Archive May 16, 2007
Prayers are with Bob Baker, CLP

In early March of this year, Leasing News congratulated one of its founding advisory board members on his engagement, after receiving this news:

"On Valentine’s Day, I asked Debbie, who I have been dating for a year and a half, to marry me. She said YES!!

"Debbie is the credit manager for NACM St Louis region."

Bob’s first wife, Melissa, died of cancer, and he then had a stroke, with a recovery that affected his movement and speech. He worked very hard to overcome these handicaps. Life was moving ahead for him when he had a second very serious stroke on Monday.

Bob underwent a brain surgery procedure at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri. He was having drainage issues, according to a nurse. He was still unresponsive and listed in critical condition.

“We are expecting a full recovery, “Mona James, CLP, Executive Vice President of Wildwood Financial Group, told Leasing News. “Bob is a pretty tough person...

“As you must know, Bob has a trained, competent staff to run the company until his return. We invite you to keep Bob and his family in your thoughts and prayers. It is business as usual at Wildwood; Bob wouldn’t want it any other way.”

(Bob never made it out of his coma and passed away May 23, 2007. He is well remembered by his friends and acquaintances.

(Here is more about him, for those that did not know him
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/May%202007/05-25-07.htm#baker )

 

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Classified Ads---Asset Management/Collections

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

San Francisco, CA
Ten years experience setting residuals, negotiating leases and remarketing equipment across a broad spectrum of large ticket asset types including marine, intermodal, mining, energy, manufacturing.
geoffwalshe@yahoo.com

Port St Lucie, FL
20+ yrs exp. commercial collection/late stage specialist. 
Prefer to work from home based office or transfer to Sarasota areamichaelgalan@comcast.net | Resume

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

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

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Hudson Buying His Way Back into Leasing
by Christopher Menkin

While Toronto, Canada based Element Financial reports new business jumped in Canadian dollars from $16.8 million to $156.6 million in its three month period, it also reported a net loss of $261,000 compared to a loss of $936,000 in the prior year, Canadian dollars.

The company is still in a start-up mode, raising money, and purchasing other leasing companies, including the most recent, acquiring the vehicle fleet business from Scotiabank for $146.7 million, plus debt, and he receives a report $430 million of lease assets. Founder Steve Hudson took his company public in December, 2011. The actual financial filings, rather than the press release, may tell more about what is really happening.

While this latest move makes the Element Financial Canada's largest lease company, with approximately $1 billion in assets, it is buying itself into the marketplace, with the core business apparently vehicle financing.

In returning to the leasing market place, Element Financial founder Steve Hudson said he was interested in the transportation marketing place, and his other acquisitions for Element Financial have been in the healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and golf industries.

Hudson said his company plans sell 16,595,900 special warrants at C$5.25 per share, raising about C$87 million in proceeds that will go toward the future growth of the company. GMP Securities, Barclays Capital Canada Inc. and BMO Capital are the lead book runners on the offering, which Element expects to complete by May 31, 2012.

Previously he created the entity with $10 million from Cameron Capital Corp, which he named for his son, and $75 million private placement stock. It seems one of his first moves was paying book value for the assets of Montreal-based Alter Moneta, a leasing firm that was started in 1998 with money from National Bank of Canada and the Caisse de depot et placement due Quebec.

Hudson reportedly paid book value for the assets of Montreal-based Alter Moneta, a leasing firm that was started in 1998 with money from National Bank of Canada and the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. It now has about $180-million in lease assets. In 2007, Bear Stearns Merchant Banking bought a controlling stake in Alter Moneta, and when Bear Stearns subsequently collapsed in 2008, Alter Moneta’s funding dried up as banks avoided anything that was affiliated with Bear Stearns.

He built Newcourt Credit Group from $500,000 and sold to CIT in a stock swap for $2.8 billion in 1999, but by the time the transaction closed in August, 1999, Newcourt posted unexpected losses and took a $1-billion write down.

Hudson made an entrance into the US Market place with Alta Moneta, but perhaps too late as not only are the established companies back in performance, such as CIT, Key Equipment Finance, but a host of banks including EverBank, Huntington, United Bank in the same marketplace, but also new ones in the same marketplace, such as Ascentium, Mazuma, Panthera, Signature, to name just a few of the more active.

The turmoil in Europe should bring back more leasing and finance company involvement in the United States, while the top international companies continue to expand in India and Asia, primarily China.

Competition will get keener as the economy here continues to improve, even though at a much slower pace than most would like to experience.

Of course, if you keep buying portfolios, it makes the balance sheet look impressive to investors, but it takes about 18 months before the real devils pop-up in what is on the books, so the sales have to exceed the problems before the investors understand the quality.

Can Steve Hudson do it again? Can Tom Depping do it again with Ascentium? Looks to me like they are already building to be major players in the leasing marketplace. We’ll see about Signature and a few others, some smaller ones, who are getting bigger. But looks like the middle-market is back!!!

Why I Became a CLP

Terey N. Jennings, CLP
Senior Vice-President, Business Development
Financial Pacific Leasing
Federal Way, Washington

Terey joined Financial Pacific in 1986 and has held various positions within the sales and marketing area. Mr. Jennings is active in a number of equipment leasing associations and is a past President of the United Association of Equipment Leasing ((now National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA)). He serves on the Pierce County Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Washington. He earned a degree in Business Administration from Pacific Lutheran University.

He received his Certified Lease Professional (CLP) designation. Terey and Shannon Green, CLP (now with Orion First Financial), were the first two employees at Financial Pacific to receive their CLP designation which currently has 17 CLPs in good-standing. The following is an excerpt of an interview regarding his experience with the CLP program, and background on why Financial Pacific so strongly supports the designation.

“Over the past 13 years Financial Pacific has sponsored 30 employees who have obtained their CLP designation," he said. "This is a very proud accomplishment for us. As a company, we include the CLP program in our training strategies and employees who meet the minimum requirements for the CLP designation strive for this goal. When they see their peers successfully navigate through the process, it takes away some of the fear associated with the exam, and provides a comfort level as being an achievable goal. We also have mentors available to provide support. We’ve been fortunate to have UAEL now NEFA provide 'Institute for Leasing Professionals' annually in our area and are thankful for that convenience.

“I’ve always felt that the process I went through to prepare for the exam has benefited me over the years in many ways. Because it was such a wide range of relevant information, I not only learned some new and interesting things but it also reinforced things I already knew. I’ve had many opportunities to refer back to the material over the years, and it’s been a rewarding experience to teach classes for new CLP candidates.”

“I’ve always believed the process of studying and preparing for this is exam is valuable to anyone in our industry. It doesn’t matter what anyone’s job responsibilities are - the information is so broad. I sometimes think, 'If everyone in our company went through the process, would it make us a better company?' The answer is always 'yes'.”

Why I Became a CLP series:
http://www.leasingnews.org/CLP/Index.htm

 

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Mark McQuitty Sentencing Operation Lease Fleece

Readers following the sentencing dates: Mark McQuitty, co-founder CapitalWerks, Preferred Lease, sentencing set for May 14th re-set for September 24, 2012 at 09:00 AM before Judge Cormac J. Carney. The photo above is perhaps over ten years old. Public Records find he has been arrested three times for D.U.I. Reportedly, he was administrating the portfolio, although prohibited from engaging in new financing or leasing.

