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New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

 

Shane Butler was hired as Director Originations, East Region, Wintrust Commercial Finance (WCF), a division of Wintrust Asset Finance Inc., for their newly formed East region division.  He is based out of Connecticut. Previously, he was Director Originations, Northeast & Mid-Atlantic for SunTrust (July, 2018 - April, 2020); Managing Director, Originations, Bank of America (April, 2014 - July, 2018); Director, Northeast & Mid-Atlantic Regions, RBS (September, 2006 - April, 2014); SVP, Sales, GE (2002 - 2006). Education: Colorado State University, Bachelor of Science (B.S.). https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-butler-3730a69/

Owen Carter was hired as Credit/Analyst, Stonebriar Commercial Finance, Plano, Texas.  Previously, he was Capital Markets Intern, CSG Investments (May, 2020 - August, 2020); Private Asset Intern, LP analyst (May, 2019 - August, 2019); Intern, Mitre Peak Capital (January, 2019 - March, 2019).  Licenses: Bloomberg Market Concepts, Bloomberg, LP. Issued May, 2020. Microsoft Office Specialist Excel 2019, Microsoft, Issued May, 2019. Education: Southern Methodist University. Bachelor’s degree, Finance, General (2017 - 2020). Activities and Societies: Ann Rife Cox Investment Fund; O'Neil Center for Global Markets and Freedom; SMU Finance Club. https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-carter21/

Robert J. (Bob) Fisher, CLFP, was hired as Senior Vice President, Business Development Arboretum Commercial Finance, part of the Arboretum Group, LLC. Atlanta, Georgia (Arboretum Group, Hq. Portsmouth, New Hampshire). Mr. Fisher is located in Houston, Texas.  Previously, he was Senior Business Development Manager, FA (January, 2018 - September, 2020); Senior Vice President, Business Development, Ascentium Capital (September, 2011 - January, 2018); Vice President Small Business Banker, Bank of America (February 2011 - September, 2011); EVP, National Sales Manager, Main Street Bank, Kingwood, Texas (December, 2004 - March, 2010); Vice President, Douglas Guardian Services (2003); President, Fisher Anderson, LC (1996 - 2002); AVP, Credit, CIT (1982 - 1989). Volunteer: President, United Association of Equipment Lessors (2002).  Education: The College of New Jersey. BS,  Health and Physical Education (1965 - 1973). https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-fisher-clfp-82b4961b/

Charlie Fox was hired as New Business Development, Wintrust Commercial Finance (WCF), a division of Wintrust Asset Finance Inc., for their newly formed East region division.  He is based out of North Carolina.  Previously, he was VP, Regional Sales Executive, Pitney Bowes. He joined Equify, LLC 2004 as Commercial Initiatives Leader; promoted 2016, Regional Sales Manager.  Prior, he was at GE Capital, July, 2008, Experienced Commercial Leadership Program (ECLP); promoted July, 2010, Sales & Activation Manger; promoted January, 2012, Customer Experience Manager; Valuation Services, Deloitte Financial Advisory Service, LLP (August, 2007 - March, 2008); Commercial Real Estate Portfolio Manager, Colliers International (2001 - 2006). Education: University of Pittsburgh, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business. MBA, Finance (2007 - 2009). Activities and Societies: Marketing Club, Finance Club, Student Ambassador. Net impact (President & Founder).  Grove City College. Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Business Management (1997 - 2001). Activities and Societies: Sigma Phi Omicron. https://www.linkedin.com/in/foxcharlie/

Joe Hines was hired as Managing Director & Head of Originations, Equipment Finance, Truist Securities, Atlanta, Georgia. Previously, he was Managing Director, Head of Originations, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey (June, 2011 - August, 2020); SVP Sales Manager Huntington Bank Equipment Finance (2004 - 2011); Sales, M&I Equipment Finance Company (1998 - 2004). Education: Ohio University. Specialized Studies, Business. https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-hines-62b5257/

Wilbur Hooks was hired as Business Development Program Manager, North Star Leasing Company, Burlington, Vermont. He is based in Atlanta, Georgia. Previously, he was Business Development Manager, Marlin Lessing (January, 2009 - September, 2020). " Hooks bring more than 30 years of experience to North Star Leasing, having worked with a number of significant lenders in the equipment financing industry, including General Electric, Case New Holland Capital, AT&T, and Key Equipment Finance.” "Wilbur's proven track record of developing, fostering, and maintaining strong relationships with vendors, dealers, and manufacturers will help strengthen our position as a leader in the financing industry," said Dan Feeney, CEO of North Star Leasing. "We've been growing both our team and reach across the country, and Wilbur will be a key leader in building and strengthening those relationships and adding new ones." https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilbur-hooks-23216814/

Mike Jones was hired as Senior Vice President, River Capital Finance, Cleveland, Ohio.  He is located in the Greater Tucson, Arizona area.  Previously, he was Senior Advisor, FORT Capital Resources (April, 2020 - August, 2020); Senior Vice President, Vendor Finance, Ampil (February, 2018 - April, 2020); Senior Vice President, Vendor Finance, First American Equipment Finance (June, 2014 - December, 2017); Senior Vice President, Creekridge Capital (May, 2010 - May, 2014); Vice President, Healthcare Finance PNC Equipment Finance (formerly National City Commercial Capital (January, 2006 - April, 2010); Vice President, General Manager, National City Petroleum Finance, National City Commercial Capital (January, 2001 - January , 2006); Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Boulder Capital Group, a subsidiary of UniCapital Corporation (January, 1998 - December, 2000); Director of National Programs, Sunrise Resources (April, 1985 - December, 1998); Vice President Harris Adacom Network Services (September, 1989 - March, 1995).  Education: the University of Texas at Dallas. B.S., Accounting. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-jones-2a31571a/

Dennis McDermott was hired as Director Originations, Equipment Finance Group, Truist, Charlotte, North Carolina. He is located in the greater Atlanta area.  Previously, he was Director, Originations, Not for Profit & Government Equipment Finance Group SunTrust Equipment Finance & Leasing Corp. (2005 - September, 2020); Managing Director, Ashford Capital Corporation (2000 - 2005); Vice President, Koch Industries (1995 - 2000); Managing Director, Security Capital Corporation (1992 - 1995); Vice President, Chrysler Capital Corporation (1988 - 1992).  Education: Georgia State University, Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) Finance, General.  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, BA, Economics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-mcdermott-4b479a9/

Sarah Michael, CLFP, was promoted to SVP, Marketing and Digital, First American Equipment Finance, Fairport, New York. She joined the firm June, 2008, as Associate Finance Coordinator; promoted June, 2009, Associate Project Manager; promoted January, 2010, Project Manager; promoted January, 2012, Senior Project Manager; promoted June, 2013, Assistant Vice President, Small Business Division; promoted January, 2015, Vice President, Business Manager; promoted April, 2018 Director of Digital. Volunteer: Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Rochester (June, 2008).  Licenses & Certifications: Scaling Operations; Linking Strategy and Execution, Issued May, 2015; On Strategy: What Managers Can Learn from Philosophy, Part. Issues April, 2015. Certified Lease & Finance Professional, CLFP Foundation. Issues, Oct. 2012.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-michael-mba-clfp-3154a645/

Steve Mosley was hire as Account Executive for LEAF Commercial Capital, Inc. He is located in Greenville, North Carolina.
Previously, he was Relationship Manager, Equipment Leasing, TIAA Bank (July, 2013 - August, 2020); Major Account Executive, CopyPro, Inc (October, 2008 - June, 2013); Regional Sales Manager, HSBC (June, 2006 - August, 2008); Area Sales Manager (January, 2004 - June, 2006); Dealer Credit Manager, Wachovia Dealer Services (December, 1997 - December, 2003).  Education: East Carolina University, College of Business, BSBA, Finance (1993 - 1997). Activities and Societies: Delta Chi Fraternity/President, 1997 Treasurer 1998. Farmville Central High School (1991 - 1993).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemosley1/

