crowd-pleasing comedies, we at Leasing News offer our readers a list of Christmas titles along with our holiday wishes. Check them out on Netflix.

Christmas Holiday (Robert Siodmak, 1944): The season goes noir in this fascinating, underrated drama from German director Robert Siodmak, featuring a pair of light performers fiercely displaying their dark sides. Set on Christmas Eve in stormy New Orleans, the tale is told in flashback to a stranded Army lieutenant (Dean Harens) by a bluesy local hostess named Jackie (Deanna Durbin). She recalls her marriage to Robert (Gene Kelly), a gambler with a domineering mother (Gale Sondergaard) and an unexpectedly brutal streak. As the film returns to the present and Robert escapes from prison to search for his wife, the mix of guilt and passion reaches a boiling point. Filled with double lives and moody atmosphere, the film uses its yuletide setting to plunge into the shadowy hearts of its characters.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Chuck Jones & Ben Washam, 1966): An enduring Yuletide staple, this animated version of Dr. Seuss's storybook favorite is a delight. As narrated by the great Boris Karloff, it focuses on Christmastime in the cheery, mythical land of Whoville, where happiness is in the air for every citizen... except for the infamous Grinch, a grouchy green loner who watches the festivities from his cave and decides to ruin this year's Christmas. Disguising himself as Santa Claus, the Grinch sets out to ruin the fun, not counting on the adorable innocence of little Cindy Lou Who to stand in his way. Directed by brilliant animation veteran Chuck Jones and featuring the marvelous song "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," this is a short and sweet classic.

The Lion in Winter (Anthony Harvey, 1968): Coming home for the holidays takes a new meaning in this caustic historical drama, set in medieval Europe in the 12th-century. Set during Christmastime, it charts the palatial intrigue surrounding King Henry II (Peter O’Toole) as he prepares to announce the successor to the throne. He plans to have his son Prince John (Nigel Terry) take over, while his wife, Queen Eleanor (Katharine Hepburn, in an Oscar-winning performance), prefers to have Prince Richard (Anthony Hopkins) as the heir. With the entire clan gathered at the royal chateau, the welter of manipulation and betrayal threatens to envelop them all. Combining a scope of lavish spectacle with an intimate sense of power plays, Anthony Harvey’s adaptation of the Broadway hit features literate dialogue and a superb cast.

The Silent Partner (Daryl Duke, 1978): For Christmas-set suspense, this offbeat Canadian thriller is a sure bet. Elliott Gould stars as Miles, a bored Toronto bank clerk who one day takes advantage of a bungled heist to make off with a bag of money. What he didn’t plan on, however, was the foiled robber being a vengeful psycho—Harry Reikle (Christopher Plummer, in a marvelously sinister performance), to be exact, who works playing Santa Claus at the mall while planning revenge on Miles. What follows is a tense game of cat and mouse between them, growing more dangerous by the minute as Harry uses blackmail to force Miles into helping him with another crime. Cleverly plotted and darkly humorous, Daryl Duke’s caper adds welcome vinegar to the usual Christmas sweetness.

A Christmas Tale (Arnaud Desplechin, 2008): French director Arnaud Desplechin offers a tragicomic banquet with this freewheeling seasonal story. It follows the travails of the Vuillards, a large family often plagued by emotional and physical upheavals yet determined to put all troubles aside and pull through for the sake of the beloved matriarch Junon (French cinema legend Catherine Deneuve). With a record number of squabbling relatives and uncomfortable secrets, however, it’s a job easier said than done. Even though there’s no shortage of drama, the movie’s mood remains light and exhilarating, buoyed by strong emotions and an exceptional cast that includes Mathieu Amalric and Emmanuelle Devos. With the holidays drawing near, audiences will have the chance to discover a new Christmas favorite to set aside the old classics. With subtitles.

Brown and White Australian Shepherd Mix
Mission Viejo, California  Adopt-a-Dog

Everly
ID #A221545
Female
16 weeks old
Shelter since December 17, 2019

For more information about this animal, call:
Mission Viejo Animal Shelter at (949) 470-3045
Ask for information about animal ID number A221545

Mission Viejo Animal Services Center
28095 Hillcrest, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
(949) 470-3045
ask-shelter@cityofmissionviejo.org
https://cityofmissionviejo.org/departments/animal-services

Adoption Fee: $100
Rabies Vaccination $15.00
DHLPP Vaccination $15.00
Spay/Neuter Deposit (if applicable) $50.00
Microchip Fee $20.00
Bordetella Vaccination $15.00
Flea Control $15.00

Hours:
Mon 11 AM - 4 PM
Tue 11 AM - 4 PM
Wed 12 PM - 6 PM
Thu 11 AM - 4 PM
Fri 11 AM - 4 PM
Sat 11 AM - 4 PM
Sun 12 PM - 3 PM

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Kit Menkin's Salvation Army Kettle
Donations Very Much Appreciated

Captain Howard Bennett, Chairman, Santa Clara County
Superior Court Judge Mary Jo Levinger, Kit Menkin, Past Chairman Ken Kelly. 