It appears to the writer that the major players have been postponed as their testimony will be made public in their sentencing, as the case has been considered "on going," meaning others as well as Vartanian Brothers and who is connected with them. A plea hearing is set for May 18, 2012 at 4:00pm.

Kit Menkin

Operation Lease Fleece Story:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Lease_Fleece.htm
(related story in “We get eMail” follows)

 

Letters?---We get eMail
(Many up-dates of continuing leasing stories)

(Mostly in Chronological Order)

May 11, 2009 Archives
Heritage Pacific Leasing, Fresno, California
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2012/5_11.htm#archives

"Your story today reminded me of the scam run by Jonathan Lampel (LeasEquip) who, as you may remember, got convicted of 4 counts of State of Ca. securities fraud for doing pretty much the same thing that Otto is accused of doing. I worked for Lampel for a short period in the early 1990's, and testified against him in one civil trial and in his 2nd criminal trial (the one where he got convicted after a hung jury on the first one).

"Apparently Jon is still 'out there.' You should Google him. Why the LA County DA is not shutting him down and throwing away the key as a repeat offender is beyond me. If you mention Lampel in a "Leasing News" article, please, PLEASE, do not use my name. I have had my "Lampel experience." He hasn't bothered me for almost 10 years, and I'd like to keep it that way.

"I don't think the FBI can file charges in the Heritage Pacific case, even if they wanted to. Heritage Pacific does not have a national bank charter, thus it is not a Federal matter. The Feds didn't file charges against Lampel, for the same reason; LeasEquip did not have a Federal charter. It was the State of California that got him."

(Name With Held)

(Google search finds: “The Successful Co-founder (LeasEquip)” /http://jonathanlampel.professionaljournalonline.com/

(As for the FBI, if there is interstate commerce, they can get involved, as well as the postmaster for interstate, and both have in many cases, working together. Many of them are convicted for “wire transfer.” The FBI has a minimum of $1 million in alleged fraud to get involved, otherwise they leave it up to the state, county, or city authorities, depending on the dollar amount, Leasing News was told.

(The case with HL Leasing, the founder committed suicide and who is left to prove they were involved in the Ponzi scheme. Even the President and Vice-President say they invested and were fooled, as all the accounting was done out of Otto’s home. Otto kept a tight control of what was going on and handled the flow of cash. Editor)

-----

 

Operation Lease Fleece--Updates
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2012/5_04.htm#fleece

"I am an attorney in Tucson and represent a Preferred Lease/CapitalWerks customer who has been fleeced. I have seen your articles on this subject and thought you might have some thoughts.

“In this scenario, the client lad what he thought was a triple net lease to buy equipment with a $1 buyout at the end of the term. This is the form that was sent to him, which he signed and returned but never got back from Preferred. At the end of the lease term, when he wanted to do the buyout, that form had disappeared and Preferred had the title sent to them and are claiming the lease he signed was a FMV lease. They do have a Guaranty, which was signed by Melinda (formerly Castro) Catale that you wrote was offering to sell her story.

“Preferred has now repo’d the equipment. Have you heard of this happening to other Preferred customers?

“I would appreciate any thoughts you might have.”

Thanks,
Cassandra

Cassandra Meynard
MESCH, CLARK & ROTHSCHILD, P.C.
259 N. Meyer Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85701-1090
(520)624-8886 (Work)

(The problem is the company is in a wind down mode and most likely is about out of their portfolio, as they have not added anything in almost five years.

(This is a common complaint to Leasing News, I hate to tell you, primarily coming from companies in Southern California who have appeared in the Leasing News Bulletin Board. I have even received complaints of the original purchase option sent to the lessee, but not signed when the documents sent back and the claim it was either a forgery or then one that it was not the deal that was finally agreed to. This appears on the Complaint Bulletin Board about Balboa Capital:
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/August%202008/08-25-08.htm#bbc

(Jim Raeder, the co-owner of CapitalWerks is now in the business of taking assets off lease and selling them, he told Leasing News. He says he bids on “off lease” equipment, mostly repo’s, and then re-sells them on line, often not even taken possession of the equipment. He may also be getting equipment from his own company."

(You could write the US Deputy Attorney about the situation you encountered would be my only suggestion. Editor)

JENNIFER L. WAIER
Assistant United States Attorney California
Bar Number: 209813
411 West Fourth Street, Suite 8000
Santa Ana, California 92701
Telephone: (714) 338-3550
Facsimile: (714) 338-3708
E-mail: Jennifer.Waier@usdoj.gov

----

"It is interesting that the felons have to pay 10% of future earnings to those they fleeced. I hope that decree is for their natural lives. Hypothetically speaking, I wonder if some had the foresight to squirrel away money and if they did a calculated they could live comfortably on those funds while paying 10% of minimal future income.

"As for their inability to do equipment leasing in the future I wonder if they are also forbidden from all financial activities in the future. I personally know of one case where the fastest growing mortgage company in the 80s was located in Thousand Oaks, California (a salesman was making $2mm a year!). The owner and his wife were prosecuted and he was given four years in prison. After prison, a new career…in equipment financing.

“I received a flyer touting the lowest rates in the industry and an address in a hi rise in Ventura. I called the DA and an attorney from his office paid me a visit. It turns out the guy could not go back into any occupation related to real estate but nothing prevented him from going into other financial areas. My question to the DA was where did the guy get the money to open an office in an expensive location almost immediately after release from prison?

"I am not convinced that prison serves no purpose, especially in the case of a $20mm scam. While I agree there are too many in prison and too many incarcerated for minor infraction, think of the guy who stole a loaf of bread, incarceration can still be a deterrent. As in the case above, a short stint in prison (much shorter than the four year sentencing I am sure), and therefore having a record, did not bother nor prevent that felon from going directly back into business. And conceivably doing leasing scams in his new line of work."

Jerry Bernardy

(They all become felons who plead or were found guilty. In all the sentencing in Operation Lease Fleece, they all cannot transact finance or leasing business for the rest of their lives. They are all on probation, having to report in, go through that process for a period of time. Some are ordered to return the money and if they don't have it, pay 10% per year of what they owe. This is common, such as in the RW Professional. Whatever they make, at least 10% goes to what they owe. Most will never pay back much of what they stole as they either spent it on attorney’s fees and court costs, or on assets that were taken when they filed bankruptcy.

(Putting them in jail for a long period of time is costly for the state, and what purpose does it have, once they have the above on their record for their life? So giving them a year, four years, or even a week, is not as important than their life has changed---and if they get caught again, they go through the costs of defending themselves in money, to their family, to their friends, and to whatever business they have built up. Editor)

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

"I have a question for your readers and wanted to ask for your help to get the word out. This question might lead to a wider discussion of specific documents that are used in some states but not others. Your discussion and highlighting of the licensing requirements in the various states were very valuable in this regard:

"For about 10 yrs. I have been using a document called "Time Price Differential Rider" for lease & EFA transactions in TX. It sets forth the difference between the cash price for the equipment and the total pmts to come up with the "Time Price Differential". I am a credit & ops person & not an Attorney, but was told this was o protect us against treble damages if the rate was found to exceed the max allowed in TX. Do any of you use this doc in TX (or other states)? Does anyone know the case precedent that was the reason for this?"

