Balboa Capital Salesmen Start Regents Capital
by Christopher Menkin

In the article “Balboa Capital’s Top Salesmen Leave to Start Own Company,” Leasing News was not able to obtain three confirmations on the name of the company until yesterday. The person who lasted the longest at Balboa, their oldest employee, was there almost twenty years. The stories he could tell would be most revealing.

Don Hansen is the Chief Executive Officer at Regents Capital Corporation. According to his LinkedIn.com biography, he was “Vice President, Balboa Capital, 1994–December 2013 (19 years).

“Don Hansen is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Regents Capital Corporation. Regents Capital Corporation is an independent commercial equipment finance firm dedicated to delivering exceptional results to middle market clients nationwide. The firm focuses on providing equipment financing and leasing solutions to companies with annual revenues from $10 million to $250 million.

“…While developing his career in commercial finance, Don also pursued his passion for public service. He was first elected to the Huntington Beach City Council at the age of 32 in 2004, and shattered the total vote record for any prior city council candidate during his re-election in 2008. In his final year on the council Don served as Mayor of Surf City USA.”
www.linkedin.com/in/donhansen

Regents Capital Web Site:
http://regentscapital.com/

Balboa Capital’s Top Salesmen Leave to Start Own Company
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2014/2_25.htm#balboa

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Classified Ads---Credit

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

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

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

FDIC-Insured Institutions Earned $40.3B 2013 4th Q
Full-Year Net Income Rose to $154.7 Billion

Commercial banks and savings institutions insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) reported aggregate net income of $40.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2013, a $5.8 billion (16.9 percent) increase from the $34.4 billion in earnings that the industry reported a year earlier. This is the 17th time in the last 18 quarters — since the third quarter of 2009 — that earnings have registered a year-over-year increase. The improvement in earnings was mainly attributable to an $8.1 billion decline in loan-loss provisions. Lower income stemming from reduced mortgage activity and a drop in trading revenue contributed to a year-over-year decline in net operating revenue (the sum of net interest income and total noninterest income). More than half of the 6,812 insured institutions reporting (53 percent) had year-over-year growth in quarterly earnings. The proportion of banks that were unprofitable fell to 12.2 percent, from 15 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Martin J. Gruenberg,
Chairman, FDIC

"The trend of slow but steady improvement that has been underway in the banking industry since 2009 continued to gain ground," said FDIC Chairman Martin J. Gruenberg. "Asset quality improved, loan balances were up, and there were fewer troubled institutions. However, challenges remain in the industry. Narrow margins, modest loan growth, and a decline in mortgage refinancing activity have made it difficult for banks to increase revenue and profitability. Nonetheless, these results show a continuation of the recovery in the banking industry."

The average return on assets (ROA), a basic yardstick of profitability, rose to 1.10 percent in the fourth quarter from 0.96 percent a year ago. The average return on equity (ROE) increased from 8.53 percent to 9.87 percent.

Fourth quarter net operating revenue totaled $166.1 billion, a decline of $2.8 billion (1.7 percent) from a year earlier, as noninterest income fell by $4.2 billion (6.6 percent) and net interest income increased by $1.4 billion (1.3 percent). 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 3.28 percent, the highest average of any quarter in 2013, but down from 3.34 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Total noninterest expenses were $5.8 billion (5.3 percent) lower than in the fourth quarter of 2012, as litigation expenses fell by $3.1 billion at one large institution. Banks set aside $7 billion in provisions for loan losses, a reduction of $8.1 billion (53.7 percent) compared to a year earlier. This is the 17th consecutive quarter that the industry has reported a year-over-year decline in quarterly loss provisions.

Asset quality indicators continued to improve as insured banks and thrifts charged off $11.7 billion in uncollectible loans during the quarter, down $6.8 billion (37 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 $14 billion (6.3 percent) during the quarter. The percentage of loans and leases that were noncurrent declined to 2.62 percent, the lowest level since the 2.35 percent posted at the end of the third quarter of 2008.

Net income over the full year of 2013 totaled $154.7 billion, an increase of $13.6 billion (9.6 percent) compared to 2012. The average full-year ROA rose to 1.07 percent from 1.00 percent in 2012. More than half of all institutions (54.2 percent) reported higher net income in 2013, while only 7.8 percent were unprofitable. This is the lowest annual proportion of unprofitable institutions since 2005.

