NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 2, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Aaron Rents, Inc. (NYSE:RNT), the nation's leader in the rental, sales and lease ownership, specialty retailing and rental of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, today announced the successful completion of its largest-ever National Managers Meeting at the renowned Gaylord Opryland Resort, adjacent to the world-famous 4,400 seat Grand Ole Opry House.
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More than 2,000 associates from 46 states, Canada and Puerto Rico gathered to hear Chairman of the Board and CEO Charlie Loudermilk and Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership President Ken Butler congratulate them on their achievements during 2005, the company's 50th and most successful year to date.
According to Mr. Butler, "Our growth and success is a pure testament to the dedication of every one of these Aaron's associates. It is amazing to think just how far we have come. Our first manager meeting was held in 1990 with 25 managers in attendance and today we have to rent out the largest hotel in the country outside of Las Vegas to accommodate the Aaron's management team."
A highlight of the meeting was a speech where Mr. Loudermilk outlined the company's value-based culture, giving special emphasis to those areas on which he declares that no Aaron's associate should be willing to compromise. "Aaron's culture will continue to grow and thrive as we focus on the values of integrity, trust, teamwork, accountability, truth and, ultimately, excellence," said Mr. Loudermilk.
Those managers who helped their stores achieve excellence during 2005 were recognized during the awards ceremony. The top two Aaron's store managers were each rewarded with a 1955 Chevy in honor of their stellar performance during Aaron's 50th Anniversary year. In addition, several stores achieving benchmarks of $3 million or $2 million in annual revenues were rewarded for their performance.
Also recognized during the event was Dell Computer as Aaron's Vendor of the Year. In a surprise acceptance speech, Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell Computers, addressed the group via video connection with Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership President Ken Butler.
The company's Georgia roots were proudly on display as the NFL's Atlanta Falcon cheerleaders and Atlanta Falcon Head Coach Jim Mora were in attendance. While the cheerleaders opened the event, Coach Mora spoke during the general session and provided advice to the associates on just how challenging it is to be a winner. "Everyone says they want to be winners, but winning isn't for everyone. Aaron's associates have got to foster their passion for winning to allow them to continue to stay on top of their industry," said Coach Mora.
Several NFL players were in attendance to thank Aaron's for their role donating furniture to fill homes for deserving single mothers and their families as part of Atlanta Falcon Warrick Dunn's Homes for the Holidays charity. In addition to Dunn, Arizona Cardinal Kurt Warner and Tampa Bay Buccaneer Shelton Quarrels were on hand to personally thank the Aaron's managers for their donations.
Aaron's stores offer customers access to high quality furniture, appliances, electronics and computers for sale or on a lease-ownership arrangement. Customers have the option of buying their merchandise for an attractive cash price, or opting to lease their merchandise for even greater flexibility. With a lease option, customers make modest monthly payments and have the immediate use of the items they need without waiting for credit checks or other delays. Plus, Aaron's will take care of delivery, set-up, repairs and more for the duration of a customer's lease.
Aaron Rents, Inc. (NYSE:RNT) is a leader in the sale and lease ownership of residential furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances, now with over 1,200 company-operated and franchised stores in 46 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. The company also manufactures an exclusive line of furniture, bedding and accessories at 10 facilities in four states.