Dave McCarthy

McCarthy Financial, LLC
David J McCarthy, Manager
Phone: 610-246-2178
e-mail: david.mccarthy@mccarthy-financial.com

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Nine Lawyers Against Evergreen Clause Abuse
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2012/5_07.htm#lawyers

"As you will recall, I wrote to you a couple of years ago regarding this issue and my concerns. I have seen many abuses of the automatic renewal or evergreen clause over the past 35 years.

I do think that the issue is more complicated than can be answered by simply requiring notification and I lean toward to the Lessor’s side where true leases involving residual exposure is concerned. Unfortunately, creating this industry standard can work AGAINST the industry if judges look to the standard and penalize honest lessors who cannot prove that notices went out properly or question the means selected for notification. Much as I would like to punish the CROOKS

(and that is what they are) who use auto renewals to trick lessees into overpaying in $1-out leases or leases where there is no exposure, I am concerned with the proposed fix.

"That said, at least you are proposing something that will help in many cases and I suppose the cure is no worse than the illness here. Count me in, with stated reservations, and thanks for your continuing efforts for our industry."

BARRY S. MARKS
MARKS & WEINBERG, P.C.

(Barry, thank you for joining the group. The fact is Leasing News is not against Evergreen Clauses, just the non-notification, especially abused in the small ticket industry. Those companies on our list supporting it are only required to notify the lessee, which can be by telephone, by email, by letter, and not even a time limit. All on the list don't automatically impose the extra payments, want the customer to return, and try to work with them, giving them advance notice if a residual is due. I also can tell you in the complaints we get and they come from one of the four states who have regulations, the money is quickly returned when this fact is brought to their attention. Editor)

"Agreed. Legislation pending in several states. Much of it is overkill. We did this to ourselves. Old Southernism: 'Pigs git fat....hogs git slaughtered.' "

BARRY S. MARKS
MARKS & WEINBERG, P.C.

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New Lawsuit—from $180 Million to $10 million +
Northern Leasing Systems
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2012/4_25.htm#lawsuit

Northwestern Responds re: $10 New York AG Suit
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2012/4_27.htm#responds

"...in New Jersey, Golden Eagle Credit Corp., then a startup started by two shysters (I later learned) -- Len ****** and Larry ******, brought us a deal in which we bought the remaining receivables of a $13MM small-ticket portfolio from Sequa Credit Corp. We had a separate agreement with Golden Eagle that at the end of the term of each lease, Advanta would assign the lease to Golden Eagle.

"The portfolio was mostly dollar-out, and so initially we were perplexed why Golden Eagle would want to take an assignment of a $1.00 asset. ******* said he wanted the dollar-outs back so that he could try to lease new equipment to the customer. Oh, OK, we said. Go for it.

"Over the next few years, we learned why ******* and his cohort, *****, REALLY wanted the dollar-outs back: Many of the customers (who, of course, had been our former customers prior to our assignment of the residuals to Golden Eagle) called us and reported that they were being scammed. Golden Eagle was billing these customers following their lease maturity, and many of the customers were paying because they had lost track of when their leases expired.

(The practice, I later learned, is sometimes referred to as "BAM-ing" or "Billing After Maturity"). Worse, if a customer called and complained about having overpaid, Golden Eagle would tell them that their leases had auto-renewed for a 1-year period because they hadn't given notice of their intent not to renew. (Some of these customers actually didn't learn until 2 or 3 or more years after their leases had expired -- Golden Eagle had auto-renewed them for 2 or 3 or more one-year periods!)

"Well, as you know, auto-renewing a dollar-out is illegal because a dollar-out is a loan and a loan, by definition, has a fixed term, a fixed principal amount and a fixed rate of interest.

"Separately, and perhaps even more egregious, is the practice of BAMing. That is just plan stealing by deceit of the worst type. The portfolio had an average ticket size of maybe $10K and consisted mainly of blue-collar working people -- dry cleaners, gas station owners, lawn care services, etc. All while ***** and ******** raked in millions in ill-gotten gains."

(Name With Held)

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NorVergence’s Tom Salzano on Trial in Louisiana
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Jul2011/7_22.htm#norvergence

“Set for trial Nov. 5”

(Name Withheld)

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Rosanne Wilson, CLP
--- Awarded Crystal Plaque/Lifetime Membership
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2012/5_02.htm#wilson

"I am so honored and humbled by this award. It is the highlight of my career next to becoming a CLP. I shall cherish this always. This lovely crystal piece sits on my credenza at my office and each time I glance at it, I am reminded of the wonderful people in the NAELB. I am still on cloud 9 since the Denver Conference. I send my love to you all."

Rosanne Wilson

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NAELB Conference
High Energy - High Optimism - High Value
by Gary Greene, CLP BPB
http://leasingnews.org/archives/May2012/5_02.htm#naelb

" Great wrap-up by Gary. I wanted to confirm the surprisingly positive outlook of the attendees. Since our return to funding (you made the announcement last summer) we have had very positive results but continue to hear how weak the industry was and will be. This conference was a breath of fresh air."

Dwight Galloway

Senior V.P. Broker Operations
dgalloway@RLCfunding.com

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

"Hey Kit, its been sometime since we spoke but I just wanted to get you over some information on this vendor. I tried signing up with Lease police to report them but never heard back.

"We ran into the owner of this Company Zerick Ragin's because he found us through Google. We have never funded a deal with them because we found the 2 links with the same address.

"Recently a friend of mine ran into the same vendor so I just wanted to get his name out there.

“It's the same old stuff about invoicing old equipment on the floor to get cash back for their clients.

"The info is below. Let me know if you need anything from me!

"http://www.alpine-funding.com/

Affordable Computer Repair
7157 Pembroke Road
Pembroke Pines, FL 33023
Office #954-342-9036
Mobile #954-558-2757"

Naveen Sood
1330 S Bascom Ave Suite E
San Jose, CA 95128
408-275-8900 (Phone)
408-371-1491 (Fax)
www.tridentleasingcorp.com

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(These next two emails concern the April 25, 2012 "Letters---We get Email” as well as the editor's response, reprinted here because it was not a story in Leasing News but from a reader:))

National Association of Equipment Lease Brokers

"In my opinion NAELB's lineup of funding sources for their 2012 Annual Conference in Denver represents just how misguided and broken that organization has become. In the last ten years, the Leasing Industry has undergone major structural changes and NAELB's inability to change with the times has resulted in an event with very limited appeal to the independent broker.

“Let's be frank, the majority of NAELB's Gold Level Sponsors represent the armpit of the Leasing Industry. I can count on one hand the number of deals I have funded with the likes of many of these companies in five years as an independent and contend that any broker whose book of business is predominated by many of these lenders has (had) a very limited shelf life in this business. I have a ton of respect for Financial Pacific Leasing and their role in the Industry and new guys RLC Funding are worth a look. Regardless, NAELB's lineup of sub-prime credit sponsors offers no value to those whose portfolio is predominantly "A" and "B" paper. It is very difficult to sell leases with cost of funds in excess of 25%, many with a fair market value, too, in a world where Ten Year yields are below 2%.

