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Leasing News is a web site that posts information, news, and
entertainment for the commercial alternate financing,
bank, finance and leasing industries

kitmenkin@leasingnews.org
   

 

Friday, July 14, 2017


Today's Equipment Leasing Headlines

ELFA Survey of Equipment Finance Activity Reports
   Overall New Business Volume Grew 2.5% in 2016
New Hires---Promotions in the Leasing Business
   and Related Industries
Leasing News Help Wanted Testimonial
    We Want You!
Ask Alan Lakien's Question
   Placard
Leasing and Finance Conferences
   More Information Available
Funders Taking "New" Broker Business List
    Updated
Site Inspection Services
    Updated
Federal Reserve Beige Book Report
   July, 2017
ELFF Reports Q3 Economic Outlook Forecasts
  3.6% Growth in Equipment & Software Investment
Baby Driver/Maudie
A Cure for Wellness/My Life as a Zucchini/The Marseille Trilogy
  Film/Digital Reviews by Leasing News' Fernando Croce
Australian Shepherd
  Plano, Texas Adopt-a-Dog
Leasing News Classified Ads
  Accounting / Aircraft / Appraisals
News Briefs---
Wells Fargo Trims Auto Leasing/Loans as Market Cools,
     Risk Overhaul Kicks In
Allstate to Start Offering Business Loans
 Insurance Giant Partners with CIT Northbridge Credit LLC
Annual Study Finds Investment Firms Increase Operations
    and Technology Spending in 2017
LeBron James Is Behind the Fastest Growing
     Restaurant Chain in America

Broker/Funder/Industry Lists | Features (writer's columns)
Top Ten Stories Chosen by Readers | Top Stories last six months

www.leasingcomplaints.com (Be Careful of Doing Business)
www.evergreenleasingnews.org
Leasing News Icon for Android Mobile Device 

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[headlines]

--------------------------------------------------------------

 

ELFA Survey of Equipment Finance Activity Reports
Overall New Business Volume Grew 2.5% in 2016

Web seminar on Aug. 17 will highlight findings from report

Washington, D.C. — New business volume grew 2.5% in the equipment finance industry in 2016, according to the 2017 Survey of Equipment Finance Activity (SEFA) released today by the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA).  The rise in new business volume marked the seventh consecutive year that businesses increased their spending on capital equipment. The SEFA report covers key statistical, financial and operations information for the $1 trillion equipment finance industry, based on a comprehensive survey of 115 ELFA member companies. The report is available at www.elfaonline.org/SEFA. ELFA will host a web seminar on the SEFA findings on Aug. 17 at noon EDT. 

ELFA also released a companion report to the 2017 SEFA called the 2017 Small-Ticket Survey of Equipment Finance Activity. The report, which focuses on small-ticket and micro-ticket equipment transactions among the SEFA respondents, found that new business volume in the small-ticket space grew by 10.7% in 2016.


ELFA President and CEO Ralph Petta said, “The equipment finance industry continues a slow-growth trajectory, mirroring a fundamentally sound—if unspectacular—U.S. economy during the past several years. Despite a slowly rising interest rate environment, leasing and finance companies are profitable entities, with generally healthy portfolios and sustainable levels of returns. Although the makeup of the SEFA respondent base varies widely in terms of size, markets served, financial results and business operations, they are all bound by one common characteristic: they make meaningful contributions to the health of our nation’s economy by enabling businesses, both large and small, to acquire the necessary equipment to run their business operations.” 

Survey highlights:

Key findings for 2016 as reported in the 2017 SEFA include:

  • Overall new business volume grew 2.5%. While this rate contrasts sharply with the 12.4% growth reported for 2015, the industry nonetheless outperformed the national economy, which grew just 1.6% in 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
    • By organization type: Independents saw a 12% increase in new business volume, while banks saw a 5% increase and captives saw a 5.9% decrease.
    • By market segment: New business volume grew 5.2% in the middle ticket segment and 0.8% in small-ticket, while large ticket declined 1.8%.
  • From an asset perspective, the top-five most-financed equipment types were transportation, IT and related technology services, agricultural, construction and office machines. The top five end-user industries representing the largest share of new business volume were services, industrial and manufacturing, agriculture, transportation and wholesale/retail.
  • Assets under management rose by 13.9% overall, helped by increases in sales budgets and sales personnel, which reflected companies’ efforts to grow volume in an increasingly competitive environment. Return on assets also remained positive after declining by a percentage point to 1.4%, and balance sheets strengthened as net worth rose by 9.1%.
  • Interest expense increased year-over-year by 14%. The cost of funds decreased slightly.
  • Efficiencies gathered from increased automation and greater application of data analytics contributed to an overall year-over-year dollar increase in net income of 7.8%. Return on average equity fell for the third year in a row but remained positive at 11.8%.
  • Delinquencies increased slightly, with 1.8% of receivables over 31 days past due compared to 1.5% the previous year. Net full-year losses or charge-offs also increased slightly but remained at 0.29% of average receivables; any level lower than 1% is considered very low.
  • Credit approvals increased slightly while the percentage of those approved applications being booked and funded edged down overall.
  • Employment levels shot up 13.3% overall in 2016. This is likely the continued impact of the absorption of the GE Capital portfolio and personnel by the acquiring banks. Headcounts in accounting, tax and legal remained stable, reflecting the implementation of back-room efficiencies as companies continued their push to do more with less.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP administered the 2017 SEFA. The results were compiled from surveys sent to 375 eligible ELFA member companies in the first quarter of 2017. A total of 115 companies submitted 2016 U.S. domestic lease and loan data.

Web Seminar: ELFA will host a web seminar on Aug. 17 at noon EDT to report the survey results. See details at www.elfaonline.org/SEFA

About ELFA
The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) is the trade association that represents companies in the $1 trillion equipment finance sector, which includes financial services companies and manufacturers engaged in financing capital goods. ELFA members are the driving force behind the growth in the commercial equipment finance market and contribute to capital formation in the U.S. and abroad. Its 580 members include independent and captive leasing and finance companies, banks, financial services corporations, broker/packagers and investment banks, as well as manufacturers and service providers. For more information, please visit www.elfaonline.org.


[headlines]
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New Hires---Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries


Laura C. Anger was hired as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Marlin Business Services Corp., Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Previously, she was Human Resources Leader, HARMAN International (October, 2014 - June, 2017); Head of Human Resources, Flagstar Bank (November, 2011 - March, 2014); VP Human Resources, Crain Communications (April, 2003 - November, 2011); Human Resources Manager, GE Capital/Heller Financial (1999 - 2003); HR Director, Kelly Services (1998 -1999); Competency Management Leader, AT&T Capital (1989 -1998).  Volunteer:  Board Member, Brother Rich High School. Certification:  Green Belt, Six Sigma. MBTI, CPP, Inc., PDI Profilor, PDI. Education: Central Michigan University, Bachelor of Science (BS), Marketing/Marketing Management, General. Central Michigan University, Master of Science (MS), Human Resource Management.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-anger-93922b40/


Tim Atkinson was hired as Executive Director at the New York State Veterinary Medical Society, Albany, New York. Previously, he was Director, Membership, Education, and Chapter Support, Commercial Finance Association (August, 2012 - June, 2017); Strategy Consultant, Legacy Connect (January, 2012 - August, 2012); Executive Director, Imago Relationships International (January, 2004 - October, 2011); Chief Development Officer, United Way of Greater Union (September, 2002 - January, 2004); Development Consultant, Ruotolo Associates (2004); Business Development and Technology, BOC (January, 1982 - January, 2000). Volunteer: Board Member, Amber Charter School (June, 2012 - Present). Consultant, Taproot Foundation. Development, Casita Maria, Awarded "Volunteer of the Year." (2003 -2004).  Education: University of Cambridge, M. Geng, Chemical Engineering (1978 -1982).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timatkinsonny/


Ryan Beitz is Co-Founder of Sparkir, Inc, Simi Valley, California. Previously, he was Senior Business Development Manager/West Coast Leader, TimePayment Corp. (May, 2013 - June, 2017).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-beitz-611764b0/


