Bates International RV Blog

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 15 - Bates International Motor Home Rental Systems franchisees Walt and Wallace Williams of Temple Terrace, Fla. were honored today by the International Franchise Association (IFA) with its Franchisee of the Year.  Franchise owner-operators representing nearly 50 franchise systems were recognized today during the IFA’s Ninth Annual Franchise Appreciation Day here for their outstanding performance and the contributions they have made to enhance the growth and development of franchising.

As the association’s public affairs conference, Franchise Appreciation Day is a two-day event which began today and continues through Sept. 16. Attendees are meeting with members of Congress and Administration officials about issues important to franchising, including small-business health plans, immigration reform, business activity taxes and wages.  The event and the award are supported by founding sponsor ADP Small Business Services.

“The IFA is proud to recognize the commendable efforts of Walt and Wallace Williams with the Franchisee of the Year Award,” said IFA Chairman Steve Greenbaum.  “The franchising community is fortunate for the outstanding contributions of these exemplary individuals who have helped bolster the growth of the industry.”

According to a recent study conducted for the IFA Educational Foundation by PricewaterhouseCoopers on the economic impact of franchising, there are more than 900,000 franchised businesses in operation across the country, which are indirectly responsible for providing 21 million jobs and generating $2.3 trillion in economic output.  In Florida, 61,649 establishments directly provide 728,200 jobs and contribute $56.1 billion to the U.S. economy.

About The International Franchise Association the International Franchise Association, the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising, is the preeminent voice and acknowledged leader for the industry worldwide. Approaching a half-century of service with a growing membership of more than 1,300 franchise systems, 10,000-plus franchisees and more than 500 firms that supply goods and services to the industry, IFA protects, enhances and promotes franchising by advancing the values of integrity, respect, trust, commitment to excellence, honesty and diversity.

For more information, visit the IFA Web site at www.franchise.org