I am holding the Emeritus Award. This was the first such award in the San Jose four county districts ever given. A perpetual award in his name is to be awarded for volunteer work contributed. This was given for forty years of service serving as chairman, president, welfare secretary, and a list of accomplishments was read.

2019 List of Donors

Larry Armstrong
Brian Carey
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Phil Dushey
Nick Gibbens
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News Briefs----

GM recalls more than 900,000 trucks and cars
550,000 Cadillac CT6 sedans, 1500 Chevrolet Silverado trucks/P Ups
https://nypost.com/2019/12/19/gm-recalls-more-than-900000-trucks-and-cars/

Holiday Spending Records Broken
  Charts and Statistics by Comscore
https://www.comscore.com/Insights/Blog/The-Almost-8-Billion-Day-Cyber-Monday-Sets-Another-Digital-Commerce-Record

Income growth greatest in tech hubs over past 5 years
Austin, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee; large chunks of the West Coast
https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/12/19/income-growth-greatest-in-tech-hubs-over-past-5-years/

 
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You May Have Missed---

Forget all the bad news,
   here are the best facts from 2019 (36 Photos)
https://thechive.com/2019/12/09/forget-all-the-bad-news-here-are-the-best-facts-from-2019-36-photos/

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Do Cowboys or Eagles stake claim to NFC East crown?
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/12/19/usa-today-week-16-nfl-picks-predictions-cowboys-eagles/2703119001/

NFL power rankings: Seahawks return
  to top five after reclaiming No. 1 seed in Week 15
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2019/12/17/week-15-nfl-power-rankings-seahawks-ravens/2671799001/

Oregon State quarterback Jake Luton
   named national comeback player of the year
https://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/2019/12/oregon-state-quarterback-jake-luton-named-national-comeback-player-of-the-year.html

[headlines]
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California Nuts Briefs---

Sears, Kmart closures to cost hundreds of jobs in Bay Area
More than 1,600 jobs will be lost in state in closings set for February
https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/12/16/sears-kmart-closures-to-cost-hundreds-of-jobs-in-bay-area/

Cupertino’s controversial Vallco project has its day in court
https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/12/19/cupertinos-controversial-vallco-project-has-its-day-in-court/

Sand Hill sues Cupertino in latest skirmish over Vallco plan
https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/09/27/sand-hill-sues-city-in-latest-skirmish-over-vallco-plan/

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“Gimme that Wine”

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

Jane Anson’s top fine wines of 2019
https://www.decanter.com/premium/best-fine-wines-2019-429471/

