``This action by our Board of Directors signifies the growing importance
and responsibilities of these officers in our fast-expanding rental purchase
business,'' said R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr., Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Aaron Rents. He announced the following new officers:
James D. Almond, Vice President, Franchise Operations, previously Director
of Franchise Development. He has been with the Company since 1991.
David M. Deignan, Vice President, Marketing and Merchandising, previously
Director of those areas; he has been with Aaron Rents since 1994.
Todd Evans, Vice President, Franchise Development, previously Director of
Franchise Development. He has been with the Company since 1991.
Michael B. Hickey, Vice President, Management Development, previously
Director of Management Development since joining the Company in 1995.
Aaron's Rental Purchase division has grown from 49 stores at year-end 1993
to 308 stores open at June 30, 1998. Franchised stores, the fastest-growing
part of the business, increased to 119 since the franchise operation was
launched in 1992.
Aaron Rents, Inc., based in Atlanta, currently has a total of 420 stores
in 32 states for the rental and sale of residential and office furniture and
accessories, consumer electronics, household appliances and convention
furnishings. The Company manufactures furniture at five plants in Georgia and
Florida.