Financial results for the fourth quarter of 2013 and the full year are contained in the FDIC's latest Quarterly Banking Profile, which was released today. Also among the findings:

Total loan balances increased. Loan balances increased by $90.9 billion (1.2 percent) in the three months ending December 31, as all major loan categories except one- to four-family residential real estate loans experienced growth during the quarter. Loans to commercial and industrial (C&I) borrowers increased by $27.3 billion (1.7 percent), loans secured by nonfarm nonresidential real estate properties rose by $17.1 billion (1.6 percent), and credit card balances posted a $14.3 billion (2.1 percent) increase. Home equity loan balances declined for a 19th consecutive quarter, falling by $6.9 billion (1.3 percent). Balances of other loans secured by one- to four-family residential real estate properties fell by $13 billion (0.7 percent), as the amount of mortgage loans sold during the quarter exceeded by $29 billion the amount of mortgage loans originated and intended for sale. For the 12 months through December 31, total loan and lease balances were up by $197.3 billion (2.6 percent).

Mortgage activity remained well below year-ago levels. One- to four-family residential real estate loans originated and intended for sale were $307.7 billion (62 percent) lower than in the fourth quarter of 2012, as rising interest rates in the first half of 2013 reduced the demand for mortgage refinancings. Noninterest income from the sale, securitization and servicing of mortgages was $2.8 billion (34 percent) lower than a year ago. Realized gains on available-for-sale securities 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 $506 million in pretax income from realized gains in the fourth quarter, a decline of $1 billion (66.6 percent) from a year ago.

The number of "problem banks" fell for the 11th consecutive quarter. The number of banks on the FDIC's "Problem List" declined from 515 to 467 during the quarter. The number of "problem" banks is down by almost half from the recent high of 888 at the end of the first quarter of 2011. Two FDIC-insured institutions failed in the fourth quarter of 2013, down from eight in the fourth quarter of 2012. For all of 2013, there were 24 failures, compared to 51 in 2012.

The Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) balance continued to increase. The unaudited DIF balance — the net worth of the fund — rose to $47.2 billion as of December 31 from $40.8 billion as of September 30. Assessment income and a reduction in estimated losses from failed institution assets were the primary contributors to growth in the fund balance. Estimated insured deposits increased 0.7 percent, and the DIF reserve ratio — the fund's balance as a percentage of estimated insured deposits — rose to 0.79 percent as of December 31 from 0.68 percent as of September 30. A year ago, the DIF reserve ratio was 0.44 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.

# # #

Congress created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in 1933 to restore public confidence in the nation's banking system. The FDIC insures deposits at the nation's banks and savings associations, 6,812 as of December 31, 2013. It promotes the safety and soundness of these institutions by identifying, monitoring and addressing risks to which they are exposed. The FDIC receives no federal tax dollars — insured financial institutions fund its operations

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New Leasing Business Up in January
ELFA MFLI-25 Report

(Chart: Leasing News)

(Chart: Leasing News)

Despite the winter storm playing havoc in most of the country, January was the best month recorded by the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association MFLI-25 report, showing the economy is coming back.

MLFI-25 New Business Volume (Year Over Year Comparison)
click to make larger

(Chart: EFLA)

ELFA President and CEO William G. Sutton, CAE, said: "At the start of the new year, equipment finance activity picked up where it left off for most of 2013. New business volume shows modest, incremental growth while credit losses continue at historic lows. With fiscal pressures in Washington subsiding, at least for the time being, and most major U.S. economic indicators showing positive signs, we are hopeful that these factors will help promote a favorable climate for continued investment by U.S. businesses in capital equipment in 2014 and beyond."

Martha Ahlers, VP/COO, United Leasing, Inc., said, "The Monthly Confidence Index results for the last two reported periods provide continued optimism for the year ahead. Beginning 2014 with a 63.3 MCI, the 2nd highest mark in the last 24 months, is also extremely promising and serves as evidence of stability and positive velocity within our industry. In the Monthly Leasing and Finance Index, origination volumes year-over-year are also up, while maintaining historically low delinquency and charge-offs; an indication of continued health. The combination of these positive indicators creates a huge amount of excitement for potential growth."

The ELFA numbers reflect the January report from the Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation that found confidence “the second highest index in the two years.”

Valerie Hayes Jester, President, Brandywine Capital Associates, Inc., said, “I am optimistic that there is increasing demand for equipment and therefore financing to acquire that equipment.  The brutal winter experienced by a significant portion of this country has slowed down many projects that would have been in progress by now.  I am hoping that the last third of this quarter will show the signs we had experienced at year end, as demand increased.” 