Free Wine App
https://www.nataliemaclean.com/mobileapp/

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

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

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

This Day in History

    1606 - Three small ships ("Susan Constant," "Godspeed" and "Discovery") departed London, England, bound for America. Captain Christopher Newport commanded the three tiny ships, which are now on display at Jamestown village in Virginia, where the royally chartered Virginia Company's approximately 120 persons established the first permanent English settlement. They arrived May 14, 1607. When the next ship arrived a year later with additional provisions, there were no survivors. What happened is still a mystery today. It is believed that the survivors joined Indian tribes, and were not murdered or died from disease as there was no evidence to this conclusion. Most of the passengers were gentry, meaning they were not prepared for labor, farming, hunting, or surviving without any experience in unknown territory. This was not the first attempt at permanent settlement in the United States. The Norwegians, Dutch, Spanish, and perhaps even Africans, landed here and established colonies. Many of them were invaded by subsequent landings, some were assimilated into Indian life, such as in Newfoundland, Florida and the islands, where it is believed Africans were the first to land in this area, including South America.
    1669 - History records the first rebellion by colonists, led by Marcus Jacobson, “The Long Finne,” who claimed to be the son of General Hans Christoph Konigsmark.  It happened against an English governor in Delaware, Governor Francis Lovelace. Jacobson was trapped and turned over to the English commandant. On December 20, 1669, he was condemned for insurrection in the first trial by jury in Delaware. He was lashed in public, branded with a letter R, and sold in chains as a slave in Barbados.
    1790 - In Pawtucket, Rhode Island, 23-year-old British subject Samuel Slater began production of the first American spinning mill. The British jealously guarded their technological superiority in the early stages of the Industrial Revolution, making it illegal for machinery, plans and even the men who built and repaired them to leave the country. After serving a 7-year mill apprenticeship in England, Slater recognized the potential offered in America. He memorized the plans for intricate machine specifications, disguised himself as a farm worker and in 1789 sailed to a new life across the Atlantic. Slater entered into a partnership with Rhode Island merchant Moses Brown and built a small spinning mill--the equivalent of 72 spinning wheels. At first, Slater's Mill employed only a handful of children between the ages of 7 and 12, but by 1800, he had more than 100 employees. By the time of Slater's death in 1835, he owned or had an interest in 13 textile mills and left an estate of almost $700,000. From this small beginning, America's own Industrial Revolution grew.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/dec20.html
    1803 - One of the greatest real estate deals in history was completed when more than 800,000 square miles of the Louisiana Territory were turned over to the US by France, for a prize of about $20 per square mile.  The U.S. paid $11,250,000 and a cancellation of debts for a total of $15,000,000. This almost doubled the size of the US, extending its western border to the Rocky Mountains.  France's failure to put down the revolt in Saint-Dominique, coupled with the prospect of renewed warfare with the United Kingdom, prompted Napoleon to sell Louisiana to the United States. The Louisiana Purchase occurred during the term of President Thomas Jefferson.  Before the purchase was finalized, the decision faced Federalist Party opposition; they argued that it was unconstitutional to acquire any territory. Jefferson agreed that the US Constitution did not contain explicit provisions for acquiring territory, but he asserted that his constitutional power to negotiate treaties was sufficient.
    1820 - Missouri enacted taxation legislation placing a $1 tax “on every unmarried free white male, above the age of 21 years and under 50 years.”
    1821 - The first record of a “Christmas tree” in the United States was mentioned in the diary of Matthew Zahm of Lancaster, PA., and other German immigrants to Pennsylvania brought the custom of decorated trees from their homeland. History records the first decorated tree was at Riga in Latvia, in 1510. In the early 16th century, Martin Luther is said to have decorated a small Christmas Tree with candles, to show his children how the stars twinkled through the dark night.
    1833 - Birthday of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd (d. 1883), near Bryantown, MD. In the hysteria of the time, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for giving medical aid to disguised John Wilkes Booth, fleeing assassin of Abraham Lincoln. Imprisoned four years before being pardoned by President Andrew Johnson.
    1836 - A famous cold wave occurred in central Illinois. A cold front with 70 mph winds swept through at Noon dropping the temperature from 40 degrees to near zero in a matter of minutes. Many settlers froze to death. Folklore told of chickens frozen in their tracks and men frozen to saddles. Ice in streams reportedly froze to six inches in a few hours.
    1849 - A major event in San Francisco as 25 women arrived on different vessels today.
    1856 - Newberry College was chartered in Newberry, SC, under Lutheran auspices. The campus moved to Walhalla, SC, in 1868, but returned to Newberry in 1877
http://www.newberry.edu/