“Whatever happened to quality and professionalism rather than cash advance and high rate business loans?”

David Manzari - President
Cayuga Capital
Seneca Falls, NY 13148

“(Leasing News received many such letters, but Mr. Manzari was the only one who agreed to sign his name. It shows courage to make his opinion known publically. I wish more people would follow his example. Whether you agree or disagree with the opinion, it brings the subject out on the table.

“According to Monica Harper, Executive Administrator, NAELB, the Denver Conference exhibitors were originally sold out, but they were able to negotiate extra an extra room with the hotel, so could accommodate more exhibitors that originally scheduled, which Mr. Manzari may not have seen. It looks pretty good to me. Editor)

“360 Equipment Finance
Allegiant Partners, Inc.
Allstate Capital, LLC
AmeriMerchant
Amerisource Funding, Inc.
Axis Capital, Inc.
Bankers Capital
Baystone Financial Group
Belvedere Equipment Finance
Blackstone Equipment Leasing, L.P.
Blue Bridge Financial, LLC
Bryn Mawr Funding
BSB Leasing, Inc.
Channel Partners, LLC
CLP Foundation
Cohn & Dussi, LLC
Commerce National Bank
Dakota Financial, LLC
Diversified Lenders, Inc.
Financial Pacific Leasing, LLC
First Federal Leasing
Harbor Capital Leasing, LLC
Maxim Commercial Capital, LLC
Merchant Cash and Capital, LLC
MicroBilt Corporation
On Deck Capital
Pawnee Leasing Corporation
Preferred Business Solutions
Quail Capital Corp.
Quiktrak, Inc.
RCAP Leasing, Inc.
RLC Funding a Division of Navitas Lease Corp.
Stalwart Contract Finance, LLC
Summit Leasing, Inc.
TEAM Funding Solutions
Tetra Financial Group
TimePayment Corporation
United States Capital Corporation
Varilease Finance, Inc.

“Pre-Registration has ended. To register on site, download the printable registration form and bring it with you to the NAELB registration desk at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel on April 26.

“(Note: Gary Greene, CLP, of Lease $mart, will be reporting for Leasing News about the NAELB Denver Conference.)”

eMails in response to letter in We get eMails:

"As a long time member and past president of the NAELB I would like to respond to Mr. Manzari’s 'holier than thou' missive to Leasing News. I have to admit I’m a bit envious of the fact that the credit worthiness of his applicants and clients has not dropped over the past several years, but I know that many of mine and others have. An 'A' client we had completed several transactions for needed a new piece of equipment, but their credit profile had dropped appreciably. They no longer fit the credit profile of the original lender and they had to pay a higher rate. The good news is they’re still in business and appreciative of the fact that we had other options for them.

"The role second tier lenders play is vital to our industry. Take for instance the startup company that needed 25K for a used paving machine or the Spanish speaking radio station that needed audio equipment. To refer to the firms who financed these transactions as 'armpit' lenders is beyond disrespectful. I guess that makes me an 'armpit' broker!

"There are quite a few 'A' lenders exhibiting at the conference such as RLC, Bryn Mawr and First Federal (I know I’m omitting others, so please forgive me) who have competitive rates for 'app only' transactions as well as several 'full disclosure' lenders.

"The editor of Leasing News may think it takes courage to disparage a fine association such as the NAELB or call lenders names, but personally I think it shows a lack of class.

Bob Bell, CLP
United Funding, LLC

(For the record, if you read my comments, did not agree with the writer and have promoted NAELB and conferences for quite some time. My comment of “courage” was he was willing to sign his name to his opinion while the other six, who had the similar opinion, were not. In this instance, Leasing News would not print their opinion without permit their signing their name. Mr. Manzari showed courage compared to the others, and whether you agree or don't agree with him, he has the right to his opinion. Editor)

----

"I cannot offer constructive critique on David’s characterization of the funding source scheduled to show at the upcoming NAELB Conference, but I would like to say that Commerce National Bank is fully committed to booking 'A' paper involving primarily California borrowers/lessees. While limited in geographical scope, we are driven to be an engaged funding source, with an app-only program for $20,000 to $100,000 and a full-financial package program from $50,000 to $1,000,000, and we encourage all those who can benefit from our service to come see us in our booth."

Steve Tidland, SVP/Manager
Commerce National Bank’s
Equipment Finance Department
stidland@commercenatbank.com
Direct: 714-678-5301
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevetidland

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Archives April 30, 2001
Leasing Salesman Pay Survey
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2012/4_30.htm#archives

"I like your salesperson pay article.

"Here are my thoughts:

"You can not motivate a sales person to work. They either got it or they are lazy. A good sales person can not be knocked down, get disappointed, and have a bad attitude. A great sales person understands that the check book is open and they insert how much they take home.

"Most sales people have gotten so lazy in this recession. They need to remember that 'Yesterday does not count anymore'--- That tomorrow is our future.

"There is so much business out there so for those who want to work, keep a good attitude and stop blaming others for why they are not successful.

"Most sales people will fail because they have gotten lazy and that is OK because: a new broom sweeps cleaner!"

Barbara Griffith
Southern California Leasing, Inc.

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The State of the Leasing Industry by its Associations
by Christopher Menkin
http://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2012/4_23.htm#state

	3/31/12	2012	2011
NAELB	566	617	696	National Association of Equipment Leasing Brokers
ELFA	522	565	582	Equipment Leasing and Finance Association
AGLF	277	274	250	Association of Government Leasing and Finance
CFA	260			Commercial Financial Association
NEFA	154	191	210	National Equipment Finance Association

"You always do a great job with the news and the analysis. This piece gives us all as good a perspective as we could get about the ‘State of the Industry’ in the U.S.A.

"I must add, as most readers know, whilst the mature leasing markets are experiencing tepid volume growth, the decoupling continues in markets such as China, India and Russia (alas, not Brazil).They continue to surge.

"The next World Leasing Convention, which I am privileged to chair, will see 80% of the delegates from emerging lease economies. This event will be held in St.Petersburg, Russia next month."

Sudhir Amembal

(Thank you. Also Congratulations. It has been four years since this story ran in Leasing News:

Sudhir with two ex-Monitor staff starts WLN
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/April%202008/04-25-08.htm#wln

(Those who want to learn more about the World Leasing Convention:
30TH ANNUAL WORLD LEASING CONVENTION
St. Petersburg, Russia
May 29 - 30, 2012
http://www.euromoneyseminars.com/EventDetails/0/4718/30th-Annual-World-Leasing-Convention.html

(Editor)

 

Fastest Dying Jobs/Fastest Ones Replacing them

Full Story:
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/05/the-fastest-dying-jobs-of-this-generation-and-what-replaced-them/257154/?google_editors_picks=true#

Comprehensive personal property tax outsourcing services We accept file exports and integrate personal property tax information with all lease management or accounting software. No other firm offers the combination of individual attention, software capabilities expertise, "full disclosure" and web port accessibility to information more than we do. Click here to learn what our clients say about our service Gary DiLillo, President 440.871.0555 or gary@avptc.com

 

Open Positions at Leasing Funders/Various Locations

(Most of the listing have "open positions." While you may find ones that do not, check back later, as they may have added an opening.)

