Media Center http://www.orionfirst.com/Listing/7 en Tue, 07 Sep 2010 22:27:53 PDT Qcodo Development Framework 0.3.43 (Qcodo Beta 3) http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Western Capital Portfolio http://www.orionfirst.com/ListingItem/16 Western Capital Bank Awards Small Business Lease Portfolio Service Contract to Orion First Financial

August 16th, 2010 - Orion First Financial confirmed today that it was the successful bidder on a contract with Western Capital Bank for servicing a portfolio of equipment lease and loan contracts with a variety of small businesses located across the country.

Orion First Financial, located in Gig Harbor WA, is an independent servicer for the equipment finance industry. “We were pleased with the vote of confidence from Western Capital Bank, considering the Bank’s standards for service quality, their rigorous competitive review of Orion and other prospective servicers in the industry, and the complexities of this particular portfolio of contracts.” said David T. Schaefer, founder and President of Orion First Financial.

Servicing was transferred to Orion effective April 9, 2010, after the Bank concluded that Orion offered the most comprehensive servicing program at the optimum cost. “Orion First Financial offered the best overall value compared to their competitors, and tackled our challenge with a genuinely collaborative attitude. The initial transfer was handled smoothly and professionally, against a relatively tight time frame. To date, the ongoing servicing has been excellent and has exceeded our expectations. Considering the stress on all credit markets created by recent economic conditions, and Orion’s performance results, we clearly made the right choice with Orion” said Jack Nowatzki, Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer with Western Capital Bank.

About Orion First Financial, LLC

Orion differentiates itself from other lease servicing companies through its experience and expertise in small business credit, using proven management processes to minimize portfolio delinquencies and reduce losses for maximum profitability. Orion combines staffing strength with state of the art technology, to deliver their clients optimum portfolio profitability while ensuring their clients’ finance customers receive respectful, professional service at every stage of the relationship. More information about Orion First Financial can be found at www.orionfirst.com.


About Western Capital Bank

Western Capital Bank (WCB) is an Idaho state chartered community bank founded in 2008, located in Boise, Idaho. The Bank was founded on the belief that their regional market needed bankers who believed in the power of the business community to create prosperity and recognized the limitless business potential that results from a first-class client/banker relationship. Western Capital Bank is dedicated to serving businesses of all sizes in their region with a commitment to service that transcends banking. More information about Western Capital Bank can be found at www.westerncapitalbank.com.

]]> 16 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:47:44 PDT <![CDATA[Orion & Executive Form Partnership]]> http://www.orionfirst.com/ListingItem/15 Executive Solutions for Leasing and Finance and Orion First Financial Announce A New Partnership

March 8th, 2010 - Orion First Financial, LLC and Executive Solutions for Leasing and Finance, Inc. are proud to announce the formation of a partnership in order to provide their clients with trusted expert resources which extend beyond their individual product offerings.

 

According to Ms. Gerson, Founder and President of Executive Solutions, “In order to maintain our position as a premier search firm, we believe it is necessary to continually reinvent ourselves by providing additional essential products and services.  Orion First Financial’s commitment to excellence compliments our insistence on superior performance.  We are excited to be able to partner with a firm which shares our values and takes personal pride in every customer interaction.”

 

David T. Schaefer, President, Orion First Financial commented, “Orion is delighted to be associated with Executive Solutions.  Orion believes in building long-term relationships with professional companies that support the leasing industry and bring value to Orion’s clients.  With Orion’s servicing capabilities, Executive Solutions talent resource capabilities, and our combined capital markets expertise, our companies now offer an even greater value proposition.”

 

About Orion First Financial, LLC

Orion First Financial, LLC, is a leader in lease and loan account servicing, portfolio management, and strategic advisory services for the commercial equipment finance industry.  Orion’s comprehensive servicing suite includes lease invoicing and payment processing, sales and personal property tax reporting, collections, workouts, repossessions and remarketing.  Orion also offers expert guidance on credit underwriting, portfolio valuation, credit/loss analysis and due diligence procedures.  Orion distinguishes its servicing programs through superior customer service, delinquency and default management and has implemented and continues to make use of the best technology and information tools available.


About Executive Solutions for Leasing and Finance, Inc.

Executive Solutions for Leasing and Finance, Inc. conducts retained, contingency and hybrid searches for all functional roles within the leasing industry.  Clients range from small regional firms to Fortune 50 companies.  ESLF can recruit niche specialists from various companies or lift an entire team out in order to provide immediate market entrée complete with inherent expertise, minimal ramp up time and fast revenue production for clients.  Executive Solutions is able to assist companies looking to place unusual programs or individual transactions by tapping into our network of traditional and non-traditional capital sources.  Additionally, our funding expert provides a soup to nuts solution for companies seeking additional funding.

