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Executive Board

Letter from the President - Greg K. Geile

July 17, 2004

Greetings to all my fellow pawnbrokers in Arizona!

My name is Greg Geile, I am very proud to announce that I am the new President of the Arizona Pawn Association. The APA has been protecting our industry since 1986 and it is an honor to be asked to lead this great association. My career as a pawnbroker began in 1994 when we opened the first SuperPAWN franchise in Flagstaff. Since then, we have expanded our operation to five locations in Flagstaff, Yuma and Tucson and are looking to acquire additional locations in Arizona. We would not have been able to achieve this without the continued support and protection that the APA provides our industry and for that I am very grateful to each and every member.

My many thanks go to Mark Gonshak, the past President, for creating and advancing this association since its inception. Hundreds of hours each year were dedicated to the association’s successful development, thank you Mark. We now have a new Executive Board with representation from every corner of the state that will build on the accomplishments of the past and set lofty goals for the future. By electing board members from Pinetop, Glendale, Prescott, Mesa, Tucson, Flagstaff, Phoenix and Yuma we will achieve a true STATE association with equal focus and attention for every community in Arizona.

While our industry is headed in a positive direction, the APA must constantly monitor potential threats. Did you know that in addition to Phoenix, several other states and cities have passed an illegal per transaction tax/fee on pawnbrokers and second hand dealers? Bullhead City, Miami, Des Moines, just to name a few, have instituted per transaction taxes/fees and the list is growing. While many pawnbrokers, including myself, have been successful in defending against these taxes/fees in our local communities, a bill in the Arizona State Legislature could come at anytime and we need to be prepared. We must have a financially strong organization representing 100% of the pawnbrokers in Arizona to successfully defend our industry from such attacks. The APA employs the service of the respected lobbyist John Mangum whose client list includes companies such as Coca-Cola and Budweiser. Mr. Mangum’s office monitors any legislative activity that could impact pawnbrokers and second hand dealers. Protecting our industry from unfair legislation was the association’s main focus in 1986 and that focus remains very clear today, but it does cost money.

Anytime a bill affecting a particular industry is brought before the legislature, be it positive or negative, the cost to monitor and direct the bill increases rapidly and we must be prepared. Last year the APA spent in excess of $7,000 to simply monitor bills and riders that did not specifically address our industry but if passed would have greatly impacted our rights as business owners and the rights of our customers.

The APA is also dedicated to the improvement of our communities and the quality of life in Arizona. At the 2003 General Meeting the APA membership approved the sponsorship of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Through an initial cash donation and additional point of sales donations collected by APA members, the Association will join companies such as Discover, Ford Motor Company, Marshalls, and Walgreens in sponsoring this great cause. This type of philanthropy allows Arizona’s pawnbrokers to give back to their communities and gain some much needed positive public relations.

The Executive Board is very excited about our upcoming events in 2004 and 2005. We are planning a great convention in January with vendors, member’s breakfast/luncheon, seminars and guest speakers. If you are interested in serving on the Executive Board or on a particular committee, please do not hesitate to contact us, we would love to have you!

Please take a moment to review the members page on the new APA website. If you are not a member or have let your dues lapse, take a moment, print out the application and drop it in the mail. If you are unsure of your standing, please check the active membership roster and take the appropriate action. We need every pawnbroker in Arizona to do his/her part to protect this great industry. The membership benefits and protections that the Arizona Pawn Association provides are well worth the annual dues.

This is your industry! Are you doing your part to protect it?

Cordially,

Greg K. Geile

President

Officers

Greg K. Geile - President

4055 E. Speedway Blvd.

Tucson, AZ 85712

Tel: 520-631-7395

Email: ppyuma@aol.com

Neil Yukolis - Vice President

740 E. Main St.