Icon Co-Founder Tom Martin Passes Away

One of the original three founders that lead to the formation of Icon Capital, Thomas W. Martin, 55, died from a pulmonary embolism. According to the Monitor, ICON is the fifth largest independent equipment leasing company and the largest privately-held independent equipment leasing and finance company in the United States. He was CEO and President of ICON Capital, resigned January 11, 2007, but remained as Chairman of ICON Capital, as well as a member of ICON Capital's Investment Committee, following the death of Icon Co-Founder and Chairman Beaufort J. B. (Beau) Clarke.

Paul B. Weiss, who was Vice Chairman of the parent company and President of ICON Capital the primary operating company... today Chairman of Pacific Rim Partners said, "Tom was believed to be in good health and of course his premature death is sad news for friends and family."

Mr. Martin served as the President and Treasurer of ICON Securities Corp. since August 1996. He had over 19 years of senior management experience in the leasing business. He was in the equipment leasing business since 1983.

Classified Ads---Senior Management

Philadelphia, PA Executive that led vendor technology leasing start-ups for US Bancorp and Wells Fargo. Hired and managed vendor teams in technology, office equipment, telecom and transportation. Email: jjacee@verizon.net

Europe 25+ yrs exper. management roles Chase, AT&T Capital, Heller Financial, SFS. Develop biz from “scratch to success”. Looking for challenging & pioneering job. Email: frans@alliedproperty.net

Philadelphia, PA 27 yrs. exp. sales, ops., credit, strategy, P&L mngmet. Most recently created & executed the biz plans for 2 highly successful Bank-owned small ticket leasing subsidiaries. email: mccarthy2020@comcast.net

Philadelphia Metro Area - 30 Years experience Healthcare sales/ management- 3 years experience newly create "small-ticket" healthcare division. Good success - Mitch Utz 215-460-4483 Email: mitutz@msn.com

For a full listing of all "job wanted" ads, please go to:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted.htm

To place a free "job wanted" Leasing News ad:
http://www.leasingnews.org/Classified/Jwanted/Jwanted-post.htm

Bulletin Board Complaint
Benchmark Financial Groups, Aliso Viejo, CA

Paula Sadler, Cable Line Installation Services, Perkasie, Pennsylvania said after signing the lease contract and sending in the check, more information was requested. There are several emails for several days waiting for the check to be sent to the vendor, and emails back that it was being processed. Five days later she is told the lease was "approved," but not "funded" and the "bank" did not fund. She asks if they can change from ten truck units to four truck units.

The salesman in a subsequent email says "If I get it approved today...I will email you the final funding documents and apply the deposit I have to the 1st month's payment and titling. If it gets declined I will issue the refund.

"If you submit this to another broker...I will cancel the deal and keep the deposit."

By subsequent email, telephone calls were not returned, but this was the next email:

"Our bank line just called my credit manager...I should have the answer shortly. If it gets declined...I will issue you the refund."

In discussions with a Benchmark Financial "spokesperson," Leasing News was told there was a document the applicant signed that stated if they went elsewhere for the lease they would forfeit the deposit. According to the "spokesperson," Marcus Davin, the president of Benchmark Funding Groups, did not want the "spokesperson" to provide the document. Telephone calls and emails to Marcus Davin by Leasing News were not returned.

Copy of Lease Agreement:
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/Cable%20Line%20contract.pdf

Previous complaints:
Benchmark Financial Group, Aliso Viejo, CA
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/April%202009/04-06-09.htm#bbc
Benchmark Financial Group, Aliso Viejo, CA
http://www.leasingnews.org/archives/March%202009/03-02-09.htm#bbc

Bulletin Board Complaint
Benchmark Financial Groups, Aliso Viejo, CA

Email from Benchmark Financial Groups salesman:

"I found out what the holdup was, apparently recently you had financed some piece of equipment and they were researching to make sure it was the same company and due to our total exposure, the file is out right declined, so I am not sure what the deal is with it, but I CC'd Joe Carter in on this and I am positive they have some sources. Also CC'd our accounting department to get you a refund on your money. I apologize, but then again I had no way of knowing what or when you have financed other things, and who you financed them with."