Contact Information

David T. Schaefer

(253) 857-9610

dtschaefer@orionfirst.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/dtschaefer

www.orionfirst.com

 

Teri Gerson

(908) 654-1550

terigerson@exsolutions.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/exsolutions

www.exsolutions.com

]]> 15 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:37:19 PST Conference Time http://www.orionfirst.com/ListingItem/14 Its Conference Time

As summer turns to fall, many of the finance industry associations begin to hold their annual user conferences.  These conferences provide great insight into the specific association as well offer up in-valuable networking opportunities for businesses who want to do business with or learn more about the association and its member companies.  Orion First Financial, LLC will be attending and participating in three events over the next several months.

First up is the Community Bankers of Washington (CBW) Annual Conference held in Spokane, WA on September 16th- 18th.  This annual event showcases the state of Washington’s community bankers and their association.  This event provides speakers, exhibits and many networking opportunities.

The National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA) is up next with their Funding Symposium.  This event will be held on September 24th-27th in Monterey, CA and intends to focus on the state of the industry and its funding opportunities.  The symposium will feature speakers, exhibits, events and many networking opportunities.

Rounding out the fall season will be the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) and their Annual Convention.  The event will be held in San Diego, CA on October 18th-20th.  This convention provides a forum for all participants in the industry to understand the critical issues they may be facing.  The event features speakers, exhibits, events, roundtable discussions and many networking opportunities.

If you are interested in attending one or all of these events or if you are already attending any of these events and want to schedule a meeting with us, please contact David T. Schaefer at (253) 857-9610.

]]> 14 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:39:05 PDT <![CDATA[Orion & PLLS Form Partnership ]]> http://www.orionfirst.com/ListingItem/13 Premier Lease & Loan Services and Orion First Financial Announce New Strategic Marketing Relationship

Bellevue, WA – June 19, 2009 – Premier Lease & Loan Services, an industry leader in commercial insurance and risk management solutions for equipment lessors and lenders, is pleased to announce a new strategic marketing relationship with Orion First Financial, a leader in lease and loan account servicing for the commercial equipment finance industry. This relationship enhances both Orion’s and Premier’s suite of product and service offerings.

Premier’s industry-leading commercial insurance solutions are now recommended by Orion as enhancements to its account servicing capabilities, meeting the need of Orion clients wanting a complete insurance/account servicing solution. Similarly, Premier now recommends Orion’s outsourcing options for billing, collections, payments and other account services that easily integrate with Premier’s insurance solutions. This also allows both companies’ clients to take advantage of the compatibility between the two product lines, helping them avoid typical system software issues associated with integrating insurance programs with account services and allowing for a faster, more cost-effective implementation of a complete solution.

“This is an important relationship that demonstrates Orion’s confidence in Premier as a premium insurance provider for the equipment leasing industry. It also demonstrates both companies’ commitment to provide more seamless integration of Premier’s insurance solutions,” said Vic Villegas, Senior Vice President, Premier Lease & Loan Services.

Additional information may be obtained from Brei Haywood, Premier Lease & Loan Services, at (425) 957-3609 or bhaywood@plls.com.

About Premier Lease & Loan Services

Premier Lease & Loan Services is a division of Great American Insurance Group and is a recognized leader in the insurance industry, specializing in comprehensive commercial insurance and risk management solutions for equipment lease and finance companies. Premier’s offerings help its clients to reduce risk in key areas of exposure: coverage for equipment investments, protection for commercial vehicles, and protection for business risks. Premier’s reputation is built on industry expertise, superior products, worry-free program administration, excellent customer service and expert claim resolution. Premier has offices in Bellevue, WA; Cincinnati, OH; San Diego, CA; Toronto, ON and Bristol, UK.

About Great American Insurance Group

Great American Insurance Group’s roots go back to 1872 with the founding of its flagship company, Great American Insurance Company. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the operations of Great American Insurance Group are engaged primarily in property and casualty insurance, focusing on specialty commercial products for businesses, and in the sale of traditional fixed, indexed and variable annuities and a variety of supplemental insurance products. Great American Insurance Company has received an “A” (Excellent) or higher rating from the A.M. Best Company for over 100 years (most recent evaluation March 27, 2009). The members of Great American Insurance Group are subsidiaries of American Financial Group, Inc. (AFG), also based in Cincinnati, Ohio. AFG’s common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “AFG.”

About Orion First Financial

Orion First Financial, LLC, is a leader in lease and loan account servicing, portfolio management, and strategic advisory services for the commercial equipment finance industry. Orion’s comprehensive servicing includes lease invoicing and payment processing, sales and personal property tax reporting, collections, repossessions and remarketing. Orion distinguishes its servicing programs through superior delinquency default management. Orion also offers expert guidance on credit underwriting, portfolio valuation, credit/loss analysis and due diligence procedures.