Nick Bionda, CLFP, was hired as Director of Business Development, Finance Exchange, Greater Chicago Area. Previously, he was Vice President, Sales, Ascentium Capital (January, 2017 - July, 2017); National Sales Director, Second City Leasing, LLC (February, 2013 - January, 2017); Sales Representative, Aetna Plywood (September, 2011 - December, 2012); Marketing & Sales Manager, Integrated Separation Solutions, CLLC (august, 2010 - October, 2011). Volunteer:  Vice-Chairman, Wala-pa-looza Rasin' Cash for Cancer (January, 2009 - January, 2015).  Education: Columbia College, Bachelor's Degree, B.S. - Business Administration/Marketing (1996 - 1998).  McHenry High School, General Studies (1982 -1986).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickbionda/


Nick Cicerone was hired as Information Technology Specialist, Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated, Langhorne.  Previously, he was Technician, Fleming Consulting (September, 2015 - January, 2017; Administrative Clerk, LEAF Commercial Capital, Inc. (October 2002 – September 2015 Education: Franklin Towne Charter High School (2000 – 2004).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-cicerone-47b15a22/


Kathy Collatos was hired as Inside Account Manager, Amur Equipment Finance.  She is based in Burlington, Vermont. Previously, she was Senior Business Development Specialist, North Star Leasing Company (July, 2015 - June, 2017); Business Development Manager, Engs Commercial Finance Co. (November 2014 – March 2015); Office Manager, Red Oak Farm (May 2012 – November 2014); Regional V.P. Business Development. Cherry Creek Financial Solutions (2010 –2010); Vice President, Business Development, GE Commercial Finance (October 2003 – January 2009); Vice President, AmSource Capital (September, 2002 – September 2003); Vice President Marketing Manager, Southern Pacific Bancapital (January 2000 – January 2002); Assistant Vice President, Syndications, Capital Associates International, Inc. (January 1998 – January 2000); Manager, Lease Plan USA, Inc.  (January 1994 – January 1998); Contract Manager, First Fleet Corporation (1989 – 1993); Title Coordinator, Chancellor Corporation (1984 – 1987); Intern, White House (September 1979 – January 1980). Education: Skidmore College, BA; of, Political Science; Paralegal studies (1977 – 1981). Kimball Union Academy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-collatos-67a39612/


Richard Hickmon has been named Vice President of Intermediary Relations, VFI Corporate Finance, Salt Lake City, Utah. "In his new role, Hickmon will serve the intermediary market and the middle market arena for VFI. He will be tasked with expanding VFI’s presence within the broker community in which they are an industry leader." He joined the firm August, 2001. Prior, he was National Sales Manager, ACC Capital Corporation (2004 - 2005).  Education: University of Utah, Communications (1990 - 1991).  College of Eastern Utah, AS, Communications (1988 - 1990).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-hickmon-844a651/


Laura Hyland was hired in Lease Operations by Insight Investments, Orange County, California. Previously, she was Director of Operations, Partners Capital Group (September, 2014 - June, 2017); Global Sales Support and Administration Manager, Biolase (2004 - July,2012); Office Manager, Underwriting & funding Bluedot Funding, LLC (2000 - 2004); Program Manager, Vendor Division, Balboa Capital (1999 - 2000); Executive Assistant, Green Tree Financial (1996 - 1999). Certification: Certificate in Paralegal Studies. Education: Coastline College, AA., Liberal Arts, Paralegal Studies (994 -1996). https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-hyland-03959011/ 


Robert Jenkins is now Principle, Zionfunding.net.  He also is Owner-Co-Founder, Shazarri Auto Equipment.  Previously, he was VP of Vendor Relations, First Pacific Funding, Inc. (February, 2017 - May, 2017); Business Development Officer, VFI Corporate Finance (November, 2006 - December, 2016).  Education:  Maryville College, Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A) Activities and Societies: Maryville College Men's Basketball Team (2005 - 2006).  University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Banking and Financial Support Services. Activities and Societies: University of Tennessee Men's Basketball Team (2002 - 2005).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-jenkins-b04921b2/


Patricia Kirk was hired as Vice President of Operations at American Leasing & Financial, Portland, Oregon. She joined the company in 2014, working there as Portfolio Accounts Manager and Staff Accountant until 2015. "She is a graduate of Arizona State University with a BS in Communication and spent the last year and a half as a licensed real estate broker in the State of Oregon. Patricia will oversee all aspects of operations, including quality control for submissions and fundings and expansion of American's marketing programs."


Joe Lewis was hired as Branch Manager, American Lending, Orange, California. Previously, he was President, CORE Financial (January, 2014 - June, 2017); Branch Vice President, World Business Lenders, LLC (March, 2015 - July, 2017); Team Leader, Senior Account Executive, Capital Alliance Group (January, 2013 - January, 2014); Floor Supervisor, Merchant Services, Inc. (April, 2013 - December, 2013); Membership Development Manager, Supplier Excellence Alliance (September, 2008 - January, 2012); Owner, Eco Generations (2008 - 2010); Partner, Eco Generations, LLC (January, 2008 -February, 2009); Realtor, Coldwell Banker Premier Realty, Las Vegas ( August, 1999 - 2006); Provider Relations Representative, Southern California Training Council (January, 1994 - August, 2006); Sales Associate, New Horizons Computer Learning Center. Education: Orange Coast College, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. La Quinta High School (1987 -1990). https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-lewis-a1236713/


Tracy Lewis was hired as Operations Manager, American Lending, Orange County, California.  Previously, she was Operations Coordinator, World Business Lenders, LC (June, 2015 - June, 2017); Marine Insurance Agent, Mariners General Insurance Group (April, 2014 - June, 2015).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-lewis-80382aa/


Ying (Vivian) Liu was hired as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Lexmark, Lexington, Kentucky. Previously, she was Vice President of Finance, Huawei Technology. "Before that, Liu spent eight years in finance jobs with Cisco Systems, and earlier, with Deloitte Financial Advisory Services, Goldman Sachs and Deloitte & Touche LLP. She began her career with China Merchants Bank in Shanghai. Liu holds a bachelor’s degree in international finance from Shanghai University of Finance & Economics and an MBA from the University of Washington in Seattle.

Bill Miller was hired as National Account Manager, Datatec Financial Services, Inc., dba Westcon Finance Services and Logicalis Finance Services, Tarrytown, New York. Previously, he was Vice President Sales, National Accounts, Marlin Business Services Corp (June, 2015 - April, 2017); Vice President Business Development, Emerging Markets, Key Equipment Finance ( November, 2014 - June, 2015); VP Enterprise Sales, CIT Group/CIT Bank (January, 2012 - July, 2014); VP Sales, Avaya Financial Services, The CIT Group (1999 - January, 2012); VP Operations/General Manger, Lucent Technologies Product Finance (1997 - 1999); VP Operations/General Manager, AT&T Credit Corporation (1994 - 1997); VP Business Development, AT&T Capital, Leasing Services (1991 - 1994); Regional VP, Eaton Financial Corp. (February, 1985 - April, 1991).  Education: California State University Chico. BS, Business Administration/Marketing (1979 - 1983).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-miller-66aa756/

 

[headlines]
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Leasing News Help Wanted Testimonial




"As a result of our ad with LN, in last 6 months, we have hired 6 National Account Managers and 1 Funding Coordinator with 15+ years industry experience."