This is what Advantage Equipment, Birmingham, Alabama received :

The applicant never agreed to the fees charged and also was told in the email they would be getting a refund because the lease did not go through. It appears they were originally "approved" and then signed the lease agreement on that assumption.

Emails and telephone calls to Marcus Davin, President of Benchmark Funding Group were not returned.

Copy of Lease Agreement:
http://leasingnews.org/PDF/Advantage%20Equip.pdf

No more cutbacks at IDS

According to several reliable sources, International Decision Systems, Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been making cutbacks and other changes in the last six months, but with the appointment of Thomas L. Thomas as Executive Chairman, an IDS spokesperson told Leasing News: "There are no other changes going on coincident with the appointment of Mr. Thomas as our Executive Chairman."

Thomas L. Thomas, New IDS Exec. Chairman

"IDS has a strong and effective management team and an experienced board of directors," Thomas said. "I am pleased to join them to help continue and expand the company's long track record of market leadership."

"We couldn't be more pleased with Tom's decision to join our team," said Todd Davis, CEO of IDS. "His tremendous leadership experience will be instrumental in assisting IDS to achieve the next phase of its growth."

"IDS is a key portfolio investment for our firm and the addition of Tom Thomas reflects our commitment to bolstering the leadership team of this important and successful investment" said Nicholas E. Somers, Managing Partner of SV Investment Partners, the private equity owner of IDS and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the IDS board.

"Tom will add a deep background in enterprise software to our management team and our experienced and accomplished board of directors which already includes technology veterans Michael Armstrong, former Chairman of Comcast Corporation and former Chairman and CEO of AT&T and Hughes Electronics, David Dobson, President, Pitney Bowes Management Services & EVP, Enterprise Sales and Solutions, Pitney Bowes Inc. and the former CEO of Corel, and Paul Lacy, former President of Kronos, Inc."

"Mr. Thomas brings more than 35 years of successful software industry executive leadership as both a software vendor CEO and a corporate CIO to IDS. His most recent role was as President and Chief Operating Officer of GXS, Inc., a leading worldwide technology provider of business-to-business EDI and supply chain integration, synchronized and collaboration solutions. Prior to its acquisition by GXS, Mr. Thomas served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Haht Commerce, Inc. a leading provider of demand chain management solutions. Mr. Thomas was also previously CEO and President of Ajuba Solutions, a provider of integration software, acquired by Interwoven. Prior to this he was Chairman, President and CEO of Vantive Corporation, a public company and leading customer relationship management software vendor acquired by PeopleSoft. Before joining Vantive, Mr. Thomas was SVP of E-Business and CIO at 3Com, Palm, Dell Computer, as well as VP at both Kraft Foods and Sara Lee. Mr. Thomas also brings extensive board experience and currently serves as a director on three software company boards.