]]> 13 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:32:38 PDT Procure Financial Services and Orion Form Partnership http://www.orionfirst.com/ListingItem/12 Orion First Financial, LLC and Procure Financial Services, Inc. Announce a New Joint Venture to Fund Leases

November 1st, 2002 (Gig Harbor, WA) -- Orion First Financial, LLC and Procure Financial Services, Inc. dba BSB Leasing have formed a new joint venture, Procure Financial Funding, LLC (PFF). PFF has established a $500,000 revolving line of credit with Kitsap Bank (Port Orchard, Washington) to warehouse leases originated by BSB Leasing. The new venture bundles the warehoused leases into portfolios and the lease receivables are sold to Union Safe Deposit Bank (Stockton, California) under an $8,000,000 commitment. Orion First Financial, LLC will provide lease servicing and administrative services to PFF and Union Safe Deposit Bank.

"We're pleased with the partnership with Orion First Financial." stated Don Myerson of BSB Leasing "With the experience Orion First Financial provides in lease administration and BSB's originations ability we now have the control and flexibility necessary to increase our business originations and build a quality portfolio of business."

According to David T. Schaefer of Orion First Financial, "The Orion First program brings together the three required disciplines of a lessor: originations, funding and servicing. This arrangement allows BSB the flexibility of being a lessor yet minimizes the risks associated with owning its own portfolio. With PFF we established the short-term lines of credit, permanent funding and the required lease servicing and administration to insure long-term profitability. We are pleased to be associated with a quality company like BSB Leasing."

The Orion First program is unique in that it provides a level of control and flexibility needed in today's leasing marketplace. As funders have made dramatic changes in underwriting standards, or exited the market altogether, originators are looking for funding alternatives that are more predictable and stable. The Orion First program allows participants to expand funding resources and build lasting value.

Orion First Financial, LLC located in Gig Harbor WA, provides primary and back up lease servicing, complete portfolio management, and advisory/consultative services to the commercial equipment leasing industry. Orion has differentiated itself from other lease servicing companies by not only offering the standard billing, accounting and tracking services, but by providing complete portfolio performance management.

Procure Financial Services, Inc dba BSB Leasing located in Denver, CO originates small ticket commercial equipment leases throughout the Unites States through a network of independent lease brokers and direct sales representatives. Over the past 20 years BSB leasing has proven to be an efficient and reliable resource for independent leasing companies nationwide.  You can visit them on the web at www.bsbleasing.com.
]]> 12 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:25:36 PDT Pioneer Capital Corporation and Orion Form Partnership http://www.orionfirst.com/ListingItem/11 Orion First Financial, LLC and Pioneer Capital Corporation Announce a New Joint Venture to Fund Leases

October 7th, 2003 (Gig Harbor, WA) -- Orion First Financial, LLC and Pioneer Capital Corporation have formed a new joint venture, Pioneer Capital Funding, LLC (PCF). The joint venture has established a revolving line of credit with Kitsap Bank (Port Orchard, Washington) to warehouse leases originated by Pioneer Capital Corp. The new venture bundles the warehoused leases into portfolios and the lease receivables are sold to Union Safe Deposit Bank (Stockton, California) under a permanent funding facility. Orion First Financial, LLC will provide lease servicing and administrative services to PCF and Union Safe Deposit Bank.

"Our partnership with Orion First Financial provides us the ability to make quicker decisions, and to provide a reliable source of lease funding to our broker customers. With so many brokers funding deals through so few sources, many firms are experiencing exposure and other credit issues with their transactions. Together with Orion First Financial, we can offer an improved solution to our customers." stated John Boettigheimer, President of Pioneer Capital Corporation. Pioneer's Broker program offers online applications, approvals, and documentation through their online system called ZapLease.com ®.

David T. Schaefer of Orion First Financial stated, "We are pleased to be associated with a quality company like Pioneer Capital Corp. Their desire to adopt innovative approaches to funding will immediately improve their ability to fund more transactions and improve their service levels. This is a significant event in Pioneer's development as a funding source and we are excited to be part of their success."

The Orion First program is unique in that it provides a level of control and flexibility needed in today's leasing marketplace. As funders have made dramatic changes in underwriting standards, or exited the market altogether, originators are looking for funding alternatives that are more predictable and stable. The Orion First program allows participants to expand funding resources and build lasting value.

Orion First Financial, LLC located in Gig Harbor WA, provides primary and back up lease servicing, complete portfolio management, and advisory/consultative services to the commercial equipment leasing industry. Orion has differentiated itself from other lease servicing companies by not only offering the standard billing, accounting and tracking services, but by providing complete portfolio performance management.

