Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July, 13, 2000

AAFD Announces TQF Award Nominees

Ray Kroc?s Life Achievement to be Recognized

US Franchise Systems Named Franchisor of the Year

San Diego, Ca. The American Association of Franchisees & Dealers (AAFD) has announced the year 2000 recipients its Annual Total Quality Franchising (TQF) Awards. Headlining the acknowledgment of distinguished service to the AAFD and the franchising community is the selection of Ray Kroc as recipient, posthumously, of the TQF Life Achievement Award. US Franchise Systems (Microtel Inn & Suites, Hawthorn Suites and Best Inns) has been named Franchisor of the Year.

It was also announced that the TQF Chairman?s Award for distinguished service to the franchising community would be awarded to: 1. Keith Kanouse, immediate past Chair of the AAFD?s Fair Franchising Standards Committee. 2. Meineke Discount Mufflers, Inc. and the Association of Meineke Dealers for the successful negotiation of a new franchise agreement

In announcing the Award nominees, AAFD Chairman, Robert Purvin expressed appreciation for all the hard work and high ethical standards established by current and past TQF Award nominees and recipients.

Purvin singled out the Life Achievement Award to Ray Kroc as indicative of the purpose of the Award. From at least two perspectives this award is most appropriate," said Purvin. "Initially, if you were singling out the single person who had the most influence on franchising in the last century, Ray Kroc clearly stands above all." Purvin continued, "When the AAFD Awards Committee began considering very deserving candidates for lifetime contributions to the welfare of franchisees, each suggestion seemed to beg the question, "How can we recognize anyone without first honoring the memory and contributions of the single individual who set the standard for franchisee success?"

Indeed, though he had a reputation for being a tough businessman, and demanding of the highest operational standards, Ray Kroc?s legacy at McDonalds is that he set the standard for franchise ownership that every competitor revered, and to which all prospective franchisees aspired.

The selection of US Franchise Systems as the Franchisor of the Year is a testament to Mike Leven, a new franchising icon in the making, who has already demonstrated that fair franchising is good business. Leven?s company, which is one of the fastest growing franchisors in the world, has earned several honors and recognition for meeting and exceeding fair franchising standards within the hospitality industry.

The AAFD?s Chairman?s Award is presented for singular achievement to the cause promoting Total Quality Franchising. Keith Kanouse has already been recognized as the AAFD?s Member of the Year and Supporting Member of the Year, along with several other nominations. Said Purvin, "This is just one more opportunity for the AAFD to say thanks to Keith for outstanding service, and our chance to let him know just how much we appreciate him." Purvin added, "He?s just too young to be recognized for Life Achievement, but he probably should clear some room on his trophy case."

The recent announcement of a new jointly negotiated franchise agreement at Meineke Discount Mufflers led to a special meeting of the AAFD Awards committee to present a special recognition to Meineke and its independent Dealers Association for a major achievement which may have far reaching benefit for the entire franchising community. Said Purvin, ?We want to place Meineke on a well deserved pedestal, and in singing its praises, let other companies know that respect for franchisees will be richly rewarded in the franchising marketplace!?

The Association also announced nominees for the year 2000 TQF Awards: AAFD Member of the Year: Richard Rosen Chapter of the Year: Sandler Sales Institute Franchisees Chapter Supporting Member of the Year: Michael Dady, the law firm of Dady & Garner, Minneapolis, MN.

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.