Kirkland FASTSIGNS® Center Owner Named 2006 FASTSIGNS® Franchisee of the Year by International Franchise Association

Greg Shugarts, who owns a FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics center Kirkland, was named FASTSIGNS “Franchisee of the Year” for 2006 by the International Franchise Association (IFA) in a ceremony at the IFA’s 47th annual convention in Las Vegas.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is a worldwide sign and graphics franchise with over 500 locations in six countries. The “Franchisee of the Year” award, sponsored by PepsiCo, was awarded to “75 franchise small-business operators who have been singled out for outstanding performance,” said officials of the IFA, the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising. Only one FASTSIGNS® owner is given this recognition each year.

“I am truly humbled and honored to receive this recognition from FASTSIGNS and the IFA,” said Shugarts, who has owned his FASTSIGNS center since 1994. “I must first acknowledge my incredible staff whose contributions are the key to our success. I would also like to thank the team at FASTSIGNS International, Inc. They are a constant source of support and encouragement and they have helped me offer the best products and services to our customers.”

“Greg has consistently demonstrated impressive achievements in sales and is a fine example of how to run a successful FASTSIGNS franchise,” said Gary Salomon, FASTSIGNS International, Inc.’s CEO. “He is well-respected within the FASTSIGNS network as well as the Kirkland community.”

At FASTSIGNS’ annual convention, held recently in Colorado Springs, Shugart’s center was recognized for achieving more than $1 million in total sales from October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006. This is the eighth consecutive year he has been honored for sales exceeding $1 million. In addition, his center was recognized as the one of the top three centers in FASTSIGNS’ Western region with the highest total sales.

In 2006, Shugarts was awarded one of FASTSIGNS most important recognitions, the FASTSIGNS® award, which goes to the center owner who represents the concept and the spirit of the FASTSIGNS name, both in the business community and in the FASTSIGNS network.

Shugarts’ commitment to the FASTSIGNS network is further demonstrated by his service on FASTSIGNS’ Franchise Advisory Council (FAC) which represents all FASTSIGNS franchisees, providing strategic direction on services and programs, as well as advice and guidance that benefit the entire FASTSIGNS network.

“Greg’s customers have come to depend on his center for great customer service and the promise to deliver high-quality signs and graphics to meet their business needs,” said Salomon. “We are extremely proud of Greg, his staff and their commitment to the FASTSIGNS network and know that the future holds much success.”

FASTSIGNS of Kirkland, located at 12004 NE 85th St, can be reached by phone at 425-822-6542 or on the web at www.fastsigns.com/66.

About FASTSIGNS®
FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centers use innovation and technology to make the sign buying process simple by offering consulting, design, production, file transfer, delivery, installation for a full range of custom sign and graphic products, including wide format banners and POP, site signs, exhibit graphics, window and vehicle graphics, decals and labels, safety and identification signage and floor graphics for interior and exterior use. For more information, visit www.fastsigns.com, or call 800-FASTSIGNS.

About the International Franchise Association (IFA)
The International Franchise Association, founded in 1960, serves as the international “Voice of Franchising.” Its members include more than 1,100 franchise parent companies and 8,000 franchisees, and 400 supplier firms that provide goods and services to franchise companies. For more information, visit www.franchise.org.