Pioneer Capital Corporation is an Addison, Texas based equipment leasing company. Pioneer is a 20 year member of the United Association of Equipment Lessors and a 6 year funding source member of the NAELB. Pioneer's first credit facility was a $20 million revolving structured finance facility in 1998. For more information on Pioneer Capital Corporation, go to www.pioneerfunding.com or call (800) 521-1308.]]> 11 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:22:50 PDT Orion Moves to New Office Location http://www.orionfirst.com/ListingItem/10 Orion First Financial Announces Move to New Offices to Accommodate Growth

September 29th, 2005 (Gig Harbor, WA) -- Orion First Financial, LLC announced today that it has moved to new offices in Gig Harbor. The move will provide Orion the space and resources needed to accommodate the recent growth the company has experienced.

"We have been very pleased with our growth and accomplishments in 2005. The new office space is just one more step in the expansion of our company", stated Dave Schaefer, Managing Director. "The new offices provide our excellent group of employees the quality resources they require to deliver the highest levels of customer service to our clients and partners."

Orion First Financial, LLC
5201 Olympic Dr. NW, Ste. 210
Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Orion First Financial, LLC provides primary and back up lease servicing, complete portfolio management, and advisory/consultative services to the commercial equipment leasing industry. Orion has differentiated itself from other lease servicing companies by not only offering the standard billing, accounting and tracking services, but by providing complete portfolio performance management and treasury functions.

The Orion First Joint Venture program is unique in that it provides a level of control and flexibility needed in today's leasing marketplace. Today's competitive leasing marketplace demands that originators develop a level of control over fundings that provides them with stability, reliability and helps increase the value of their company. The Orion First program allows participants to expand funding resources, improve transaction flow and build lasting value.

For more information on Orion First Financial, LLC please visit www.orionfirst.com or contact Dave Schaefer at (888) 705-8778 x1002.
]]> 10 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:19:27 PDT Capital Network Leasing and Orion Form Partnership http://www.orionfirst.com/ListingItem/9 Orion First Financial, LLC and Capital Network Leasing Corp. Announce a New Joint Venture to Fund Leases

July 30th, 2004 (Gig Harbor, WA) -- Orion First Financial, LLC and Capital Network Leasing Corp. have formed a new joint venture, CN Funding, LLC. The joint venture has established a revolving line of credit with US Bank, NA (Spokane, Washington) to warehouse leases originated by Capital Network Leasing Corp. The new venture bundles the warehoused leases into portfolios and the lease receivables are sold to Union Safe Deposit Bank (Stockton, California) under a permanent funding facility. Orion First Financial, LLC will provide lease servicing and administrative services to CN Funding, LLC and Union Safe Deposit Bank.

Dustin White of Capital Networks stated, "Our relationship with Orion First is an important step for our company. We feel that this partnership will not only provide us with a reliable source of funds for our originations but starts us down the road of building Capital Network into a company with real and lasting value."

David T. Schaefer of Orion First Financial stated, "We are pleased to be associated with Capital Network and welcome them into our joint venture program. CN Funding, LLC is our fourth joint venture with a small-ticket origination company providing further proof that our unique business model adds value to our partners.

The Orion First program is unique in that it provides a level of control and flexibility needed in today's leasing marketplace. As funders have made dramatic changes in underwriting standards, or exited the market altogether, originators are looking for funding alternatives that are more predictable and stable. The Orion First program allows participants to expand funding resources, improve transaction flow and build lasting value.

Orion First Financial, LLC located in Gig Harbor, WA, provides primary and back up lease servicing, complete portfolio management, and advisory/consultative services to the commercial equipment leasing industry. Orion has differentiated itself from other lease servicing companies by not only offering the standard billing, accounting and tracking services, but by providing complete portfolio performance management and treasury functions.

Capital Network Leasing Corp. is an independent financial consulting company, specializing in arranging equipment leasing and alternative financing solutions for businesses and governmental entities through qualified investors and lenders. Capital Network Leasing Corp. is based in Sherman Oaks, California. For more information on Capital Network Leasing Corp. please visit www.capitalnlc.com or call 877-980-0558.
]]> 9 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:16:26 PDT Innovative Lease Services and Orion Form Partnership http://www.orionfirst.com/ListingItem/8 Orion First Financial, LLC and Innovative Lease Services, Inc. Announce a New Joint Venture to Fund Leases

July 1st, 2005 (Gig Harbor, WA) -- Orion First Financial, LLC and Innovative Lease Services, Inc. have formed a new joint venture, ILS Funding, LLC. The joint venture has established a revolving line of credit with US Bank, NA (Spokane, Washington) to warehouse leases originated by Innovative Lease Services, Inc. The new venture bundles the warehoused leases into portfolios and the lease receivables are sold to Kitsap Bank (Port Orchard, WA) under a permanent funding facility. Orion First Financial, LLC will provide lease servicing and administrative services to ILS Funding, LLC and Kitsap Bank.