Sales Make it Happen by Steve Chriest 6% of Time Spent Selling A major sales consulting firm estimates that most salespeople spend no more than six percent (6%) of their available working hours talking to prospects and customers in person or on the phone about whether the customer or prospect wants to grow their business or fix a problem in the business. Excluding telemarketers, where then do most salespeople spend their time? Not surprisingly, effective time management is a challenge for many salespeople and sales managers. What is surprising is how much time and money is spent by sales organizations desperate to teach their sales teams how to spend their work time wisely and efficiently. Even a cursory look at the essential activities of salespeople reveals all you need to know about time management for the sales team. For most salespeople, there are only six essential tasks for which they are responsible: prospecting, qualifying, facilitating orders, closing business, maintaining customer relationships, and reporting activities to management. With the exception of continuing education, a salesperson can plan his or her days, weeks, months and years around these essential activities. The trick is to exclude as many activities as possible that do not impact at least one of these essential tasks. Because all companies need revenue, and salespeople are paid to close business, closing business is the number one priority for most salespeople. It seems obvious, then, that salespeople would not let anything stand in the way of closing current business with customers. Whether a salesperson prospects as a hunter, or is continually on the lookout for additional opportunities to do more business with existing customers, prospecting for business is the second most important activity for all salespeople. Why? Without a constant flow of new prospects, or new prospective business from existing customers, a sales pipeline or funnel quickly runs dry. Once prospects are identified, salespeople must qualify the prospects as a fit for the products or services offered. There are few things in a salesperson's working life that are worse than spending gobs of time with prospects who cannot or will not do profitable business with the salesperson's company. As business from a number of prospects and customers begins to move through the salesperson's pipeline, time must be spent facilitating activities that cause that business to move toward closing. It's here that salespeople waste most of their time. Whether the salesperson is at fault, or whether operational inefficiencies make it necessary for salespeople to baby-sit order processing, this activity robs many salespeople of precious selling time. Salespeople must spend some time cultivating and growing their relationships with customers. This essential activity can take many forms, from regular visits to the customer's place of business, researching solutions to customer challenges, to arranging entertainment events like business lunches and dinners, sporting events and so on. Finally, as bitter a pill as it is for salespeople to swallow, some time must be spent reporting activities and the results of activities to sales management. After all, if sales managers did not receive reports from their team, what on earth would they do with their time? But seriously, management should always require reports from the sales team, not for the purposes of micromanagement, but for the value of the intelligence to be gained from feedback reported by the sales team. Keeping the main activities of sales in mind - prospecting, qualifying, facilitating orders, closing business, maintaining customer relationships, and reporting activities to management Ð should help salespeople and managers prioritize and allocate selling time. Does anyone really need a time management class to tell them to do essential selling activities and stop doing everything else during selling hours? About the author: Steve Chriest is the founder of Selling UpTM (www.selling-up.com), a sales consulting firm specializing in sales improvement for organizations of all types and sizes in a variety of industries. He is also the author of Selling The E-Suite, The Proven System For Reaching and Selling Senior Executives and Five Minute Financial Analyst, Basic CREDIT & Analysis Tools for Non-Accountants. You can reach Steve at schriest@selling-up.com. Sales Makes it Happen articles: http://www.leasingnews.org/Legacy/index.html

Leasing News: The 2009 Toronto International Film Festival
By Fernando F. Croce

The Toronto International Film Festival is one of the most respected fests not just because of the quality and variety of entries from all the corners of the world, but also because it allows audiences an early glimpse at many of the movies that will make news in the upcoming few months. Here are some titles to keep an eye on as releases get serious and awards seasons approaches.

Antichrist: Danish director Lars Von Trier is known for pushing the envelope, but he may have outdone himself with this disturbing portrayal of a traumatized couple (Willem Dafoe, Charlotte Gainsbourg) who try to exorcize their fears by moving into an isolated woods cabin. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but the movie is undeniably powerful filmmaking, with an award-winning performance by Gainsbourg.

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans: Director Werner Herzog and actor Nicolas Cage bring out the eccentric best out of each other in this manic, very dark-humored police thriller. Loosely based on the 1992 drama of the same name, it follows Cage as an unhinged homicide detective who's more corrupt than most of the criminals he comes across. A wild ride, both unsettling and giddy.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus: Following the untimely death of star Heath Ledger, it looked as if Terry Gilliam's extravagant fantasy was doomed to shut down. Never one to let difficulties get him down, however, Gilliam forged ahead and crafted a colorful, endlessly inventive movie that serves as both a summarization of the director's obsessions and a moving tribute to the young star's talents.

Mother and Child: Annette Benning, Naomi Watts, Kerry Washington and Samuel L. Jackson headline the excellent cast in this highly emotional drama about the power of maternal bonds. Charting the interlocking storylines of a trio of Los Angeles women and their attitudes toward children, it provides a sensitive and excellently acted look at the connection between people in a world always threatened by loneliness.

