WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 10, 2007 – Jeff Todd, Owner of Todd Restaurants, Inc. and owner/operator of three Roy Rogers Restaurants in Alexandria, Virginia was honored by the International Franchise Association as a Franchisee of the Year.  The award is given to IFA-member company franchisees to honor them for their outstanding performance and the contributions they have made to enhance the growth and development of the nation’s franchising industry. 

The IFA Franchisee of the Year Awards were presented during the IFA’s Eighth Annual Franchise Appreciation Day celebration in the nation’s capital.  As the association’s primary grassroots lobbying effort, Franchise Appreciation Day offers meetings between franchisees and franchise systems and congressional lawmakers and staff to discuss key issues facing the franchise industry, such as small-business health plans, immigration reform, wages and tax burdens.

Staying in touch with Congress is a priority for the franchising community, which continues to expand.  According to an IFA Educational Foundation study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, there are more than 760,000 U.S. franchised businesses that provide jobs for more than 18 million Americans and contribute more than $1.53 trillion to the U.S. economy. 

Founded nearly 50 years ago, the IFA promotes and strives to protect franchising worldwide.  The association, whose membership includes nearly 10,000 franchisees and 1,300 franchise companies, is the leading source of due-diligence information for prospective franchise investors.  Through its Web site, www.franchise.org, future franchisees can take advantage of a wide variety of informational and educational items including a free online course, “Franchising Basics,” plus the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Guide to Buying a Franchise.

In addition to other educational offerings, the IFA offers its franchisees and member-companies tips on best practices to foster the most productive and mutually-beneficial franchise relationships for both franchisors and franchisees. 

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