Russ Munson was hired as National Sales Manager, New Bank (owned by Equipment Finance Group), Greater Los Angeles Area. He remains Founder and Managing Director, Sports Facility Finance Group, Rancho Mirage, California (August, 2017 - Present). Previously, he was Vice President, Sports and Entertainment Finance Group, PNC Equipment Finance, a subsidiary of PNC Bank National (January 2005 - August, 2007); Vice President, National City Commercial Capital (March, 2000 - January, 2005); Senior Vice President, HSBC Business Loans, Inc. (January, 1996 - March, 2000);  Vice President, Citi (January 1984 - December, 1996).  Education: Bellevue College. Finance (1970 - 1974). https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-munson-13345017/

Harrison P. Smith was promoted to Vice President, Credit Manager, Stonebriar Commercial Finance, Plano, Texas. He joined the firm November, 2015, as Credit Analyst; promoted January, 2019, Investment Manager. Previously, he was Investment Analyst, NovaTerra (May, 2014 - May, 2015); Analyst, Schulze Global Investments (June, 2013 - May, 2014); Intern, New World Capital Group (June, 2011 - August, 2011); Certified Lifeguard, Burning Tree Country Club (Jan s degree, International Business (2008 - 2012). Activities and Societies: Phi Delta Theta, Social Chair; Men's Varsity Swimming. President's List.  Shanghai Jian Tong University. Four-month program studying Chinese business practices and business environment as well as Mandarin. Travelled extensively.  Suffield Academy.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrison-smith-commercial-finance/

Steven Spivey was hired as Managing Director, Equipment Finance Capital Markets, Truist Securities, Atlanta, Georgia. Previously, he was at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, starting February, 2014, as Managing Director, Sales; promoted February, 2015, Managing Director, Capital Markets; Senior Vice President, Capital Markets, ATEL Capital (February, 2013 - February, 2014). He joined GE Capital June, 2005, as SVP, Capital Markets Group; promoted April, 2009, Director, Alternative Investments & Treasury. Prior, he was at GE Capital, starting 1998 as Manager, Quality Leader Six Sigma; promoted May, 2000, Global Risk and Operations Manager, Healthcare Finance Division; promoted May 2002, as Managing Director; promoted June, 2005, SVP, Capital Markets Group, GE Capital; promoted April, 2009, Director, Alternative Investments & Treasury. Education: University of Baltimore, MBA, Finance (1984 - 1986). Towson University, BS, Accounting & Finance (1980 - 1984).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-spivey-a219a11/

Chris Stout was hired as Managing Director, Public Sector at TEQlease Capital, Calabasas, California. He is located in Austin, Texas. “We welcome Chris to the TEQlease team and are excited to add Chris’ wealth of expertise,” said Mike Lockwood, President of TEQlease Capital. “Chris will complement our existing public education equipment finance business, and allow TEQlease to broaden our offerings to our vendor partners”. Previously, Mr. Stout was Government Contract Consultant (March, 2020 - July, 2020). He joined Government Leasing, LLC, April, 2000 as Contract Administrator; promoted April, 2002 Manager, Contract Finance and Lease Administrator; promoted August, 2004, Vice President.  Department Administrator, Deaf Advocate, Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (January, 1998 - October, 1999. Education: Pensacola State College (f/k/a) Pensacola Junior College. General Studies (1993 - 1994).  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-stout-175a356/

Matt Westphal has joined Eastern Funding, a subsidiary of Brookline Bank, New York City, as a Loan Officer. He is based in Ripon, Wisconsin. "He has over 12 years of experience in commercial laundry equipment lease and loan origination, and is skilled in cultivating new distributor relationships and maintaining those relationships over many years. He has extensive experience in Coin & Card Operated laundries, OPL, and the Multiple Housing sectors. He has worked with commercial laundry distributors throughout the U.S., helping to grow their business with creative financing solutions. "

Thomas Zettwuch was hired as Director, Truist Securities, Charlotte, North Carolina. He is located in the Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida Area.  Previously, he was Director, SunTrust Equipment Finance and Leasing Corporation (November, 2017 - September, 2020); Senior Vice President, Bank of America (March, 2010 - November, 2017); Senior Vice President, General Electric Capital Corporation (February, 2008 - February, 2009); Director, Wachovia Equipment Finance (March, 2005 - February, 2008); Vice President & Senior Account Manager General Electric Capital Corporation (January, 1998 - January, 2005); Vice President, First Union National Bank, International Corporate Banking (January, 1992 - January, 1988); Assistant Vice President, Norddeutsche Landesbank (March, 1989 - January, 1992); Assistant Treasurer, Commezbank AG (July, 1984 - March, 1989); Senior Credit Analyst, Manufactures Hanover Trust Company (June, 1981 - July, 1984). Education: State University of New York College at Plattsburgh. BS, Business Management (1979 - 1982). https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-zettwuch-77a34612/

 

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Leasing Industry Help Wanted

 

Developing Strong Leaders for the Commercial
Equipment Finance and Leasing Industry

By Scott Wheeler, CLFP

Small and medium size businesses are showing their resiliency and the commercial equipment leasing and finance industry is continuing to support businesses throughout the US economy.

Never bet against the entrepreneur and his ability to adapt and thrive.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is not over. There is still plenty of uncertainty. There will be winners and losers in every industry, including the commercial equipment finance and leasing industry. However, to date, the impact has not been nearly as bad as many had projected back in March or April. Below are just a few examples of optimism that are notable:

• An independent company seeking new bank lines in February closed on two new lines in July providing the company with 125% more availability than its original request.

• A sales professional, with five years of experience, had his best two months of production in June and July of 2020. He has already exceeded his annual production from 2019. 

• A credit manager stated that applications are stronger over the past three months than they have been over the past five years. Weighted average personal credit scores are up over 40 points. Average weighted time in business has improved by 6 years over the averages of 2018 and 2019. The company's funding to approval ratio is at the highest level over the past 10 years.

• A collection manager stated that his August delinquencies were lower than his February delinquencies. 100% of his deferred accounts are now fully paying their monthly obligations. The company significantly increased its bad debt reserve in June. He is confident that, without another wave, this reserve increase may be partially reversed before the end of the year.

The good news is not universal, but many companies and professionals are doing well - significantly better than expected. The commercial equipment finance and leasing industry is resilient. The best management teams had the data and ability to institute change quickly and gain efficiencies at the onset of the pandemic. These companies are outperforming their competitors and strongly participating in the recovery. Wheeler Business Consulting is proud to be a part of the recovery and to be engaged by participants in the industry that are planning for the future and maximizing their production and profitability.

Wheeler Business Consulting has been providing consultative services to companies and individuals to help them prepare for "what comes next."

Wheeler Business Consulting has facilitated over 150 individual coaching sessions with seasoned professionals over the past five months. These remote sessions focus on individual strategies to sell in the new economy and positioning professionals and companies to succeed.

Wheeler Business Consulting works with banks, independents, captives, origination companies, and investors in the equipment leasing and finance arena. We provide training, strategic planning, and acquisition services. Scott Wheeler is available to discuss your long-term strategy, to assist your staff to maximize outcomes, and to better position your organization in the market.

Scott A. Wheeler, CLFP
Wheeler Business Consulting
1314 Marquis Ct.
Fallston, Maryland 21047
Phone: 410 877 0428
Fax: 410 877 8161
Email: scott@wheelerbusinessconsulting.com
Web: www.wheelerbusinessconsulting.com

 

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Most of the world's new cars roll off assembly lines in China nowadays. As this chart, based on data from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers shows, the ranking of countries with the highest number of cars produced has changed significantly over the years. In 1999, for example, China did not even appear in the top 10 and was ranked 14th at the time. Ten years later, China was already in first place and has maintained this position ever since.

The gap between China and the next largest producer is considerable: China produces around 21.4 million vehicles annually, while Japan produces 8.3 million. Over the last 20 years, Germany has been able to maintain its third position with around 4.7 million passenger cars produced.