The Neil Young Trunk Show: Following on their exceptional "Neil Young: Heart of Gold," Oscar-winning director Jonathan Demme and the legendary singer team up once more for this heartening and beautifully assembled concert film, combining Young's performance of his more recent hits with his classic and more obscure songs.

A Serious Man: Joel and Ethan Coen ("No Country for Old Men") deliver another stylish, acerbically funny look at men pushed into tight corners. Set in 1967, it follows a middle-class teacher (Michael Stuhlbarg) who struggles desperately to hang on to his sanity as his life quickly spins out of control. Hilarious and bleak at the same time.

Up in the Air: George Clooney plays a globe-trotting executive who specializes in firing people and whose relationships with his girlfriend (Vera Farmiga) and his new firm partner (Anna Kendrick) make him question his carefree, bachelor lifestyle. Directed by Jason Reitman ("Juno"), it might be the movie to beat at next year's Oscars.

White Material: French director Claire Denis goes to Africa in this strong, provocative drama about family and cultural ties in an increasingly dangerous land. The redoubtable Isabelle Huppert plays a European landowner owner whose African plantation is torn asunder by civil war. Visually remarkable, involving, and suspenseful.

White Ribbon: Michael Haneke won the Golden Palm at this year's Cannes Film Festival for this impeccably made, subtly unsettling tale of malice growing in the heart of a small German village in the beginning of World War One. Though the Austrian filmmaker is better known for his cold studies of alienation, this movie shows signs of an almost grudging new humanism in his work.

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GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services Provides $1 Billion in Financing in the First Half of 2009

BETHESDA, Md.----GE Capital's Healthcare Financial Services business ended the first six months of 2009 as one of the most active capital providers in the U.S. healthcare market, deploying approximately $1 billion for more than 45 transactions. Loans were used to refinance existing debt, support working capital needs and fund growth initiatives.

"Our primary focus this year has been to provide customers with tailored financing solutions to help them navigate the current economic cycle and meet business objectives," said Darren Alcus, president of GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services. "It's an encouraging sign for the industry that demand for financing to support acquisitions, capital improvement projects and other growth initiatives has continued."

In the first half of the year, GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services utilized the expertise of its dedicated industry teams to meet the needs of customers across its three primary segments:

Corporate Finance:

AccessOne MedCard, Inc. - Acted as administrative agent on a $25 million revolving line of credit for AccessOne MedCard, Inc, a Charlotte, NC based company that provides alternative programs that allow hospitals to more efficiently serve their self-pay patient consumers. The financing is being used to refinance existing debt and to support growth initiatives. GE Capital Markets served as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner. Arizant Healthcare Inc. - Provided a $75 million senior credit facility to Arizant Healthcare Inc., an Eden Prairie, MN based company. Arizant Healthcare Inc. pioneered the concept of forced-air patient warming with the 1987 introduction of the Bair Hugger® therapy. Today, more than 80 percent of U.S. hospitals use Bair Hugger® therapy. The loan is being used to refinance Arizant's existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. GE Capital Markets served as joint lead arranger and sole bookrunner. Medical Staffing Network Holdings, Inc. (MSN) - Agented an amendment to the existing $124 million senior secured credit facility. Medical Staffing Network Holdings, Inc., is a Boca Raton based healthcare staffing company. GE Capital Markets arranged the amended credit facility. Nyack Hospital - Increased Nyack Hospital's existing credit facility to $30 million to support a capital improvement project. Nyack Hospital is a 375-bed community care medical/surgical hospital located in Nyack, NY. Regency Healthcare Group - Provided a $25 million senior secured credit facility to Regency Healthcare Group, a portfolio company of EDG Partners, LLC., based in Brentwood, TN. Regency Healthcare Group provides hospice care to terminally ill patients with the goal of improving quality of life for patients and their families. The loan is being used to refinance existing debt and for growth capital. GE Capital Markets arranged the transaction. Univita Health Inc. - Served as administrative agent on a $97 million senior credit facility for Univita Health Inc., a portfolio company of Genstar Capital. The loan is being used to refinance a portion of Univita's existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. Headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, Univita Health Inc. provides an integrated approach to home-based care and support. GE Capital Markets arranged the transaction as sole bookrunner and co-lead arranger.