    1860 - In response to the victory of Republican Abraham Lincoln in the presidential election six weeks before, the South Carolina legislature voted to secede from the US, the first state to do so.  “...are hereby repealed; and that the Union now subsisting between South Carolina and other States under the name of the United States of America, is hereby dissolved.” Within six weeks, five more states seceded. On February 4, 1861, representatives from the six states met at Montgomery, Alabama, to establish a government, and on February 9, Jefferson Davis was elected president of the Confederate States of America. By June, 1861, 11 states had seceded from the Union.
    1864 - Confederate forces evacuated Savannah as Union Gen. William T. Sherman continued his "March to the Sea."
    1868 - American industrialist, businessman and founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, Harvey Samuel Firestone (d. 1938), was born at Columbiana County, OH. A close friend of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and John Burroughs, Firestone was also author of two books about rubber.
    1879 - Thomas Edison privately demonstrated his incandescent light at Menlo Park, N.J.
    1880 - Broadway, New York's main thoroughfare, was illuminated by electricity for the first time, between 14th and 26th Streets.
    1881 - Wesley Branch Rickey (d. 1965), player, manager and executive, born at Lucasville, OH. Rickey was baseball’s most innovative general manager. He invented the farm system, instituted unique training and teaching methods and, most prominently, signed Jackie Robinson to play Major League baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking the racial barriers against African-Americans that had existed for decades. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1967.
http://newschannel2000.com/sh/sports/columnist/stories/
columnists-20000821-134738.html
    1886 - Hazel Virginia Hotchkiss Wightman (d. 1974), tennis player, was born at Healdsburg, CA. Known as the “Queen Mother of Tennis,” Wightman was a championship player, an instructor, a benefactor and the donor of the Wightman Cup, a trophy offered for competition between teams of women players from the US and England.
    1893 - Georgia passed a statute against lynching, “an act to prevent mob violence in this state...” Violators were guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment of up to 20 years. If death resulted, a murder charge could be instituted.
    1895 - Susanne Langer (d. 1985), was born at New York, NY.  A leading American philosopher, author of “Philosophy in a New Key: A Study in the Symbolism of Reason, Rite, and Art.”  Her studies of esthetics and art exerted a profound influence on thinking in the fields of psychology, philosophy and the social sciences.
    1907 - Birthday of lyricist Paul Francis Webster (d. 1984), New York City.
http://www.imdb.com/Name?Webster,+Paul+Francis
http://awards.fennec.org/w/webster_paul_francis.html
http://www.basstabs.net/tab/bass/Paul_Francis_Webster.asp
    1914 - The high temperature of 28 degrees at Atlanta, GA was their earliest daily high below the freezing mark.
    1918 - Birthday of saxophone player John Hardee (d. 1984), Corsicana, TX. “Hardee was a multi-instrumentalist who played piano, mellophone, C-melody saxophone, alto, and tenor sax. He worked with Don Albert as a tenor player before returning to college. After graduation, he worked as a band director in Texas and played the clarinet in the military band. Hardee went to New York to pursue his musical career, and worked with Tiny Grimes from 1946 to 1948. Most of the work he recorded was done on 78 rpm records at the precise time that the LP format was killing off 78s as the recorded medium of choice. His work wasn't released on LP and was lost and forgotten for some time, even though his playing put him on a par with Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster. So what happened? Basically a crisis of self-confidence. The jazz scene in New York was extremely competitive at the time and Hardee simply didn't have the stomach for it. He felt that he could have filled the chair vacated by Ben Webster in the Duke Ellington orchestra, and the recorded evidence, now available on CD, supports that assertion. I strongly recommend either the Chronological Jazz Series release “John Hardee: 1946-1948” or the EMI import “John Hardee Swingtettes: Tired.” We're very lucky to have these performances saved and available for our pleasure. Had Hardee continued to be part of the New York scene he would undoubtedly have become a major tenor player whose contribution and influence would still be widely discussed. Hardee returned to Texas, teaching in Dallas for most of the rest of his life. No doubt he passed on a lot of wisdom to the kids who learned music from him.” Marshall Bowden
    1920 - An English-born comedian Leslie Downes, who would later be known as Bob Hope, became an American citizen today. Having lived in the United States since 1908, he became one of the nation's true ambassadors for show business and charity.
    1921 - At the Major League meetings, the AL voted to return to the best-of-seven World Series, while the NL voted to keep the five-of-nine format. Commissioner Landis cast the deciding vote and the four-of-seven format is reinstated.
    1938 - The kinescope, today known as the cathode-ray tube, was patented by Russian immigrant Vladimir Zworykin. It is still used today in computer monitors and television sets.
    1939 - Birthday of singer Kim Weston, Detroit, MI
http://www.delafont.com/music_acts/Kim-Weston.htm
    1940 - Tony Pastor records “Paradiddle Joe.” Bluebird 11008)
    1940 – Connie Mack bought a controlling interest in the Philadelphia Athletics from the Shibe family, for $42,500.
