SUMMARY: Franchise Leaders Deliver “Franchising Equals Jobs” Message to Congress.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 24, 2013 – Tint World® franchisees Joe Fazio and Daniel Apa, co-owners of the Greensboro, NC and Charlotte, NC locations, were honored on Sept. 16 by the International Franchise Association with its annual Franchisee of the Year Award. Franchise owner-operators representing 36 franchise systems were recognized during the IFA’s 14th Annual Public Affairs Conference for their outstanding performance and the contributions they have made to enhance the growth and development of franchising.
“Daniel and I have truly taken ownership of the brand and believe in it with all our heart. We have taken everything Charles (referring to Charles Bonfiglio the CEO) has said seriously since the very first day we met with him at Franchisee Orientation almost 2 years ago,” shares co-owner Joe Fazio. “He has been an amazing mentor, leader, and friend throughout the process. We graciously accepted the award at the IFA conference, and couldn’t be happier or more proud of ourselves, but there is no doubt that we could not have done it without Charles and the rest of the Tint World® Corporate team.”
“The franchising community is an important part the U.S. economy due to the hard work of franchisees,” said IFA Chairman Steve Romaniello, managing director, Roark Capital Group. “The IFA is proud to recognize the outstanding efforts of Joe Fazio and Daniel Apa with the Franchisee of the Year Award and thank them not only for their work to promote franchising, but for the contributions they make every day to showcase how local business owners propel the economy in communities across the country.”
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 Sept. 16 and continued through Sept. 17, franchise industry leaders met with over 200 congressional offices about issues important to the future of franchising such as tax certainty, healthcare reform immigration 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.
“The highlight of the event for me, was seeing Daniel’s and my name on the big screen while representing Tint World® in front of hundreds of business owners/entrepreneurs, and franchised sponsors,” explains Fazio.
During their visits to Washington, IFA members highlighted 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.
“We are excited to keep pushing forward and adding to the products and services offered, but we are also excited about opening more stores. We have successfully operated a second store, located in Charlotte, NC and have been running it to the same standard as our Greensboro location for approximately 8 months now,” states Fazio. “We are ecstatic about the possibility of opening a third store within the next few months. When I look to the future I just smile.”
“As Washington works to strengthen and renew our economy, lawmakers should remember that franchising counts in local communities all across the country,” Romaniello said. “With sound regulatory policies, franchise businesses can create the jobs necessary for sustained economic recovery and growth.”
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.
About Tint World®
Established 1982 in Tamarac, Florida, Tint World® is now the leading franchised provider of automotive, residential, commercial, and marine window tinting and security films services in the US. Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers also offer auto security, mobile electronics, performance and styling accessories, custom wheels and tire packages, auto detailing, and reconditioning services.
Contact:
Charles J. Bonfiglio
Charles.Bonfiglio@tintworld.com
www.TintWorld.com
(800) 767-8468
