FORT MYERS FRANCHISE OWNER RECOGNIZED

FORT MYERS FRANCHISE OWNER RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO FRANCHISING 

Franchise Leaders Deliver “Franchising Votes” Message to Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 10 – Assisting Hands franchisee Robert Thomas of Fort Myers, FL was honored today by the International Franchise Association (IFA) with its annual Franchisee of the Year Award.  Franchise owner-operators representing 31 franchise systems were recognized today during the IFA’s 13^th Annual Public Affairs Conference for their outstanding performance and the contributions they have made to enhance the growth and development of franchising.

“The IFA is proud to recognize the outstanding efforts of Robert with the Franchisee of the Year Award,” said IFA Chairman Jon Luther, Chairman, Dunkin’Brands, Chairman, Arby’s Restaurant Group.  “The franchising community is an important component of the U.S. economy due to the hard work of these exemplary individuals who have helped bolster the growth of the industry.”

The Franchisee of the Year Award is a major component of the IFA’s Public Affairs Conference, which brings more than 400 franchise business leaders together in Washington, D.C. to carry the key messages of franchising to lawmakers on Capitol Hill.  During the two-day event, which began today and continues through Sept. 11, franchise industry leaders will meet with over 200 congressional offices about issues important to the future of franchising such as tax certainty, healthcare reform and access to credit.  The Public Affairs Conference is a powerful way to help forward IFA’s advocacy efforts and further increase awareness about how franchising can contribute to economic recovery and job growth. The event is supported by founding sponsor ADP Small Business Services.

IFA members are highlighting the economic impact of franchising.  According to a study conducted for the IFA Educational Foundation by PricewaterhouseCoopers on the economic impact of franchising, there are more than 825,000 franchised businesses in operation across the country which is indirectly responsible for providing 18 million jobs and generating $2.1 trillion in economic output.  “As Washington works to strengthen and renew our economy, lawmakers should remember that franchising counts in local communities all across the country, Luther said.  “With available credit and sound regulatory policies, franchise businesses like will create the jobs necessary for sustained economic recovery and growth.”