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SIGNS NOW’S ATWOOD WINS REGIONAL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD	SARASOTA, Fla. (Feb. 4, 2010)—Signs Now, A Division of Allegra Network LLC, recently awarded Jim Atwood the Regional Operations Director of the Year Award. The awards were announced at the signage and graphics franchise company’s Annual Kick-Off Meeting in Sarasota, Fla. This is the fifth such award for Atwood. The award is determined based off of the most successful performance within a region in the Signs Now network. As a Regional Operations Director for Signs Now, Atwood is responsible for adding value to the nearly 40 franchise businesses he oversees by introducing financial tools, center support, brand marketing and assisting with overall franchise development. Atwood has been involved with Signs Now since 1991, when he purchased afranchise in Ft. Wayne, Ind. Atwood and his wife Lynn owned the franchise for 10 years before selling the business in 2001. In 1993, Atwood was asked to become a Regional Manager for other Signs Now centers, where he assisted in center growth, software applications and overall mentoring with Signs Now owners.
PAPA MURPHY'S PUSHES THROUGH 2009 WITH HIGHEST-EVER SALES, STORE COUNT AND FRANCHISEE SATISFACTION	VANCOUVER, Wash. – January 27, 2010 – Amidst one of the toughest years the restaurant industry has ever endured, Papa Murphy's International today announced that its total U.S. systemwide sales grew to $630 million in 2009, up over 7% from 2008. The take ‘n’ bake pizza pioneer ended the year with 1,185 locations, opening 83 in 2009. Same-store-sales were up more than 2%, while most industry watchers estimated the pizza category to be down about 7%. “There’s a lot to be proud of,” said CEO John Barr, commenting on 2009’s results. “We share this pride, of course, with our hundreds of franchisees, our field support teams and our vendor partners. Franchisors don’t succeed unless their franchisees are successful, so I’m confident 2009 was a year that made everybody happy.” In addition to the company’s stellar sales and store openings, 2009 highlights consist of: New territory. More franchisees. High satisfaction. Top honors.
LIBERTY TAX SERVICE URGES TAXPAYERS TO HELP HAITIAN RELIEF EFFORTS	(Virginia Beach VA) Taxpayers donating to the Haitian relief efforts can reap an immediate tax break. Donations for the Haitian relief made to IRS-approved charities before the end of February 2010 can be written off on a 2009 tax return. Liberty Tax Service has partnered with Stop Hunger Now to aid the immediate relief efforts in Haiti. Stop Hunger Now, an international relief organization co-founded by Liberty’s CEO and Founder John Hewitt is engaged in response efforts with its partners in Haiti to provide lifesaving food and supplies. Besides offering donations for each return prepared at participating Liberty Tax locations, many of the offices are holding benefit fundraisers. There are a number of ways that individuals and corporations can make a difference, and make it quickly through Stop Hunger Now. Those interested in contributing monetary donations through Stop Hunger Now for the Haitian relief effort can visit the Liberty Tax Web for more information.
BRANDS TO KEEP YOUR EYE ON IN 2010: MARCO'S	Expected openings in 2010: 60 Actual openings during 2009: Approximately 38 With the help of a number of innovative franchise financing packages and tools, Marco’s could actually surpass its development goals for the year since it already boasts around 880 signed stores. Development will continue in the 200-unit company’s 17 existing states. Watch for Marco’s to enter Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming this coming year. President and CEO Jack Butorac notes that recession has reduced cost of build out by 25% to 30% to between $20.5K and $130K. He is excited about Marco’s Pizza Distribution that will launch this month in Maumee, Ohio, and deliver to around 160 stores.

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