October 4, 2010 - Jeff Herig, owner of the Tallahassee FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics center has been named FASTSIGNS “Franchisee of the Year” for 2010 by the International Franchise Association (IFA).

“Jeff consistently strives for and achieves success within his business, while at the same time setting an example for others around him,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “He runs his business efficiently, appreciates his staff and is always willing to reach out to others within our system if needed. We are so glad to have someone like Jeff in the FASTSIGNS family and feel he is deserving of this award.”

“I am genuinely grateful for this recognition and feel very fortunate,” said Herig, who first opened the doors of his FASTSIGNS in 2000. “It would be impossible for me to be where I am right now without the team that is in place—they are my success and I feel an enormous amount of gratitude for each one of them.”

To receive the award, Herig traveled to Washington, D.C. where he joined Monson and several other FASTSIGNS franchise owners from different parts of the U.S. While there, Herig attended the IFA Public Affairs Conference and visited Capitol Hill where he met with Senator George LeMieux and Congressman Allen Boyd to discuss issues affecting small business.

Explained Herig, “The IFA simply told me to tell my story, so I did. But, I didn’t realize what an impact my story would have until my congressman said he wished he could take me around to other representatives, because ‘no one around here understands what a small business owner faces every day.’ The experience reminded me of my obligation to let our elected officials know how their actions are affecting us.”

Prior to joining FASTSIGNS, Herig served in law enforcement, carrying with him the dream to one day go into business for himself. Now, he and his wife are commemorating their 10th anniversary in business. In January 2010, Herig was awarded one of FASTSIGNS most prestigious recognitions, the FASTSIGNS® award.

Given by international franchisor FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the award recognizes one franchise partner each year who best represents the concept and spirit of the FASTSIGNS name, and who is generous and cooperative in working with other franchise partners.

“The more success we experience, the more compelled I am to find meaningful ways to give back, because I feel like I have been given so much,” said Herig. “I look forward to the next 10 years and know they will be just as rewarding.”

About FASTSIGNS®

FASTSIGNS® of Tallahassee helps businesses, organizations and events solve their visual communications and marketing challenges—large and small. From the simple… to the simply impossible™. The Tallahassee FASTSIGNS center provides consulting, file transfer, design, production, delivery and installation for a full range of custom sign and graphic solutions. For more information, call (850) 894-2400 or visit them online at www.fastsigns.com/373.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the worldwide franchisor for the more than 530 FASTSIGNS® sign and graphic centers located in the US, Canada, the UK, Brazil, Mexico and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®). For more information, visit www.fastsigns.com

About the International Franchise Association

The International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. Celebrating 50 years of excellence, education and advocacy, IFA protects, enhances and promotes franchising through government relations, public relations and educational programs. For more information, visit www.franchise.org.

View Company Website: http://www.fastsigns.com