Thomas Jaschik, President, BB&T Equipment Finance:
“The economy and the equipment finance market continue to experience peaks and valleys.  The good news is the valleys aren't getting any deeper; the bad news is the peaks aren’t getting any higher.  Hopefully, in 2014 the economy will gain enough confidence to break through the peaks.”

Kenneth Collins, CEO, Susquehanna Commercial Finance, Inc.
“Weather has created some slowdown in equipment deliveries and inventory which may slow first quarter growth.”

MFLI-25 Charts

Aging of Receivables:

click to make larger

Average Losses (Charge-offs) as a % of net receivables
(Year Over Year Comparison)

click image to make larger

Credit Approval Ratios As % of all Decisions Submitted
(Year Over Year Comparison)

click image to make larger

ELFA MLFI-25 Participants

ADP Credit
BancorpSouth Equipment Finance
Bank of America
Bank of the West
BB&T Bank
BMO Harris Equipment Finance
Canon Financial Services
Caterpillar Financial Services
CIT
De Lage Landen Financial Services
Dell Financial Services
Direct Capital Corporation
EverBank Commercial Finance
Fifth Third Equipment Finance
First American Equipment Finance, a City National Bank Company
GreatAmerica Financial Services
Hitachi Credit America
HP Financial Services
Huntington Equipment Finance
John Deere Financial
Key Equipment Finance
LEAF Commercial Capital
M&T Bank
Marlin Leasing
Merchants Capital
PNC Equipment Finance
RBS Asset Finance
SG Equipment Finance
Siemens Financial Services
Stearns Bank
Suntrust
Susquehanna Commercial Finance
TCF Equipment Finance
US Bancorp Equipment Finance
Verizon Capital
Volvo Financial Services
Wells Fargo Equipment Finance

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Leasing Industry Help Wanted

Orange, California Legal Coordinator Minimum 5 years' experience in legal collections. The Legal Coordinator will be responsible for collecting, coordinating and processing all collections referrals of commercial loan agreements to outside third party agencies and law firms. Click here for more information.  Please send resume and cover letter to: acole@quickbridgefunding.com www.quickbridgefunding.com Quick Bridge Funding provides working capital loans to small and mid-sized companies throughout the United States. With an innovative program we provide capital to an to an under-served market.

Irvine, California Finance/Credit Analyst Manage lease transactions through the entire credit review, documentation and funding process. • Direct contact with customers’ decision-makers, including CFOs, treasurers, and purchasing managers. • As “deal manager” analyst is responsible for interface with credit, sales, legal and documentation For more informaton, please click here www.calfirst.com

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New Hires---Promotions

Barb Chiavelli hired as Commercial Finance Consultant, Ascentium Capital; based in the New York City area. Previously she was Owner , Starfire Financial (2013–January, 2014); Commercial Finance Professional, Commercial Finance (May 2012–February 2013); Commercial finance consultant, Quail Capital (August 2010–April 2012); Equipment leasing, MT Corporation (June 2003–March 2006). Certifications: Paralegal, NY, License Certificate. Volunteer Experience & Causes: Grants for emergency vet care - Cruelty Reporting, Animal Rescue, Animal Welfare. Education: Sobelsohn, Paralegal Certificate, Law (1986–1999), Para legal studies.
www.linkedin.com/pub/barb-chiavelli/2/506/3a5

Kathy Havlik promoted to Vice President & District Manager, Key Equipment Finance; based in New York City area. She works with business bank and middle market clients to finance their business equipment acquisitions in the Hudson Valley, Greater NYC, and New Jersey markets. She joined Key in June, 2008 as a leasing sales associate and January, 2011, was named leasing manager. Education: University of Colorado, Boulder - Leeds School of Business, Business Administration, Finance (2004–2008). Activities and Societies: Delta Gamma, University of Colorado Student Union, Alpha Kappa Psi, Order of Omega.
www.linkedin.com/pub/kathy-havlik/7/690/112

Michelle (Cunningham) Vervaeke named Used Equipment Manager at Pape Material Handling, Seattle, Washington. She continues as Owner, Asset Management Associates, LLC (June 2009–Present).) Previously she was Territory Manager, Pape's Material Handling (April 2006–June 2009); Sales Manager, Faulkner Material Handline (FMH) (August 1992–March 2006); Organizations: American Society of Appraisers (January 2011–Present); Candidate Member, Machinery & Equipment; Women Business Owners, Member (February 2013–Present); Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, National Equipment Finance Association. Education: Metropolitan State College of Denver (1994–1996); Parks Community College of Denver, Associate's degree, Business Administration and Management, General (1985–1987).
www.linkedin.com/pub/michelle-vervaeke/18/561/b0a

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The Controversy Today about Dun & Bradstreet
by Bernie Boettigheimer, CLP, Lease Police

Last year I began getting several e-mails from D & B Credibility Corp/ D & B that Lease Police, Inc., had multiple serious complaints against it that would greatly affect any credit report with Dun & Bradstreet. I did look into this knowing that there were no such complaints and Dun & Bradstreet Corporation would surely not be involved in a caper as onerous as this. Several firms that I know acknowledged that they fell for this marketing ploy because they were intimidated. Our IT man pulled one of the complaint e-mails with an attachment in a security-proof computer and found it had no complaint but a Trojan virus.