The production figures in China have risen so rapidly because the entire automotive industry is subject to strong globalization and German manufacturers such as Volkswagen AG are increasingly expanding their production in China. In 2019, passenger cars sold in China already accounted for around 39 percent of Volkswagen's total sales. Daimler AG and the BMW Group are also increasingly turning their attention to China. The next electrically powered versions of their Mini and Smart series, for example, are being built in China together with partners. From there they export them all over the world. Plants in Europe are lagging behind, and as production moves, so does know-how. German manufacturers enter into so-called joint ventures with Chinese companies, usually involving technology transfer.

By Martin Armstrong, Statista

 

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Beige Book Report
Federal Reserve System

Highlights by Federal Reserve District

Boston
Business contacts continued to cite the disruptive effects of the pandemic on all aspects of their activity, even as recovery began or continued in some sectors. Employees of some firms were called back, while others remained on furlough or have permanently lost jobs. The strength of the region's housing markets in July provided some support for contacts' optimism that the pandemic merely delayed the usual spring rebound.

New York
Growth in the regional economy has stalled in recent weeks, with activity still well below pre-pandemic levels. Retail activity and the single-family housing market have continued to improve. The labor market remains weak, and hiring activity has slowed. Selling prices and wages have been mostly steady, on balance.

Philadelphia
Business activity was flat during the current Beige Book period and remained far below levels attained prior to the onset of COVID-19. Firms continued to face hiring difficulties, and wages trended higher for low-wage jobs. Prices also trended slightly higher amid ongoing price spikes. Uncertainty is extremely high as contacts await layoffs, evictions, foreclosures, and bankruptcies while the coronavirus persists and the stimulus ends.

Cleveland
The region's economy grew modestly and at a pace similar to that of the previous reporting period. However, activity remained below pre-pandemic levels across most sectors. Staff levels changed very little and wages were mostly steady. Price pressures increased somewhat as input costs increased. Contacts expected moderate improvement in customer demand, although expectations have been scaled back.

Richmond
The Fifth District economy continued to improve in recent weeks, but activity remained considerably below pre-pandemic levels in most segments. A few notable areas of strength were auto sales, existing home sales, and trucking shipments. Employment continued to increase, but the pace of hiring slowed compared with our prior report. Price growth picked up but remained modest overall.

Atlanta
Economic conditions were mixed. Labor markets improved modestly, and nonlabor costs were subdued. Certain retail segments were strong, while others reported softness. Tourism activity remained soft. Residential real estate conditions improved, and commercial real estate activity was mixed. Manufacturing activity increased. Banking conditions rebounded slightly.

Chicago
Economic activity increased strongly, but the pace of growth slowed, and activity remained below pre-pandemic levels. Employment and manufacturing increased strongly, consumer spending and construction and real estate increased moderately, and business spending increased slightly. Wages increased slightly, and prices rose modestly. Financial conditions improved modestly. The pandemic continued to weigh on agriculture.

St. Louis
Economic activity has increased modestly but was highly variable across sectors. Auto dealers reported strong sales, and restaurants reported some improvement. Tourism and hospitality contacts reported that higher COVID-19 cases over the past month have reduced demand. The outlook among contacts remains pessimistic, on net, but has improved slightly since our previous report.

Minneapolis
Ninth District economic activity rose modestly. Job postings rose, but many firms expressed concern about future demand. Some segments of consumer spending and tourism saw improvements, while many services firms reported decline. Despite an overall pullback in new construction projects, residential building showed signs of resilience. Crop conditions were strong but faced low prices, and oil production fell significantly.

Kansas City
Economic activity strengthened moderately but remained below pre-pandemic levels in many sectors. Consumer spending increased moderately, with gains in retail, auto, restaurant, and tourism sales. Residential home sales and prices also rose moderately, but commercial real estate conditions worsened. Manufacturing activity expanded moderately, while conditions in the energy and agriculture sectors remained weak.

Dallas
Increasing COVID-19 infections in the Eleventh District have disrupted the budding economic recovery in some sectors. While manufacturing activity continued to expand, service sector activity declined overall in July but resumed its nascent recovery in August. Energy activity remained depressed. Sharply rising home sales were a bright spot. Outlooks were increasingly uncertain, as surging COVID-19 cases disrupted business sentiment.

San Francisco
Economic activity in the Twelfth District expanded slightly. Employment levels increased marginally. Price inflation remained generally unchanged. Sales of retail goods rose slightly, while conditions in the consumer and business services sectors remained precarious. Activity in the manufacturing sector increased modestly, and the agriculture sector remained weak. Residential construction activity picked up briskly, while activity in the commercial market increased a bit. Lending activity ticked up further.

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

First Financial Corporate Services, Inc. Unveils
Refreshed Brand as First Financial Equipment Leasing

Orange County, California - First Financial Equipment Leasing, formerly First Financial Corporate Services, Inc., a leading provider of lease financing solutions, today announced a refresh of its core branding and launch of a new website. Reflecting on the growth and evolution of First Financial Equipment Leasing as a leader in the equipment leasing industry, the new identity elevates the focus of the company’s strength, dedication, and adaptability, while honoring its long-standing Solutions First customer approach.

For over 20 years, First Financial Equipment Leasing has helped businesses discover better financing options and implement the latest capital equipment and technologies with customized leasing solutions. The company’s extensive background covers all sectors of equipment leasing including healthcare, material handling and automation, and information technology. First Financial Equipment Leasing collaborates with an array of companies including middle market firms, vendors, dealers, hospitals, and Fortune 500 corporations, with transactions ranging from $150k to well over $50 million.

Richard Stebbins, Co-Founder/Co-CEO, First Financial Equipment Leasing, said, “Since starting this company in 2000, we have grown from humble beginnings into one of the largest independent equipment leasing companies in North America.
 “We want our valued customers, vendors and partners to know that we are the same company, with the same remarkable people, and the same commitment to service excellence - with a new, modern look.”

Tom Slevin, Co-Founder/Co-CEO, First Financial Equipment Leasing, commented, “As we move forward into this new chapter, our goal remains the same today as it was twenty years ago - to create trusted partnerships through a collaborative approach and offer the best leasing solutions possible.

“By listening to our customers and understanding the challenges they are facing, we find the right solutions to jointly solve their challenges and ultimately make their lives easier. And this core philosophy will remain a constant at First Financial Equipment Leasing for years to come.”

According to First Financial Equipment Leasing’s COO, John Sandoval, the company’s newly launched website, www.ffequipmentleasing.com, offers an enhanced user experience with a clean, fresh look.’

 “It’s exciting to see how our new name, logo and branding elements give the company an energetic new visual identity with elements of our new parent company, while at the same time, honor the legacy that our founders have built. Our new branding and methodology perfectly align with the support we provide customers at every stage of a leasing transaction, and our team’s commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience.”

About First Financial Equipment Leasing

First Financial Equipment Leasing is an independent provider of equipment leasing solutions for companies acquiring capital equipment and technology. Through its three core divisions – First Financial Healthcare, First Financial Material Handling and Automation, and First Financial Technology – the company assists businesses through every stage of the leasing process to create cost-effective, innovative financial products tailored to their objectives.

Headquartered in Southern California, First Financial Equipment Leasing has multiple regional office locations across the U.S. and Canada. The company is a member of JA Mitsui Leasing, Ltd. (JAML). JAML is a Japanese equipment leasing company providing leasing and financial solutions in Japan and Globally (offices in Asia and North America), with total operating assets of over US $15 billion. For additional information, please visit the company’s website at www.ffequipmentleasing.com.

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

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

DBO Launches Investigation Into Possible Evasion
of California’s New Interest Rate Caps

The California Department of Business Oversight (DBO) today launched a formal investigation into whether prominent auto title lender Wheels Financial Group, LLC, which does business as LoanMart, is evading California’s newly-enacted interest rate caps through its recent partnership with an out-of-state bank.

