Silver Spring Franchise Owner Recogonized For Outstanding Contributions To Franchising

Sept. 11, 2012 - PRLog -- WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 10 – Fetch! Pet Care franchisee Jamie Deason of Silver Spring, Maryland was honored 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 13th Annual Public Affairs Conference for their outstanding performance and the contributions they have made to enhance the growth and development of franchising.  

This is the third year in a row Jamie has won this distinguished award. Jamie has averaged over 120 percent year-over-year revenue growth since launching her franchise in the middle of the recession in 2007, has actively served on Fetch!’s Franchise Advisory Council for over two years, regularly participates in franchisee franchisor events, and has been a mentor to many franchisees in the Fetch! system.

“The IFA is proud to recognize the outstanding efforts of Jamie 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.  In Maryland, 47 Fetch! Pet Care establishments provide numerous jobs and contribute greatly to the U.S. economy.  “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.”

ABOUT FETCH! PET CARE
Fetch! Pet Care is the nation's largest and most trusted franchisor for professional pet sitting and dog walking services, serving thousands of pets and pet parents from coast to coast. They take the stress out of finding a sitter and add convenience to your life by doing all of the legwork for you. With over 3000 Fetch! Pet Care professionals in 1500 communities, they match you and your pets with the most qualified, experienced and loving pet professional possible. Whether you need a daily dog walker or last-minute pet sitter, Fetch! Pet Care has got your tail covered!  In 2011, Entrepreneur Magazine ranked Fetch! Pet Care in its Top 500 Franchises, Low-Cost Franchises, Top New Ranking, Top Home-based Franchises and Fast-Growing Franchises.  Fetch! Pet Care also ranked as the top-ranked pet-care franchise on AllBusiness.com’s AllStar Franchise List for the current year. For more information, visit www.fetchpetcare.com.  

About the International Franchise Association
The International Franchise Association is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. Celebrating 50 years of excellence, education and advocacy, IFA protects, enhances and promotes franchising through government relations, public relations and educational programs. Through its awareness campaign highlighting the theme, Franchising: Building Local Businesses, One Opportunity at a Time, IFA promotes the nearly 18 million jobs and $2.1 trillion of economic activity generated by franchising. IFA members include franchise companies in over 90 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law and business development.