Darren Gardner, CLFP
President
Alliance Capital Corporation
Minneapolis, MN

How to Obtain a Help Wanted Ad
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Hwanted/Hwanted-post.htm

 

[headlines]
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[headlines]
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Updated

Funders Taking "New" Broker Business List

BSB
Bankers Capital 
Forum Leasing
TimePayment

The following “funders” have informed Leasing News they will consider business from “new” third party originators.  Many companies require a
certain length of time in business and other requirements, such as a specific volume of business.  These “funders” will consider submissions from those new in the leasing and finance business: 

Name
In Business Since 
Contact
Website
Leasing Association
Employees
Geo 
Area
Dollar
Amount
Business Reports
A
B
C
D
E

BSB Leasing, Inc.
1992 Colorado, Hawaii
Don Meyerson, Pres.
DMyerson@bsbleasing.com

Bruce Zwillinger, Vice President 800.945.3372 ext. 306
bzwillinger@bsbleasing.co
Steve Crane, CLP
VP, Commercial Division
scrane@bsbleasing.com
Randy Propect, East Coast
rpropect@bsbleasing.com

Vicki Shimkus,CLP 
West Coast Brokers
vshimkus@bsbleasing.com

www.bsbleasing.com
NAELB

16
National
$5,000+
Y
N
N
Y
Y
Bankers Capital
1990
Larry LaChance - President
508-351-6000
llachance@
bankers-capital.com

www.bankers-capital.com
NAELB, NEFA
6
50 states
$25,000 +

Y

Y
N
N
N
Forum Financial Services, Inc.
1996
Tim O'Connor
972.690.9444 ext. 225
tim@forumleasing.com
240 Lake Park Blvd. Suite 112
Richardson, TX 75080
www.forumleasing.com
ELFA, NAELB, NEFA
7
Nationwide
$50,000 - $1.5 million (Our average size transaction is $250,000. Preferred range $100,000 - $500,000)
N/R
N/R
N/R
N/R
N/R
Timepayment Corp
(Subsidiary of
Microfinancial Corp.)
Burlington, Massachusetts
 1989
Scott Baider
scott.baider@
timepayment.com
877-868-3800 x7002  
www.timepayment.com/lease-brokers
  NAELB
175
Nationwide
$500 to $100,000
BBB
Y
N
N
N
Y.

A -Accepts Broker Business | B -Requires Broker be Licensed | C -Sub-Broker Program
| D -"Private label Program" | E - Also "in house" salesmen



[headlines]
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More Information Available

Leasing/Finance Conferences 2017
Save the Dates



Canadian Finance & Leasing Association
September 12 -14
The Delta Okanagan, Kelowna, BC (Wine Country)

 

Program
http://members.cfla-acfl.ca/cfladocs/online%20program.pdf

Hotel
http://members.cfla-acfl.ca/Conference2017/Hotel.aspx

Free Shuttle Service
http://members.cfla-acfl.ca/Conference2017/Shuttle_Bus.aspx

Organized Activities
http://members.cfla-acfl.ca/Conference2017/Organized_Activities.aspx





Register/Agenda/Exhibitors/Hotel Information
https://www.naelb.org/events/event-description?CalendarEventKey=4d5fa9e3-972e-4a39-b75e-c7e4aa5ba9da&Home=%2fhome




October 4, 2017 - October, 6
2017 Funding Symposium
JW Marriott Buckhead
Atlanta, Georgia

Register and conference details


October 11, 2017 - October 13, 2017
Lend360
Fairmount Dallas, Texas

LEND360 brings together the entire ecosystem of online lending, including consumer, small business and marketplace lenders, tech platforms, legal counsel, investors, marketing and advertising professionals and more.

It will be three days packed with content following four tracks:
Policy and regulation
Business Lending
Consumer Lending
Advertising, Marketing, Data & Analytics

View Agenda
http://www.lend360.org/2017-agenda/


October 17, 2017 - October 19, 2017
2017 56th Annual Convention
Gaylord Resort & Convention Center
Orlando, Florida


Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, a Marriott Hotel

What makes this conference difference are funders and brokers who normally do not attend conferences, but come from all parts of the United States. This is not just for members of one group, but open to all, many who do not belong to finance and leasing associations, including specialists with specific followings in business loans, equipment finance and leasing, merchant advance, working capital and other commercial financial transactions.

"Our registration is now open and we anticipate over 600 brokers 
to attend based on the success of last year and growth we experienced."

Kris D. Roglieri
kris@commercialcapitaltraining.com

For More Information:
www.naclb.org


October 22, 2017 - October 24, 2017
2017 56th Annual Convention
Orlando, Florida

Brochure/Schedule of Events/Speakers/Registration
https://www.elfaonline.org/cvweb_elfa/cgi-bin/documentdll.dll/view?DOCUMENTNUM=1649&DOCUMENTNUM=1649


October 22, 2017 -  October, 26, 2017
The Palazzo and Sands Convention Center
Venetian Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada

Speakers and More Information
https://10times.com/money/speakers



“Positioning Today’s Lessors for Tomorrow” in Dubai,
United Arab Emirates / October 30 – 31, 2017

Amembal & Halladay is pleased to announce that our Management Symposium, “Positioning Today’s Lessors for Tomorrow”, will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from October 30th – 31st of 2017.

Critical operational factors such as funding, improving profitability, identifying vulnerabilities and assessing the company’s financial health are explored in depth.  The speakers, including leasing company executives, will provide insights into successfully shepherding the leasing company into the future.

All members of management will greatly benefit from attending this symposium, including CEOs, CFOs, COOs, middle managers, and those being groomed for management positions.

Registration is now open with an early bird discount in effect until August 15, 2017.

Contact Kelly Farnham for more information and to register:
kelly@amembalandhalladay.com



8:00AM - 6:00PM EST

Tickets
$499 ( + $28.44 fee) Early Bird
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fintech-world-summit-2017-the-evolution-of-finance-tickets-34997256737#tickets

For More Information, please go here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fintech-world-summit-2017-the-evolution-of-finance-tickets-34997256737?aff=es2 




November 7, 2017
The Regency Ballroom
1300 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94109

$100 Early Bird
Information:
https://www.empirefintechconference.com/pages/sf2017


Western Regional Meeting
November 17 - 18, 2017
Doubletree by Hilton - Anaheim
Anaheim, California

Presentation Proposal for November 17 - 18, Orange, California
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/REGIONALSESSSION

 

 


[headlines]

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Site Inspection Services
Updated

Asset Appraisals Services Dover Management Group, Inc.
Bee-Line Corporation Inspection Services
C. and A. Courier Inspection Services LeaseInspection.com
C&C Asset management, Inc. Quiktrak, Inc.
Collateral Specialists Inc. RTR Services, Inc.
Checkmate Inspections  
Douglas Guardian Services Corp. Railroad Technology Corporation

For full List:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Site_Insp/Default.htm

 

[headlines]
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Federal Reserve Beige Book Report
July 2017

Overall Economic Activity

Economic activity expanded across all twelve Federal Reserve Districts in June, with the pace of growth ranging from slight to moderate. In addition, the majority of Districts expected modest to moderate gains in the months ahead. Consumer spending appears to be rising across a majority of Districts, led by increases in nonauto retail sales and tourism. However, many Districts noted some softening in consumer spending, particularly in auto sales which declined in half of the Districts. Manufacturing and nonfinancial services activity continued to grow, with most Districts reporting modest to moderate gains since the last report. Loan demand was steady to increasing in most Districts. Residential and nonresidential construction activity was flat to expanding in most Districts. Most Districts cited low home inventory levels in certain market segments which were constraining home sales in many areas. Agricultural conditions were mixed across the nation as moisture conditions varied considerably; several Districts continued to report weakness in dairy and some crop sectors due to low prices. Energy activity generally improved since the last survey, particularly for oil and natural gas. Coal production remained sluggish although higher than year-ago levels.

Full Report (32 pages)
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/BeigeBook_July,%202017.pdf

 


[headlines]
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##### Press Release ############################

ELFF Reports Q3 Economic Outlook Forecasts
3.6% Growth in Equipment & Software Investment


Washington, DC,– Investment in equipment and software is expected to grow 3.6 percent in 2017, according to the Q3 update to the 2017 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook released today by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation. The Foundation revised its 2017 equipment and software investment growth forecast up from 2.8% growth expected in its Q2 update to the 2017 Economic Outlook released in April. The report predicts that equipment and software investment should continue to bounce back from a lackluster 2016 after a solid start in the first quarter of 2017, driven by overall improvements in business confidence and a more positive outlook for the industrial sector. The Foundation’s report, which is focused on the $1 trillion equipment leasing and finance industry, highlights key trends in equipment investment and places them in the context of the broader U.S. economic climate. The report will be updated quarterly throughout 2017.