On February 3, 2014 Leasing News reported that a class-action lawsuit had been filed against Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corporation (DBCC). Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, and Dun & Bradstreet, Inc...The complaint is 31 pages long. To quote the lawsuit, “Some years ago, D & B developed a credit monitoring product called Self Awareness Solutions (SAS) which it marketed and sold to small businesses. Upon information and belief the SAS product was identically or substantially similar to the CreditBuilder products at issue in this case”. The lawsuit further adds,” In order to avoid further scrutiny and litigation over the SAS products, while continuing to reap profits from the credit monitoring, D& B sold its credit monitoring line of business to DBCC in August 2010 for $10 million in cash and annual royalties; a deal estimated at $100 million. D & B continues to maintain post-sale control over the business credit information, credit reporting system and credit rating services that are integral to the CreditBuilder products”.

The lawsuit contains 7 counts against the defendants ranging from 2 counts against the Sherman Act, The Washington State Consumer Protection Act, Negligent Misrepresentation/Concealment, Fraudulent Concealment, Breach of Contract, and Unjust Enrichment.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that The Federal Trade Commission has received 551 complaints against D & B between January, 2010 and early June, 2013 for its sales tactics.

All of the above information is very disheartening as my experience with D & B goes back almost 60 years as an employee, a leasing equipment funder, user, and more recently, as a very minor competitor. But first let me tell you of my time as an employee.

One week after graduating from college I tracked down from my home in Pelham, N.Y. for a job interview to the then headquarters of Dun & Bradstreet at 99 Church Street in New York City. My research showed that it had been established in 1841 as The Mercantile Agency by Lewis Tappan, a noted abolitionist who played a major role in freeing the illegally enslaved captives of the Amistad. It had grown immensely after changing its name to its present form and had become an international force in credit investigations and reporting on business establishments.

Upon entering the lobby, I was awe-struck by the 6 foot high Georg Lober statue, “Man’s Confidence in Man” It was the preamble of everything I learned that day about the early days of credit and the development of the D & B philosophy of credit reporting and risk. The statue told many stories of man’s confidence in his fellow man which flowed both ways to buyer and seller.

After I was hired and the first few months of training, they rotated me monthly from one type of business activity to another. It was the fur, diamond, flowers, clothing, high fashion districts, etc. Next it was manufacturing, wholesale, and retail establishments. After 2 years, I was no longer a trainee but an experienced reporter who could communicate and relate to the business owner in preparing a report on his company which reflected my fair appraisal.

At last I was made a Country Reporter, working from my home, in charge of writing every type of report then sold by D & B for the eastern half of Westchester County, just north of New York City. I was now holding the same job as four U.S. Presidents. (Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Grover Cleveland and William McKinley). New assignments arrived every day and I had five days to complete them with my quota of 60 reports a week. On any day you could be assigned to interview a famous person, do a survey on the use or non-use of golf carts at great golf courses such as Winged Foot C.C., or a  just a revision to IBM’s report.

The one thing I did learn was the respect I was accorded as a representative of D & B. Even when a business man did not reveal his financial statements, he was otherwise helpful.

As a leasing equipment funder, my chief complaint was the poor quality of the reports that showed page after page of mathematical estimates of sales, employees etc., and no first-hand observation of operations. Apparently, D & B found that having local representation was just too expensive but that was how the “brand” was built and some part of that should have been retained.

This writer takes no position on the legality or illegality of charges in the class action. However, the actions alleged in the class action do not pass the “smell test” of the reputation built by the founders, management over the ages, and simple employees like myself. I would prefer that this case goes to trial and let a jury and judge decide what is right and wrong here. An outcome of a no indication of guilt by the Defendants and a multi-million settlement to the Plaintiffs (with 80% going to the attorneys) would be of no benefit to anyone including the Defendants.

