SAN DIEGO, April 10, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- The American Association of Franchisees & Dealers (AAFD) has announced the year 2001 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 Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's, as recipient of the TQF Life Achievement Award. Meineke Discount Mufflers, Inc. has been named the AAFD Franchiser of the Year.
Robert L. Purvin singled out the Life Achievement Award to Dave Thomas as indicative of the purpose of the Award. "Dave Thomas is truly an icon within the franchising community," said Purvin. "But as impressive as his success as a franchiser is the fact that his franchise owners have universally recognized his support for their individual success. Dave Thomas has continuously embodied the essence of the AAFD's concept of Total Quality Franchising."
Long time Wendy's franchisee, Peter Salg, said, "We acknowledge Dave as being a tough businessman, and demanding of the highest operational standards. Dave's legacy at Wendy's is that he has set the standard for franchise ownership that every competitor revered, and to which all prospective franchisees aspire."
"I'm a big believer in franchising because it's an excellent way to grow a business," said Thomas, founder of Wendy's. "I've learned a lot over the years from our great franchisees, and consider them our partners in the truest sense of the word."
The selection of Meineke Discount Mufflers as the Franchiser of the Year is a testament to Ken Walker, a new franchising icon in the making, who has already demonstrated that fair franchising is good business. Meineke is a leading competitor in the automotive services industry, but of recent years has fought many internal battles with a growing number of unhappy franchisees. Walker has been trusted to empower Meineke franchisees to help his management team "re-invent" the franchise with a negotiated agreement, the first that appears to be drafted to respect the AAFD's Fair Franchising Standards. 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."
"Meineke is very pleased and humbled to be recognized in this manner by the AAFD," said Walker when informed of the recognition. "With so many excellent franchise opportunities available today, it is extremely gratifying to be selected as the AAFD Franchiser of the Year. This accomplishment requires the mutual cooperation of dedicated and hard-working Meineke franchisees and gifted Meineke employees who share a common vision for success. Our chain is fortunate to have an abundance of both."
Ron Soto, President of the Meineke Dealers Association, enthusiastically supported the recognition. "Over the last two years the level of communication and cooperation within our system has continued to improve, and as a result strengthens our system. Meineke has dramatically demonstrated that the empowerment of franchisees can be very good for business."
The Association also announced recipients for the year 2001 TQF Awards:
* AAFD Member of the Year: Bruce Wallisch, Molly Maid Franchisee,
Woodbridge, Va.
* Chapter of the Year: Association of Remedial Educators (the
Huntington Learning Chapter of the AAFD)
* Supporting Member of the Year: Mark Siebert, the iFranchise
Group, Homewood, Ill.
* Rookie Chapter of the Year: The Molly Maid Chapter of the AAFD
In announcing the Award nominees, AAFD Chairman, Purvin, expressed appreciation for all the hard work and high ethical standards established by current and past TQF Award nominees and recipients.
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CONTACT: American Association of Franchisees & Dealers
Robert L. Purvin, Jr., Chair, Board of Trustees
(800) 733-9858
Fax: (619) 209-3777
E-mail: benefits@AAFD.org
Internet: www.AAFD.org