Ralph Petta, President of the Foundation and President and CEO of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, said, “Stronger-than-expected first quarter capital investment points to a more robust forecast for the year. This is borne out not only by industry performance metrics, but also by anecdotal reports from leasing and finance executives in a variety of key industry sectors. Headwinds emanating from Washington, DC may alter this trajectory as the summer wears on, but, for now, it appears that 2017 growth should eclipse that in 2016."

Highlights from the study include:
• Equipment and software investment experienced a bright first quarter of 2017 growing at an annualized rate of 7.4%, its strongest pace in two years. Stabilized oil prices, improved business confidence and credit market stability should lead to solid investment growth of 3.6% in 2017, a significant improvement over 2016.

• U.S. economic growth in the second half of 2017 is likely to yield a notable improvement on first quarter growth of just 1.4% due to a rebound in consumer spending, solidly positive business investment and a strengthening global economy. Overall, the U.S. economy is projected to grow 2.4% in 2017—a slight downgrade from 2.5% in the Foundation’s Q2 forecast, but still a significant improvement over 1.6% growth in 2016.

• Though 2017 is shaping up to be a better year for U.S. economic growth than 2016, headwinds to watch include U.S. trade policy uncertainty and budget battles. Continued political gridlock also makes it increasingly unlikely that Congress will agree on major pro-growth legislation such as tax cuts or infrastructure spending in 2017.

• The Foundation-Keybridge U.S. Equipment & Software Investment Momentum Monitor, which is included in the report, tracks 12 equipment and software investment verticals. The Momentum Monitor Sector Matrix provides a customized data visualization of current values of each vertical based on recent momentum and historical strength. Of the 12 verticals, 11 posted positive annualized growth in Q1.

Over the next three to six months:

  • Agriculture machinery investment may grow modestly on a year-over-year basis.
  • Construction machinery investment growth is likely to improve somewhat.
  • Materials handling equipment investment should improve.
  • All other industrial equipment investment should maintain a slow growth trajectory.
  • Medical equipment investment growth is likely to weaken.
  • Mining and oilfield machinery investment growth should continue a strong recovery.
  • Aircraft investment growth may decelerate.
  • Ships and boats investment growth is expected to strengthen.
  • Railroad equipment investment growth should continue to improve.
  • Trucks investment growth is poised for a resurgence.
  • Computers investment growth is set to improve.
  • Software investment growth should remain steady.

The Foundation produces the Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook report in partnership with economic and public policy consulting firm Keybridge Research. The annual economic forecast provides a three-to-six month outlook for industry investment with data, including a summary of investment trends in key equipment markets, credit market conditions, the U.S. macroeconomic outlook and key economic indicators. The Q3 report is the second update to the 2017 Annual Outlook, and will be followed by one more quarterly update before the publication of the 2018 Annual Outlook in December.  
Download the full report at www.leasefoundation.org/research/eo/


###
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring thoughtful innovation and contributing to the betterment of the equipment leasing and finance industry.  Funded through charitable individual and corporate donations, the Foundation focuses on the development of in-depth, independent research and resources for the advancement of equipment finance industry knowledge. Visit the Foundation online at www.LeaseFoundation.org.

All Foundation studies are available for free download from the Foundation’s online library at http://store.leasefoundation.org/.

Follow the Foundation:
Twitter: @LeaseFoundation
Facebook: Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10989281

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

 

 

[headlines]
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Fernando's View
By Fernando F. Croce

Effervescent action (“Baby Driver”) and inspirational drama (“Maudie”) come to theaters, while new DVD releases offer unsettling horror (“A Cure for Wellness”), sweet animation (“My Life as a Zucchini”), and a trio of French classics (“The Marseille Trilogy”).

In theaters:


Baby Driver (Columbia Pictures): Two wildly different genres, the musical and the action film, effervescently mix in the breathless new film from director Edgar Wright (“Shaun of the Dead”). The eponymous Baby (Ansel Elgort) is a young getaway driver who, left with a ringing in his ear since a childhood accident, plugs into a wide-ranging collection of songs in the midst of daring chases. Under the control of a crime boss named Doc (Kevin Spacey), Baby sees a chance to change his life when Deborah (Lily James), a comely waitress, enters the picture. But with capers and hoods gettng more vicious by the minute, can the two lovebirds escape before it’s too late? Crafted with kinetic driving sequences and romantic musical numbers, Wright’s colorful crowd-pleaser plays like a cinematic jukebox on wheels.


Maudie (Sony Picture Classics): Sally Hawkins shines in this inspirational biopic about Canadian painter Maud Lewis, who overcame a variety of hardships to find triumph in her art. Beginning in the 1930s, the film follows Maud in her rural Nova Scotia surroundings, where her undying positivity contrasts with her painful physical hurdles—most notably, the arthritis that affects the hands she would later use for her famous folk paintings. Seeking a break from her overbearing family, she answers an ad for work from an isolated fish seller named Everett (Ethan Hawke). As a prickly but tender bond grows between them, so does Maud’s world as her work is noticed by art dealers. Directed by Aisling Walsh with patience and sweetness, the film is a cozy portrait of the perseverance of an artistic soul.

Netflix Tip: Though best-known for the Oscar-winning blockbuster “Rocky,” director John G. Avildsen (1935-2017) tackled a variety of genres in his eclectic career. So check out Netflix for some of his best films, which include “Joe” (1970), “Save the Tiger” (1973), “Neighbors” (1981), “The Karate Kid” (1984), and “Lean on Me” (1989).

On DVD:

A Cure for Wellness(Twentieth-Century Fox): Better known for rambunctious mega-sized blockbusters like the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series, director Gore Verbinski goes Gothic in this atmospheric shocker. Evincing fragrant echoes of the horror classic “The Shining,” the story follows a Wall Street executive named Lockhart (Dane DeHaan) who’s determined to bring back the company’s CEO (Harry Groener) from a mysterious “wellness center” in Europe. Unsettled by the spa’s strange treatments, Lockhart is nevertheless forced to stay there after a car accident, leading to a slew of incidents which may or may not be hallucinations. A canny visual stylist with a yen for the elaborately grotesque, Verbinski goes here into horror mode with all-stops-out gusto, keeping audience members on their toes to the eerie end.


My Life as a Zucchini(GKids): One of 2016’s nominees for Best Animated Feature, this Swiss-French stop-motion comedy is as quirky and magical as its title. It revolves around Courgette (voiced by Gaspard Schlatter), a 9-year-old boy who must comes to terms with his own loneliness following the disappearance of his mother. Befriend by a police officer named Raymond (Michel Vuillermoz), he finds himself tying to adapt at the new life in a home for orphans. The potentially bleak environment is illuminated by new friendships, however, and soon Courgette grows close to Camille (Sixtine Murat), a little girl with secrets of her own. Directed by Claude Barras, this warm, deft and sweet film manages to pack quite a few life lessons in its brief running time. With subtitles.


The Marseille Trilogy (Criterion): One of the most acclaimed French writers in the 1930s, Marcel Pagnol came up with a distinctive combination of humor and pathos for his provincial characters. That combination is best captured in this famous, flavorful trilogy of movies, which follow romance and heartbreak over the course of the years in a close-knit community. The simple story charts the ups and downs in the lives of Marius (Pierre Fresnay), a young man who dreams of sailing off into the sea; Fanny (Orane Demazis), his sweetheart and eventually mother of his son; and Cesar (legendary theater star Raimu), Marius’ gruff but kindhearted father. Shot in 1931, 1932 and 1936, these irresistible films continue to shine due thanks to their romanticism and humanity, and are worth discovering. With subtitles.

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Australian Shepherd
Plano, Texas Adopt-a-Dog


Mollie
ID A143562
Female
14 months old
Crate Trained
House Trained,
Current on Vaccinations

"Mollie is a beautiful dog who loves to fetch and play with stuffed animals. She is an affectionate dog who is crate trained and is very smart. She knows commands such as sit, stay and come and is friendly with other dogs as well as cats but will be best in a home without children. Mollie is 14 months of age and was given up by her owner.