In 2019, culminating a multiyear effort of Assemblywoman Monique Limón, D-Santa Barbara, the Legislature passed the landmark Fair Access to Credit Act (AB 539), which capped interest rates on most loans made by state-licensed lenders at about 36 percent.  Those rate caps took effect on January 1, 2020. 

DBO Commissioner Manuel P. Alvarez said, “I applaud the Legislature’s action to protect vulnerable consumers by cracking down on high-cost lending in California.

 “The ball is now in the DBO’s court to enforce the Fair Access to Credit Act. We will not sit idly if the same exorbitant-interest credit is being marketed, processed, and serviced by the same company as before, distributed through the same channels as before, and to the same target customers as before.”

LoanMart has historically been one of the largest state-licensed auto title lenders operating in California.  Up until January 1, 2020, most of LoanMart’s auto title loans bore rates greater than 100 percent.

However, starting in 2020, rather than continuing to make loans with rates that comply with the Fair Access to Credit Act, LoanMart stopped making state-licensed auto title loans in California.  Instead, using its existing lending operations and personnel, LoanMart commenced “marketing” and “servicing” auto title loans purportedly made by CCBank, a small Utah-chartered bank operating out of Provo, Utah.  This new loan program is advertised under the brand “ChoiceCa$h, Serviced by LoanMart” and had been marketed directly from the LoanMart website at www.loanmart.com, until recently when marketing was switched to www.choicecash.com.
 
CCBank, as an out-of-state bank, is not regulated or supervised by the DBO.  And, unlike state-licensed lenders, loans legitimately made by banks are not subject to state interest rate limits like those enacted in the Fair Access to Credit Act.  As a result, auto title loans now “marketed” and “serviced” by LoanMart in California continue to bear interest rates greater than 90 percent.

Following an informal inquiry, the DBO today issued a subpoena to LoanMart requesting financial information, emails, and other documents relating to the genesis and parameters of the arrangement between LoanMart and CCBank in California.  The DBO is investigating whether LoanMart’s role in the arrangement is so extensive as to require compliance with California’s lending laws.  In particular, the DBO seeks to learn whether LoanMart’s arrangement with CCBank is a direct effort to evade the Fair Access to Credit Act, an effort which the DBO contends would violate state law.

Responses to the DBO’s subpoena are due in October.

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

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Leasing News: Labor Day Special
By Fernando Croce

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

Putney Swope (Robert Downey Sr., 1969): The rules and foibles of advertisement are ruthlessly roasted in this slash-and-burn satire from underground auteur Robert Downey Sr. The madcap plot is kicked into motion when the chairman of a New York advertising form literally drops dead in the middle of a meeting and must be replaced right away. In the ensuing vote, the sole African-American member, Putney Swope (Arnold Johnson), is unexpectedly elected. He assures that he’s not going to rock the boat… but sink it! Renaming the company “Truth and Soul, Inc.,” Swope turns everything upside down with ribald commercials that cut to the chase when it comes to terrible products. Taking no prisoners in his social commentary, Downey serves up an occasionally crude, constantly hilarious caricature of the business of malarkey.

Erin Brockovich (Steven Soderbergh, 2000): The same year he delivered his Oscar-winning "Traffic," prolific jack-of-all-trades Steven Soderbergh also directed this crowd-pleasing drama based on the real-life story of crusading legal clerk and environmentalist Erin Brockovich. Julia Roberts received a Best Actress Academy Award for her portrayal of Brockovich as a plucky woman determined to get to the bottom of her most important case, representing struggling families on a class action lawsuit against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. While looking high and low for evidence for her case, Erin must also deal with her tetchy boss Edward (Albert Finney) and be there for her family, including her new beau George (Aaron Eckhart). Crafted with the kind of verve and style often missing from standard biopics, Soderbergh's film is a rousing portrait of working-class perseverance.

The Boss of It All (Lars von Trier, 2006): Best known for his perverse, punishing provocations, director Lars von Trier lightens up with this mischievous workplace comedy, which plays like a Danish episode of the beloved “The Office” show. Company director Ravn (Peter Gantzler) has for years lead his staff to believe that things are run by a mysterious boss named Svend. Ready to sell the firm to a humorless Icelandic tycoon (Fridrik Thor Fridriksson), he somehow has to make the nonexistent Svend show up to finalize negotiations. Enter Kristoffer (Jens Albinus), an actor hired to play Svend. What is supposed to be an easy masquerade gradually spins out of control, thanks to the staff’s contrasting attitudes and the actor’s vanity and neurosis. The results are amusing and cutting. With subtitles.

In the Pit (Juan Carlos Rulfo, 2006): The human-sized working conditions inherent (and often overlooked) in mammoth achievements arehighlighted in this acclaimed Mexican documentary from director Juan Carlos Rulfo. The setting is Mexico City’s vast Periferico Highway, built over the course of several years to mitigate the city’s traffic gridlock. In the midst of a symphony of jackhammers and crunched metal, working-class men down in concrete holes or up in columns voice their concerns. Some are diligent and focused on the project, others are resentful of social injustices, others see matters in religious matters (and add an element of heaven versus hell to the mix). With itsdensely layered mosaic of punchy visuals and sound design, Rulfo’s film reveals the faces behind colossal architecture.With subtitles.

Support the Girls (Andrew Bujalski, 2018): A driving force in the micro-budget indie scene, Andrew Bujalski directs his most appealing film yet with this breezy, thoughtful comedy, which takes place in a modest Texas sports bar called Double Whammies. Running the place is Lisa (Regina Hall, in a terrific performance), who has to deal with an obnoxious boss while playing mother-hen to a group of waitresses and juggling her own personal troubles. Over the course of a complication-filled day, Lisa struggles to maintain an optimistic front in the face of clueless trainees and piggish customers. Luckilyfor her, she can count on her working-class colleagues, and the film is at its strongest in depicting the bond between women in unsavory situations. Tough-minded and tender, Bujalski’s film is an empathetic gem.

German Shepherd
Des Monies, Iowa  Adopt-a-Dog

Zina

ID# 187397
Female
6 Months
Brown
32 lbs
Spayed
Site ARL Main

- Big, busy, exuberant puppy who loves to run and play

- Very snuggly once she knows you and will come lean against you or put her head under your arm so you will pet her

- Will need regular walks and ideally a fenced area to run and play in every day; will be happiest with outlets for her energy

- Looking for a family who will give her lots of attention, love and things to keep her busy

- Smart girl who knows sit, down and come and is very treat-motivated; will be a lot of fun to train!

- Pulls hard on a leash right now (harness recommended for walking)

- Very devoted to her human friends and will be a wonderful companion for an active family looking for an active dog who is still very much a puppy!

- Diagnosed with multiple congenital abnormalities in both eyes. She will need an over-the-counter eye gel lubricant in both eyes 3-4 times/day, and an eye wash can be used to rinse discharge from her eyes as needed. Right now, she is comfortable and not at a point where she needs further surgical treatment, although it's possible she may need additional medical care in the future if she becomes uncomfortable as she grows (more info at ARL)

The ARL's shelter software requires that we choose a primary breed for our dogs. Visual breed identification in dogs is unreliable, so for most dogs we are only guessing at primary breed. We get to know each dog as an individual and do our best to describe each of our dogs based on personality, not breed label.

Send a Message:
https://www.arl-iowa.org/about/contact-us/

Animal Rescue League of Iowa
5452 N.E. 22nd Street
Des Moines, IA 50313

Phone: (515) 262-9503

Due to the impact of Covid-19 restrictions, hours of operation of our partner locations may vary.

Please call ahead to verify before visiting.

[headlines]
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Your Dog Advisor
10 Common Dog Behavior Problems
and How To End Them

https://yourdogadvisor.com/dog-behavior-problems/

[headlines]
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SFNet Early Bird Pricing Extended to September 9th

We are pushing back our deadline until after Labor Day to give you more time to get the best deal.

