Diversity Publisher Names 7-Eleven(R) '2009 Top Franchise'

By: 7-Eleven | 2 Shares 134 Reads

December 03, 2009 // Franchising.com // DALLAS – 7-Eleven Inc., which regularly ranks high on annual "best franchise opportunity" lists, has scored another win.

The country's largest convenience retailer will be recognized as one of the top franchise opportunity by three diverse publications – Professional Woman's Magazine, Hispanic Network Magazine and Black EOE Journal, all published by Olive Tree Publishing Inc. – as part of each magazine's 2009 "Best of the Best" Annual Review Series. In its 18th year, the evaluation identifies U.S. corporations providing the best career opportunities for minorities.

7-Eleven has set a goal to become a 100-percent franchised organization in the next several years. Today, approximately 80 percent of the company's 5,800 U.S. stores are franchise operations run by independent business owners.

"This recognition is a testimony to the opportunities that the 7-Eleven franchise presents to diverse businessmen and women," said 7-Eleven, Inc. President and CEO Joe DePinto. "Our franchise system offers hard-working individuals from all walks of life an affordable way to become independent business owners and realize an American dream."

The annual "Best of the Best" is an assessment of the nation's employers, supplier diversity programs, corporations by industry, government agencies, educational institutions and franchise businesses. The evaluation includes independent research organizations, market studies, public information, annual reports, survey responses and interviews.

Olive Tree Publishing produces three quarterly magazines targeted to minority business men and women. Results of the "Best of the Best" are reported in this October's issue of Black EOE Journal, the November issue of Hispanic Network Magazine and the December issue of Professional Woman's Magazine.

"Companies that understand the value of strength through diversity recognize the importance of an inclusive work environment. These companies will not only continue to excel as businesses, but also in achieving our mutual goal of creating global diversity," said Mona Lisa Faris-Placey, president and CEO of Olive Tree Publishing.

7-Eleven anticipates adding more than 200 stores in the U.S. and Canada to its store count by the end of this year, 250 more in 2010, and 325 are planned for 2011. Growth will come from business conversions, developing new locations and acquisitions. The company's aggressive growth provides additional opportunities for minorities and others who want to run their own business with the support of a leader in its industry.

About 7 Eleven, Inc.

7 Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses more than 7,900 7-Eleven® stores in North America. Globally, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses some 36,900 stores in 15 countries. During 2008, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales of more than $53.7 billion. 7-Eleven has been honored by a number of companies and organizations recently. Accolades include: #3 in Forbes magazine's Top 20 Franchises to Start, #3 among Top 100 Global Franchises by Franchise Direct, #3 in Store Growth by Convenience Store News, #2 in Franchise Times Top 200 Franchise Companies and #29 among Top 100 Chains in Food Service. In addition, Hispanic Magazine's named 7-Eleven in its Hispanic Corporate Top 100 Companies that provide the most opportunities to Hispanics. 7-Eleven is franchising its stores in the U.S., and is expanding through organic growth, acquisitions, and its Business Conversion Program.

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