Bernie Boettigheimer, CLP
President
Lease Police, Inc.
24 Glenmeadow Pl.
Dallas, TX. 75225
www.leasepolice.com
(214) 549-3426
(972) 596-6770-fax

Victory for Small Businesses Accusing D&B of Defamation
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Feb2014/2_03.htm#victory

((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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FSG Leasing, Inc. is now FSG Capital, Inc.

Joining the trend away from leasing in the title of their company, Bruce J. Winter, Founder and President, announces FSG Leasing, Inc., Laurel, Maryland, has formally changed its name to FSG Capital, Inc.”… to better reflect its full range of financial services and middle market product offerings.”

“After twenty-three years of servicing the needs of middle market corporate clients, the exciting rebranding process and name change to FSG Capital, Inc. has helped the company to reflect upon the multiple capabilities and broad spectrum of solutions that the organization provides,” Winter said. “The new name and corporate branding reinforces the values of the company and it captures the comprehensive and consultative business approach of FSG.”

The company specializes in middle market transactions ranging from $100,000 to over $10 million for customers operating in a broad spectrum of industries including, but not limited to, printing, packaging, manufacturing, transportation, scientific, information technology, construction and more.

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Meet

Leasing News Advisor
Ralph Mango

Ralph is our newest advisory board member, joining June 26, 2013. For many years he has contributed, recently becoming Associate Editor for the news edition, checking spelling, grammar, punctuation, as well as noting other errors or making suggestions for the story. It is a pleasure working with him as he has a rich knowledge not only of leasing and finance history, but American history ("This Day in American History" one of his favorite features.)

Ralph is Project Management Coordinator for comScore, Inc., Reston, Virginia; a global digital analytics company providing online and mobile data and analytical tools to many of the world's largest enterprises, carriers, agencies, and publishers.

His role has been focused upon the telecom and mobile verticals and has included diverse projects involving FASB revenue recognition, process analytics, CRM effectiveness, marketing response analysis, training, knowledge sharing, and sales and client service support. 

Project Management Coordinator
comScore, Inc.
11950 Democracy Dr., Suite 600, Reston, VA 20190
telephone 703-234-8623; (c) 732-642-5008
ralphmango@hotmail.com

As a reader of Leasing News, Ralph has been a long time contributor and a resource of history . His background is quite unique to his present position as his equipment leasing past includes: region manager, Ingersoll-Rand Financial Services; vice president, NCR Credit; vice president of sales, AT&T Capital Corporation; sr. vice president, sales & marketing, Newcourt Financial; co-founder, vice president, general manager, Dell Financial Services; v.p. & general manager, Western Star Finance; director, Canon Financial Services; and vice-president, broker services, Marlin Leasing. He has broad and successful business unit general management experience in both indirect and direct equipment leasing as a captive lessor and vendor provider that began as a credit manager. He has also made the change into analytics as it relates to consumer demographics, adoption, and behavior in this digital age.

Ralph and Beth recently celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary, surrounded by their three daughters, four grandchildren, and two sons-in-law. An avid reader, Ralph also has been a lifelong baseball fan dating back to Ebbets Field and the Polo Grounds, and remains a die-hard Yankees fan. He also believes in getting his money's worth on the golf course as measured by the number of strokes!

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Leasing Association Conferences---Update
Early Bird Registration Still in Effect

2014 Leasing Association Conferences

March 20
Equipment Leasing and Finance Association
3th Annual IMN/ELFA Investor Conference
New York, NY
More Information is available at:
http://www.imn.org/structured-finance/conference/
The-13th-Annual-Investors-Conference-on-Equipment-Finance/Home.html

2013 Conference Report by Bruce Kropschot
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Mar2013/3_25.htm#nyc

March 31-April 2
National Vehicle Leasing Association
Annual Conference
Westin La Paloma Resort
Tucson, Arizona

Event Schedule
http://www.nvla.org/images/scheduler.gif

Registration
https://www.nvla.org/register.php

April 2-4
National Equipment Finance Association
2014 National Equipment Finance Summit
Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center
Scottsdale, Arizona

Full Information:
http://nefassociation.site-ym.com/events/event_details.asp?id=383559

Women in Leasing Luncheon, Wednesday April 2, 2014.
To be included in more details or to RSVP please contact Marci Slagle @ mslagle@varilease.com OR Katie Rorick @ krorick@varilease.com

April 23 - 25
2014 National Funding Conference
Chicago, IL

Schedule
https://www.elfaonline.org/cvweb_elfa/cgi-bin/eventsdll.dll/EventInfo?sessionaltcd=FUND2014

Pricing:
https://www.elfaonline.org/cvweb_elfa/cgi-bin/eventsdll.dll/EventInfo?sessionaltcd=FUND2014