New for 2020 is a pricing policy that extends the benefits of convention programming to your entire team. You can find out all about it here

Register for SFNet’s 76th Annual Convention by September 9th and save 10% off your corporate rate. That could mean an extra $1,000+ in your pocket, depending on the size of your organization.

Plus, our new company-wide pricing gives your organization unlimited employee registrations for one low fee. Visit SFNet.com or contact James Kravitz, Business Development Director, at 917-881-1247 for more information.

Don’t miss out on the largest gathering of secured finance professionals anywhere. To learn more about this year’s agenda and our virtual event platform:

Details/Registration
https://www.sfnet.com/home/76th-annual-convention

For more information, visit SFNet.com or contact James Kravitz, Business Development Director, at 917-881-1247.

News Briefs----

Quicken Loans parent swings to profit
  in first results since IPO, Net Income $3.5 Billion
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-rocket-companies-results/quicken-loans-parent-swings-to-profit-in-first-results-since-ipo-idUSKBN25T36F

Robinhood May Face $10M SEC Fine
     Over Disclosure Failures
https://www.coindesk.com/robinhood-sec-fine-disclosures-investors?

Amtrak Will Furlough Over 2,000 Workers
    Because of the Coronavirus
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/us/politics/coronavirus-amtrak-furloughs.html

Ford Motors to Cut 1,400 Salaried Jobs
  Joins Boeing and Coca-Cola Offering Severance Deals
https://www.industryweek.com/talent/article/21140924/ford-motors-to-cut-1400-salaried-jobs

Aluminum can shortage hits local breweries,
     empties sparkling water aisles
https://www.stltoday.com/business/local/aluminum-can-shortage-hits-local-breweries-empties-sparkling-water-aisles/article_532406d0-af31-5312-aaaf-b79d865ff071.html

Unemployment Claims Show Layoffs Continue to Batter   
    Economy “It’s pretty bad at this stage in the crisis,”
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/03/business/economy/unemployment-claims.html

Michael Bloomberg to Give $100 Million
     to Historically Black Medical Schools
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/03/business/dealbook/bloomberg-black-medical-schools-donation.html

As More Stay Home,
    Square Footage Demand Expands
https://themreport.com/daily-dose/09-02-2020/as-more-stay-home-square-footage-expands 

 

[headlines]
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You May Have Missed---

US trade deficit surges in July to highest in 12 years
    gap between what  buys and what it sells was 18.9% higher
https://news.yahoo.com/us-trade-deficit-surges-july-125159790.html

[headlines]
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Sports Briefs---

Patriots name Cam Newton starting quarterback
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/03/patriots-name-cam-newton-be-starting-quarterback/

Is Drew Lock ready to answer John Elway's QB Question?
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2907146-is-drew-lock-ready-to-answer-john-elways-qb-question

I Want Kinship, not Animosity
    Backing up Aaron Rogers requires lot of patience
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2905541-i-want-kinship-not-animosity

Opinion: Fan tries to do right by Colin Kaepernick
    with Hall of Fame nomination
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/nancy-armour/2020/09/02/fan-tries-do-right-colin-kaepernick-hall-fame-nomination/5683686002/

Seahawks re-sign suspended wide receiver Josh Gordon
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29801508/seahawks-re-sign-wide-receiver-josh-gordon-sources-say

[headlines]
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California Nuts Briefs---

Dozens more Bay Area schools granted reopening waivers
Schools reopen: San Mateo, Marin, Contra Costa, Santa Clara counties
https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/09/03/coronavirus-dozens-more-bay-area-schools-granted-reopening-waivers/

Californians are buying their own fire trucks on Craigslist
https://www.sfgate.com/living-in-sf/article/People-are-buying-their-own-fire-trucks-15532111.php

 

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“Gimme that Wine”

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

California’s Lead Women Winemakers Show Slow,
    Steady Progress from 2011 to 2020
https://webpages.scu.edu/womenwinemakers/20112020progress.php

Royal Slope is Washington's newest American Vinicultural Area
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/?go=getArticle&dataId=235918

Wine Society collapse: Australian company goes bust
https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/wine-society-collapse-australian-company-goes-bust/news-story/9ffde0d4ffef8e0e1b65e88438c816d8