"Adopted animals are not able to go to their new home until spay and neuter surgery has been done. When calling or emailing about an animal, please be sure to use the animal identification number that starts with A."

PLANO ANIMAL SHELTER
972-769-4360
4028 Plano Parkway
Plano, TX 75093
debbien@plano.gov

Animal Shelter Hours
ANIMAL VISITS END
15 MINUTES
BEFORE CLOSING
Closed Monday
Tuesday - Friday
9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Adoption Fee: $80

Adoption fees include the following services:
Spay/neuter surgery
First set of vaccinations (including rabies)
Heartworm test for dogs (if over six months of age)
Heartworm treatment if the dog tests positive
Microchip implantation and registration
Collar and tags
Other goodies

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

 

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Leasing News Classified

Accounting / Aircraft / Appraisals

Appraisals: Boston, MA
Nationwide appraisals, remarketing, audits, inspections and more! Over 15-years industry experience and dedicated to deliver personal, prompt, professional services. 
Call Chris @ 508-785-1277. 
Email:
chris@dovermanagementgroup.com
 

   

Appraisals: National Equipment Appraisal prepares Certified Machinery and Equipment Appraisals. IRS qualified, USPAP Compliant. Nationwide - fast turnaround.
Visit 
nationalequipmentappraisal.com
 or
call 714-282-1525.
Accounting: Dallas, TX
Provide cost effective Sales and Use Tax and Property Tax consulting and administration Services to the leasing industry. Many leasing industry referrals available.
E-mail: mattm@osgsolutions.com 
Accounting: National Property Tax Compliance Services to the leasing industry. Over 80 years experience and 70 Lessors as clients. References and free quotes available
440.871.0555
E-mail gary@avptc.com 
  
Aircraft Delivery: Seattle, WA 
Global Aircraft Delivery ferries all types of aircraft all over the world. We are a unique ferry company moving your aircraft with our expert turnkey operation.
www.globalaircraftdelivery.com 
E-mail:info@globalaircraftdelivery.com
Asset Management: Canada 
Cease Bailiff Services Incorporated:
Asset Investigation/Tracing; Asset Recoveries; Asset Protection/Security
Asset Liquidations/Sales; Ottawa, Canada; www.ceasebailiff.ca dave@ceasebailiff.ca; Phone 613 898 7376 ; Fax 613 225 2452

Asset/Recovery & Collections:
Charlotte, NC
IRTC Continencies: Commercial Collections-Skip Trace- Repossessions-judgment enforcement-Investigations- Asset Re-marketing& No Cost Warehousing East Coast USA. Call 336-877-3077 ask for Robert or
E-mail to Robert@mbsfinancial.com

Nationwide Seasoned anfair priced workforce is at your service for all lease collections, repossessions, and asset liquidations, appraisals.  Call Nassau Asset Management 800-462-7728   dcastagna@nasset.com  

Asset/Recovery: NorthWest 
Sequent provides collateral recovery, remarketing, and storage services to lenders with assets located in the greater Pacific Northwest. Professional services at reasonable pricing. Contact rossr@sequentam.com
Asset Marketing/Recovery: Remarking solutions for big rigs assets and trucking related companies including collections, recovery, repair and re-sales. North South Leasing cell # 586-909-8797 bob@nsleasing.com
Appraisals/Asset Recovery
Melville, New York
Auctions, Appraisals, National Repossessions.  ALL asset classes. 20+ year team works for you. Spend less, Net More… Fast!
Ed Castagna 516-229-1968 
ecastagna@inplaceauction.com
Appraisals/Inspections – Construction & Mining Heavy Equipment, Transport, Agriculture and Manufacturing. We provide Certified Appraisal Reports, (USPAP Compliant), Inventory Inspections, Collateral Valuation, VIN and Serial Number Verification with Detailed Photos, Lessee and Vendor Site Inspections including Customized Inspections. In a Hurry? Try our Kwik-Kwote 
Email
www.MobileEquipAppraisals.com

 

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News Briefs----

Wells Fargo Trims Auto Leasing/Loans as Market Cools,
     Risk Overhaul Kicks In
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-wells-fargo-autos-idUSKBN19X0FQ 

Allstate to Start Offering Business Loans
Insurance Giant Partners with CIT Northbridge Credit LLC
http://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/allstate-to-start-offering-loans-72742.aspx

Annual Study Finds Investment Firms Increase Operations
    and Technology Spending in 2017
www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/annual-study-finds-investment-firms-increase-operations-and-technology-spending-in-2017-300486971.html

LeBron James Is Behind the Fastest Growing
     Restaurant Chain in America
http://www.foodandwine.com/news/lebron-james-blaze-pizza

 


[headlines]
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You May Have Missed---

Allstate Loan Auto Loan Calculator
  What You Can Afford
https://www.allstate.com/tools-and-resources/car-insurance/auto-loan-calculator.aspx


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Baseball Poem

http://leasingnews.org/items/catcher3.jpg


The Catchers Learns the Motion
by Tim Peeler


and is often the hub of the movements,
he reads the Morse code of the pitcher
and returns the speech of the dumb,
he loves the sphere and its ridges,
rips it from the tight mitt
with or against the seams
whistles it from a frog squat.
the catcher learns
he is the hat of the hat dance,

the pitcher may think himself
the center of gravity,
but the catcher
waits at the apex of the great angles,

slaps the leather trap
on the errant razor
as it spits up from the dust.

the catcher imprints the motions of the hitters,
checks the rhythm of their passages,
knows he must slip an extra measure
at the end of their cha-cha-cha,

the catcher is the great disturber,
can cock twice on his return throw,
spit on the plate, call for the "buzzer"
block the ump's clear visage,

bilingual kamikaze
chattering like a wired chimp,
muttering with silent busted digits,
sacrificing legs
to the varicose crouch and
the ruinous crunch
of the few that get through
to thin armor.

Touching All Bases
Poems from Baseball
Tim Peeler
www.mcfarlandpub.com

 

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Sports Briefs----


Knicks to hire Kings exec Scott Perry as next GM
http://nypost.com/2017/07/13/knicks-have-sights-on-kings-exec-as-next-gm/

For Omri Casspi, more wins with Warriors easily trumps more money
http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/07/12/for-omri-casspi-more-wins-with-warriors-easily-trumps-more-money/

NFL Distributes Revenue to 32 Teams
  Total Revenue $14 Billion, Goodell Expects $25 Billion 2027
http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/


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California Nuts Briefs---

Adobe sets big San Jose expansion for 3,000 workers downtown
http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/13/adobe-sets-big-san-jose-expansion-near-proposed-google-village/?utm_source=newslet

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“Gimme that Wine”

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

Napa vineyard owners vote to continue assessment
   for farm-worker housing
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/business/7189532-181/napa-vineyard-owners-vote-to?ref=menu

Family Roots Run Deep in the Paso Robles CAB Collective
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataid=186937

Lake Sonoma Winery Releases 2016 Rosé of Sangiovese
https://www.winebusiness.com/newReleases/?go=getArticle&dataid=186931

Wine Barrel Market: Demand for Wine to be Leading Factor behind Sales
http://www.techyounme.com/wine-barrel-market-demand-for-wine-to-be-leading-factor-behind-sales/

Does Alcohol Underpin Mankind's Entire History?
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2017/07/does-alcohol-underpin-mankinds-entire-history/

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/

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

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----------------------------------------------------------------

