SIGNARAMA First Franchise to Win Prestigious U.S. Presidential "E" Award for Exporting Success

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WEST PALM BEACH, FL--(Marketwire - July 30, 2007) - SIGN*A*RAMA, the world's largest retail sign franchise, has been awarded the United States Department of Commerce's prestigious Presidential "E" Award. The sign franchise giant is the first franchise company to ever win the award.

Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez joined President Bush at the White House to present SIGN*A*RAMA, along with ten other organizations, with the "E" Award for excellence in exporting. The company's export sales increased 700% in three years, growing from $1.5 million in 2002 to $12 million in 2005.

In attendance were president and founder Ray Titus and his wife Andrea. Also in attendance were Tony Foley and his wife Linda. Foley is president of World Franchisors which has assisted SIGN*A*RAMA and countless other franchisors for many years with their global expansion goals. World Franchisors is comprised of an advanced team who helps other franchisors quickly and cost effectively sell master licenses and establish a strong presence outside the United States.

Also assisting the franchise with their success in export sales is the U.S. Commercial Service. This government agency is the trade promotion unit of the International Trade Administration and works with companies to help get them started in exporting and increasing their sales to new global markets. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida office was instrumental in SIGN*A*RAMA's export success and subsequently their being honored with the "E" Award.

The President's "E" Award is the highest honor the federal government can give to an American exporting company. The award serves to recognize U.S. firms for their competitive achievements in world markets and their part in increasing U.S. exports abroad. This marks the 45th anniversary of the Presidential "E" Award created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.

"Winning this award was a great honor for our company coupled with the privilege of meeting President Bush in the Oval Office," says Ray Titus, president of SIGN*A*RAMA. "Since we began more than 20 years ago, we have grown to over 850 locations in 50 countries. We are extremely proud and honored to have the opportunity to have helped so many people over the years achieve their dream of becoming their own boss."

SIGN*A*RAMA, headquartered in West Palm Beach, FL, uses cutting-edge industry software programs to provide a full range of comprehensive sign and graphic services to both the private and commercial segments of the business community.

The company is part of a system of franchises affiliated with business-to-business franchising giant, United Franchise Group. Along with its sister franchises, EmbroidMe and Billboard Connection, SIGN*A*RAMA is consistently honored as a leader in its industry, named by Entrepreneur magazine for eight consecutive years as the #1 Sign Franchise. As part of such a dynamic franchise system, SIGN*A*RAMA franchisees have the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with EmbroidMe and Billboard Connection franchisees to develop an overall branding strategy for their customers.

The company was founded by franchising veteran, Ray Titus. Titus has spent years developing successful business-to-business franchises, most of which have become award-winning brands. He has created an organization, supported by a team of some of the world's most knowledgeable franchising specialists, who have helped thousands of people venture into business ownership. In addition to owning several successful franchise brands, Titus' company also assists other franchisors with their international expansion through the company, World Franchisors, as well as supporting the franchising efforts of hundreds of well-known franchises through the company, FRANCHISEMART. In addition, their newest company, Accurate Franchising, provides consultative services as well as business development strategies to franchises.