Andrew Nere, President of Innovative Lease Services, Inc. stated, "Increasing the level of control over lease funding was an aspect of the Orion program that appealed to us. In the leasing marketplace today creativity, flexibility and stable funding are all very important. By partnering with Orion we accomplish all three. We are pleased to be working with Orion and look forward to long relationship."

Ted Brownrigg of Orion First Financial stated, "It is a real pleasure to be partnering with Andrew Nere and Innovative Lease Services. The energy and commitment of Andrew along with everyone at Innovative Lease Services insures that our new joint venture, ILS Funding, will be a great success. The Orion joint venture program was designed for organizations like Innovative Lease Services." 

The Orion First program is unique in that it provides a level of control and flexibility needed in today's leasing marketplace. Today's competitive leasing marketplace demands that originators develop a level of control over fundings that provides them with stability, reliability and helps increase the value of their company. The Orion First program allows participants to expand funding resources, improve transaction flow and build lasting value.

Orion First Financial, LLC located in Gig Harbor, WA, provides primary and back up lease servicing, complete portfolio management, and advisory/consultative services to the commercial equipment leasing industry. Orion has differentiated itself from other lease servicing companies by not only offering the standard billing, accounting and tracking services, but by providing complete portfolio performance management and treasury functions.

Innovative Lease Services, Inc. is an independent leasing company founded in 1986 arranging equipment leasing and financing for businesses nationwide. Innovative Lease Services is based in Carlsbad, CA. For more information on Innovative Lease Services, Inc please visit www.ilslease.com or call (800) 438-1470.
]]> 8 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:13:37 PDT ClearView Financial and Orion Form Partnership http://www.orionfirst.com/ListingItem/7 Orion First Financial, LLC and ClearView Financial, Inc. Announce a New Joint Venture to Fund Leases

June 30th, 2005 (Gig Harbor, WA) -- Orion First Financial, LLC and ClearView Financial, Inc. have formed a new joint venture, ClearView Funding, LLC. The joint venture has established a revolving line of credit with US Bank, NA (Spokane, Washington) to warehouse leases originated by ClearView Financial, Inc. The new venture bundles the warehoused leases into portfolios and the lease receivables are sold to Kitsap Bank (Port Orchard, WA) under a permanent funding facility. Orion First Financial, LLC will provide lease servicing and administrative services to ClearView Funding, LLC and Kitsap Bank.

Mike Arness, Founder and President of ClearView Financial stated, "The partnership with Orion First is an important strategic alliance for ClearView Financial. This step allows us to increase our funding capabilities but also provides ClearView Financial the control necessary to improve profit margins, increased company value and build a solid base for future growth."

David T. Schaefer of Orion First Financial stated, "We welcome ClearView to our joint venture program. ClearView is the type of forward thinking company that fits well with Orion First. Mike has developed an excellent marketing strategy and has produced quality originations since he started the company. We are pleased that Mike has seen the value of the Orion First joint venture program and we look forward to a long profitable partnership."

The Orion First program is unique in that it provides a level of control and flexibility needed in today's leasing marketplace. Today's competitive leasing marketplace demands that originators develop a level of control over fundings that provides them with stability, reliability and helps increase the value of their company. The Orion First program allows participants to expand funding resources, improve transaction flow and build lasting value.

Orion First Financial, LLC located in Gig Harbor, WA, provides primary and back up lease servicing, complete portfolio management, and advisory/consultative services to the commercial equipment leasing industry. Orion has differentiated itself from other lease servicing companies by not only offering the standard billing, accounting and tracking services, but by providing complete portfolio performance management and treasury functions.

ClearView Financial, Inc. is an independent leasing company arranging equipment leasing and financing for businesses nationwide. ClearView Financial, Inc. is based in Ephrata, Washington. For more information on ClearView Financial, Inc. please visit www.clearviewfinancial.com or call (888)408-8805.
]]> 7 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:08:46 PDT Union Safe Deposit Bank purchases Leverage Leasing Portfolio http://www.orionfirst.com/ListingItem/6 Union Safe Deposit Bank Expands Portfolio of Leases
Serviced by Orion First Financial, LLC

March 31, 2003 (Gig Harbor, WA) -- Orion First Financial, LLC (Orion) announced that Union Safe Deposit Bank of Stockton, CA (Union Safe) has further expanded its servicing relationship with the addition of approximately 800 lease contracts recently acquired by the Bank from Leverage Leasing Company of Omaha, NE in the amount of $15,200,000. Kropschot Financial Services represented the seller in the transaction.