Brochure:
http://www.leasingnews.org/PDF/AprilELFAConference2014.pdf

May 1 - 3
National Association of Equipment
Leasing Brokers 
2014 Annual Meeting
Caribe Royale Hotel
Orlando, FL

NAELB has negotiated a special group rate of $139/night for single/double or $159/night for king deluxe, from Wednesday, April 30 - Saturday, May 3.
https://aws.passkey.com/event/10434951/owner/186/home

Information:
http://www.naelb.org/NAELB/Events/2014_Annual_Conference.aspx

May 7 - 9
Association of Government Leasing and Finance 
AGL&F/ELFA Public Sector Finance Forum
Washington, DC

Information:
http://www.aglf.org/events/aglfelfa-public-sector-finance-forum

Hotel Reservation:
http://www.doubletreemagmile.com/

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

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

September 18-20
San Antonio Texas
To Be Announced

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

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

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

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)

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

Orange, California Legal Coordinator Minimum 5 years' experience in legal collections. The Legal Coordinator will be responsible for collecting, coordinating and processing all collections referrals of commercial loan agreements to outside third party agencies and law firms. Click here for more information.  Please send resume and cover letter to: acole@quickbridgefunding.com www.quickbridgefunding.com Quick Bridge Funding provides working capital loans to small and mid-sized companies throughout the United States. With an innovative program we provide capital to an to an under-served market.

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

Present Values Celebrates 10 Years in Business
Expands Team, Launches Website

Company is devoted to helping organizations discover the truth
– and grow for the long term

CINCINNATI, OH, -- Present Values, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based consulting firm and private capital advisor that specializes in helping organizations find – and leverage – the truth to grow to their full potential, celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2014.

John Handelsman
Founder, Managing Principal

Company founder and managing principal John Handelsman has also announced the launch of a new website to provide clients and prospects, many from the specialty finance industry, with more information on the company’s services and successes.

Present Values is also expanding its leadership team, a group described by Handelsman as “trusted advisors and truth seekers.” Collectively, the group offers many decades of executive leadership experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial environments across multiple industries, with a focus on the art of aligning resources for growth. Two new additions will expand the company’s services in the information technology and health care industries:

• Brent Haswell, Principal, Technology Strategy, is a senior-level technology executive with 35 years of broad experience in infrastructure, technology assessment and product development. Haswell’s experience includes executive positions with Schneider Electric and AK Steel, as well as engagements with SaaS-based companies offering cloud-based business solutions.

• Nancy Creadon Stamps, Principal, Health Care, is a leading consultant in health care systems and management as well as a registered nurse. Through a career spanning nearly three decades, she has served in a variety of health care leadership roles and has worked with organizations focused on critical care, home health, home infusion, pharmaceutical delivery and clinical nursing.

Handelsman says that along with the firm’s broad spectrum of experience, Present Values is distinguished from other consulting firms by its salient corporate philosophy. “We believe that in business, as in life, we cannot visit reality by ourselves.  Truth requires honest feedback from others who can serve as our guides and partners,” he says on the new website.

“We look at all aspects of an organization, from leadership integrity to stewardship of resources to sustainability of products and services – seeing what is, embracing what can be, and bridging the distance from current reality to future potential.”

The new website includes case studies detailing the kinds of consulting services Present Values provide – and the growth and successes its clients have realized. Consultations can be easily scheduled through an online form on the site’s home page.

http://presentvalues.us/who-we-are/

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

Coonhound Mix
Cincinnati, Ohio Adopt-a-Dog

Pumpkin
Pet ID: C002
Spayed
40lbs
Up to Date on Shots

Pumpkin is a spayed seven months old Red Ticked Coonhound. She is up to date on vaccinations and weighs around 40lb. She gets along well with people and other pets of all ages. Very high energy. Loves to run outdoors and cuddle with humans.

There is an adoption fee.
Email me and we will talk about getting Pumpkin into your life as soon as possible:
jessica.kyle@rocketmail.com

Sheltered Paws Dog Rescue
Cincinnati, OH 45044

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

Leasing News: Fernando's View
by Fernando Croce

Special Oscar Column

As the cream of Hollywood get ready to parade in pricey gowns and endure goofy musical numbers, the question remains: Who will take home the gold on Oscar night this Sunday? For the benefit of movie-lovers and audiences, we’ve put together this list of predictions for the main categories of American cinema’s top award.