Advantage Funding
http://www.advantagefund.com/employment.htm

AIG
http://www.aigcorporate.com/addresources/globalcareers.html

Altec
https://careers.altec.com/psc/P90HALT_APP/APPLICANT/HRMS/
c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?nocrumbs=yes&

Alter Moneta
http://www.altermoneta.com/careers/opportunities.html

Atlas Copco
http://www.atlascopco.com/us/careers/openjobs/

Balboa Capital
http://www.balboacapital.com/about_us/careers.aspx

Bank of America
http://careers.bankofamerica.com/overview/overview.asp

Bank of Ozarks
https://bankozarks.applicantharbor.com/jobmainlist.php?a=m

Bank of the West
https://www.bankofthewest.com/about-us/careers/job-search.html
(type in state, and keyword leasing or category)

CIT Job Openings
http://sj.tbe.taleo.net/SJ1/ats/careers/jobSearch.jsp?org=CIT&cws=1

CSI Leasing
http://www.csileasing.com/ViewJobPostings.aspx

Data Sales
http://www.datasales.com/open_jobs.html

De Lage Landen Financial
https://tbe.taleo.net/NA4/ats/careers/jobSearch.jsp?org=DELAGELANDEN&cws=1

Direct Capital
http://tbe.taleo.net/NA2/ats/careers/jobSearch.jsp?org=DIRECTCAPITAL&cws=1

Farm Credit
http://www.farmcreditnetwork.com/careers/opportunities

Financial Pacific
http://www.finpac.com/careers.aspx

Fifth-Third Bank
https://cvg53.cvgs.net/Main/careerportal/JobAgent.cfm

GE Capital
www.ge.com/careers

GreatAmerica Leasing
http://jobs.greatamerica.com/

Hillcrest Bank
https://www.hillcrestbank.com/Careers.aspx

Home Savings Bank
http://www.home-savings-bank.com/careers.php

Huntington Bank
https://www.huntington.com/us/HNB3400.htm

Key Bank
Click here

Marlin Business Services
Key (not available at this time)
https://www.marlinleasing.com/Careers/joblisting.html?location=all

Madi$on Capital
http://www.madisoncapital.com/employment.php?expandable=3&subexpandable=5

Meridian Bank
https://www.meridianbank.com/careers.html

Microfinancial/Timepayment
http://www.hirebridge.com/jobseeker2/Searchjobresults.asp?cid=5224

Northern California Farm Credit (office listings)
http://www.norcalfc.com/locations.html

People's United Bank
https://www3.ultirecruit.com/PEO1003/JobBoard/ListJobs.aspx

PL Capital
http://www.plcapital.com/careers.asp

Prime Alliance Bank
http://www.primealliancebank.com/home/careers

Regions Bank
https://regions.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobsearch.ftl

Republic Financial
http://tbe.taleo.net/NA8/ats/careers/jobSearch.jsp?org=REPUBLICFINANCIAL&cws=1

Sterling Bank
https://www.synovus.apply2jobs.com/ProfExt/index.cfm?fuseaction=m
External.showSearchInterface 

TCF Bank
https://tcfbank.taleo.net/careersection/corporate/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

TD Bank
https://tderec.ijob.com/recruit/servlet/com.lawson.ijob.util.Login

US Bank 
(type position in blank space and/or state)
http://www.usbank.com/cgi_w/cfm/careers/careers.cfm

Wells Fargo
https://employment.wellsfargo.com/psp/PSEA/APPLICANT_NW/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL

Zions Bank
https://zionsbancorp.taleo.net/careersection/zfnbexternal/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

Leasing News invites other employers to list their "open positions." The listing is free.

Labrador Retriever
Des Moines, Iowa-- Adopt-a-Dog

 

Midnight
Animal ID: 15996524
Species: Dog
Breed: Retriever, Labrador
Age: 7 year(s)
Sex: Male
Size: Large
Color: Black
Neutered: Yes
Declawed: No
Housetrained: Unknown
Site: Animal Rescue League of Iowa
Location: ARL Main
Intake Date: 04-18-2012
Adoption Price: $125.00

“Midnight is a fun guy who loves squeaky toys and hopes to have a whole closet full of them in his new home! Don't be tricked by his age, he's got plenty of energy and is an incredible athlete. He'd love to go for a daily jog with you to keep you both happy. He has a bit of an independent streak and can be pretty jumpy at times, so older kids would be best for him. He'd like to meet any potential canine roommates before adoption. This dog will automatically be enrolled in our Black Dog Club! Membership is a perk for people who adopt dogs with 50 percent or more black fur, and adopters will receive an exclusive Black Dog Club leash. Black dogs are the most commonly overlooked type of dog in shelters, even though color has no bearing on a dog's personality. As an adopter, you have the power to make a real difference in the life of a black shelter dog.”

Midnight is at the Main Shelter
Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc.
5452 NE 22nd St
Des Moines, IA 50163
(515) 262-9503
arl@arl-iowa.org
http://www.arl-iowa.org
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Adoptions are processed a minimum of 30 minutes before closing.

Steps in the Adoption Process:
Find a pet online or through an ARL media spotlight.
Visit the ARL adoption location where your potential pet is located and meet the pet.
Fill out an adoption application form to find out if the pet is the right match for you and your family—both other human and dogs living in the home, if applicable. (You can NOT adopt via the website.)
Complete an interview with an ARL adoption counselor.
Wait while the pet receives a final inspection by the ARL’s medical staff, including insertion of a microchip.
Pay adoption fees and head home with your new, lovable pet!

Adopt-a-Pet by Leasing Co. State/City
http://www.leasingnews.org/Conscious-Top%20Stories/Adopt_Pet.htm

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

Mr. Terry Winders available as a consultant regarding assisting attorneys in resolving disputes or explaining procedures or reviewing documents as utilized in the finance and leasing industry. He is the author of several books, including DVD's, as well as weekly columnist to Leasing News. He also performs audits of leasing companies as an expert on documentation, and has acted as an expert witness on leasing for litigation in legal and tax disputes, including before the IRS. He also has taught the senior bank examiners, how to review a bank leasing department, for the Federal Reserve in Washington D.C. and has trained the examiners for the FDIC on how to prepare a lease portfolio for sale. 502.649.0488/Leaseconsulting@msn.com

 

News Briefs----

 

TV Shows Renewed/Cancelled or Ending/New Series
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/TVShowsRenewedCancelled.pdf

Dancing with the Stars one more gone
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/television/dancing-stars-recap-maria-menounos-derek-hough-fall-short-finals-perfect-scores-article-1.1078994?localLinksEnabled=false

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

You May Have Missed---

8 little-known facts about your credit card
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/little-known-facts-credit-card.aspx?ic_id=Top_Stories_link_1

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

SparkPeople--Live Healthier and Longer

10 Reasons You Eat When You're Not Actually Hungry
-------And What You Can Do About It!
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=1660

 

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

Sports Briefs----

 

For Tim Tebow, an Example Set Long Ago
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/16/sports/football/for-tim-tebow-an-example-set-long-ago.html?_r=1&hp

Warriors owners meet again with Mayor Lee, serious about S.F. arena
http://blog.sfgate.com/cityinsider/2012/05/15/warriors-owners-meet-again-with-mayor-lee-serious-about-s-f-arena/?tsp=1

 

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

 

Baseball Poem

 The Base Stealer

Poised between going on and back, pulled
Both ways taut like a tight-rope walker,
Fingertips pointing the opposites,
Now bouncing tiptoe like a dropped ball,
Or a kid skipping rope, come on, come on!
Running a scattering of steps sidewise,
How he teeters, skitters, tingles, teases,
Taunts them, hovers like an ecstatic bird,
He's only flirting, crowd him, crowd him,
Delicate, delicate, delicate, delicate - Now!

