NPA Immediate Past President Dave Crume delivers Pawnbroker of the Year Award to Bob Moulton.
National Pawnbrokers Association welcomes new leaders, pushes the industry boundaries, and welcomes a new generation of pawnbrokers.
The National Pawnbrokers Association’s Pawn Expo, held in Las Vegas, NV June 14-16, 2011 experienced a record breaking year, with over 1,100 attendees from across the United States and from around the world. For over 24 years, the National Pawnbrokers Association annual conference and expo has been the most comprehensive gathering of pawnbrokers, educational speakers, manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers in the pawn industry.
Held at the beautiful Caesars Palace Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, attendees experienced an exciting week of networking events, meetings, and seminars designed to help pawnbrokers grow their businesses, consult with experts, ask questions, and meet other pawnbrokers from across the country.
The NPA Board of Directors held their annual election and is pleased to announce the 2011 – 2012 President of the NPA, Mr. Kevin Prochaska, CEO of Insta-Cash Pawn in Texas.
Mr. Prochaska most recently served the NPA as Treasurer and has long been an advocate for the industry. Upon acceptance of his presidency, Prochaska stated, “I intend on continuing the bold march forward to protect the industry by educating lawmakers, communicating our importance to the media, and fighting for the American consumer’s access to affordable short-term small dollar loans.”
The 2011 NPA Pawnbroker of the Year was presented to Bob Moulton, CEO of National Pawn & Jewelry in Raleigh, NC. Mr. Moulton is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Pawnbrokers Association and the current President of the North Carolina Pawnbrokers Association. Bob has demonstrated an uncompromising dedication to enhancing the image of the industry by supporting philanthropic and legislative initiatives. “Suffice to say that when we state that pawnbrokers enjoy giving back to the communities we serve, Bob Moulton wrote the book on it”, said Dave Crume.
This year, two of the association’s most distinguished and longest serving board members retired from the Board of Directors. Fran Bishop and Dave Adelman were presented with the Charles R. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given on rare occasions to leaders who exemplify a long-term commitment to the industry.
Fran Bishop of Dollar Pawn, Inc., Haleyville, AL, is an NPA Past President and most recently served as the Government Relations Committee Chairwoman. Mrs. Bishop has been a pioneer in forging new and strong relationships between the pawn industry and federal lawmakers. Fran was instrumental in guiding the pawn industry through the largest Federal financial reform legislation in U.S. history. All pawnbrokers around the country benefited from Fran’s direction and leadership.
Dave Adelman of Jerry’s Pawn Shop, Inc. Atlanta, GA, has served on the Board of Directors for over 21 years and is a shining example of how one person can make an enormous impact through charity and advocacy. Dave is also a Past President and has helped raise thousands of dollars in donations and musical instruments for needy children, veterans, and soldiers injured in the line of duty.
Dave Crume, NPA Immediate Past President, also announced the 2011 NPA Industry Partner, Union Life & Casualty. The company stepped forward to show their support of the pawn industry in 1993 when they joined the NPA as an Industry Partner and Convention Exhibitor, and have continued to provide their products and services since that time.
The unofficial Pawn Expo kick- off event was the popular NPA Siena Classic Golf Tournament, which has been held at the start of the week every year. During the week, attendees were treated to exciting events and receptions including a keynote speech from Bill Rancic, season one winner of Donald Trump’s The Apprentice. Bill’s enthusiastic, motivating talk addressed the keys to being a successful entrepreneur in a fast-paced world that is constantly evolving.
The trade show floor was bigger and better than ever with a record-breaking attendance promoting a wide assortment of services and products. Vendors enticed attendees with special deals, lavish trade show displays, and even the opportunity to play Blackjack.
The pawn industry has enjoyed a renewed interest from the public and the media alike, and Pawn Expo often garners attention from the press. Former New York Times journalist and author Gary Rivlin attended Pawn Expo and published an accompanying article in Newsweek. Guided by Emmett Murphy, NPA Public Relations Director, he was able to get firsthand experience about the pawn industry and how its membership is dedicated to serving its communities. He conducted member interviews and determined “It’s a Hot Time to Be a Pawnbroker”.
Pawn Expo will move to a new home in 2012. Next year’s events will take place at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The facility, which opened January 1, 2011, features the newest and hottest restaurants, shopping, and nightlife on the Las Vegas strip.
