Design Studio6 Feb 2012 14:44:11 CDTNPA Weekly NewsBriefhttp://multibriefs.com/briefs/NPBA/NPBA.xmlenLes Paul guitars have made their way from Mahwah, N.J., where their creator lived for much of his life, all around the world. Last month, one landed on reality TV. A recent episode of The History Channel's "Pawn Stars," which features a family-owned pawnshop in Las Vegas, featured a rare Les Paul brought to the shop by Mary Ford's nephew.6 Feb 2012 14:44:11 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=4f2c2ad98073f1Pawn America Chief Manager Brad Rixmann is a face familiar with many Twin Cities area television viewers, but fewer may know the story of how he built a multi-state pawnshop empire. 6 Feb 2012 14:44:11 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=4f2c52dde77312Nearly a week after a Purple Heart was sold at a Columbus, Ohio, pawnshop, the area television station was able to track down the next of kin for the soldier who was awarded the honor. With the help of William Cox, with the U.S. Army's Casualty Assistance Center in Fort Knox,Ky., NBC4 was able to find relatives of Pvt. LeRoy Bryant, a Central Ohio soldier who was taken prisoner during the Korean War and died while in captivity. 6 Feb 2012 14:44:11 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=4f2c2c588073f3One in four American households is considered unbanked or underbanked, reports the FDIC, meaning they have little to no access to basic financial services like a checking or savings account. Unbanked households are often low-income and minority populations and their limited financial access means little to no credit, less savings, greater susceptibility to theft and fraud, and ultimately more financial risk. 6 Feb 2012 14:44:11 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=4f30004d36b8f4<img src="http://www.multiview.com/briefs/nacba/video_brief_icon.gif" border=0 alt="VideoBrief"><br> Forget title loans and credit cards. Economists said there's a new trend sweeping the Mid-State when it comes to borrowing money. Economists said the stigma attached to pawn shops is disappearing, and that in an economy like this, more and more people are rediscovering what a pawnshop can do for them. 6 Feb 2012 14:44:11 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=4f2c372ddfd205<img src="http://www.multiview.com/briefs/nacba/video_brief_icon.gif" border=0 alt="VideoBrief"><br> Many cash-strapped consumers head to pawnbrokers as a last resort to get a short-term loan to pay off bills. Online pawnbrokers are hoping to make the loan process easier and less intimidating. But as with any type of loan, consumers should understand what they're getting into before they sign up.6 Feb 2012 14:44:11 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=4f2c4872e3bca6EZCORP, Inc. said that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of a 60 percent ownership interest in Prestaciones Finmart, S.A.P.I. de C.V., SOFOM, E.N.R. ("Crediamigo"), one of the top three and fastest growing providers of payroll deduction loans in Mexico.6 Feb 2012 14:44:11 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=4f2c4dde24e677Hinesville, Ga.,'s largest pawn and collectible shop is expanding. Mega Pawn is adding 1,600 square feet of floorspace to its showroom. Manager Donnie Morrison said the additional floorspace will allow the store to display its merchandise more effectively — and expand its selection. For instance, he said, firearms customers will be able to pick from new and preowned weapons. 6 Feb 2012 14:44:11 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=4f2c4d1eb5dbc8Todd MacLaughlin has been buying and selling as a pawnbroker for over 20 years at the Gold and Pawn Trading Center in Portsmouth, N.H. He said if a proposal by the city Police Commission passes, aimed at toughening the city's pawning ordinance, he and other established pawn brokers will be prejudicially penalized and forced to do police work. 6 Feb 2012 14:44:11 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=4f2c428a567dc9Massachusetts' Martinsville and Danville have developed their own policies for pawnshops, and now South Boston is taking a closer look at its own rules. A slew of state laws regulate pawn shops. but for all of the guidance the state provides, it turns out there are some major loopholes. 6 Feb 2012 14:44:11 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=4f2c4c0a0a32810Pawnshops here are reporting a boom in business since the price of gold doubled. The price of gold has jumped from $850 an ounce in 2008 to around $1,700. Pawnshops reported giving out $3.4 billion in loans during the first nine months of last year because of factors such as their new, lower interest rate promotions, and the unpredictable economy. 6 Feb 2012 14:44:11 CDThttp://multibriefs.com/ViewLink.php?i=4f2ff8f81fd5911