    1941 - First battle of the American Volunteer Group, better known as the "Flying Tigers" in China. The group consisted of three fighter squadrons of around 30 aircraft each. It trained in Burma before the American entry into World War II with the mission of defending China against Japanese forces. The group of volunteers were officially members of the Chinese Air Force. While it accepted some civilian volunteers for its headquarters and ground crew, the AVG recruited most of its staff from the U.S. military.
    1942 - An early cold wave sent the temperature plunging to 3 degrees below zero at Nantucket, MA, and to 11 degrees below zero at Boston, MA.
    1942 - Birthday of piano player Larry Willis, New York City
http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/artists/larry_willis.htm
http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/reviews/08532.html
    1943 - VOSLER, FORREST T., (Air Mission) Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Corps. 358th Bomber Squadron, 303d Bomber Group. Place and date. Over Bremen, Germany, 20 December 1943. Entered service at: Rochester, N.Y. Born: 29 July 1923, Lyndonville, N.Y. G.O. No.: 73, 6 September 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry in action against the enemy above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a radio operator-air gunner on a heavy bombardment aircraft in a mission over Bremen, Germany, on 20 December 1943. After bombing the target, the aircraft in which T/Sgt. Vosler was serving was severely damaged by antiaircraft fire, forced out of formation, and immediately subjected to repeated vicious attacks by enemy fighters. Early in the engagement a 20-mm. cannon shell exploded in the radio compartment, painfully wounding T/Sgt. Vosler in the legs and thighs. At about the same time a direct hit on the tail of the ship seriously wounded the tail gunner and rendered the tail guns inoperative. Realizing the great need for firepower in protecting the vulnerable tail of the ship, T/Sgt. Vosler, with grim determination, kept up a steady stream of deadly fire. Shortly thereafter another 20-mm. enemy shell exploded, wounding T/Sgt. Vosler in the chest and about the face. Pieces of metal lodged in both eyes, impairing his vision to such an extent that he could only distinguish blurred shapes. Displaying remarkable tenacity and courage, he kept firing his guns and declined to take first-aid treatment. The radio equipment had been rendered inoperative during the battle, and when the pilot announced that he would have to ditch, although unable to see and working entirely by touch, T/Sgt. Vosler finally got the set operating and sent out distress signals despite several lapses into unconsciousness. When the ship ditched, T/Sgt. Vosler managed to get out on the wing by himself and hold the wounded tail gunner from slipping off until the other crewmembers could help them into the dinghy. T/Sgt. Vosler's actions on this occasion were an inspiration to all serving with him. The extraordinary courage, coolness, and skill he displayed in the face of great odds, when handicapped by injuries that would have incapacitated the average crewmember, were outstanding
    1945 - Eddie Condon’s Club opens in the Village, New York City.  The first three successive jazz venues was located on West 3rd Street, followed by 52nd Street near Sixth Avenue, the present site of the CBS headquarters building. The final venue was on the south side of East 54th Street, east of Second Avenue.
http://search.centerstage.net/music/whoswho/EddieCondon.html
http://www.edsite2.fsnet.co.uk/Eddie%20Condon.htm
    1946 - The Christmas film, “It’s a Wonderful Life” by Frank Capra, starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, opened in New York.
    1949 - Harry Belafonte recorded his second session at Capitol Records, waxing the songs "Whispering" and "Farewell to Arms." With eight songs recorded and little enthusiasm from record buyers, Capitol decided not to renew the singer’s contract. He relocated to RCA Victor in April, 1952 where he enjoyed a successful career.
    1949 - Top Hits
I Can Dream, Can’t I? - The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (vocal: Jack Leonard)
Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry
White Christmas - Bing Crosby
Mule Train - Tennessee Ernie Ford
    1952 - Jimmy Boyd hit #1 on the record charts with the Christmas song of the year, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.”
    1954 - The Buick Motor Company signed Jackie Gleason to one of the largest contracts ever with an entertainer. Gleason would produce 78 half-hour long shows over two years for $6,142,500.
    1956 - The Montgomery Bus Boycott came to an end.  The US Supreme Court ruling of Nov 13, 1956, calling for integration of the Montgomery, AL public bus system, was implemented. Since Dec 5, 1955, the black community of Montgomery had refused to ride on the segregated buses. The boycott was in reaction to the Dec 1, 1955, arrest of Rosa Parks for refusing to relinquish her seat on a Montgomery bus to a white man.
    1957 – The Boeing 707 made its first flight.  Developed as Boeing's first jet airliner, the 707 is a swept-wing design with podded engines. Although it was not the first jetliner in service, the 707 was the first to be commercially successful. Dominating passenger air transport in the 1960s and remaining common through the 1970s, the 707 is generally credited with ushering in the Jet Age. 
    1957 - Top Hits
Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley
Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms
At the Hop - Danny & The Juniors
My Special Angel - Bobby Helms