This Day in American History

        1771 - Father Junipero Serra (1713-84) founded Mission San Antonio De Padua San Antonio Valley. This valley was the heart of Indian homeland, which ranged from California’s Carmel Valley to Morro Bay. Mission San Antonio produced wine, flour, leather, and everything else to support a population of several thousand souls. After a while, the indigenous people began dying from the Europeans' diseases. Then Mexico won the territory from Spain in a revolution, but began losing political control of California. In 1949, the Randolph Hearst family traded the land with the mission to the U.S. Government.
http://www.pelicannetwork.net/mission.san.antonio.htm
    1773 - The first annual conference of the Methodist Church in America convened at St. George's Church in Philadelphia, PA.
    1798 - Tax was levied by Congress directly on the states by authority of the act of July 14, 1798. It was levied on dwellings, land, and slaves. The amount to be collected was $2 million, apportioned to the states in direct ratio to the population.  Also on this day, Congress passed the Sedition Act, making it a federal crime to publish false, scandalous or malicious writing about the U.S. government.
    1813 – Lt. John M. Gamble (1731-1836) was the first, and remains the only Marine to command a ship in battle (prize vessel Greenwich in capture of British whaler Seringapatam).
    1825 - The visit of the Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834) to America in 1824-1825 was in every sense a triumphal procession. The 2nd Battalion, 11th New York Artillery, was one of many militia turned out to welcome him. This unit decided to adopt the title “National Guard” in honor of Lafayette’s command of the Garde Nationale de Paris during the French Revolution. The 2d Battalion, later designated as the 7th Regiment, was prominent in the line of March on the occasion of Lafayette’s final passage through New York en route home to France. Taking note of the troops named for his old command, he alighted from his carriage and walked down the line clasping each officer by the hand as he proceeded. The 7th New York, with its designation “National Guard” went on to become one of the most famous of all Guard units well into the 20th century. Its nickname has come to represent all American militia for more than century. His visit was extremely well received everywhere he went; a hero of the Revolutionary War.
    1850 – The first public demonstration of ice made by refrigeration was held.
    1853 - Commodore Matthew Perry (1794-1858) met with Prince Toda and Prince Ido at a ceremony at Kurihama, Japan, and presented a letter from former Pres. Fillmore to Emperor Osahito, requesting trade relations.
    1853 – The opening of the first major US world’s fair, Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations, in New York City.
    1862 – Florence Bascom’s (1862-1945) birthday in Williamstown, MA.  U.S. geologist.  She was the first woman to receive a Ph.D. degree from any U.S. university (Johns Hopkins) and was instrumental in making Bryn Mawr College a major center for geology as its longtime, much revered professor. She was the first woman to be elected a fellow of the Geological Society of America. Her domestic partner, Julia Anna Gardner (b. 01-26-1882), was also a geologist who did important work in economic geology and assisted in the strategic planning efforts of WWII.
 http://www.angelfire.com/anime2/100import/bascom.html
http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/view/GG/fga56.html
    1864 - Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest suffers his biggest defeat when Union General Andrew J. Smith routs his forces in Tupelo, Mississippi. The battle came just a month after the Battle of Brice's Crossroads, in which Forrest engineered a brilliant victory over a larger Union force from Memphis that was designed to keep him from threatening General William T. Sherman's supply lines in Tennessee. Hoping to neutralize Forrest, Sherman sent Smith's expedition to destroy Forrest and his cavalry. Smith left LaGrange, Tennessee, on June 22 with 14,000 troops. Forrest and his cavalry were part of a 10,000-man force commanded by General Stephen Lee, but Forrest and Lee shared command responsibilities. Forrest's strategy at Tupelo was similar to his tactics at the Battle of West Point, Mississippi, five months earlier. In both battles, Forrest used part of his force to entice the Yankees into a trap. The plan worked well at West Point, but in Tupelo, Smith did not take the bait. Instead of driving right at Forrest, Smith dug his troops in around Tupelo. Lee and Forrest were uneasy about attacking the Yankees, but they agreed to try to drive Smith out of Mississippi. The assault began on the morning of July 14. Smith's Union troops were in an ideal position for fending off an attack. The Confederates had to fight uphill across nearly a mile of open terrain. Lee struck one flank and Forrest struck the other. Poor communication ruined the Rebels' coordination, and after three hours they had not breached the Union line. Although Lee was the ranking Confederate, he had offered Forrest command of the battle. Forrest declined, but assigning blame for the defeat is difficult. Union losses stood at 674, while Forrest and Lee lost over 1,300 soldiers.
http://www.civilwarhome.com/natbio.htm
http://ngeorgia.com/people/forrest.html
http://www.blueshoenashville.com/history.html
    1868 - The tape measure was patented by Alvin J. Fellows of New Haven, Connecticut
    1874 – A fire burned down 47 acres of Chicago, just south of the loop, destroying 812 buildings, killing 20.  Coming as it did a mere three years after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the fire insurance industry demanded municipal reforms from Chicago's city council’s fire prevention and firefighting efforts.
    1881 - Outlaw William H. Bonney Jr., alias Billy the Kid, was shot and killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in Fort Sumner, N.M.
    1891 - African-American John Standard, inventor, receives patent for his improvement on the refrigerator.
http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bljohnstandard.htm
    1892 - The Baptist Young People's Union held its first national convention in Detroit. The founding of the BYP Union was inspired by the earlier work of Francis E. Clark, a Congregational pastor who founded the first 'modern' youth fellowship in 1881.
    1894 – Cartoonist, animator Dave Fleischer (1894-1979) was born at New York City.  Among the cartoon series Fleischer supervised were “Talkartoons,” “Betty Boop,” “Popeye The Sailor,” “Color Classics,” “Superman,” and several others.
    1896 - Los Angeles had its greatest 24 hour July rainfall with 0.24 inches.
    1898 – Birthday of former congressman from Kentucky and MLB Commissioner A.B. “Happy” Chandler (1898-1991) in Corydon, KY.  He represented the state in the Senate and served as its 44th and 49th Governor. In 1945, Chandler resigned his senate seat to succeed the late Kennesaw Mountain Landis as commissioner of baseball. His most significant action as commissioner was the approval of Jackie Robinson’s contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers, thereby integrating Major League Baseball for the first time since the early 20th century. He also established the first pension fund for Major League players, earning him the title "the players' commissioner". Baseball owners were upset with Chandler's governance, however, and did not renew his contract in 1951.  He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.
    1900 – Chick Fraser fired a one-hitter for the Phillies in a 1 - 0 win over the Boston Bees. He will become part of the first big lawsuit challenging the reserve clause in the 20th century.
