FASTSIGNS International, Inc. Holds Annual Strategic-Operational Planning Session (9/00)

Carrollton-based FASTSIGNS International, Inc. held its annual strategic operational planning sessions during the week of August 21st. Attendees included the FASTSIGNS International Management Team, and selected members of the Franchise network.

The purpose of the meeting was to gain unified thinking on what the company as a whole would like to achieve in the upcoming year. Issues such as the developmental progress of e-commerce, longer and more in-depth training courses, and improved communication within the FASTSIGNS network were key topics of this years' discussion.

Two major accomplishments resulting from the 1999 planning session were the reorganization of the FASTSIGNS franchise Services Department and the creation of the Franchise Advisory Committee - a group of ten FASTSIGNS franchisees charged with advising senior management on needs, programs and priorities from the franchise systems' viewpoint.

FASTSIGNS welcomes and formally solicits input from the franchise system throughout each year. In addition to attending the annual strategic planning sessions and establishing the Franchise Advisory Committee, FASTSIGNS franchisees also serve on the National Advertising Council (NAC Board) and are invited to discuss key issues during Town Halls with the CEO and during panel discussions held during summer meetings and the annual convention.

According to Mike Levitsky, franchisee in Wilmington, DE, "It was an honor to be asked to be a part of Strategic and Operational Planning for our system. I feel as though I am a part of the decision-making process that shapes our franchise network instead of sitting on the sidelines waiting to see what happens."

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. founder and President Gary Salomon was pleased that the meetings were a success. "The Strategic and Operational Planning meetings take the wants and needs of our franchisees and formulates them into goals and objectives. Each year we learn from each other and strive to make the upcoming year even more successful," said Salomon.

About FASTSIGNS International, Inc.

FASTSIGNS International is the franchisor of the worldwide network of FASTSIGNS stores. FASTSIGNS provide a full range of custom sign and graphics products to all types of businesses. FASTSIGNS International has more than 435 franchise locations worldwide.