CASHCO RESPONDS This is in response to your Sept. 2 feature article, "Shark Attack," in which my name, as president of Cashco Financial Services Inc., appeared alongside the likes of suspected racketeers and convicted criminals who allegedly operate abusive "title pawn" franchises. The business I have been proud to run for ten years, Cashco Financial Services, is a local family-run business. We are not a franchise of any sort. Cashco is not a "title pawn" operation. Our shortest loan has a five-month term, and our longest is three years. We do not make 30-day loans. Cashco is a consumer finance company specializing in small loans ($250-$5,000) for the most part secured with titles to cars and trucks. I can assure you were are not shady predators or loan sharks who provide usurious loans to borrowers knowing they will not be able to afford to repay so that we can then repossess the vehicle and realize a windfall from the sale. In your zeal to expose some "Bad Guys," you smeared an honest, decent business and offended a staff that is well-trained, professional and scrupulously honest. Your article lumped Cashco in with a company you described misleading customers with false statements. We are not, as your article asserts, a "similar" company to those unscrupulous lenders you describe. Finally, before passing judgment on my company, Willamette Week readers might find it instructive to hear the voices of Cashco's loyal and appreciative borrowers as they appear below. These comments are taken from a book maintained in our office. You are welcome to inspect this book personally if you wish. As an expression of our gratitude, we post a regular rotating exhibition of such expressions of appreciation on the walls of our lobby for our customers to see: "Cashco came through for my family when times were tough (right after Christmas) and treated me with respect at a time when my self-esteem and dignity were at a low point. Way to go Cashco." "The people who work for Cashco were very nice to me, polite, and I appreciated the chance to prove myself financially. Thanks again." "Thank you so much for understanding our situation. I have never been treated this well before in a time of need. I felt very comfortable with your staff. A great group." "I am pleased with your company. You believe in giving a person a second chance. That makes a whole lot of difference to a person. It gives them more self-confidence in knowing that someone is willing to try and help you out." "Jim and I would like to thank all of you. We have just borrowed from you again and every transaction has been handled kindly. We appreciate your courtesy, efficiency and most of all your trust. We don't care that your interest rates are high. Low rates mean nothing at all if they are unavailable. You have always been reasonable with us. We appreciate your service. Our thanks to all of you." "Cashco saved my butt!" Regrettably, we cannot make loans to all those who apply. For those who can demonstrate the ability to pay, who we feel legitimately deserve our faith and confidence, we are proud to provide an important and necessary service. Michael E. Rosenberg President, Cashco Publisher's note: Willamette Week in no way intended to imply that Cashco engages in dishonest or unlawful conduct. One purpose of the article was to spotlight a group of out-of-state businesses that have received a bad name in their places of origin. We regret that Cashco, a local company, was by implication included among these companies. HOPPING MAD It's obvious that the "Seattle Envy" article had a strong bias against Portland [WW, Oct. 28, 1998]. How could you omit beer from the "The Battle of the Lattes" chart? I just left Portland after 11 years and had spent numerous weekends in Seattle. Portland beats the hops out Seattle--and not just by size (Widmer, McMenamins) but also quality (BridgePort, Hair of the Dog and many more) and variety (Produce Row, Horse Brass Pub). Okay, okay. I understand. You couldn't encapsulate the brew scene to fit on the chart. How about: Portland--Brewfest. Seattle--People who wish they were like Bert Grant. Bonus Points--Thousands of drunk yet civilized people. Favor--PDX. John Costello San Francisco, Calif. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Willamette Week | originally published November 4, 1998