"Our longstanding commitment to the healthcare industry in combination with our in-depth healthcare finance expertise demonstrates our confidence in providing customers with optimal levels of liquidity and flexibility," said Bob McCarrick, senior managing director for GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services' corporate finance team.

Healthcare Real Estate:

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc. - Provided a $50 million first mortgage. The Borrower, Affiliates of Brookdale Senior Living (NYSE: BKD - News), is a national provider of senior housing. Life Care Centers of America - Provided an $83 million senior secured credit facility to Life Care Centers of America, a privately held skilled nursing owner/operator, based in Cleveland, TN. Life Care is a premier provider of long-term health care with over 200 facilities across the country. The loan was used in combination to refinance existing debt and to acquire several properties.

"There is no doubt the economic downturn has presented challenges and opportunities in the healthcare real estate market," said Brian Beckwith, senior managing director for GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services' healthcare real estate team. "We have focused on providing dependable capital to our existing customers during this market cycle and are now seeing opportunities to develop new customer relationships."

Life Sciences:

Salient Surgical Technologies - Agented a $20 million senior secured credit facility. The credit facility includes a $15 million term loan and a $5 million accounts receivable revolver where GE was a co-lender. The loan will be used to fund growth with a focus on field sales expansion and new product pipeline. Salient Surgical Technologies, headquartered in Portsmouth, NH, is a medical device innovator that designs, manufactures and markets surgical tools based on its proprietary Transcollation™ technology.

"Our team is dedicated to assisting life science companies and supporting healthcare innovation," said Anthony Storino, senior managing director for GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services' life science finance team. "Innovation is at the core of life sciences companies, so we work closely with customers to help support their need to invest, grow and remain competitive."

About GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services

With over $17 billion invested, GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services is a premier provider of capital and services to the healthcare industry, with investments in more than 30 sub-sectors including long-term care, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Our team of professionals provides deep industry expertise to create business and financial solutions tailored to meet the individual needs of our customers. For more information, visit www.gehealthcarefinance.com.

GE Capital offers consumers and businesses around the globe an array of financial products and services. GE (NYSE: GE - News) is Imagination at Work - a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world's toughest problems. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.

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Financial Federal Q Net income decreased 27%

NEW YORK--Financial Federal Corporation (NYSE: FIF - News) today announced results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended July 31, 2009. Net income for the quarter decreased 27% to $8.9 million from $12.1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. Diluted earnings per share decreased by 29% to $0.35 from $0.49. Finance receivables originated during the quarter were $60 million compared to $208 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.

Net income for fiscal 2009 decreased 14% to $43.1 million from $50.1 million in fiscal 2008. Diluted earnings per share also decreased 14% to $1.72 from $2.01. Finance receivables originated were $488 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $924 million in fiscal 2008. Finance receivables outstanding decreased 21% to $1.54 billion at July 31, 2009 from $1.94 billion at July 31, 2008.

Results for fiscal 2009 include a $1.0 million after-tax gain on retirement of debt. The Company purchased $42.3 million of its convertible debentures in the open market for $40.6 million. Without this after-tax gain, fiscal 2009 net income decreased 16% to $42.1 million and diluted earnings per share decreased 16% to $1.68. The amounts of net income and diluted earnings per share excluding this gain are non-GAAP financial measures and are presented because the Company believes they will be useful to investors by providing consistency and comparability with the prior period's operating results and a better understanding of the changes and trends in the Company's operating results.