    1903 - Novelist Irving Stone (1903-89), was born Irving Tannenbaum, San Francisco, Ca.  Among the best known of his works are “Lust for Life” (1934), about the life of van Gogh, and “The Agony and the Ecstasy” (1961), about Michelangelo.
http://www.answers.com/topic/irving-stone
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/authors/Irving_Stone.htm
    1906 – Birthday of Tom Carvel (1906-1990), born Thomas A. Carvelas, of ice cream fame.  He was a Greek-born American known for the invention and promotion of soft ice cream in the northeastern US, and he was the founder of the Carvel brand and franchise.
    1910 - Birthday of William Hanna (1910-2001) at Melrose, New Mexico. He was the co-creator of such popular characters as Tom and Jerry, Yogi Bear, Snagglepuss and Magilla Gorilla. With partner Joe Barbera, he won seven Academy Awards for his Tom and Jerry cartoon shorts and another eight works were nominated.  The Hanna-Barbera team created the first animated TV sitcom for adults, “The Flintstones” (1960), and such favorites as “The Jetsons” and “Scooby-Doo, Where are You?”
    1911 – Harry Atwood, an exhibition pilot for the Wright Brothers, lands his airplane at the South Lawn of the White House. He is later awarded a gold medal from President Taft for this feat.      
    1912 - Birthday of Woodrow Wilson “Woody” Guthrie (1912-67), American folksinger, song writer (“This Land is Your Land,” “Union Maid,” “Hard Traveling,”) at Okemah, OK.   Traveled the country by freight train, singing and listening. Father of singer Arlo Guthrie.
 http://www.cooper.edu/~george/born2win.html
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wwghtml/wwghome.html
CHORUS: This land is your land, this land is my land
From California to the New York island
From the Redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me
As I was walking that ribbon of highway
I saw above me that endless skyway
I saw below me that golden valley
This land was made for you and me
I roamed and rambled and followed my footsteps
O'er the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts
While all around me, a voice was saying
This land was made for you and me
When the sun came shining and I was strolling
And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling
As the fog was lifting, a voice was chanting
This land was made for you and me
As I went walking, I saw a sign there
On the sign it said NO TRESPASSING
But on the other side it didn't say nothing
That side was made for you and me!
In the squares of the city, in the shadow of the steeple
In the relief office, I seen my people;
As they stood there hungry I stood there asking,
Is this land made for you and me?
Nobody living can ever stop me
As I go walking that freedom highway
Nobody living can make me turn back
This land was made for you and me
    1913 - Birthday of Gerald Ford (1913-2006), 38th President of the United States (1974-77), born Leslie King at Omaha, NE. Ford became 41st Vice President of the US on December 6, 1973, by appointment, following the resignation of Spiro T. Agnew from that office on October 10, 1973. Ford became President on August 9, 1974, following President Richard M. Nixon’s resignation in an attempt to avoid imminent impeachment over his involvement in Watergate and its cover-up. He remains the only non-elected Vice President and President of the US.
    1918 - Birthday of Jay Forrester (d. 2016), a pioneer in computer memory, Anselmo, NE. Forrester studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he later became a professor and researcher. In 1945, he founded MIT's Digital Computer Laboratory and helped build an early digital computer called the "Whirlwind I." His work at the lab made him realize that existing information storage techniques were slow and, even worse, unreliable. In 1949, he developed a way to use a magnetic cell to store information. The random-access magnetic core memory became a central feature of most digital computers. Forrester later applied computer science to management problems, creating computer simulations of real world problems in manufacturing and other processes.
    1921 – Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti case goes to the jury. At 7:30 in the evening, the jury returns its verdict: both are found guilty of murder in the first degree in Dedham, Mass. of killing a shoe company paymaster and his guard. Their long years of appeals and massive protests world-wide began as they were executed in 1927.  Since their deaths, a consensus of critical opinion has concluded that the two men were convicted largely because of anti-Italian prejudice and their political beliefs and were therefore unjustly executed.   Investigations of the case continued throughout the 1930s and 1940s. The publication of the men's letters, containing eloquent professions of innocence, intensified belief in their wrongful execution. Additional ballistics tests and incriminating statements by the men's acquaintances have clouded the case. In 1977, Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis issued a proclamation that Sacco and Vanzetti had been unfairly tried and convicted and that "any disgrace should be forever removed from their names."
    1923 - Birthday of Frances Lear (1923-96) in Hudson, NY.  U.S. publisher of Lear Magazine for "the woman who wasn't born yesterday." It failed. It cost her $25 million of the estimated $100-112 million she received as a divorce settlement from her partner-husband Norman Lear, producer of two of TV's biggest hits, “All in the Family” and “Maude,” the latter allegedly based on Frances Lear's life as a businesswoman and a feminist activist.
    1923 – Birthday of actor Dale Robertson (1923-2013), at Harrah, OK.  Robertson is best known for his lead roles as Jim Hardie in television’s “Tales of Wells Fargo” and as Ben Calhoun in “The Iron Horse.”  He was also the last of the hosts of “Death Valley Days”.  Less known is his military record wherein he served in the US Army 322nd Combat Engineer Battalion of the 97th Infantry Division in Europe during World War II and was wounded twice. He received the Bronze and Silver Star medals.  
    1929 - Birthday of Alan Dawson (1929-96), drummer, Marietta, PA
    1930 – Birthday of actress Polly Bergen, (1930-2014) born Nellie Paulina Burgin in Knoxville, TN.
    1932 – Roosevelt “Rosie” Grier was born at Cuthbert, GA.  Rosie was an actor, singer, minister, and NFL defensive tackle of the famed “Fearsome Foursome” of the LA Rams.  A Bobby Kennedy confidant, Grier was Ethel Kennedy’s bodyguard who wrestled the gun from the hand of convicted RFK assassin Sirhan Sirhan on the night of the assassination at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.
    1934 - 116ø F (47ø C), Orogrande, New Mexico (state record)
    1936 - 116ø F (47ø C), Collegeville, Indiana (state record)
    1940 - In the aftermath of beanball wars, Spalding advertised a batting helmet with ear flaps in “The Sporting News.” Players express no interest, but next year the Brooklyn Dodgers introduced cap liner, which some batters start to use.
    1942 - It was their last duet together for Helen O’Connell and Bob Eberly when they recorded "Brazil" with the Jimmy Dorsey band.
    1943 - The first national monument dedicated to an African-American was the George Washington Carver National Monument, authorized this day, officially established on June 14, 1951, and dedicated on July 14, 1953. It consists of 210 acres about 2.5 miles southwest of Diamond in Newton County, MO and it is administered by the National Park Service.
http://www.nps.gov/gwca/
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/national_parks/
washington_carver_area98.pdf

