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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April, 25, 2002

AAFD Announces Total Quality Franchising Awards for 2002

Accor Lodging North America Named Franchisor of the Year

San Diego, CA - The American Association of Franchisees & Dealers (AAFD) has announced the year 2002 recipients of its Annual Total Quality Franchising (TQF) Awards. Headlining the acknowledgment of distinguished service to the AAFD and the franchising community is the selection of Accor Lodging North America as the AAFD Franchisor of the Year.

The selection of Accor is a testament to the international hotelier?s commitment to a quality franchise program in the United States. The Award recognizes both exemplary franchising practices and dedication to the AAFD?s vision of Total Quality Franchising.

"Accor has provided dedication and crucial support to the AAFD and the process for defining fair franchising practices," remarked Purvin. "Accor has provided leadership, valuable support and true dedication to setting the standards for superior franchise relationships."

Accor acquired the Motel 6 system in 1990, and recently acquired the Red Roof Inn brand in 1999. Relatively new to U.S. Franchising, Accor involved itself with the AAFD?s Fair Franchising Standards Committee, providing significant input into the definition of balanced franchise relationships, especially as applicable to the hospitality industry. Accor is a leading competitor in the hotel industry, operating almost 4,000 properties worldwide.

Said Purvin, "We want to place Accor 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!"

"Accor is very pleased to be recognized in this manner by the AAFD," said Georges Le Mener, President and CEO of Accor Lodging North America. "With so many excellent hotel franchise opportunities available today, it is extremely gratifying to be selected as the AAFD Franchisor of the Year."

Dan Patel, Chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association and an Accor franchisee, congratulated Accor on being recognized as the AAFD Franchisor of the Year. "Accor?s pursuit of fair franchising has been an earnest endeavor."

Purvin also announced two Chairman?s Awards for Exceptional Service to the Franchising Community:

-- Boston Attorney, Michael Hankes. Mr. Hankes has been a charter member of the AAFD?s Standards Committee, and primary author of the AAFD Standards regarding dispute resolution. Mr. Hankes was also instrumental in the negotiation of the Meineke franchise agreement that was widely acknowledged over the past year as the first major franchise system to offer an agreement in substantial conformity with the AAFD Fair Franchising Standards.

"I appreciate very much the AAFD's recognition of my efforts on behalf of the Fair Standards and the franchise industry," said Hankes when informed of the Award. "The recent publication of the Fair Standards in CCH.'s Business Franchise Guide demonstrates the importance of our continued effort to improve the franchise relationship by focusing attention on negotiated solutions achieved by leveling the playing field. I have been fortunate to be part of that process. I'm sure that we all recognize that our work is far from complete and that we must continue to strive for even greater progress."

-- Lexington Insurance Company. Lexington, an AIG Company, provided a major incentive for franchisors to seek AAFD Accreditation, with the announcement last October that AAFD Fair Franchising Seal Recipients will be entitled to preferred rates up to 25% below non-Seal Recipient rates in their premiums for Franchisor E&O Insurance policies.

The Association also announced recipients for the year 2002 TQF Awards:
-- AAFD Member of the Year: Cynthia Gartman, Director of Franchise Administration, Accor Economy Lodging.
-- Chapter of the Year: the Molly Maid Chapter of the AAFD
-- Supporting Member of the Year: USADirect, Inc., Richard Osborne, President
-- Rookie Chapter of the Year: The Miracle-Ear Chapter of the AAFD

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.

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.