"We are pleased to be working with a progressive bank like Union Safe. This is the third portfolio we have arranged for the Bank to purchase and we are pleased to be part of the Bank's ongoing commitment to the commercial equipment leasing market. Our goal has been to help Union Safe successfully acquire select portfolios and provide the highest level of service to maximize portfolio performance. We look at the Bank's expansion with Orion as a validation of our lease servicing and portfolio management capabilities," said David T. Schaefer, President and Managing Member of Orion First Financial, LLC.

Orion provides consulting and advisory services to Union Safe Deposit Bank by assisting in the location of portfolios for acquisition, portfolio analysis and in negotiation of the purchase. The services provided by Orion allow banks and other lending institutions the ability to invest in small-ticket, high-margin leases without additional overhead or the hiring of specialized management. Orion's services include billing, tax administration, customer service and all phases of collection activity.

Karl Miller, Executive Vice President of Union Safe Deposit Bank, stated, "Our relationship with Orion First Financial has enabled us to significantly increase our equipment leasing portfolio, improve our margins and maintain losses within a reasonable level. We are very pleased with Orion's performance and look forward to a long-term relationship."
Michelle Parker, Vice President and Team Leader of the Bank's Commercial Leasing Group, noted that "The staff at Orion provides superior service and has extensive knowledge in its respective areas of expertise. The advisory capacity of Orion has been invaluable throughout the transactions. Orion is a fully capable source for efficient lease servicing."


About Orion First Financial, LLC

Orion First Financial provides a complete and comprehensive suite of services to assist lending institutions and lessors successfully compete in the commercial equipment leasing industry. With a concentration in small-ticket leasing, Orion provides consulting and advisory services, lease servicing and complete portfolio management. The company has developed a funding mechanism by creating joint ventures with lease originators and arranging warehouse and permanent financing. Orion First Financial, located in Gig Harbor, WA, employs state-of-the-art technology combined with years of management experience to insure that lease portfolios are managed in a sound and cost-effective manner.


About Union Safe Deposit Bank

Union Safe Deposit Bank, based in Stockton, CA, was founded in 1897 and is one of the oldest independent, community banks in California. The Bank's Commercial Banking Group provides traditional commercial lending services to business and agri-business customers, cash management solutions and commercial real estate financing. Additionally, the Bank's Financial Management Group provides investment management, retirement planning and traditional trust services.]]> 6 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:01:21 PDT Orion Adds Shannon Green to its Team http://www.orionfirst.com/ListingItem/5 Orion First Financial Announces the Addition of Shannon M. Green, CLP to its Management Team

March 31, 2003 (Gig Harbor, WA) -- Orion First Financial, LLC (Orion) announced that Shannon M. Green has joined the company in a senior management position. She will be responsible for managing the credit and funding functions as well as refining the overall procedures of the company.
Shannon Green was with Financial Pacific Leasing, LLC for 17 years most recently serving as the Vice President of Operations. Shannon's professional history includes management in the areas of Customer Service, Credit, Funding and Syndications. In addition, she was responsible for creating, testing and managing an on-line application processing and credit decision system with great success.

David T. Schaefer, President and Managing Member said: "With Shannon's commitment to service and her experience in small ticket equipment leasing she is a welcome addition to Orion's management team. As we develop and implement our joint venture funding program she will be an invaluable asset and resource to our joint venture partners. Her experience in developing and managing highly efficient processes with an emphasis on service fits well with the company's goals."


About Orion First Financial, LLC

Orion First Financial provides a complete and comprehensive suite of services to assist lending institutions and lessors successfully compete in the commercial equipment leasing industry. With a concentration in small ticket leasing Orion provides consulting and advisory services, lease servicing and complete portfolio management. The company has developed a funding mechanism by creating joint ventures with lease originators and arranging warehouse and permanent financing. Orion First Financial located in Gig Harbor, Washington employs state of the art technology combined with years of management experience to insure that lease portfolios are managed in an effective manner.
]]> 5 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:59:30 PDT Orion Selects Vision Commerce as Front End Solution http://www.orionfirst.com/ListingItem/4 Orion First Financial Selects Vision Commerce Front-End Solution

January 15, 2005 -- Orion First Financial, LLC of Gig Harbor Washington has selected Vision Commerce, Inc. of St. Charles Missouri to provide its Front-End Solution, VISION to its joint venture partners. Vision will deliver automated application and transaction processing on a single platform for Orion's multiple Joint Venture Partners. Vision will allow each of Orion's JV partners to operate independently or in tandem with Orion on a transaction by transaction basis.