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

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

This Day in History

     1609 - Navigator Henry Hudson discovers island of Manhattan.
    1645 - The first Lutheran church was dedicated by the Reverend Johannes Campanius at Christina (Tinicum Island), near the present site of Essington, PA. Before the church was built, Campanius had conducted services in a small blockhouse at Fort Goteborg.
    1778 – The City of Amsterdam, The Netherlands signed a trade agreement with the American rebels.
    1781 - Los Angeles, California was founded. The Mexican Provincial Governor, Felipe de Neve, founded El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles, originally named Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles de Porciuncula, by Gaspar de Portola, a Spanish army captain and Juan Crespi, a Franciscan priest, who had noticed the beautiful area as they traveled north from San Diego in 1769. El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles translates into the Village of our Lady, the Queen of the Angels ... People who live there call it: L.A. for short. And you are from West L.A. or Downtown L.A., South L.A., or North Hollywood.
(Lower half of: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/sep04.html )
    1802 - Birthday of Marcus Whitman (1802-47) in Federal Hollow, NY.  American Presbyterian and pioneer medical missionary. In 1836, his family became the first whites to reach the Pacific coast by wagon train. Whitman and his wife Narcissa were murdered by the Cayuse Indians in present-day Washington State in 1847.
http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/people/s_z/whitman.htm
http://www.nps.gov/whmi/history/marcbio.htm
http://www.aoc.gov/cc/art/nsh/whitman.htm
    1803 - Sarah Childress Polk’s (1803-91) birthday in Murfreesboro, TN.  Considered shrewd and ambitious, layered with charm and backed by a politically powerful family that paved the way for her husband, James, to become President of the U.S., she was his closest advisor. One of the first things she did as First Lady was immediately ban dancing at White House functions. For four years no one danced one step there and she was admired greatly by official Washington society. She attended the South's most outstanding school for girls. She is recognized by many as a powerful influence on President Polk’s official decisions.
http://www.jameskpolk.com/scpbio.htm
http://www.pinevillenc.net/polk.html
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/firstladies/sp11.html
http://www.dancyville.net/ppages/psarpolk.htm
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786403667/inktomi-bkasin-20/103-5362656-4423850
    1807 – Robert Fulton began the commercial operation of his steamboat.
    1813 - "The Religious Remembrancer" (later renamed "The Christian Observer") was first published in Philadelphia. It was the first weekly religious newspaper in the U.S. and in the world.
    1846 - Birthday of Daniel Burnham (1846-1912), American architect and city planner, at Henderson, NY. Burnham was an advocate of tall, fireproof buildings, probably the first to be called “sky-scrapers.” In 1909, he proposed a long-range city plan for Chicago, IL, that was a key factor in the “forever open, dear and free” policy which resulted in Chicago having the most beautiful lakefront of any major city in the US. 
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/sep04.html
    1848 - Birthday of Lewis H Latimer (1848-1928) in Chelsea, MA.  African-American inventor and engineer.  In 1874, he co-patented (with Charles W. Brown) an improved toilet system for railroad cars called the Water Closet for Railroad Cars (U.S. Patent 147,363).  In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell employed Latimer to draft the necessary drawings required to receive a patent for Bell's telephone.  In 1879, he was hired as assistant manager and draftsman for the U.S. Electric Lighting Company, a company owned by Hiram Maxim, a rival of Thomas Edison.  Latimer received a patent in January 1881 for the "Process of Manufacturing Carbons", an improved method for the production of carbon filaments used in light bulbs.  The Edison Electric Light Company in New York City hired Latimer in 1884, as a draftsman and an expert witness in patent litigation on electric lights. Latimer is credited with an improved process for creating a carbon filament at this time, which was an improvement on Thomas Edison's original paper filament, which would burn out quickly.
    1862 – General Robert E. Lee crosses the Potomac and enters Maryland. It is his mission to bring the war to North in the North, gain the sympathy of the growing population who wants “peace”, “negotiations,” and his main thrust is to take the White House as the British did in the War of 1812. President Lincoln had named General Henry W. Halleck on July 12 to be Commander-in-Chief of the Union armies. Known as “Old Brains” due to his West Point education, author of military strategy and administration, Halleck graduated third in his class, 1839 (Lee graduated second in his class, 1829). Before the war, he had been a successful California attorney and admired by Lincoln, also an attorney. Lincoln was one of his biggest supporters. Lee was not, and knew him to be a very conservative, “by the book” man, which he was, and was held in great disdain by the other Union generals, especially after his lack of defense of Washington.  The war went very badly under his command; in fact, Lincoln was not expected to be re-elected President and it was not until he appointed General U.S. Grant as Commander-in-Chief that the war turned around. Lee, with his limited resources and much smaller, not very well equipped troops…many toward the end of the war without shoes and army uniforms, meaning they also wore the same clothes for months, dwindling provisions…were bringing the war to the North, winning the war, until the Confederates stumbled into Union troops in Gettysburg on their march to Washington. Grant quickly re-grouped, the Confederates had definite communications problems and General Longstreet lost his nerve. With Grant in charge, who’s main plan to was to cut the South off by ocean, river, and major highway from food, commerce, and re-enforcements, and with Naval blockades run by a 63 year old fearless Admiral Farragut and a ruthless General Sherman, the tide of the war turned in favor of the Union. Halleck was one of the main reasons General George McClellan ran as the Democratic nominee against Lincoln in 1965, as Halleck had maneuvered McClellan from his job. This also further politically cemented Lincoln's backing of his Commander-in-Chief. This site gives the best background on why this day is so important in Civil War history as it formed the Southern strategy of the war:
http://www.nps.gov/anti/why_inv.htm
http://www.nps.gov/hafe/jackson.htm
http://www.longislandgenealogy.com/hallock/henryhalleck.html
http://www.mrlincolnswhitehouse.org/templates/display.search.cfm?ID=134
http://www.morrisville.edu/library/local_history/sites/gar_post/halleck.html
http://www.us-civilwar.com/farragut.htm
    1864 - Bread riots in Mobile, Alabama, as food was scarce and women
took to the streets for bread and other food. Also hit very hard were
Union soldiers held in Confederate prisons as many starved to death.
http://www.moc.org/Articles/womanwar.html
http://www.angelfire.com/ga2/Andersonvilleprison/
http://www.mdgorman.com/belle_isle_prison.htm
http://www.ohiohistory.org/resource/database/civilwar.html
    1866 – The first dally newspaper in Hawai’i began publishing.
    1869 - First westbound train arrives in San Francisco.
http://www.travelingamerica.com/historichotels/CALIFORNIA-SANFRANSICO/SanFranciscoCalifornia.htm
http://www.ego.net/us/ca/sf/history/
http://www.zpub.com/sf/history/sfh2.html
    1873 - Regular Cable Car service begins on Clay Street in San Francisco by the North Beach and Mission Railway.
http://www.cablecarmuseum.com/8c/8c.htm
http://www.shapingsf.org/ezine/transit/cablecars.html
http://www.sfmuseum.org/bio/hallidie.html
    1882 - The first successful electric generator was put in operation, Jumbo No. 1, a direct-current steam dynamo, which was built in 1881 by the Edison Machine Works, Goerck Street, New York City. It weighed 27 tons, 6 tons of which was the armature. When the armature was air-cooled, the dynamo's capacity was 700 lamps of 15-candlepower each. That same Saturday evening, the Edison Electric Illuminating Company of 257 Pearl Street, New York City turned on its one engine, which generated power for 800 electric light bulbs. Within 14 months, the service had 508 subscribers and 12,732 bulbs.  This is considered by many as the day that began the electrical age.
    1883 - Ten year old Barney Flaherty, according to history, became the first “newsboy” in the US by answering the following classified advertisement which appeared in the New York Sun: “to the unemployed—a number of steady men can find employment by vending this paper. A liberal discount is allowed to those who buy to sell again.”
    1885 - The first self-service restaurant opened at 7 New York Street, New York City, opposite the New York Stock Exchange. It was called the Exchange Buffet.
    1886 - Geronimo, the inveterate Apache raider along the Mexican border, surrendered to Gen. Nelson A. Miles in Arizona. All the Chiricahua Apaches were then resettled in Florida as war prisoners. They were relocated to Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 1894.
http://www.wmat.nsn.us/wmahistory.shtml http://www.discoverdouglas.com/Tourism/Geronimo.htm http://search.biography.com/print_record.pl?id=15090
    1888 - George Eastman of Rochester, NY, received a patent for a fix-focus box camera that had a lens fast enough to make instantaneous exposures. What made it so unique is it used a “roll of film” of 1000 exposures and took a round picture 2.5 inches in diameter. It also did not require a table or tripod for support.
    1905 - Pianist Meade Lux Lewis (1905-64) birthday, Chicago.
http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/bandt/html/henry.htm
http://collections.ic.gc.ca/arctic/explore/hudson.htm
