The award is given to franchise owners who "have helped build their brand's credibility and reputation for excellence among customers," said Terry Hill of the IFA, which represents franchisors in more than 75 different industries.  The owner (or owners) of only one FASTSIGNS® center is named franchisee of the year annually.

"Al and I are really honored to receive this recognition from FASTSIGNS® and the IFA," said Ann Marie Hall.  "We have great employees and their contributions are key to our success.  We also appreciate all the support we receive from FASTSIGNS International, Inc.  The FASTSIGNS® franchise business model is something that we really believe in." 

In 1998, the Halls bought an existing FASTSIGNS® sign and graphic center in Lancaster.  Initially, Ann Marie Hall managed the center, but later was joined by her husband after he retired from the Baltimore Police Department.

"After just two years, the Halls quadrupled sales and upgraded their center's sign-making technology and other systems," said Gary Salomon, co-founder, president and chief executive officer of FASTSIGNS International, Inc., a sign and graphics franchisor, based in Carrollton, Texas, with more than 450 locations in six countries.  "They made necessary investments in the center and improved training for their employees.  Al and Ann Marie also implemented an aggressive marketing program, including Yellow Page and print advertising, direct mail and networking with other Lancaster area businesses."

When the couple bought the FASTSIGNS® center, Ann Marie Hall had prior experience as the manager of a FASTSIGNS® center in Baltimore.  Prior to that, she had been a district manager for another franchise organization, where she began working while in high school.

Since joining the FASTSIGNS® business opportunity in 2000, Al Hall has managed the center's operations, finances, quality control and computer systems while Ann Marie handles sales, marketing, customer service and networking,

Lancaster, PA FASTSIGNS® Owners Win Franchisee of Year Award

In addition to being named 2004 Franchisee of the Year, the Halls received awards at

FASTSIGNS International's convention earlier this year for sales improvement and sales achievement.  The couple also were recognized as a recipient of the FASTSIGNS® "Million Dollar Award" for recording more than $1 million in sales from October 2003 through September 2004 

At the convention, Ms. Hall also was honored for serving on the FASTSIGNS® National Advertising Council (NAC) from 2002 - 2005.  She represents FASTSIGNS® center owners in the Northeastern United States, providing strategic direction for the development of marketing services, programs and materials for the entire FASTSIGNS® system.  NAC members are elected by other center owners in their region. 

In 2004, the Halls received an award from FASTSIGNS International for being the center owners "who best represent the concept and spirit of the FASTSIGNS® name, both in the business community and in the FASTSIGNS® network." 

"Ann Marie and Al excel at making sign and graphic solutions simple for their customers," said Salomon.  "They also are generous and helpful in working with other franchisees to increase the strength, size and integrity of our network."

The Halls' center is at 246 Granite Run Drive in Lancaster.  The couple can be reached at 717 569-7606 or on the web at 311@fastsigns.com.     

About FASTSIGNS®

FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centers offer a full range of custom sign and graphic products, including banners, window and vehicle graphics, floor graphics, safety and identification signage, trade show displays and exterior signage.  The FASTSIGNS® centers in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Australia (where centers operate under the name, SIGNWAVE®) focus on serving the needs of the business community.  About the IFA

 The IFA's annual convention was held March 6-9 at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood, Fla.  IFA is the world's oldest and largest organization and represents a growing segment of entrepreneurs who are building businesses in more than 75 different industries.    The 2004 IFA Franchisee of the Year Award presentations are made possible by a contribution from the PepsiCo Foodservice Division.  The PepsiCo Foodservice Division's principal businesses include Frito-Lay snacks, Pepsi-Cola beverages, Gatorade sports drinks, Tropicana juices and Quaker foods.  Pepsi-Cola also makes and markets ready-to-drink iced teas and coffees, respectively, via joint ventures with Starbucks and Lipton.

 Source:fastsigns

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