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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March, 23, 1999

AAFD Announces Nominations for Annual TQF Awards

Carl Unger to be recognized as Life Achievement Recipient

Sylvan Learning Centers Named Franchisor of the Year

Congressmen Howard Coble and John LaFalce to be Honored

San Diego, Ca.- The AAFD has announced this year's nominations for the Association's Total Quality Franchising (TQF) Awards. Recently retired AAFD Trustee and long time franchisee leader and advocate, Carl Unger, will be honored with the AAFD's Life Achievement Award. Sylvan Learning Systems will be recognized as the AAFD's Franchisor of the Year. Congressmen Howard Coble (R-NC) and John LaFalce (D-NY), will each be presented an AAFD Chairman's Award for the introduction of important legislation recognizing the rights of franchise owners.

"This year's award recipients and nominees are truly a worthy group," stated AAFD Chair, Robert Purvin. "Carl Unger has contributed a lifetime of support to franchisee causes, and has been a true friend of the AAFD." Said Unger's long time friend and mentor, Mark Zuckerman, "In the ten years that I have known him, Carl has given tirelessly and intelligently to the cause of franchisees."

Recognition of Sylvan Learning Centers as Franchisor of the Year should not surprise any AAFD member. Sylvan, a recent recipient of the AAFD's Fair Franchising Seal, has earned a place on the AAFD Pedestal with its enlightened approach to fairness in franchising. "Clearly, the AAFD wants to make a positive example of companies like Sylvan," stated Chairman Purvin. "This is our opportunity to recognize and reward a forward thinking franchisor."

The AAFD annually singles out one franchisor for outstanding citizenship within the franchising community. According to AAFD Chair, Bob Purvin, "Although several factors are considered including the overall performance of the company, the most significant criteria concern the efforts of the award recipient to build positive relationships with its franchisees."

Barry Miller, President of the Sylvan Learning Systems Franchise Owners Association, announced the SLSFOA's Board of Directors unanimous endorsement of Sylvan to receive this year's award. In a written statement Miller said, "In 1991, Doug Becker, Sylvan's President & Co-CEO, joined with SLSFOA and decided to create a different kind of franchise relationship. A company where franchisees would participate with management to work toward mutual goals. Since that time, a negotiated franchise license agreement, a committee structure, quarterly meetings with management, and a jointly administered National Advertising fund, have served to advance the goals of both franchisees and Sylvan. Sylvan's tutoring business has grown dramatically, and Sylvan is fast becoming known as one of the best and most successful franchises in the country."

Some may be surprised that the AAFD is recognizing the sponsor of federal legislation when the AAFD has dedicated itself to marketplace, rather than legislative, solutions. Not so says Purvin. "It is most appropriate for the AAFD to recognize Congressmen Coble and LaFalce for putting franchisee rights under public scrutiny by introducing important legislation. John LaFalce was the first elected official to recognize franchising abuses in the 1990's, and we are delighted to see bipartisan interest in the rights of franchisees with Congressman Coble taking up the charge." Added Purvin, "Although the AAFD prefers the adoption of private standards, the lack of willingness by a significant number of franchisors compels the need to look closely at legislative solutions."

Recipients of all awards will be announced and presented at the Association's Annual Gala Anniversary and Awards Banquet to be held Saturday, May 1, 1999, at the Golden Nugget Hotel in Las Vegas, in conjunction the AAFD Annual Meeting and Achieving the Dream: A National Franchisee Forum. All AAFD members and friends are encouraged to join us in celebrating this year's most worthy award recipients.

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.