http://www.plpsd.mb.ca/amhs/history/hudson.html
http://www.ianchadwick.com/hudson/hudson4.html
    1908 - Richard Wright’s (1908-60) birthday, Roxie, MS.  One of my favorite authors, whose work including “Native Son,” “Uncle Tom's Children,” and “Black Boy.” Perhaps one, if not “the” number one, most powerful of American writers.
http://www.itvs.org/RichardWright/index.html
http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/rwright.htm
http://foia.fbi.gov/rnwright.htm
http://www.salon.com/audio/2000/10/05/wright/index.html
    1916 – Two future Hall of Famers hung ‘em up for good…Christy Mathewson and Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown.  Cincinnati player-manager Mathewson, pitching his only game not in a Giants uniform, beat his long-time nemesis Brown and the Cubs, 10-8.
    1917 – Henry Ford II (1917-87) was born in Detroit, the eldest grandson of Henry Ford.  He was president of the Ford Motor Company from 1945 to 1960, chairman and CEO from 1960 to 1979, and chairman for several months thereafter. Notably, under the leadership of Henry Ford II, Ford Motor Company became a publicly traded corporation in 1956.  He is credited with opening Ford’s leadership to more modern techniques in –place of the existing good ole boy hierarchy that had become an impediment to growth and modern methods.  He also established the “Whiz Kids”, ten younger, bright up-and-comers, gleaned from an Army Air Forces statistical team, giving the company the ability to innovate and stay current. Two of them, Arjay Miller and Robert McNamara, went on to serve as presidents of Ford themselves. A third member, J. Edward Lundy, served in key financial roles for several decades and helped to establish Ford Finance's reputation as one of the best Finance organizations in the world.
    1918 - Birthday of Gerald Wilson (1918-2014), Shelby, MS.  Great jazz arranger, teacher at UCLA. We used to see his band play in Los Angeles often, and he was ahead of his time.
http://www.mamajazz.org/pages/biogerald.html
    1918 – Paul Harvey (1918-2009) was born in Tulsa, OK.  A conservative American radio broadcaster for ABC Radio, he broadcast “News and Comment” on weekday mornings and mid-days, and at noon on Saturdays, as well as his famous “The Rest of the Story” segments. From the 1950s through the 1990s, Harvey's programs reached as many as 24 million people a week. “Paul Harvey News” was carried on 1,200 radio stations, 400 Armed Forces Network stations and 300 newspapers.
    1919 – Eddie Waitkus (1919-72) was born in Cambridge, MA.  Just a few years into the start of what seemed a very promising Major League career, Ruth Steinhagen, an obsessed fan, shot Waitkus at Chicago’s Edgewater Beach Hotel on June 14, 1949, in one of the earliest recognized cases of criminal stalking. Bernard Malamud wove this incident into his book, “The Natural” that became a movie of the same name starring Robert Redford.  Barbara Hershey played a crazed fan who shot Redford’s character early in his career.
    1923 – The maiden flight of the first U.S. airship, the USS Shenandoah. It was assembled at the Lakehurst, NJ Naval Air Station from parts manufactured at a Navy factory in Philadelphia.  It crashed in a storm in Ohio in 1925.
    1928 - Wingy Manone recorded "Downright Disgusted" for Vocalion Records. Playing drums for Wingy was a young sideman named Gene Krupa.
    1941 - The New York Yankees won their 12th American League baseball pennant. This was the earliest any American League team had clinched the title.
    1941 - A German submarine made the first attack against a United States ship, the USS Greer, a destroyer, in the north Atlantic. Although the sub attack did not result in a hit, there is debate as to which side fired first.
    1942 - Singer Merald “Bubba” Knight of Gladys Knight and The Pips was born in Atlanta, Georgia.
http://www.xtrememusician.com/info/artists/profiles/489.html
http://www.thisoldsoul.net/pips.html http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2000/May-12-
Fri-2000/weekly/13366691.html
http://www.angelfire.com/co/helper/gladys.html
http://www.delafont.com/music_acts/Gladys_Knight.htm
http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/knight_gladys/bio.jhtml
http://www.lvol.com/bios/e55.html
    1943 - HUTCHINS, JOHNNIE DAVID, Medal of Honor.
Rank and organization: Seaman First Class, U.S. Naval Reserve. Born: 4 August 1922, Weimer, Tex. Accredited to: Texas. Citation: For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous valor above and beyond the call of duty while serving on board a Landing Ship, Tank, during the assault on Lae, New Guinea, 4 September 1943. As the ship on which Hutchins was stationed approached the enemy-occupied beach under a veritable hail of fire from Japanese shore batteries and aerial bombardment, a hostile torpedo pierced the surf and bore down upon the vessel with deadly accuracy. In the tense split seconds before the helmsman could steer clear of the threatening missile, a bomb struck the pilot house, dislodged him from his station, and left the stricken ship helplessly exposed. Fully aware of the dire peril of the situation, Hutchins, although mortally wounded by the shattering explosion, quickly grasped the wheel and exhausted the last of his strength in maneuvering the vessel clear of the advancing torpedo. Still clinging to the helm, he eventually succumbed to his injuries, his final thoughts concerned only with the safety of his ship, his final efforts expended toward the security of his mission. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
    1949 - The longest pro tennis match in history was played. Pancho Gonzales and Ted Schroeder played 67 games in five sets
    1950 - BROWN, MELVIN L., Medal of Honor.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company D, 8th Engineer Combat Battalion. Place and date: Near Kasan, Korea, 4 September 1950. Entered service at: Erie, Pa. Birth: Mahaffey, Pa. G.O. No.: 11, 16 February 1951. Citation. Pfc. Brown, Company D distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. While his platoon was securing Hill 755 (the Walled City), the enemy, using heavy automatic weapons and small arms, counterattacked. Taking a position on a 50-foot-high wall he delivered heavy rifle fire on the enemy. His ammunition was soon expended and although wounded, he remained at his post and threw his few grenades into the attackers causing many casualties. When his supply of grenades was exhausted his comrades from nearby foxholes tossed others to him and he left his position, braving a hail of fire, to retrieve and throw them at the enemy. The attackers continued to assault his position and Pfc. Brown weaponless, drew his entrenching tool from his pack and calmly waited until they 1 by 1 peered over the wall, delivering each a crushing blow upon the head. Knocking 10 or 12 enemy from the wall, his daring action so inspired his platoon that they repelled the attack and held their position. Pfc. Brown's extraordinary heroism, gallantry, and intrepidity reflect the highest credit upon himself and was in keeping with the honored traditions of the military service. Reportedly missing in action and officially killed in action, September 5, 1950.
    1950 – The first 500-mile NASCAR race was held at Darlington, the Southern 500.
    1953 - The New York Yankees clinched their fifth consecutive American League pennant, a feat unprecedented in baseball history to this day. Casey Stengel also became the first and only manager to win five consecutive American League championships. The Yankees went on to defeat the Brooklyn Dodgers in the World Series for their fifth Series crown in a row. I was there and remember losing as I was a Dodger fan and later a Chicago Cub fan.
       1954 - To coincide with the release of his second Sun single, "Good Rockin' Tonight," Elvis Presley, along with Bill Black and Scotty Moore make their first appearance at The Grand Old Opry. Audience reaction is so poor, the Opry's manager, Jim Denny suggests that Elvis go back to driving a truck.
    1954 - Top Hits
“Sh-Boom” - The Crew Cuts
“Hey There” - Rosemary Clooney
“Skokiaan” - Ralph Marterie
“I Don't Hurt Anymore” - Hank Snow
    1954 – “Captain Midnight” premiered on television, starring Richard Webb. It was sponsored by Ovaltine. (“Mom puts it in my milk for extra en-err-geee.”)
    1957 - Governor Orval Faubus called out the Arkansas National Guard to turn away nine black students who had been trying to attend Central High School in Little Rock. President Eisenhower sent in troops to enforce the law allowing the students to integrate the school.
    1957 - Ford Motor Co introduces the Edsel
http://www.libertyhaven.com/regulationandprope
rtyrights/tradeandinternationa
leconomics/risefall.html
http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/gregory/1016/
cars/edselmypage.html
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0804746
540/ref=pd_sxp_elt_l1/103-5362656-4423850    
    1957 - The Buddy Deane Bandstand debuts on WJZ-TV in Baltimore. The two-hour Rock 'n' Roll show gave viewers a chance to call in and talk to celebrity performers, which tied up lines so badly, the phone company was forced to ask Deane to desist. "Hair!"
    1959 - Dick Clark's traveling show, Cavalcade of Stars, opens at the Michigan State Fair. The line-up includes Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Duane Eddy, The Coasters, LaVern Baker and Jan and Dean.
    1962 - Top Hits
“Sheila” - Tommy Roe
“You Don't Know Me” - Ray Charles
“Party Lights” - Claudine Clark
“Devil Woman” - Marty Robbins
    1966 - The Los Angeles Dodgers became the first team in Major League history to draw two million fans at home and two million on the road in the same season when they played the Reds in Cincinnati before a crowd of 18,670.