According to Steve Lundergan, President of Vision Commerce, "Vision is the perfect solution for Orion's business model. Orion supports a myriad of different Lessors with different ways of doing business. Our patent pending architecture allows each of the Orion JV partners to do business in their unique fashion through as many different business channels as they require. At the same time, they will be able to use Orion's best practice rules to fully accommodate the transactions that belong in the Joint venture portfolios. There is no cookie cutter version of our solution. Vision's scalability can accommodate any number different JV business models in a single platform on Orion's server".

Ted Brownrigg, Vice President of Orion had this to say about the selection.  "One of the commitments we have made to our JV Partners is the use of the best technology available in the market to manage their business. After a comprehensive search, we found that Vision Commerce had not only the most current technology, but also an architecture that would accommodate that commitment. Using Vision Commerce's state of the art technology Orion is able to effectively deliver our lease management programs to our partners. At the same time, the system will provide our Partners the autonomy to manage their business any way they deem is best for them. We are pleased to be working with Steve Lundergan and the people at Vision Commerce. They understand the small ticket leasing marketplace and we look forward to long and successful relationship."


About Orion First Financial, LLC

Orion First Financial, LLC located in Gig Harbor WA, provides a complete and comprehensive suite of services to assist lending institutions and lessors successfully compete in the commercial equipment leasing industry. With a concentration in small-ticket leasing, Orion provides consulting and advisory services, lease servicing and complete portfolio management. Orion First has developed a funding mechanism by creating joint ventures with lease originators and arranging warehouse and permanent financing. The joint venture program is unique in that it provides a level of control and flexibility needed in today's leasing marketplace. This program allows participants to expand funding resources, improve transaction flow and build lasting value. The company employs state-of-the-art technology combined with years of management experience to insure lease portfolios are managed in a sound and cost-effective manner. For more information about Orion First Financial visit their website at www.orionfirst.com


About Vision Commerce, Inc.

Vision Commerce, Inc. (www.visioncommerce.com) was created to serve the leasing and finance industries. Vision's goal is to provide its clients access to e-commerce solutions at an affordable price. The company's philosophy is that technology should automate routine processes and provide real-time information, but can never replace industry experience and product knowledge. The leadership team offers finance industry experience, technology expertise and a commitment to listen to the customer. Vision Commerce is a closely-held, employee-owned company.]]> 4 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:56:07 PDT Union Safe Deposit Bank Expands Servicing Relationship with Orion http://www.orionfirst.com/ListingItem/3 Union Safe Deposit Bank Expands Portfolio of Leases Serviced by Orion First Financial, LLC

January 7, 2004 (Gig Harbor, WA) -- Orion First Financial, LLC (Orion) announced that Union Safe Deposit Bank of Stockton, CA (Union Safe) has further expanded its servicing relationship with the addition of approximately 850 lease contracts recently acquired by the Bank from an undisclosed seller in the amount of $13,983,000.

"Acquiring portfolios has been an excellent growth strategy for Union Safe and Orion. Providing due diligence support, portfolio analysis and ongoing lease servicing continues to deliver long-term value to our clients. The bank's expansion with Orion is further validation that our strong analytical skills combined with a commitment to portfolio performance are a successful strategy." said David T. Schaefer, President and Managing Member of Orion First Financial, LLC.

Orion provides consulting and advisory services to Union Safe Deposit Bank by assisting in the location of portfolios for acquisition, portfolio analysis and in negotiation of the purchase. The services provided by Orion allow banks and other lending institutions the ability to invest in small-ticket, high-margin leases without additional overhead or the hiring of specialized management. Orion's services include billing, tax administration, customer service and all phases of collection activity.

Karl Miller, Executive Vice President of Union Safe Deposit Bank, stated, "This marks our fourth major portfolio acquisition with Orion First Financial with an aggregate purchase price of over $50,000,000. Orion has provided us with the expertise and servicing resources needed for the bank to profitably grow its commercial equipment leasing business."

Michelle Parker, Vice President and Team Leader of the Bank's Commercial Leasing Group, noted that "This latest acquisition should prove to be an excellent asset purchase for the bank. We continue to work closely with Orion and look forward to expanding our relationship."


About Orion First Financial, LLC

Orion First Financial provides a complete and comprehensive suite of services to assist lending institutions and lessors successfully compete in the commercial equipment leasing industry. With a concentration in small-ticket leasing, Orion provides consulting and advisory services, lease servicing and complete portfolio management. The company has developed a funding mechanism by creating joint ventures with lease originators and arranging warehouse and permanent financing. Orion First Financial, located in Gig Harbor, WA, employs state-of-the-art technology combined with years of management experience to insure that lease portfolios are managed in a sound and cost-effective manner. For more information about Orion First Financial visit their website at www.orionfirst.com.


