Hale has served TARA since August 2005 when she replaced the retiring Lynn Clark.

Vicky Hale (right) has served TARA since August 2005. Photo left to right: Former TARA Executive Director Lynn Clark, Christie Hale, Lou Briley, Zach Briley and Vicky Hale at the 2007 TARA Convention in Frisco, Texas.

Vicky Hale will step down as Executive Director of the Texas Association of Rental Agencies (TARA) effective today. Hale has served TARA since August 2005 (see story) when she replaced the retiring Lynn Clark (see story).

Hale says she is leaving to explore other opportunities and spend more time with her husband Mike and three daughters Kate, Sarah, Grace.

Listen to RTO Online's audio podcast interview with Vicky Hale.

Hale's primary responsibility at TARA was organizing the annual convention. "I've enjoyed my time at TARA," said Hale. "I wish everyone the best and I know the 2008 Convention will be a great success."

Hale's replacement has not been named. TARA President Dan Matthews and Vice President William McCrae will be heading up the 2008 TARA Convention and Buying Show set for October 11-13 in Irving, Texas. Vendors may register online for the TARA Convention here.

History of TARA: The concept of renting-to-own (RTO) was new in 1983. Based on the popularity of the concept with consumers and seeing potential growth of the industry, a small group of independent rent to own companies in Texas joined together to form TARA, the Texas Association of Rental Agencies. Their first order of business was to secure state legislation that would protect consumers and insure the long term viability of the rent to own industry in Texas. The timing could not have been better.

In the very next session of the Texas Legislature, a bill was introduced in the House of Representatives that would have essentially banned rent-to-own transactions for home furnishings. The organizers of TARA met with the bill's sponsors and educated them on the rent to own process and its very real need by consumers. As a result, House Bill 2219, a law that secured protections for consumers and business, was passed. The Texas statute has been used a model for other states for over 20 years.

As a result of that first legislative experience, TARA has committed itself to keeping the lines of communication open between government and business.

TARA has scored major legislative victories in recent years, successfully lobbying for an adjustment in maximum late fees, a clarification of the damage waiver clause of the Texas RTO statute and a clarification of the handling requirements of previously rented bedding.

According to TARA, the groups mission is a simple one - TARA will create value for members and vendors, insure the legislative future by improving communications, educate dealers, employees & vendors, maintain a proactive legislative agenda, and facilitate the interdependence of members & vendors.

TARA is now the largest state rent to own association in the country. The group holds an annual legislative conference in Austin and hosts an annual convention and Southwest Buying Show.