    1967 - PETERS, LAWRENCE DAVID, Medal of Honor.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company M, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, 4 September 1967. Entered service at: Binghamton, N.Y. Born: 16 September 1946, Johnson City, N.Y. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader with Company M. During Operation SWIFT, the marines of the 2d Platoon of Company M were struck by intense mortar, machinegun, and small arms fire from an entrenched enemy force. As the company rallied its forces, Sgt. Peters maneuvered his squad in an assault on any enemy defended knoll. Disregarding his safety, as enemy rounds hit all about him, he stood in the open, pointing out enemy positions until he was painfully wounded in the leg. Disregarding his wound, he moved forward and continued to lead his men. As the enemy fire increased in accuracy and volume, his squad lost its momentum and was temporarily pinned down. Exposing himself to devastating enemy fire, he consolidated his position to render more effective fire. While directing the base of fire, he was wounded a second time in the face and neck from an exploding mortar round. As the enemy attempted to infiltrate the position of an adjacent platoon, Sgt. Peters stood erect in the full view of the enemy firing burst after burst forcing them to disclose their camouflaged positions. Sgt. Peters steadfastly continued to direct his squad in spite of 2 additional wounds, persisted in his efforts to encourage and supervise his men until he lost consciousness and succumbed. Inspired by his selfless actions, the squad regained fire superiority and once again carried the assault to the enemy. By his outstanding valor, indomitable fighting spirit and tenacious determination in the face of overwhelming odds, Sgt. Peters upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
        1967 - The U.S. 1st Marine Division launches Operation SWIFT, a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam and Quang Tin Provinces in I Corps Tactical Zone (the region south of the Demilitarized Zone). A fierce four-day battle ensued in the Que Son Valley, 25 miles south of Da Nang. During the course of the battle, 114 men of the U.S. 5th Marine Regiment were killed while the North Vietnamese forces suffered 376 casualties.
    1968 – Mike Piazza, the catcher with the most HRs (427) in Major League history, was born in Norristown, PA.  A 12-time All-Star, Piazza has a career slash line of .308/.377/.545, and started 1606 games at catcher. He had at least one RBI in 15 consecutive games for the New York Mets in 2000, the second-longest RBI streak ever.  In 2013, the Mets inducted Piazza into their Hall of Fame. In 2016, Piazza was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame as a Met.
    1969 - After thirty-one games, the third longest consecutive game hitting streak in National League history ends as Dodger Willie Davis is stopped in a 3-0 loss to the Padres.
    1969 - STOCKDALE, JAMES B. Medal of Honor Rank and organization: Rear Admiral (then Captain), U.S. Navy. Place and date: Hoa Lo prison, Hanoi, North Vietnam, 4 September 1969. Entered service at: Abingdon, Ill. Born: 23 December 1923, Abingdon, Ill. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while senior naval officer in the Prisoner of War camps of North Vietnam. Recognized by his captors as the leader in the Prisoners' of War resistance to interrogation and in their refusal to participate in propaganda exploitation, Rear Adm. Stockdale was singled out for interrogation and attendant torture after he was detected in a covert communications attempt. Sensing the start of another purge, and aware that his earlier efforts at self-disfiguration to dissuade his captors from exploiting him for propaganda purposes had resulted in cruel and agonizing punishment, Rear Adm. Stockdale resolved to make himself a symbol of resistance regardless of personal sacrifice. He deliberately inflicted a near-mortal wound to his person in order to convince his captors of his willingness to give up his life rather than capitulate. He was subsequently discovered and revived by the North Vietnamese who, convinced of his indomitable spirit, abated in their employment of excessive harassment and torture toward all of the Prisoners of War. By his heroic action, at great peril to himself, he earned the everlasting gratitude of his fellow prisoners and of his country. Rear Adm. Stockdale's valiant leadership and extraordinary courage in a hostile environment sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
    1970 - The greatest natural disaster of record for Arizona occurred. Unprecedented rains caused rivers in central Arizona to rise five to ten feet per hour, sweeping cars and buildings as far as 30 to 40 miles downstream. Flooding claimed the lives of 23 persons, mainly campers, and caused millions of dollars damage. Water crested 36 feet above normal near Sunflower, AZ. Workman's Creek was deluged with 11.40 inches of rain in 24 hours to establish a state record. Moisture from Pacific Tropical Storm Norma led to the severe flooding.
    1970 - Top Hits
“War” - Edwin Starr
“In the Summertime” - Mungo Jerry
“(If You Let Me Make Love to You) Why Can't I Touch You?” - Ronnie Dyson
“Don't Keep Me Hangin' On” - Sonny James    1972 - Swimmer Mark Spitz captured his seventh Olympic gold medal in the 400-meter medley relay event at Munich, Germany. Spitz became the first Olympian to win seven gold medals.
    1972 – The Red Sox’ Luis Tiant threw his fourth consecutive shutout, beating the Brewers, 2-0.
    1973 - John Ehrlichman and G. Gordon Liddy were indicted along with two White House officials in connection with the burglary of the office of Daniel Ellsberg's psychiatrist in 1971. The action had been instigated by the so-called White House plumbers' unit, created to stop security leaks, following Ellsberg's release of Pentagon documents to the press.
    1974 – Don Wilson, after pitching eight no-hit innings against the Reds, is pulled for a pinch-hitter by Astros’ manager Preston Gomez.  The reliever gave up a hit and lost in the 9th. It's the second time Gomez has pinch-hit for his pitcher late in a game while he is throwing a no-no; Clay Kirby was the victim on in 1970.
    1976 - "You Should Be Dancing" becomes the Bee Gees third US number one single.
    1976 - Kiss releases the Soft-Rock ballad, "Beth." It will rise to #7 and become their only US Top 10 hit.
    1977 – The Golden Dragon Massacre took place in San Francisco.   39 died in the Chinatown Tong wars when three masked gunmen walked in and started firing inside the Golden Dragon restaurant. When they walked back out, there were five more dead plus 11 wounded. The Wah Ching and Joe Fong youth gangs were going at it, and there were known gangsters in the restaurant, on Washington Street off Grant, when the shooting started. But it was not confirmed that any of the victims were gangsters.  
    1978 - Top Hits
“Grease” - Frankie Valli
“Three Times a Lady” - Commodores
“Boogie Oogie Oogie” - A Taste of Honey
“Blue Skies” - Willie Nelson
    1986 - Top Hits
“Higher Love” - Steve Winwood
“Venus” - Bananarama
“Take My Breath Away” - Berlin
“Heartbeat in the Darkness” - Don Williams
    1988 - The western U.S. experienced another day of record heat. The afternoon high of 91 degrees at Stampede Pass, WA established an all-time record for that location, and Los Angeles, CA equaled their all-time record high with a reading of 110 degrees. A record high of 107 degrees at San Diego, CA was their hottest reading in 25 years. Red Bluff, CA was the hot spot in the nation with an afternoon reading of 118 degrees.
    1990 - Jerry Lewis' 25th Muscular Dystrophy telethon raises $44,172,186
    1991 - Removing an asterisk which really never existed, the Major League Baseball Statistical Accuracy Committee decides to put Roger Maris 61 home run season ahead of Ruth's 60 mark instead of listing it separately as it was from 1962 until 1991. The eight man panel also re-defines a no-hit game as one which ends after 9 or more innings with one team failing to get a hit thereby removing 50 games from the list that had previously been considered hitless, including the 1959 performance of Harvey Haddix's 12 perfect innings against the Braves (he lost the perfecto and the game in the 13th) and Jim Maloney's 1965 1-0 loss to the Mets in 11-innings.
    1994 – The Cleveland Browns became the first NFL team to score a two-point conversion after the rule change.
    1995 - Robin Ventura becomes the eighth player to hit two grand slams in one game helping White Sox to beat the Rangers, 14-3.
    1997 - The 14th MTV Video Music Awards show was staged at Radio City Music Hall. Host Chris Rock introduced Madonna, U2, Beck, Jamiroquai, The Wallflowers with Bruce Springsteen & Marilyn Manson. Most memorable moment: Sting joining Puff Daddy and Faith Evans to perform "I'll Be Missing You".
    1998 – Google was founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, two students at Stanford University.
    1999 - The Reds set a National League record with nine homers with as they rout the Phillies, 22-3. Eddie Taubensee (2), Greg Vaughn, Jeffrey Hammonds, Aaron Boone, Dimitri Young, Pokey Reese, Brian Johnson and Mark Lewis all go yard for Cincinnati.
    2000 - The Red Sox honor Hall of Famer catcher Carlton Fisk. The New Hampshire resident, who played his first nine seasons with Boston, joins Bobby Doerr (1), Joe Cronin (4), Carl Yastrzemski (8) and Ted Williams (9) in having his number (27) retired at Fenway.
    2002 - In front of 55,528 fans at Coliseum, the A's set an American League record by extending winning streak to 20 consecutive games. After blowing an 11-run lead to the Royals, Scott Hattieberg's bottom of the ninth inning walk off home run gives Oakland the historic victory, 12-11.
    2006 – Tiger Woods matched the lowest final round of his career (8 under 63) in the Deutsche Bank Championship in Norton, MA.  It was his fifth straight win and 7th of this PGA season.
    2016 – Mother Theresa was canonized by Pope Francis.  Tens of thousands of people witnessed the ceremony, including 15 government delegations and 1,500 homeless people from across Italy.  It was televised live on the Vatican channel and streamed online; Skopje, Teresa's hometown, announced a week-long celebration of her canonization.  In India, a special Mass was celebrated by the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata.
    2018 – Amazon became the second trillion-dollar company.
    2018 – The FBI announced the recovery of Dorothy’s red slippers from “The Wizard of Oz,” stolen 13 years ago.