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Our motto: "Big enough to serve, small enough
to care" was coined not by us but by a satisfied
customer who sent us these words along with his loan
payment.
What
better testimonial to the spirit of personalized service
that characterizes our business philosophy!
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David Cohen Elected Chairman of AAMA
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Newton, MA - September 1, 2009 -
Amusement industry visionary David Cohen, President and CEO of Firestone Financial Corp. of Newton, Mass., has been elected Chairman of the Board of the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA), an industry trade group with over 100 members across the country. The group is comprised of coin-operated amusement distributors, manufacturers and suppliers.
The election took place at AAMA’s annual Distributor Gala last month in Oakbrook, IL which was attended by 140 guests.
Cohen joined Firestone Financial 23 years ago. In 2000, he was named CEO. Since then he has helped transform the company into one of the largest independent providers of financing to the coin-op amusement/vending and carnival industries. Over the last decade, Firestone has funded over 25,000 contracts to over 8,000 customers.
Last fall, Firestone was named to the ‘Inc. 5,000’ list which ranks the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the U. S.
On his election as Chairman, Cohen said that running Firestone has prepared him well. “I have a unique perspective on all aspects of the industry, including coin-op equipment manufacturers, distributors and operators. “Based on my relationships within each segment, I have a better understanding of them, which will help me chair the association.” He said he is committed to AAMA’s mission: To preserve, promote and protect the coin-operated entertainment industry through ongoing communication and evaluation, exploring new opportunities, and monitoring of industry and government activity.
On the value of the AAMA organization, Cohen talked about its watchdog status on legal and governmental matters. “But most important,” he said, “I think this group has a special brand of camaraderie.” He recalled how AAMA stepped up when Katrina hit and affected its members. “We were able to allocate funds towards those members who were directly affected by Katrina.”
In 2007, David Cohen was named ‘Man of the Year’ by the Amusement Music Operators Association of New York. He has served on the Executive Committee of the AAMA (American Amusement Machine Association) and on the Board of Directors of the AAMCF (Charitable Board). In the Boston area, he serves on various non-profit community boards.
Before joining Firestone, Cohen was President and a member of the Board of UST Leasing Corporation. He also was a Divisional Controller for XTRA, Inc., a transportation leasing company. After earning his BA in Business Administration from Rutgers University, Cohen started his career at Coopers & Lybrand as a Certified Public Accountant.
Founded in 1981, AAMA is regarded as the voice of the coin-operated interactive amusement machine industry. It is an international non-profit trade organization representing manufacturers, distributors and part suppliers.
During the recent AAMA gala, the group presented a $10,000 check to each of its two charities of choice, the Children’s Miracle Network and Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN).
-- By Stanley Hurwitz
stanhurw@comcast.net
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