    1957 - Just five days before Christmas, Elvis received his draft notice from the US Army. He later told reporters that it's a "duty I've got to fill and I'm going to do it." He will be inducted at the Memphis Draft Board in March of 1958 and assigned to Fort Hood, Texas for basic training for six months.
    1960 – Charles O. Finley, an insurance executive from Chicago, bought 52% controlling interest in the Philadelphia Athletics from the Arnold Johnson estate.  Johnson has acquired the club from the Connie Mack family in 1954 before moving the team to Kansas City.  Finley moved the team to Oakland for the 1968 season, where they remain.
    1961 - Birthday of Dallas Cowboy premier lineman Nathaniel “Nate” Newton, Jr., Orlando, FL.
    1963 – The Berlin Wall, dividing East and West Berlin in Germany, was opened for the first time to West Berliners, who were allowed one-day visits to relatives in the Eastern sector for the holidays.
    1965 - “The Dating Game” premiered on TV. Another game show developed by Chuck Barris, it typically featured a “bachelorette” who questioned three men who were hidden from her view and decided, based on their answers, which guy appealed to her the most. The couple was then sent on a date, courtesy of the show. Occasionally, a bachelor would question three women. Jim Lange was the host of the network series and two syndicated ones. Elaine Joyce and Jeff MacGregor hosted one season each on the retitled “The New Dating Game.”
    1965 - Top Hits
Turn! Turn! Turn! - The Byrds
Over and Over - The Dave Clark Five
I Got You (I Feel Good) - James Brown
Make the World Go Away - Eddy Arnold
    1966 - The NBA granted a franchise to Seattle for the 1967-68 season. The SuperSonics, as the team was nicknamed, were joined by the San Diego Clippers, to become the league’s 11 and 12th teams.  The Sonics relocated for the 2008-09 season to Oklahoma City where they are known as the Thunder and the Clippers moved to Los Angeles for the start of the 1984 season.
    1966 - Otis Redding Show opens at the Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, California.
http://rockhall.com/hof/inductee.asp?id=177
    1967 - The Hollies' "He Ain't Heavy (He's My Brother)" is released.
    1968 – The Zodiac killer killed Betty Lou Jenson and David Faraday in Vallejo, CA.  The killer's identity remains unknown.  Between December, 1968 and October, 1969, four men and three women between the ages of 16 and 29 were targeted. The killer originated the name "Zodiac" in a series of taunting letters sent to the local Bay Area press. These letters included four cryptograms.   
    1969 – “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary, jumped into the Number 1 spot on this date on Billboard's Top 40 record charts and was in the top slot for one week.
    1973 - Top Hits
The Most Beautiful Girl - Charlie Rich
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Elton John
Time in a Bottle - Jim Croce
Amazing Love - Charley Pride
    1973 – It is rare that we bring up a person passing away…multi-talented entertainer Bobby Darin, born in East Harlem as Walden Robert Cassotto, died at age 37 at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Los Angeles while undergoing surgery to remove two malfunctioning artificial valves in his heart. According to the biography written by son Dodd, Darin's hospitalization and subsequent death was brought on by not taking prescribed antibiotics before a teeth-cleaning procedure. Darin had a history of heart problems. [It is rumored is that he was born with a rheumatic heart and he knew he would die young.] He did not die of a spinal infection as is commonly rumored. He left a legacy of memories in rock ’n’ roll and pop tunes, as well as on television and in movies (even an Oscar nomination for his role in "Captain Newman, M.D."). The story of Darin being groomed to replace Frank Sinatra at Capitol Records is absolutely true. Unfortunately, Capitol didn’t think the grooming was going so well and withheld many of Darin’s songs for many years; releasing them in a compilation CD in 1995. Good stuff to listen to: "Splish Splash," "Queen of the Hop," "Dream Lover," "Mack the Knife," "Beyond the Sea," and "If I Were a Carpenter." At the end, Darin, who had recorded for Atco, Capitol and Atlantic Records had just begun recording for Motown.
    1975 - Paul Simon’s "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" jumped on U.S. singles charts. It hit number one (for three weeks) Feb 7, 1976. For you trivia fans out there, this is Paul Simon’s only #1 single (so far). “Just slip out the back, Jack; Make a new plan, Stan; You don't need to be coy, Roy; Just get yourself free...”
    1975 - Eric Carmen's "All By Myself" is released.
    1975 - Buffalo's O.J. Simpson scores a touchdown (vs. Minnesota) in his 14th straight game. The streak started against the New York Jets on Sept. 21. He was a great football player, but most likely a murderer, nevertheless.
http://images.nfl.com/history/images/1220.jpg
    1978 – Willard Mullin, 76, the nation's top sports cartoonist and creator of the "Brooklyn Bum," died at Corpus Christi, TX. He was widely published: he cartooned daily for the New York World-Telegram and Sun for decades and was often published in the Sporting News.    
    1979 – “Knots Landing” debuted on CBS, starring Ted Shackelford and Joan Van Ark as Gary and Valene Ewing.
    1980 - Television experimented with football when NBC covered the meaningless NFL game between the New York Jets (4-11) and the Miami Dolphins (8-7) with no announcers in the booth. The only thing heard were field noises and spectators as the pictures tried to get across the emotion of the game. The next day headlines read, "Jets Silence Dolphins 24-17."