Paul R. Sinsheimer, CEO, commented: "Our performance in fiscal 2009 was outstanding. We earned $43 million or $1.72 per share notwithstanding the substantial reduction in economic activity and difficulties in capital markets that caused many financial institutions to collapse or need a government bailout because of their excessive risk taking. We are positioned to benefit from improving business conditions and are encouraged by recent indications of economic improvement."

Steven F. Groth, CFO, added: "With a new $100 million conduit and the renewal of a $325 million conduit combined with balance sheet contraction, we had the ability to prepay $194 million of term notes at par in July and August. This will result in substantial interest savings based on current LIBOR and our liquidity remained strong at $410 million."

Full Press Release:

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/preview/phoenix.zhtml?c=120063&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1334520&highlight=

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ELFA Announces Capgemini's Cameron Krueger to Receive

2009 Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Volunteerism

Honor Recognizes Years of Association Leadership and Industry Advocacy

Washington, DC, ---The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) has selected Cameron W. Krueger, Vice President, Capgemini Financial Service to receive its 2009 Distinguished Service Award. The award is presented to individuals who throughout their careers have lent significant time, effort and expertise to the ELFA for the betterment of the equipment finance industry. Krueger will be formally recognized during a ceremony scheduled for the 48th Annual ELFA Convention in San Diego this October and will be featured in ELT, ELFA's highly regarded industry magazine.

"Cam Krueger is highly regarded within the equipment finance sector and has supported ELFA's efforts with an outstanding degree of commitment and enthusiasm," said Ralph Petta, ELFA President. "We are delighted to present this honor to him in acknowledgment and appreciation of his leadership and advocacy on behalf of the industry."

Krueger has been an actively engaged with the ELFA's work and governance since he became involved in the industry in 1991. His participation in ELFA governance has included serving on the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Membership Committee and special committees focused on communications and conferences. His activity on the ELFA Operations and Technology Committee included three years as chairman, during which time the committee instituted the Operations and Technology Excellence award which has become the premier technology award in the industry.

Krueger has been an active Federal and State advocate on behalf of the industry. He has participated with ELFA Federal Government Relations efforts through his contributions to the ELFA Lease Pac, and has attended and supported ELFA's efforts on Capitol Hill by attending Capitol Connections events. He's also been an active participant in ELFA State Government Relations activities such as special local legislative meetings and as an expert witness on three different occasions in support of the equipment finance industry.

Krueger has also contributed significantly to the equipment finance body of knowledge. Under his leadership, Capgemini has successfully prepared and delivered the ELFA Business Technology Performance Index, an important industry indicator now in its seventh year.

Most notably, Krueger's work to impart a better understanding of equipment finance to those outside the industry has enabled equipment financiers to leverage their investment in infrastructure and demonstrate their competitive advantage to ratings agencies and investors. In addition, Krueger's diligent effort to gain recognition from technology ratings agencies (Gartner and Celent) has resulted in the tracking and/or rating of service providers in the equipment finance sector by these agencies, an effort which has resulted in further building their value in the financial services supply chain.

"The equipment finance sector is an important industry that contributes significantly to the economy as a whole and through its employment of thousands of people both internationally and domestically," said Krueger. "I am honored to be recognized by the ELFA, which I believe has done an excellent job of ensuring the viability and long term success of this industry," he said.

About the ELFA

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) is the trade association that represents companies in the $650 billion equipment finance sector, which includes financial services companies and manufacturers engaged in financing capital goods. ELFA members are the driving force behind the growth in the commercial equipment finance market and contribute to capital formation in the U.S. and abroad. Its over 600 members include independent and captive leasing and finance companies, banks, financial services corporations, broker/packagers and investment banks, as well as manufacturers and service providers. For more information, please visit www.elfaonline.org

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

How to build a positive credit report

Silver Spring, MD - There are multiple reasons why people may want to establish new credit. They may be new entrants into the world of credit, or are perhaps trying to reestablish credit after a financial hiccup. Either way, there are some do's and don'ts that consumers should follow that will make the road to credit much smoother.