Best Picture:

Nominees: "American Hustle," "Captain Phillips," "Dallas Buyers Club," "Gravity," "Her," "Nebraska," "Philomena," "12 Years a Slave," and "The Wolf of Wall Street"

Prediction: As usual, the high number of nominations in this field leads to a wide variety of genres, ranging from historical dramas to science fiction to dark comedies. There were box-office hits and acclaimed sleepers, though this year the odds appear to point to "12 Years a Slave," the fact-based account of a free black man's harrowing experiences during the slavery era. Having already swept several awards given by critics, Steve McQueen's drama has the serious topic and sober tone that's tailor-made to impress Academy members.

Overlooked: "Inside Llewyn Davis," "Computer Chess," "Passion," "This Is Martin Bonner," "To the Wonder."

Best Director:

Nominees: David O. Russell ("American Hustle"), Alfonso Cuaron ("Gravity"), Alexander Payne ("Nebraska"), Steve McQueen ("12 Years a Slave") and Martin Scorsese ("The Wolf of Wall Street")

Prediction: Recent years have seen Best Picture and Best Director awards given to different films, and this year this seems to be the case. Consensus predicts that the Oscar in this field will go to Alfonso Cuaron, whose first film in seven years, "Gravity," is indeed a marvel of technical filmmaking, using cinema's spatial-temporal powers to tell a story that could easily have become static and monotonous in lesser hands.

Overlooked: Terence Malick ("To the Wonder"), Joel and Ethan Cohen ("Inside Llewyn Davis"), Alain Resnais ("You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet"), Abbas Kiarostami ("Like Someone in Love").

Best Actor:

Nominees: Christian Bale ("American Hustle"), Bruce Dern ("Nebraska"), Leonardo DiCaprio ("The Wolf of Wall Street"), Chiwetel Ejiofor ("12 Years a Slave") and Matthew McConaughey ("Dallas Buyers Club")

Prediction: There are both newcomers and veterans in this field, first-time nominees and previous contestants. Many people are betting on Matthew McConaughey, whose nomination for "Dallas Buyers Club" may be the Academy's way of apologizing for not recognizing any of the handful of superb performances he gave last year. Oscar voters also love a comeback story, however, so don't be surprised if 77-year-old screen veteran Bruce Dern walks away with the statuette for his role in "Nebraska."

Overlooked: Oscar Isaac ("Inside Llewyn Davis"), Paul Eenhoorn ("This Is Martin Bonner"), Joaquin Phoenix ("Her"), Tom Hanks ("Captain Phillips").

Best Actress:

Nominees: Amy Adams ("American Hustle"), Cate Blanchett ("Blue Jasmine"), Sandra Bullock ("Gravity"), Judi Dench ("Philomena"), and Meryl Streep ("August: Osage County")

Prediction: Though Cate Blanchett is widely acknowledged as the frontrunner this year for her powerful performance in "Blue Jasmine," there are other nominees who might come up as surprise winners. Though she already won previously for "The Blind Side," Sandra Bullock is a fierce contender for "Gravity," a film that is basically a one-woman show. And don't forget Amy Adams, whose sly performance in "American Hustle" was a highlight in a movie overflowing with whirlwind performances.

Overlooked: Suzanne Clement ("Laurence Anyways"), Sheri Moon Zombie ("The Lords of Salem"), Mary Margaret O'Hara ("Museum Hours"), Rooney Mara ("Side Effects").

Best Supporting Actor:

Nominees: Barkhad Abdi ("Captain Phillips"), Bradley Cooper ("American Hustle"), Michael Fassbender ("12 Years a Slave"), Jonah Hill ("The Wolf of Wall Street") and Jared Leto ("Dallas Buyers Club")

Prediction: The big discovery in this year's field is Barkhad Abdi, a Somali-born actor whose first role in "Captain Phillips" had him more than holding his own against Tom Hanks. However, experts say that the statuette will go to Jared Leto for "Dallas Buyers Club," with Michael Fassbender another potential winner for his memorable performance as one of "12 Years a Slave's" most deeply disturbing characters.

Overlooked: Dwayne Johnson ("Pain and Gain"), Will Forte ("Nebraska"), James Gandolfini ("Enough Said"), Daniel Bruhl ("Rush").

Best Supporting Actress:

Nominees: Sally Hawkins ("Blue Jasmine"), Jennifer Lawrence ("American Hustle"), Lupita Nyong'o ("12 Years a Slave"), Julia Roberts ("Osage: Orange County") and June Squibb ("Nebraska")

Prediction: Early predictions had Jennifer Lawrence as the night's sure-bet for her role in "American Hustle," though Academy voters don't frequently give back-to-back Oscars. So there's a chance the award will instead go to one of a couple of impressive first-time nominees: Lupita Nyong'o, whose performance in "12 Years a Slave" was a breakout for the young actress, and June Squibb, whose nomination for "Nebraska" brought some overdue recognition to this seasoned veteran.

