Poughkeepsie Franchise Owners Recognized For Outstanding Contributions To Franchising

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Sept. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- EmbroidMe, the world's largest embroidery franchise, announced today that franchisees Scott and Diane Pawenski of Poughkeepsie, N.Y, have been honored by the International Franchise Association (IFA) with its annual Franchisee of the Year Award.  Franchise owner-operators representing 31 franchise systems were recognized during the IFA's 13^thAnnual Public Affairs Conference Sept. 10-11 for their outstanding performance and the contributions they have made to enhance the growth and development of franchising. 

"We are proud that the IFA has recognized the outstanding efforts of these business owners with the Franchisee of the Year Award," said Mark Johnson, President of EmbroidMe. "It is because of entrepreneurs and franchise partners like Scott and Diane that our business and the franchising community as a whole continues to grow, prosper and help bolster the economy."

The Pawenskis are a husband-and-wife team that opened their EmbroidMe franchise in May 2005.  They have continued to grow their business, hiring more employees and doubling their original size with expansion to a 4,350-square-foot space in 2011. They are long-time residents of Dutchess County and have been recognized for their commitment to doing business in their community.

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.  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.

With nearly 400 locations across the U.S., Canada and Australia, EmbroidMe is the largest embroidery franchise that specializes in full-service custom embroidery and screen-printing for apparel, as well as promotional products and gifts to both private and commercial segments. As part of its aggressive growth strategy, EmbroidMe is seeking to expand its presence in markets across the U.S. and in countries such as Brazil, Mexico, France, United Kingdom and Germany.

EmbroidMe is part of a successful system of business-to-business franchise brands and development services under the United Franchise Group. Since its inception, EmbroidMe has offered full-service promotional options to both small and large businesses.  EmbroidMe currently has more than 800,000 promotional products designed to help businesses build their brand and make lasting impressions.

About EmbroidMe:
EmbroidMe, Inc., a privately owned company, is the world's largest embroidery franchise with hundreds of retail locations worldwide. Since we began franchising in 2000, we have become the world leader in the full-service, embroidery and promotional products industry. For more information visit the EmbroidMe website at www.embroidme.com or contact 1-800-727-6720.

About the United Franchise Group (UFG):
United Franchise Group, the Global Leader for Entrepreneurs, is a $500-million franchising expert with 30 years of experience and 1,400 franchise locations in over 50 countries. Brands include SIGNARAMA, EmbroidMe, Billboard Connection, Plan Ahead Events, Super Green Solutions and Transworld Business Advisors. Information on franchising opportunities is available at 800-286-8671 (U.S.) or 001-561-640-5570 (international).

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.     

Media Contact:
Carmen Ordonez
email: [email protected]
Phone: 954-893-9150

SOURCE EmbroidMe