----Robert Francis

 

[headlines]
--------------------------------------------------------------

“Gimme that Wine”

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

Driving Drunk In the Napa/Sonoma Wine Country
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/investigations/WINE-COUNTRY-DUI-INVESTIGATION-151467295.html

Mobile Bottlers Pop Up in Midwest
http://www.winesandvines.com/template.cfm?section=news&
content=100690&htitle=Mobile%20Bottlers%20Pop%20Up%20in%20Midwest&

Bordeaux's second wines affordable, exceptional
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/05/11/FD7E1OCMJS.DTL&type=wine

Imported Wine Category Shows Growth After Three-Year Slump
http://www.shankennewsdaily.com/index.php/2012/05/10/3041/imported-wine-category-shows-growth-after-three-year-slump/


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

     1775-The first constitution adopted by a state was that of Massachusetts by the Provincial congress of Massachusetts. the motto of the state was Ense Petit placidam sub libertate quietem ( “with the sword she seeks peace under liberty.”) The constitution was temporary. A new one was framed in Boston on September 1,1779, and was completed on March 2, 1780, and ratified by a two thirds vote. John Hancock served as the first governor under the permanent constitution.
    1777-birthday of Button Gwinnett, signer of the Declaration of Independence, born at Down Hatherly, Gloucestershire, England, about 1735 ( exact date unknown). Died following a duel at St. Catherine’s island, off of Savannah, GA. http://www.colonialhall.com/gwinnett/gwinnett.asp
    1804-birthday of Elizabeth Palmer Peabody, born at Billerica, MA. Peabody opened a bookstore that quickly became the intellectuals’ hangout. With her own printing press, Peabody became the first woman publisher of Boston and possibly the US. She published three of her brother-in-law Nathaniel Hawthorne’s books. For two years, she published and wrote for The Dial, the literary magazine and voice of the Transcendental movement. Peabody’s enduring accomplishment was the establishment of the first kindergarten in the US, in 1860, at Boston. She created a magazine, Kindergarten Messenger, in 1873.Died January 3, 1894, at Jamaica Plain, MA.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/may16.html
    1862-,General Benjamin Butler, military governor of New Orleans, issued what became known as the “Woman Order.” The text of General Order Number 28 read, in part, ‘As the officers and soldiers of the United States have been subjected to repeated insults from women (calling themselves ladies) of New Orleans.
• . when any female shall . . . show contempt for the United States, she shall be regarded as a woman of the town plying her avocation.” This order typified Butler’s attitude toward the captured city and its populace and, along with other controversial acts, set the stage for his dismissal as military governor in December of 1862. It was not uncommon for a stupid, rude person to be called a Benjamin Butler in New Orleans He was also known as “Spoons,” for reportedly stealing silver from estates in the area. He was also known as “Beast.” Jefferson Davis branded him an “outlaw” and put a bounty on his head. He then botched up his next assignment and resigned to run for Congress and was elected five times, serving once as Governor of Massachusetts.
http://7-12educators.about.com/blcwphmilfed18.htm.
http://www.swcivilwar.com/butler.html
    1836 -- Edgar Allan Poe marries Virginia Clemm, his 13-year-old tubercular cousin.
(Possibly secretly married previously, on September 22, 1835.)
http://bau2.uibk.ac.at/sg/poe/poe.html
    1863- After a standoff of nearly a year around the strategic Mississippi River city of Vicksburg, MS, Union forces under Ulysses S. Grant defeated Southern forces under General John Pemberton at Champion’s Hill, MS. on this date. Pemberton’s forces withdrew into Vicksburg, and the siege of Vicksburg began. Gettysburg was only a few months away.http://www2.cr.nps.gov/abpp/battles/ms009.htm
http://classicals.com/federalist/TheCivilWarhall/messages/32.html
    1866-Issuance of the nickel, a new five-cent coin, was authorized by Congress. It was minted of copper and nickel with not more than 25% nickel.
    1868- the U.S. Senate failed by just one vote to convict President Andrew Johnson of "high crimes and misdemeanors," as he was charged under the articles of impeachment. A second vote, taken on May 26, also fell short, by just one vote, of the two-thirds majority required to convict the president.
( lower half of http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/may16.html)
    1874 -the mill creek disaster occurred west of Northampton, Massachusetts when dam slippage after rain caused a flash flood with the loss of 143 lives. Total damage was about one million
    1888-Emile Berliner of Washington ,DC. first publicly demonstrated before the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA the first modern disk he called a “phonograph.” Berliner’s “Gramophone” record was a flat disk in which the grooves were cut in a lateral spiral, making it much easier to duplicate for the mass market than Edison’s recording cylinder.
    1891- George A Hormel & Company introduce Spam.
    1893-Herman L. Wagner of Brooklyn, NY obtained a patent on a typewriter, which produced a line of writing visible as it was being type. This machine went through an experimental period with the Wagner Typewriter Company and then was sold to John T. Underwood, who had been associated with Wagner’s father in the ribbon and carbon business of John Underwood and Company. The Underwood Typewriter Company, incorporated in March 1895, undertook the manufacture of Wagner’s machine in New York City.
    1913—Birthday of Woody Herman Birthday, born Milwaukee, WI.
He had joined Isham Jones' band in 1934 and took over that orchestra two years later when Jones retired because of ill health. The band became the first Woody Herman Herd, and was known as "The Band That Plays the Blues." The band's fortunes began to grow following the release of their recording of "Woodchopper's Ball" in 1939. By the following year, the Woody Herman band was beginning to score in the popularity polls. Herman changed the direction of his band in the mid-1940's - it's music became louder and more and more dependent on a screaming brass section. The change found favor with the public - the Herman Herd was number one in polls conducted by national music magazines. Woody Herman continued to lead a big band long after the swing era ended. In the 1960's, the band moved in a jazz-rock direction, but in the following decade moved to a more pure jazz style. Herman died in Los Angeles of congestive heart failure on October 29th, 1987. 
http://www.woodyherman.com/
http://www.nyjam.com/content/artists/herman.html
http://www-music.duke.edu/jazz_archive/artists/herman.woody/01/
    1914-The Grand League of the American Horseshoe Pitchers Association was formed. The league set its first championship for October 23, 1915, at Kellerton, IA.
    1919-pianist Liberace, whose full name was Wladziu (VLA'-JAH) Valentino Liberace, was born in West Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His overly sentimental pop tunes and frilly, condensed versions of the classics built him into one of the hottest show business personalities in the 1950's. Liberace's trademarks included candelabra on the piano and outlandish costumes that weren't matched until some of the rock groups of the '70s came along. His audience consisted mainly of middle-aged women, some of whom behaved much as rock groupies did a decade later. Liberace died on February 4th, 1987 from conditions related to AIDS.
http://www.liberace.com/liberace/bio.cfm
    1924 - The temperature at Blitzen, Oregon soared to 108 degrees to establish a state record for the month of May. The record was later tied at Pelton Dam on May 31, 1986.
