WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System franchisee Damion Jones of the Coverall Louisville Master Support Center was recently honored by the International Franchise Association with its annual Franchisee of the Year Award. Franchise owner-operators representing 36 franchise systems were recognized for their outstanding performance and the contributions they have made to enhance the growth and development of franchising during the IFA's 14^th Annual Public Affairs Conference.   

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"The franchising community is an important part the U.S. economy due to the hard work of franchisees," said IFA Chairman Steve Romaniello, managing director, Roark Capital Group. "The IFA is proud to recognize Damion's outstanding efforts with the Franchisee of the Year Award and thank him not only for his work to promote franchising, but for the contributions he and other Coverall franchised business owners make every day to showcase how local business owners propel the economy in communities across the country."

The Franchisee of the Year Award is a major component of the IFA's Public Affairs Conference, which brings more than 400 franchise business leaders together in Washington, D.C. to carry the key messages of franchising to lawmakers on Capitol Hill. During the two-day event held Sept. 15-17, franchise industry leaders met with more than 200 congressional offices about issues important to the future of franchising such as tax certainty, health care reform immigration and access to credit. The Public Affairs Conference is a powerful way to help forward IFA's advocacy efforts and further increase awareness about how franchising can contribute to economic recovery and job growth. The event is supported by founding sponsor ADP Small Business Services.  

Also attending the conference were Coverall CEO Rick Ascolese and Chief Legal Officer Les Wharton. Wharton, a long-time IFA leader, served as chairman of the organization's Legal and Legislative Committee and chaired the IFA legal Symposium Task group in 2004, 2005 and 2006. He has testified on IFA's behalf before Congressional committees and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Legal and Legislative committee.

"We are thrilled IFA recognized Damion Jones, a Coverall Franchise Owner since 2007 who built his business by providing outstanding customer service and a commitment to develop his employees," said Coverall CEO Rick Ascolese. "His work ethic, dedication to his employees and generous involvement in his community are an inspiration to many. We are pleased and proud he is representing the more than 9,000 Coverall Franchised Business Owners."

During their visits to Washington, IFA members highlighted the economic impact of franchising.  According to a study conducted for the IFA Educational Foundation by PricewaterhouseCoopers on the economic impact of franchising, there are more than 825,000 franchised businesses in operation across the country, which is indirectly responsible for providing 18 million jobs and generating $2.1 trillion in economic output. 

Coverall's 9,000 Franchised Business Owners across the U.S. help improve the health and wellness of more than 40,000 customer facilities, providing jobs and a positive economic impact to their local communities.

"As Washington works to strengthen and renew our economy, lawmakers should remember that franchising counts in local communities all across the country," Romaniello said.  "With sound regulatory policies, franchise businesses can create the jobs necessary for sustained economic recovery and growth."

About the International Franchise AssociationThe 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. Through its awareness campaign highlighting the theme, Franchising: Building Local Businesses, One Opportunity at a Time, IFA promotes the nearly 18 million jobs and $2.1 trillion of economic activity generated by franchising. IFA members include franchise companies in over 90 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law and business development.

About Coverall Health-Based Cleaning SystemFounded in 1985, Coverall offers motivated entrepreneurs the opportunity to independently own and operate franchised commercial cleaning businesses using the Coverall^® brand and System. In 2008, the company launched its Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System^® Program with an emphasis on helping to improve the cleanliness, health and wellness of facilities. This unique Program combines environmentally friendly and innovative cleaning technologies and tools, hospital-grade disinfectants, professional training programs, customer support and communication, and a passion for healthy cleaning to do one thing: remove the maximum amount of dirt and germs as efficiently as possible. Today, the Coverall^® Program, implemented by independently owned and operated franchised businesses, is the first choice in cleaning for offices, medical offices and healthcare facilities, ambulatory surgery centers, schools, daycares, retail businesses, restaurants, manufacturing plants, auto dealerships, religious centers, fitness centers and other businesses. For more information, visit www.coverall.com

Contact: Matt Haller, 202-662-0770Jenna Weisbord, 202-662-0766mhaller@franchise.org jweisbord@franchise.orgtwitter.com/franchising411 Marcia Scott, 480-998-2600 (for Coverall)mscott@lavidge.com

SOURCE Coverall

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