About Union Safe Deposit Bank

Union Safe Deposit Bank, headquartered in Stockton, California, was established in 1897 and is one of the oldest independent, community banks in California. The Bank offers a complete line of banking products and services in the areas of personal banking, commercial banking and financial management including investments and personal trust services. The Bank currently has 19 full-service branches and 3 commercial banking centers serving the Central Valley. For more information about Union Safe visit their website at www.unionsafe.com.
]]> 3 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:53:41 PDT Union Safe Deposit Bank and Orion Agree on Servicing Relationship http://www.orionfirst.com/ListingItem/2 Union Safe Deposit Bank Signs Lease
Service Agreement with Orion First Financial, LLC

December 27, 2001 (Gig Harbor, WA) -- Orion First Financial, LLC (Orion) announced that it has signed an agreement with Union Safe Deposit Bank of Stockton, CA (Union Safe) to provide complete portfolio servicing to the bank for approximately 1500 lease contracts recently acquired by the bank.

"We are pleased to be working with a progressive bank like Union Safe Deposit Bank. The services provided by Orion First Financial, LLC will enable the bank to broaden their lending activities allowing them to successfully compete in today's equipment leasing marketplace." said David T. Schaefer, President and Managing Member of Orion First Financial, LLC.

In addition to portfolio servicing Orion provided consulting and advisory services to Union Safe Deposit Bank by assisting them in locating portfolios for acquisition, providing analytical services and in negotiating of the purchase. The services provided by Orion allows banks and other lending institutions the ability to invest in small ticket, high margin leases without additional overhead or the hiring of specialized management. Orion's services include billing, tax administration, customer service and all collection activity.

Karl Miller, Executive Vice President of Union Safe Deposit Bank stated "The success of our bank in the future depends upon our ability to provide a wide range of services to our business customers, expand our customer base and increase our profit margins. Our relationship with Orion First Financial will enable us to increase the asset base of the bank with improved margins in a cost-effective manner. We look forward to a long relationship with Orion First Financial."


About Orion First Financial, LLC

Orion First Financial provides a complete and comprehensive suite of services to assist lending institutions in all segments of portfolio management. With a concentration in small ticket leasing Orion provides consulting and advisory services, portfolio administration, tax administration and complete collection support. Orion First Financial located in Gig Harbor, Washington employs state of the art technology combined with years of management experience to insure that lease portfolios are handled in an effective manner.


About Union Safe Deposit Bank

Union Safe Deposit Bank was founded in 1897 and is one of the oldest independent community banks in California. The Bank's Commercial Banking Group provides cash management solutions, commercial real estate financing, and traditional commercial banking services to business and agribusiness customers. Additionally, investment management, retirement planning and traditional trust services are provided to consumers and commercial customers by the Bank's Financial Management Group.
]]> 2 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:45:30 PDT Orion Wins ELFA 2008 Technology Award http://www.orionfirst.com/ListingItem/1 Equipment Leasing and Finance Association Announces Winners of 2008 Operations & Technology Excellence Awards

May 15th, 2008 (Washington, DC) -- The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association's (ELFA) 2008 Operations & Technology Excellence (O&TE) Award will go to projects submitted by Orion First Financial, LLC one other company. Three Honorable Mentions will be announced and awarded as well. The awards presentation will take place during ELFA's Operations & Technology Conference and Exhibition May 21-23 at the Westin Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL.

The winners were selected by the O&TE Award subcommittee from among nine project entries. Each is a strong representation of value created within the respective organization, and an excellent example of best practices used in bringing solutions to the equipment leasing and finance industry.

The O&TE Award Program identifies and recognizes equipment leasing and finance companies that have demonstrated best practices in developing and implementing innovative uses of technology or creative business processes to improve operations, enhance customer interactions, enter new markets and build overall ROI. The program brings the backroom to the foreground spotlighting the best in the industry as an example for others.

The O&TE Conference and Exhibition will bring together executive management; directors of operations and administration; department managers for credit, collections, information technology, documentation, accounting, remarketing and management; and systems support company representatives.


About ELFA

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association is the trade association that represents companies in the $600 billion equipment finance sector which includes financial services companies and manufacturers engaged in financing the utilization and investment of and in capital goods. Its more than 700 members include independent and captive leasing and finance companies, banks, financial services corporations, broker/packagers and investment banks, as well as manufacturers and service providers. For more information, please visit www.elfaonline.org The ELFA is also the premier source for statistics and analyses covering the equipment finance sector. To access ELFA's comprehensive industry information, please visit www.elfaonline.org/ind/research/ .
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