    1928-birhday of Billy Martin, baseball player and manager born at Berkeley, CA. Billy Martin’s baseball career included managerial stints with five major league teams, the New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers and the Oakland Athletics. After a successful playing career, he compiled a record of 1,258 victories to 1,018 losses in his 16 seasons as manager. His combative style both on and off the field kept him in the headlines, and he will long be remembered for his on-again/off-again relationship with Yankees’ owner George Steinbrenner, for whom he managed the Yankees five different times. Martin died in an auto accident near Fenton, NY, Dec 25, 1989.
    1929-about 270 people attended a dinner at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles. at which the first Academy Awards was given in 12 categories. It was hosted by Douglas Fairbanks, Sr and Cecil B. De Mille. The silent film Wings won Best Picture. (The statuette we know so well as Oscar was not included in this first presentation for films made in 1927-1928. Oscar didn’t make an appearance until 1931.) Janet Gaynor was named Best Actress for her performance in "Seventh Heaven", which also won the Best Director/Dramatic Picture for Frank Borzage, and the Best Writing/Adaptation for Benjamin Glazer. Lewis Milestone was named Best Director/Comedy Picture for "Two Arabian Knights". Emil Jannings received two Best Actor awards, one for the 1927 ,"The Way of All Flesh", the other for "The Last Command" (1928) . A second Best Film award was presented to "Sunrise" for Unique and Artistic Production. It also won for Best Cinematography (Charles Rosher and Karl Struss). A committee of only 20 members selected the winners that year. The first included 1927-28 awards plus some 1928 again and 1929, which also was splint into 1930. By the third year, the entire membership of the Academy voted. The Academy Awards were first televised in 1953.
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0147914.html
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0147930.html
    1929- singer Betty Carter birthday. Died September 26, 1998
http://home.att.net/~timcramm/biograph.htm
http://www.jazzsingers.com/BettyCarter/
http://elvispelvis.com/bettycarter.htm#bio
http://park.org/Sponsors/NBC/carter.html
http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/jazz/jazzahead/
    1930—birthday of singer Betty Carter ( Lillie Mae Jones), Flint, MI Died Sept. 26, 1998.http://home.att.net/~timcramm/betty.htm
http://www.jazzsingers.com/BettyCarter/
    1937-Dizzy Gillespie records first solo with Teddy Hill’s band on King Porter Stomp, NYC ( Bluebird B-69888) http://www.duke.edu/~fdp/bio.html
http://www.bowdoin.edu/~aboisver/jazz/dizzy.html 
http://www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/Square/9063/index/gillespie.html
    1943- a major turning point of World War II occurred when the Royal Air Force Lancasters began bombing three dams in the Germany Ruhr Valley. This lasted two days and was the start of the strategic bombing effort to end the war. They dropped 4.5 ton bombs designed specifically for this mission. The Mohne and the Eder ( the largest dams in Europe a the time) were both damaged. These two dams provided drinking water for four million people and supplied 75 percent of the electrical power for industry. Widespread flooding and many deaths resulted. The planned raid also greatly affect military production. It began the assault on Germany, who's population until this time was not affected as France, England, Russia and other countries were experiencing from the Nazi's
    1945--MULLER, JOSEPH E. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 305th Infantry, 77th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Ishimmi, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 15-16 May 1945. Entered service at: New York, N.Y. Birth: Holyoke, Mass. G.O. No.: 71, 17 July 1946. Citation: He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. When his platoon was stopped by deadly fire from a strongly defended ridge, he directed men to points where they could cover his attack. Then through the vicious machinegun and automatic fire, crawling forward alone, he suddenly jumped up, hurled his grenades, charged the enemy, and drove them into the open where his squad shot them down. Seeing enemy survivors about to man a machinegun, He fired his rifle at point-blank range, hurled himself upon them, and killed the remaining 4. Before dawn the next day, the enemy counterattacked fiercely to retake the position. Sgt. Muller crawled forward through the flying bullets and explosives, then leaping to his feet, hurling grenades and firing his rifle, he charged the Japs and routed them. As he moved into his foxhole shared with 2 other men, a lone enemy, who had been feigning death, threw a grenade. Quickly seeing the danger to his companions, Sgt. Muller threw himself over it and smothered the blast with his body. Heroically sacrificing his life to save his comrades, he upheld the highest traditions of the military service.
    1945--BALLARD, DONALD E. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, Company M, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division. Place and date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 16 May 1968. Entered service at: Kansas City, Mo. Born: 5 December 1945, Kansas City, Mo. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty while serving as a HC2c. with Company M, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces. During the afternoon hours, Company M was moving to join the remainder of the 3d Battalion in Quang Tri Province. After treating and evacuating 2 heat casualties, HC2c. Ballard was returning to his platoon from the evacuation landing zone when the company was ambushed by a North Vietnamese Army unit employing automatic weapons and mortars, and sustained numerous casualties. Observing a wounded marine, HC2c. Ballard unhesitatingly moved across the fire swept terrain to the injured man and swiftly rendered medical assistance to his comrade. HC2c. Ballard then directed 4 marines to carry the casualty to a position of relative safety. As the 4 men prepared to move the wounded marine, an enemy soldier suddenly left his concealed position and, after hurling a hand grenade which landed near the casualty, commenced firing upon the small group of men. Instantly shouting a warning to the marines, HC2c. Ballard fearlessly threw himself upon the lethal explosive device to protect his comrades from the deadly blast. When the grenade failed to detonate, he calmly arose from his dangerous position and resolutely continued his determined efforts in treating other marine casualties. HC2c. Ballard's heroic actions and selfless concern for the welfare of his companions served to inspire all who observed him and prevented possible injury or death to his fellow marines. His courage, daring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
    1946 - The Irving Berlin musical, "Annie Get Your Gun", opened at New York’s Imperial Theatre. Once of the most successful shows presented on a Broadway stage, the show ran for 1,147 performances. 
    1947- Barbara Lee of the Chiffons was born in New York City. The group had several hits in the early 1960's, including "He's So Fine," which went to number one in 1963. 
http://www.history-of-rock.com/chiffons.htm
    1952—Top Hits
Blue Tango - The Leroy Anderson Orchestra
Kiss of Fire - Georgia Gibbs
Blacksmith Blues - Ella Mae Morse
The Wild Side of Life - Hank Thompson
    1953 - Bill Haley and His Comets made it to the "Billboard" music charts for the first time with "Crazy Man Crazy". The tune went to number six and became the first rock ’n’ roll record to make the pop music chart. 