"Even though it is possible to live on a cash basis, most will need a thick and positive credit file to purchase big-ticket items such as a house or a vehicle," said Gail Cunningham, spokesperson for the NFCC. "Whether building a credit history from scratch, or trying to improve a tarnished one, it's important that consumers recognize the impact that a positive credit file can have on their financial well-being."

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) suggests that consumers consider the following tips when applying for credit:

o Do obtain a copy of your credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com. This is particularly useful if you are trying to rebuild your credit, as you'll want to review what existing debts you need to satisfy before moving forward.
o Do open checking and savings accounts. Even though this activity is usually not reported to the credit bureaus, lenders may inquire about the presence of such accounts on credit applications, thus it can count in your favor.
o Don't apply for too much credit at once. This can appear as though you're desperate for credit and perhaps make lenders less inclined to extend credit to you. Further, too many credit inquiries can have a negative impact on your credit score.
o Do apply for a variety of credit types. Credit scoring models value having different types of credit. Therefore, having some revolving accounts (typically credit cards) and some installment fixed payment loans (such as a car payment) can improve your score.
o Do research the type of card that is right for you. Each issuer has different lending standards (yes, a credit card is a loan), so you'll only want to apply for cards from those whose lending profile you fit. Familiarize yourself with the various standards by going to www.CreditCards.com or www.Bankrate.com.
o Don't fall for a credit repair scheme. Why pay for something that you can do for yourself for free? If rebuilding credit, know that time is your friend, as the farther you move away from the financial distress, the less negative impact it has. Follow with responsible behavior with your new credit, and you'll soon have a solid credit file.
o Don't pay to piggyback. Piggybacking is a legitimate way to build a credit history, but only if you use it as it was intended. This tool allows someone with existing credit to add an authorized user to their account. The credit activity is then reported in the primary cardholder's name as well as the authorized user's name. Examples are adding a young adult on the parent's card, or a spouse on the other spouse's card. The wrongful use of piggybacking would be when strangers utilize this method, typically for money.
o Do consider a co-signer. Obtaining a loan in the absence of any credit history can be difficult, sometimes requiring a co-signer to guarantee payment. The loan is usually structured where the primary borrower is expected to make the payment, with the pay history reported in both names. If the borrower defaults, the lender will approach the co-signer, and missed payments will be reflected on both credit files. There is somewhat of a risk to the co-signer, but if handled responsibly, co-signing can be an effective way to help another person obtain and build credit.
o Do consider a secured credit card. This type of account is secured by a deposit made to the financial institution issuing the card. For example, if you wanted a card with a $500 limit, you would deposit that amount with the bank offering you the card. Know, however, that secured cards can have fees attached to them, and typically have a higher interest rate. The account activity is reported to the credit bureaus each month, and after responsibly making payments on a secured card, the issuer often offers the borrower an unsecured card.
o Do take out a small loan. A personal loan from a bank or credit union can serve to establish credit. You may be asked to put up collateral, but it will be worth it in order to build your credit.

"Equally as important as establishing credit is treating it responsibly. Pay your bills on time all the time and you'll enjoy all the benefits of credit," continued Cunningham.

Whether just starting out or rebuilding credit, if you need financial advice, consider reaching out to an NFCC Member Agency. To find the one closest to you, call toll free to (800) 388-2227, or go online to www.DebtAdvice.org. For help in Spanish, call (800) 682-9832.

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), founded in 1951, is the nation's largest and longest serving national nonprofit credit counseling organization. The NFCC's mission is to promote the national agenda for financially responsible behavior and build capacity for its members to deliver the highest quality financial education and counseling services. NFCC Members annually help more than three million consumers through close to 850 community-based offices nationwide. For free and affordable confidential advice through a reputable NFCC Member, call (800) 388-2227, (en Español (800) 682-9832) or visit www.nfcc.org.