    1980 - In a major blunder, the Red Sox missed the Basic Agreement deadline to tender contracts for certain veterans, permitting All-Stars Fred Lynn and Carlton Fisk to be eligible for free agency.  Lynn signed with the Angels and Fisk with the White Sox.
    1981 - Top Hits
Physical - Olivia Newton-John
Waiting for a Girl like You - Foreigner
Let’s Groove - Earth, Wind & Fire
All Roads Lead to You - Steve Wariner
    1983 - Joe Gibbs of the Washington Redskins was named NFL Coach of the Year by the Associated Press. He became the first head coach to receive this honor in consecutive years since 1961-62 (when Allie Sherman, of the New York Giants, was so honored). Joe Gibbs took the Redskins to a 14-2 finish in the 1983 season.   
    1983 - Guy Lafleur of the Montreal Canadians scored the 500th goal of his career in a 6-0 victory over the New York Rangers. Lafleur played 17 years in the NHL and finished his career with 560 regular-season goals.
    1985 - Denis Potvin of the New York Islanders assisted on Mike Bossy’s goal against the New York Rangers to earn the 916th point of his career, breaking Bobby Orr’s NHL record for the most career points by a defenseman
    1985 - Robert Penn Warren was designated Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry of the U.S. Library of Congress for 1986-1987. The library has used consultants since 1937, when Joseph Auslander was appointed the first Consultant in Poetry, but Robert Penn Warren was the first to be called Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry.
    1986 - The Bangles’ "Walk like an Egyptian" moved to the top of the "Billboard Hot 100." It was #1 for three weeks. “Foreign types with the hookah pipes say; Ay oh whey oh, ay oh whey oh; Walk like an Egyptian...”
    1987 - Heavy snow fell in the northern mountains of Colorado, with 15 inches reported in the Mary Jane ski area. Strong and gusty winds prevailed from the Northern High Plains to the Great Lakes. Winds gusted to 54 mph at Buffalo, NY and reached 66 mph at Livingston, MT. Rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow fell across New England, with up to seven inches of snow in Maine.
    1988 - Warner Chappell, a division of Warner Communications and the largest music publisher in the world, agreed to pay $25 million for the song "Happy Birthday to You." The song, owned by Birchtree Ltd., reportedly generated $1 million a year in royalty fees. The copyright would expire after the year 2010 and is expected to fall into the public domain. The melody of probably the most often sung song in the world was composed by Mildred J. Hill, a schoolteacher. Her younger sister Patty Hill was the author of the lyrics which were first published in 1893 as “Good Morning to All,” a classroom greeting published in the book Songs Stories for the Sunday School.” The lyrics were amended in 1924 to include a stanza beginning “Happy Birthday to You.” Now it is sung somewhere in the world every minute of the day, although the authors are believed to have earned very little from song. Mildred Hill died at Chicago, Il, June 5, 1916, without knowing that her melody would become the world’s most popular song.
    1988 - Thunderstorms developing ahead of a fast-moving cold front produced severe weather in the Upper Ohio Valley and the Middle Atlantic Coast Region during the afternoon and early evening. Thunderstorm winds gusted to 69 mph at Kennedy Airport in New York City, and winds along the cold front itself gusted to 56 mph at Cincinnati, OH. The same storm produced snow in Kansas, Missouri and Illinois, with eight inches reported at Rolla, MO.
    1989 - Top Hits
We Didn’t Start the Fire - Billy Joel
Another Day in Paradise - Phil Collins
Don’t Know Much - Linda Ronstadt (featuring Aaron Neville)
Two Dozen Roses - Shenandoah
    1989 - Brutal northwest winds ushered bitter cold arctic air into the north central U.S. International Falls, MN, and Warroad, MN, tied for honors as the cold spot in the nation with morning lows of 34 degrees below zero. Minot, ND reported a wind chill reading of 81 degrees below zero. Squalls produced more heavy snow in the Great Lakes Region. Erie, PA received 21 inches of snow, including four inches in one hour, to bring their total snow cover to 39 inches, an all-time record for that location.
    1989 - The US launched “Operation Just Cause,” invading Panama in an attempt to seize Manuel Noriega and bring him to justice for narcotics trafficking. Seven months after Noriega had ruled unfavorable election results null and void, the US toppled the Noriega government and oversaw the installation of Guillermo Endara as president. Although the initial military action was declared a success, Noriega eluded capture.  He surrendered to US troops on Jan 4, 1990, and was tried, convicted and imprisoned in the US.
    1989 - Captain Linda L. Bray, 29, became the first woman to command American soldiers in battle, during the invasion of Panama by the U.S. as an MP. She was assigned to lead a force of 30 men and women soldiers to capture a kennel holding guard dogs that was defended by forces of the Panamanian Defense force. Although law forbids women in combat, the distinction between combat and military police in the Panama invasion was hazy. About 620 women were stationed in Panama before the attack and about 170 more women went to Panama in the attack. No women were killed, but 23 American men were. Eight American women lost their lives serving in Vietnam, the Army said. The 123-member 988th Military Police company commanded by Captain Bray was sent to Panama from Fort Benning, Ga. One Army officer, although stressing the difference in training between that given an MP officer such as Bray and that given combat officers added, "What has been demonstrated is the ability of women to lead, for men and women to work together as a team without distractions, and for women to react in an aggressive manner."