    1959-Sam Snead shot an 11-under-par round of 59 at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV. He became the first golfer to break 60 for 18 holes in a major tournament( 31 out, 28 coming home), 11 strokes under par, in the third round of the Sam Snead Festival Golf Tournament. He had a score of 196 for 54 holes and won $4,500. The tournament was originally named the Greenbrier Open.
http://www.themasters.cc/samsnead.htm
http://www.golfeurope.com/almanac/players/snead.htm 
    1959 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Kansas City," Wilbert Harrison. The song debuts at No. 100 on the Hot 100.
    1960—Top Hits
Stuck on You - Elvis Presley
Cathy’s Clown - The Everly Brothers
Night - Jackie Wilson
Please Help Me, I’m Falling - Hank Lockin
    1960-Billboard reports Berry Gordy Jr, a songwriter and publisher in Detroit, is working on his own record label after succesfully producing a bunch of hit records.
    1963-- At this year's Grammy Awards ceremonies in Los Angeles, Tony Bennett's "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" wins Record of the Year and Best Male Vocal, while Ray Charles' "I Can't Stop Loving You" is awarded Best R&B Recording. For some reason, Best Rock and Roll Record go to the Bent Fabric instrumental "Alley Cat."
    1964---21 year old Mary Wells led the Billboard Pop chart with the Smokey Robinson written "My Guy". The record was Wells' 9th Top 40 entry and would prove to be her highest charting US single. 
    1965 - "The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd", a Broadway musical starring Anthony Newley, made its premiere at the Shubert Theatre in New York City. Cyril Ritchard appeared in the production which entertained audiences for 231 performances.
http://www.rockhall.com/hof/inductee.asp?id=116
http://www.rhull.freeserve.co.uk/
    1965-The Rolling Stones appear with Chuck Berry on the television show "Hollywood A-GO-GO." The Stones, trying to drive off in a Limo after the show, are attacked by a mob of fans. 
    1965-The Beach Boys appear on the "The Ed Sullivan Show" performing their latest hit, "Help Me Rhonda."
    1966--Frank Sinatra records "Summer Winds" 
    1966- the Beach Boys album "Pet Sounds" was released. Although it only barely made the top 10, the album has since become regarded as a classic and the Beach Boys' best. "Pet Sounds" is gaining new fans through its 1990 release on CD.
http://www.epinions.com/musc_mu-81264
    1966-. Janet Jackson is born in Gary, Ind., the youngest of the Jackson family. She is married briefly in 1984 to James DeBarge of DeBarge. She signs a $32 million contract with Virgin Records in 1991.
http://www.janet-jackson.com/
http://missjanet.xs4all.nl/
http://www.askmen.com/women/singer/14_janet_jackson.html
    1968—Top Hits
Honey - Bobby Goldsboro
Tighten Up - Archie Bell & The Drells
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - Hugo Montenegro
Have a Little Faith - David Houston
    1968---ROARK, ANUND C. Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Place and date: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, 16 May 1968. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif. Born: 17 February 1948, Vallejo, Calif. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Roark distinguished himself by extraordinary gallantry while serving with Company C. Sgt. Roark was the point squad leader of a small force which had the mission of rescuing 11 men in a hilltop observation post under heavy attack by a company-size force, approximately 1,000 meters from the battalion perimeter. As lead elements of the relief force reached the besieged observation post, intense automatic weapons fire from enemy occupied bunkers halted their movement. Without hesitation, Sgt. Roark maneuvered his squad, repeatedly exposing himself to withering enemy fire to hurl grenades and direct the fire of his squad to gain fire superiority and cover the withdrawal of the outpost and evacuation of its casualties. Frustrated in their effort to overrun the position, the enemy swept the hilltop with small arms and volleys of grenades. Seeing a grenade land in the midst of his men, Sgt. Roark, with complete disregard for his safety, hurled himself upon the grenade, absorbing its blast with his body. Sgt. Roark's magnificent leadership and dauntless courage saved the lives of many of his comrades and were the inspiration for the successful relief of the outpost. His actions which culminated in the supreme sacrifice of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit on himself and the U.S. Army.
    1970-- Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's LP Déjà Vu hits #1
    1971 - An ounce of first-class mail rocketed to eight cents for delivery -- two cents more than the previous stamp
    1972-Goal posts offset from the goal line, pained bright yellow, and with uprights 20 feet above the crossbar were made standard in the NFL.
    1976—Top Hits
Boogie Fever - Sylvers
Silly Love Songs - Wings
Fooled Around and Fell in Love - Elvin Bishop
What Goes on When the Sun Goes Down - Ronnie Milsap
    1980- Dr. George C. Nichopoulous, known to his patients as Dr. Nick, was indicted in Memphis on 14 counts of illegally prescribing drugs to Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and others. 
    1981 - "Bette Davis Eyes", by Kim Carnes, climbed to the top spot of the pop music chart and stayed there for five straight weeks, took a week off (replaced by "Stars on 45 Medley" by Stars on 45) and came back to number one for four more weeks! It was, obviously, a gold record winner and was played over and over and over for 20 weeks before becoming an instant oldie but goodie. "Bette Davis Eyes", incidentally, was written in part by Jackie DeShannon, who had two top ten hits in the 1960s: "What the World Needs Now is Love" in 1965 and the million-seller, "Put a Little Love in Your Heart", in 1969. 1985 - Michael ‘Air’ Jordan was named Rookie of the Year in the National Basketball Association. Jordan of the Chicago Bulls was the number three draft choice. At the time, he was third in league scoring with a 28.2 average and fourth in steals with 2.39 per game. 
    1984—Top Hits
Hello - Lionel Richie
Hold Me Now - The Thompson Twins
Let’s Hear It for the Boy - Deniece Williams
To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before - Julio Iglesias & Willie Nelson
    1986—The move "Top Gun" premieres.
    1990 - Thunderstorms produced severe weather from eastern Oklahoma and northeastern Texas to the Upper Ohio Valley. Thunderstorms spawned seventeen tornadoes, including a twister which killed one person and injured another north of Corning, AR. There were 128 reports of large hail or damaging winds. Strong thunderstorm winds killed one person and injured six others at Folsomville, IN, and injured another five persons in southeastern Hardin County KY. In Arkansas, baseball size hail was reported near Fouke and near El Dorado.
    1993—Top Hits
That s The Way Love Goes- Janet Jackson
Freak Me- Silk 
Love Is (From "Beverly Hills, 90210")- Vanessa Williams/Brian McKnight
Informer-Snow
    1999-Mia Hamm, the most recognized female soccer player in the world, she broke the all-time international scoring record, for men and women against Brazil in Orlando, Fla. with her 108th career goal.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/wwc/feature?id=276126 
    2002-Top Hits
Foolish- Ashanti
What's Luv?- Fat Joe Featuring Ashanti
I Need A Girl (Part One)- P. Diddy Featuring Usher & Loon
U Don't Have To Call- Usher
    2006-- After drawing a warning from home plate umpire Joe West for throwing a ball behind Barry Bonds, Astros hurler Russ Springer strikes the Giants slugger on the shoulder with the fifth pitch of the at-bat. This incident will cost the 37-year old right-handed reliever 4 games as he will be suspended by MLB for his action against the San Francisco superstar, who needs just one home run to equal Babe Ruth's career home run mark.

NBA Finals Champions This Date

    1980 Los Angeles Lakers

Stanley Cup Champions This Date

    1976 Montreal Canadiens
    1982 New York Islanders