Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June, 13, 2001

AAFD Launches New On-Line Direct Mail Program -- AAFDMAILNOW

San Diego, CA ? Robert Purvin, CEO of the American Association of Franchises and Dealers (AAFD), announced today that it has launched a new marketing program that uses the Internet to move direct mail into the digital age. Specifically, the program gives AAFD members the advantage of group purchasing and the ability to create direct mail packages in minutes and to mail them in hours.

In a unique partnership with USA Direct, Inc., of York, PA, a leader in the direct marketing industry, AAFD will offer USA Direct?s new on-line service under the AAFDMailNow brand. AAFDMailNow uses the Internet and the resources and technology of USA Direct, Inc., to enhance direct mail marketing.

?AAFDMailNow offers a revolutionary new way of launching direct mail campaigns which can be shared by hundreds of franchise owners who are using the same franchisor approved artwork,? said Purvin. ?Using USA Direct?s technology, franchise owners can complete their direct mail projects in minutes from a personal computer ? anytime of the day, and from anywhere in the world.?

Purvin added, ?Our members who use AAFDMailNow will dramatically reduce the time and expense of their direct mail marketing efforts by tapping into the marketing expertise, resources and technology to target their audience, create their mailings in minutes, and have them in the mail in just days. Members will have the ability to choose from multiple, pre-approved formats with pre-negotiated pricing for their local direct mail marketing campaigns. Also, they will be able to see results immediately.

?AAFDMailNow transforms the direct marketing process from several weeks to just a few days,? Purvin said. ?AAFDMailNow will dramatically reduce cycle time and increase speed to market any direct mail campaign on a local level.

?What?s more,? Purvin noted, ?AAFDMailNow offers our membership the benefits of group purchasing. AAFDMailNow is a coordinated effort to save our membership time and money in marketing their products and services.?

In addition to the AAFDMailNow program, USA Direct will also offer AAFD members its generic program, UsaMailNow, ?which allows for the creation of unique direct mail projects ?on the fly? with terrific savings of time, effort and expense,? Purvin added.

The AAFD is the first association to offer its members an Internet-based program to enhance direct marketing.

The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers is the oldest and largest direct member non-profit trade association representing the interests of franchisees and independent dealer networks throughout the United States. Stressing market solutions and franchisee empowerment through independent franchisee associations, the AAFD has grown to represent more than 12,000 franchised businesses nationwide.

For more information, contact the AAFD at 800-733-9858, or visit our website.