    1946 - Player-manager Lou Boudreau of the Cleveland Indians hit four doubles and one home run, but Ted Williams belted three homers and drove in eight runs, as the Red Sox topped the Tribe, 11-10. In the Sox's second-game win, the famous Boudreau Shift debuted. Boudreau shifted all his players, except the 3B and LF, to the right side of the diamond in an effort to stop Williams. Ted grounds out and walks twice while ignoring the shift.
    1946 - Birthday of Vincent Pastore in The Bronx.  He played Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero of “The Sopranos.”  Earlier in his career he had minor roles in “Goodfellas” and “Carlito’s Way.”
    1947 - Top Hits
“Peg o’ My Heart” - The Harmonicats
“I Wonder, I Wonder, I Wonder” - Eddy Howard
“Chi-Baba, Chi-Baba” - Perry Como
“Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)” - Tex Williams
    1948 - The New Yorker publishes J. D. Salinger's intriguing short story of infidelity and self-deception, "Pretty Mouth & Green My Eyes."
    1950 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Mona Lisa," Nat King Cole. The song, which tops Billboard's pop chart for eight weeks, is featured in the film "Capt. Carey, U.S.A.," and sells more than 3 million copies. The song receives a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1992.
    1951 - Citation, winner of the 1949 Triple Crown, became the first horse to pass the $1 million mark in career earnings by winning the Hollywood Gold Cup, after which the colt was retired. Citation raced 45 times, won $1,085,760--- and finished out of the money only once.
    1955 - The film version of “Mister Roberts,” starring Henry Fonda and James Cagney, opened in New York. Jack Lemmon later won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, and the movie received a nomination for Best Picture.
    1955 - Top Hits
“Rock Around the Clock” - Bill Haley & His Comets
“Learnin’ the Blues” - Frank Sinatra
“Hard to Get” - Giselle Mackenzie
“A Satisfied Mind” - Porter Wagoner
    1957 - On CBS radio, comedian Stan Freberg presented a new weekly comedy program. Though Freberg was well known for certain radio commercials, he was a late comer to the radio program race. Television was blamed for the short life of “The Stan Freberg Show.”
    1957 – Bill “Moose” Skowron of the Yankees hit a Major League record second pinch grand slam of the season, off Jim Wilson of the White Sox, in the second game of a doubleheader. Skowron's hit comes in the 9th as the Yanks score six runs to win, 6 - 4.
    1960 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "I'm Sorry," Brenda Lee.
    1962 - Bobby Vinton’s “Roses are Red” became the top song in the U.S. The song stayed at the top for four weeks and was the first of four #1 hits for Vinton. The others were: “Blue Velvet,” “There! I’ve Said It Again,” and “Mr. Lonely.” “Roses are Red” was also Vinton’s first million-seller. He had two others: “I Love How You Love Me” (#9 in 1968) and “My Melody of Love” (#3 in 1974.)
    1963 - Top Hits
“Easier Said Than Done” - The Essex
“Surf City” - Jan & Dean
“Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport” - Rolf Harris
“Act Naturally” - Buck Owens
    1964 - The Rolling Stones score their first #1 hit in the UK with their cover of Bobby Womack's "It's All Over Now."
    1965 - The American space probe Mariner 4 flew by Mars, sending back photographs of the planet.
    1966 - Eight student nurses were murdered by Richard Speck in a Chicago dormitory.
    1967 - Eddie Mathews of the Houston Astros hit the 500th home run of his career off Juan Marichal of the San Francisco Giants. Houston beat the Giants, 8-6. Mathews played in the Majors from 1952 through 1968, mostly with the Milwaukee Braves, and finished with 512 homers.
    1967 - Steve Miller Blues Band and The Sunshine Company concert at California Hall in San Francisco.
    1967 - The Who begins its first U.S. tour, opening for Herman's Hermits.
    1968 - Henry Aaron of the Atlanta Braves hit the 500th home run of his career, connecting off lefthander Mike McCormick of the San Francisco Giants. Aaron ended his career as baseball’s home run champ (and still is) with 755 round trippers to his credit.
    1968 - Bill Graham leaves the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco to take over the Carousel Ballroom. Electric Flag and Blue Cheer closed out performances at the Fillmore at Geary & Fillmore streets.
    1969 – The US officially withdraws from circulation the $500, $1,000, $$5,000, and $10,000 bills.
    1970 - In the 12th inning of the All-Star Game, Pete Rose bowled over C Ray Fosse at the plate to score the deciding run on Jim Hickman’s single in an exciting 5 - 4 National League win at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati. Fosse, who never had the ball, hurt his right shoulder and was taken to the hospital; the Indians’ catcher entertained "Charlie Hustle" as a dinner guest the previous night.   Fosse’s career was never the same after the vicious collision.
    1971 - Top Hits
“It’s Too Late/I Feel the Earth Move” – Carole King
“Indian Reservation” – Raiders
“You’ve Got a Friend” – James Taylor
“When You’re Hot, You’re Hot” – Jerry Reed
    1973 – The Everly Brothers break up during mid-performance at a show at Knott’s Berry Farm in Anaheim, California as Phil storms off the stage, vowing never to sing with his brother again. They much later get back together, as middle-age singers, joining Paul Simon on tour.  Simon says he and Garfunkle were imitating their favorite group: the Everly Brothers.
    1976 – The Democratic National Convention nominated Jimmy Carter for the presidency on the first ballot. The next day, Sen. Walter F. Mondale of Minnesota was nominated for the vice presidency. On November 2, he beat incumbent president Gerald Ford 40,828,929 to 39,148,940. He received 297 electoral votes to Ford’s 240. The Democrats kept a 2-1 Senate majority, 61-38, with one seat going to an independent, and a House majority of 292-143.
    1979 – “Bad Girls” by Donna Summer topped the charts and stayed there for 5 weeks.
“Bad girls
Talking about the sad girls
Sad girls
Talking about bad girls, yeah
See them out on the street at night, walkin’
Picking up on all kinds of strangers
If the price is right
You can’t score if you’re pocket’s tight
But you want a good time
You ask yourself who they are
Like everybody else
They come from near and far
Bad girls, yeah
Bad girls
Talking about the sad girls, yeah
Sad girls
Talking about bad girls, yeah
Friday night and the strip is hot
Sun’s gone down and they’re out to trot
Spirit’s high and legs look hot
Do you wanna get down
Now don’t you ask yourself who they are
Like everybody else, they wanna be a star
Bad girl
Sad girl, you’re such a naughty bad girl
Beep-Beep, uh-uh
You bad girl you sad girl
Your such a dirty bad girl
Beep-Beep, uh-uh
Now you and me we’re both the same
But you call yourself by different names
Now your mama won’t like it when she finds out
That her girl is out at night
Hey, Mister, have you got a dime
Mister, do you want to spent some time
Oh, yeah
I got what you want, you got what I need
I’ll be your baby, come and spend it on me
Hey, Mister
I’ll spend some time with you.”
    1979 - Top Hits
“Ring My Bell” – Anita Ward
“Bad Girls” – Donna Summer
“Chuck E.’s in Love” – Rickie Lee Jones
“Amanda” – Waylon Jennings
    1981 – When the All-Star Game was postponed due to a players strike that had lasted 33 days so far, about 15,000 fans showed up to boo the players, who were not there. The 52nd All-Star classic would not be held until August 9th, and would take place at the Cleveland Municipal Stadium.
    1985 – Baltimore clinched their second consecutive United States Football League championship when they defeated Oakland 28-24. The game was also the last of the league’s spring schedule. All 14 teams totaled losses estimated at $63 million. When team owners refused to tally up any more financial losses, the USFL faded away. Plans for the league to resume in the fall of 1986 were never brought up.
    1987 - The BBWAA voted to rename the Rookie of the Year Award in honor of Jackie Robinson, who broke baseball's color barrier on the way to winning the first Rookie of the Year Award in 1947.    
    1987 – The second-longest All-Star Game in history took 3 hours, 39 minutes and 13 innings for the National League to defeat the American League in a 2-0 shutout. The game was played at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California.
    1987 – The Directors Guild of America initiated a strike in Hollywood, California, against Warner Brothers and Columbia Pictures at 6:00 a.m. At 6:05 a.m. on the same day, a film and television contract of agreement was reached, putting an end to the shortest strike in Hollywood history.
    1987 - Top Hits
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” – Whitney Houston
“Shakedown” – Bob Seger
“Songbird” – Kenny G
“All My Ex’s Live in Texas” – George Strait
    1988 – Phillies’ 3B Mike Schmidt hit his 537th career HR, passing Mickey Mantle for 7th all-time.
    1989 - "Judge Judy" Sheindlin, not yet a TV star and still a Family Court judge in New York, orders singer Tom Jones to pay $200 weekly in child support to model Katherine Berkery.
    1992 – 386BSD is released by Lynne and William Jolitz beginning the Open Source Operating System Revolution. Linus Torvalds releases his Linux soon afterwards.
    1993 - The U.S. Postal Service releases stamps honoring four Broadway musicals. The 29-cent stamps feature scenes from "My Fair Lady," "Porgy and Bess," "Show Boat" and "Oklahoma!" and are issued in first day ceremonies in New York's Times Square.
    1995 - Big heat wave in the central and eastern U.S. with all-time highs at Chicago/Midway with 106, La Crosse, WI with 108, Boston, MA, Burlington, VT both hit 100 F, South Bend, IN at 100 and Toledo, OH at 104.
    1999 - Race-based school busing in Boston ended after 25 years.
    1999 - Major League baseball umpires voted to resign and not work the final month of the season.
    2000 - A report presented to owners, “The Commissioner's Initiative: Women and Baseball,” finds women make up 46 percent of the average crowd at a big league game and urges Major League franchises to make more of an effort to market to women patrons. According to the same report, forty-three percent of women could not name a player on their home team's roster.
    2003 - In an effort to discredit U.S. Ambassador Joseph C. Wilson, who had written an article critical of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Washington Post columnist Robert Novak reveals that Wilson's wife Valerie Plame, is a CIA "operative," citing two Bush administration officials.
    2004 - The Senate voted 50-48 against a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.
    2005 - Defeating their historical arch rivals, the Giants become the first team to win 10,000 games as a franchise by edging the Dodgers in Los Angeles, 4-3. The Giants, who started as the New York Gothams in 1883, have won 10,184 games, still the most in Major League history.  They have won 22 National League pennants and appeared in 19 World Series, both NL records.  The Giants' 7 World Series Championships rank second in the National League to the St. Louis Cardinals’ 11, and fifth overall behind the New York Yankees’ 27, St. Louis Cardinals’ 11, Oakland/Philadelphia Athletics’ 9, and the Boston Red Sox’ 8.
    2005 - The first-known baseball card, which is part of a children's educational game, illustrates several boys playing together in a field as one pitches a ball to another holding a bat, makes its public debut at the Smithsonian Institution. The discovery of the historic card, which was discovered in an attic in Maine, dates to the early 19th century and predates other known cards by several decades, which also refutes the claim the Abner Doubleday invented baseball (in fact, Doubleday never claimed he invented baseball).
    2011 - Neptune completed its first orbit of the sun since the planet was discovered in 1846.
    2015 - NASA's New Horizons probe reestablished contact to transmit the first close photos of Pluto and its moons.  The probe launched in 2006 and has traveled over 3 billion miles; it continued transmitting data for 16 months.

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