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AerCap Acquisition of Genesis to Create Largest Aircraft Leasing Company
http://seekingalpha.com/article/162793-aercap-acquisition-of-genesis-to-create-largest-aircraft-leasing-company

Bank of America Draws Fire for Pulling U.S. Flags from Property
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/23/bank-america-draws-pulling-flags-property/

Fed holds rates for 7th time
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/federal-reserve/fed-holds-rates-for-7th-time.aspx

Advanta Loan Defaults Decline Two Consecutive Months
http://www.creditcollectionsworld.com/article.html?id=20090923CAQBDPHO&from=creditandcollectionnews

More than 14,000 flood-related claims filed in Atlanta area
http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/more-than-14000-flood-145327.html

Synovus sells $600 million in new shares to bolster balance sheet; United Community to sell $175 million in shares
http://www.ajc.com/business/synovus-sells-600-million-145166.html

Coldwell Banker's annual home price comparison survey, 2009
http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_13401851?nclick_check=1

Japan mired in slump as exports, imports tumble
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/sep/23/japan-economy-092309/?business&zIndex=171227

Intel Aims to Replace Cabling With Fiber Optics
http://www.internetnews.com/mobility/article.php/3840681/Intel+Aims+to+Replace+Cabling+With+Fiber+Optics.htm

Publisher resigns from New York daily Newsday
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/sep/23/us-newsday-publisher-resigns-092309/?business&zIndex=171153

Tavern on the Green: A Clash with Labor
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/23/dining/23tavern.html?ref=dining

Ten Big Companies That Are Veering Toward Bankruptcy
http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/article/336235/Ten-Big-Companies-That-Are-Veering-Toward-Bankruptcy?tickers=AMD,LVS,S,M,GT,MYL,HTZ

(This ad is a "trade" for the writing of this column. Opinions contained in the column are those of Mr. Terry Winders, CLP)

The soon-to-be-closed auto plant in Fremont says the state owes it $2 million for employee training.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/23/BUND19RLEM.DTL

Going Broke: State officials spread loot like Santa, expert says
http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/2197027.html

McNabb won't practice, backup situation uncertain
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=4497154

Russell on WRs, Gannon on Russell
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/raiders/detail?entry_id=48211

Eastern Harvest Proves Challenging
http://www.winesandvines.com/template.cfm?section=news&content=67654&htitle=Eastern%20Harvest%20Proves%20Challenging

Charles Smith, Washington Winemaker of the Year
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/First-Washington-State-Food-bw-2098079511.html?x=0&.v=1

Wine industry, IRS closer on LIFO compromise
http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/15108/wine-industry-irs-closer-on-lifo-compromise/

Wine packaging shifts to thrift in cost, resources
http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/15102/wine-packaging-shifts-to-thrift-in-cost-resources/

Champagne Cuts Yields as Sales Slump
http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/40698

1896- Birthday of F. Scott Fitzgerald, American short story writer and novelist; author of This Side of Paradise, The Great Gatsby and Tender Is the Night. His short stories are worth reading again and are now in one collection. The last series about Hollywood in the 1940's are not very well respected by college professors, but the seventeen Pat Hobby stories about a writer down on his luck are both terrific and very revealing about his life. Born Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, at St. Paul, MN, he died at Hollywood, CA, Dec 21, 1940.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/sep24.html

Linear History

He comes at the pitch
Like a lion with red mane,
On a line
You could diagram,
With his back foot
The stationary leg of a compass,
He sweeps through
With the full power
Of the perfect circle,
Sending the spheres
Into an orbit of flashes.
They line up
Just to see him practice,
Lines of articles
Intersect with reality
Sometime in September.
In another sixty years
The grass will go brown
On his grave.

Written by Tim Peeler,
"Touching all the Bases"
poems from Baseball

Published by McFarland & Company