The official army report stated Capt. Bray was not in attendance when the initial fighting erupted, but her unit was under fire from snipers while she was on the scene. She oversaw the first stages of the operation by radio from a command center about a half-mile from the kennel. She ordered her troops to fire warning shorts after the Panamanians refused to surrender. The Panamanians replied by firing for about 10 minutes. She ordered the firing of a single warning shot and then later ordered her soldiers to fire M-60 machine guns to the side of the building so as not to hurt the Panamanians. The Panamanians continued to fire until threatened by an artillery attack and then they fled into the woods nearby. When she heard the Panamanians were escaping, she had her driver take her to the kennel to try to stop them. She crawled into a ditch to get closer to the building. No Panamanian bodies were found, but a cache of weapons was recovered.
    1989 - Low pressure brought thunderstorms and high winds to the northeastern U.S. There were 193 reports of damaging winds with thunderstorms in New York State, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Tornadoes touched down near Seaside Park, NJ and McAlevys Port, PA. Winds with thunderstorms gusted to 92 mph at Poughkeepsie, NY and reached 94 mph at Newburgh, NY. High winds in the Washington, D.C. area, gusting to 73 mph, resulted in one death.
    1995 - "Nixon" opened in U.S. theatres. The film starred Anthony Hopkins as Richard M., Joan Allen as the president’s wife, Pat, Powers Boothe as Alexander Haig, Ed Harris as E. Howard Hunt, Bob Hoskins as J. Edgar Hoover, E.G. Marshall as John Mitchell, David Paymer as Ronald Ziegler, David Hyde Pierce as John Dean, Paul Sorvino as Henry Kissinger, Mary Steenburgen as Hannah Nixon, J.T. Walsh as John Ehrlichman, and James Woods played H.R. Haldeman.
    1998 - Green Bay’s Brett Favre connected three times with Antonio Freeman in the first half against the Tennessee Oilers, soon to be renamed Titans, en route to a 30-22 victory this day. In doing so, Favre became the first quarterback in NFL history to pass for 30 or more touchdowns in five consecutive seasons (33 in 1994, 38 in 1995, 39 in 1996, 35 in 1997, and 30 in 1998).
    1998 - President Bill Clinton was impeached by a House of Representatives that was divided along party lines. He was charged with perjury and obstruction of justice stemming from a sexual relationship with a White House intern. He was then tried by the Senate in January 1999. On Feb 12, 1999, the Senate acquitted him on both charges. Clinton was only the second US president to undergo impeachment proceedings. He did not run for re-election because he had served the maximum two terms as president. His wife Hillary was elected to the U.S. Senate from New York.
    1998 - Snowflakes fell in San Francisco and low temperature records were made around the Bay with 40 degrees in SF and 35 in Fremont.
    2001 - The Jean Yawkey Trust announced that all the partners have unanimously voted to sell 100 percent of the Red Sox, a family-owned business since 1933 under Tom Yawkey, to a group of investors led by Florida Marlins owner John Henry who also owned a one percent share of the Yankees. The price tag, rumored to be $600+ million, doubled the largest amount ever spent to buy a team.
    2002 - Money making figures for 2002's top grossing Rock artists were as follows:
Paul McCartney - $126.1 million
The Rolling Stones - $90 million
Cher - $67.6 million
Neil Diamond - $52.2 million
Britney Spears - $43.7 million
Aerosmith - $36.3 million
Eagles - $34.9 million
'N Sync - $33 million
The top grossing country artist was Kenny Chesney at $22.7 million.
    2003 - "The Diary of Alicia Keys" gives the young R&B sensation her second No. 1 debut on The Billboard 200.
    2006 - A major winter storm affected Colorado, dumping several feet of snow on areas of the Rocky Mountains. The snowstorm temporarily closed the Denver International Airport.
    2009 - The top 10 most-played holiday songs in the ASCAP repertory this holiday season are:
1. "Sleigh Ride" (Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish) - played 118,918 times
2. "Jingle Bell Rock" (Joseph Carleton Beal, James Roth Boothe) - played 118,601 times
3. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" (Edward Pola, George Wyle) - played 101,614 times
4. "White Christmas" (Irving Berlin) - played 89,348 times
5. "Winter Wonderland" (Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith) - played 77,599 times
6. "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) (Mel Tormé, Robert Wells) - played 74,360 times.
7. "A Holly Jolly Christmas" (Johnny Marks) - played 57,948 times
8. "Little Drummer Boy" (Katherine K. Davis, Henry V. Onorati, Harry Simeone) - played 55,617 times.
9. "Feliz Navidad" (José Feliciano) - played 51,072 times
10. "Frosty the Snowman" (Steve Nelson, Walter E. Rollins) - played 51,068 times
    2011 - Grammy organizers announced that Diana Ross, Glen Campbell, The Allman Brothers Band and The Memphis Horns would receive Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2012 ceremony.
    2012 - Intercontinental Exchange, Atlanta, purchased the New York Stock Exchange, the largest stock exchange in the world, for $8.2 billion.
    2014 - U.S. officials returned four Afghan prisoners to Afghanistan after more than ten years of detention in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  The Obama administration was working to clear and release remaining prisoners in order to close the facility.