Overlooked: Ziyi Zhang ("The Grandmaster"), Lola Creton ("Bastards"), Scarlett Johansson ("Her"), Carey Mulligan ("Inside Llewyn Davis").

News Briefs----

The Decline of US Small Banks (2000–2013)
http://mercatus.org/publication/decline-us-small-banks-2000-2013

Bitcoin virtual currency is on verge of collapse
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-bitcoin-collapse-20140226,0,5968430.story#axzz2uTAi7plh

Senate probe accuses Swiss bank of helping rich Americans evade taxes
http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-credit-suisse-tax-evasion-levin-senate-20140225,0,7882434.story#axzz2uSrrKrbM

Lawmaker seeks to ban Bitcoin in U.S.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2102580/lawmaker-seeks-us-ban-on-bitcoin.html

Tablet payments catch up with smartphones
http://www.ababj.com/component/k2/item/4421-tablet-payments-catch-up-with-smartphones

Tesla partners with Panasonic to set up battery plant
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2014/02/26/Tesla-partners-with-Panasonic-to-set-up-battery-plant/7901393432971/?spt=sec&or=bn

Tesla teases with details of massive battery 'Gigafactory'
http://www.contracostatimes.com/business/ci_25234367/tesla-teases-select-gigafactory-details

Solid new-home sales lift hopes for housing market
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/us-sales-of-new-homes-up-in-january/2014/02/26/8dfeb1b4-9ef7-11e3-878c-65222df220eb_story.html

Twice Bitten: Rusty Ross of Cotopaxi has the misfortune
of a second dog attacked by a mountain lion
http://www.canoncitydailyrecord.com/news/canoncity-local-news/ci_25214177/twice-bitten-rusty-ross-cotopaxi-has-misfortune-second

Working Capital Loans $10,000-$250,000
www.channelpartnersllc.com p: (763) 746-7760 f: (763) 592-8297 information@channelpartnersllc.com

[headlines]
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--You May Have Missed It

Science Proves Dogs Understand Your Voice
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-26276660

[headlines]
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SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer

The Best and Worst Choices for Steak
http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=to_beef_or_not_to_beef

[headlines]
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Winter Poem

Songs of Myself 
             by Walt Whitman

first two paragraphs of “3”

I have heard what the talkers were talking, the talk of the beginning and the end,
but I do not talk of the beginning or the end.

There was never any more inception than there is now,
Nor any more youth or age than there is now,
And will never be any more perfection than there is now,
Nor any more heaven or hell than there is now.

[headlines]
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Sports Briefs----

In Sacramento, Ca., Judge tosses out STOP arena lawsuit
http://www.sacbee.com/2014/02/26/6192383/judge-tosses-out-stop-arena-lawsuit.html

Az governor vetoes controversial bill opposed by Super Bowl Committee
https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/arizona-refuse-bill-opposed-super-bowl-host-committee-022243654--nfl.html

'Jaws' not high on Manziel
http://nfl.si.com/2014/02/26/ron-jaworski-johnny-manziel-nfl-draft-third-round/?eref=sihp

[headlines]
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California Nuts Briefs---

Stops along a good California road trip
http://blog.sfgate.com/getlost/2014/02/25/stops-along-a-good-northern-california-road-trip/#19874101=0

Trying to Save Merle Haggard’s Old Home (a Boxcar)
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/27/us/preservationists-aim-to-save-merle-haggards-childhood-home.html?hp&_r=0

[headlines]
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“Gimme that Wine”

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

Vintner Dario Sattui recovering after bike crash, neck surgery
http://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/vintner-dario-sattui-recovering-after-bike-crash-neck-surgery/article_b5eb3496-9e83-11e3-a831-001a4bcf887a.html

Shug's Winery on Greatest of Pinot Noir
http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2014/02/schugs-winemaker-on-greatness-in-pinot/

MillerCoors adopts first US beer nutritional labelling
http://www.beveragedaily.com/Processing-Packaging/MillerCoors-adopts-first-US-beer-nutritional-labelling

More Uncorked and Women of the Vine to Host Second Annual Women of the Vine Grand Tasting Event in Napa, California
http://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataid=128760

Direct to consumer market key for Oregon wine
http://www.capitalpress.com/article/20140225/ARTICLE/140229928

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