TEXAS WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR HONORED BY INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION

Citing her unceasing efforts to mentor other women who seek careers in the Franchising sector, the International Franchise Association (IFA) today honored The Dwyer Group President and CEO Dina Dwyer-Owens with its Bonny LeVine Award. The award, created in memory of the Postal Instant Press co-founder who served as a role model and mentor for women in franchising, is bestowed upon a female franchisor or franchisee who has demonstrated ability by her contributions to the growth of the business and her community, volunteer efforts and activities that promote the professional advancement of women.

IFA, the world's oldest and largest trade group representing franchising, is conducting its 42nd annual gathering this week. The group represents franchisees and franchisors in more than 75 different industries.

Dwyer-Owens leads the Waco, Texas-based franchise holding company which has six subsidiary and one affiliate franchise corporations. Each corporation is the world headquarters for a different service-based brand name franchise. They are Aire Serv Heating and Air Conditioning, Glass Doctor, Mr. Appliance, Mr. Electric, Mr. Rooter (known as Drain Doctor in the United Kingdom), Rainbow International Carpet Care and Restoration Specialist, and an associate company, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide. These concepts offer a broad base of residential and commercial services. The Dwyer Group Inc. supports the combined franchisees, which number more than 900 in the United States and nearly 400 in other countries.

Upon the death of her father in 1994, Dwyer-Owens assumed the role of vice president of operations and in 1998 she became president and CEO at age 34. Her insistence that every headquarters team member and franchise partner is vital to the success of the company is evident throughout its operations, which center around a 14-point code of values that guides the firm's day-to-day decisions. The final heading of the code is "Having Fun in the Process," a directive important to the CEO.