CARROLLTON, TX - To highlight the vast number of jobs created by the franchise industry, FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the world’s premier business-to-business marketing solution franchise with more than 530 locations, is taking part in the International Franchise Association’s public awareness campaign that looks to educate members of Congress about the economic impact of franchising.

Launched in 2008, the campaign highlights how a renewed commitment to pro-growth policies out of Washington, D.C., will help franchise businesses grow at a faster pace. As part of the campaign, FASTSIGNS CEO Catherine Monson will be featured in an ad that will appear in public policy influencer print publications, as well as companion online ads.

With more than 825,000 franchise businesses providing nearly 18 million jobs and generating $2.1 trillion in economic activity, Monson understands the important role franchising and small business plays in economic recovery.

“As a franchisor, FASTSIGNS supports initiatives that increase small business access to credit, eliminate tax uncertainties, reduce the cost of health insurance and support veterans and minorities as small franchise business owners,” said Monson, noting that FASTSIGNS recently secured $4 million in financing for franchisees opening new centers. “Despite the turbulent economy, our franchising model has continued to be attractive proposition for those looking to own their own business.”

In 2010 alone, FASTSIGNS successfully opened 20 new centers and expects to open 35 additional centers by the end of 2011.

Highlighted in the IFA’s campaign, along with Monson, is Howard James, who turned his 14 years of experience as a teacher of theater set design at Duke Ellington School of the Arts into a thriving small business in downtown Washington, D.C. Four years ago, James became the owner of the local FASTSIGNS on Rhode Island Avenue, and is now one of more than 530 FASTSIGNS franchisees creating jobs in various local markets.

“Howard is a shining example of the powerful role franchising plays on communities across the country, and I hope we can continue to create the jobs that will help drive economic recovery,” added Monson.

FASTSIGNS franchised sign centers use state-of-the-art computer technology to create custom signs and graphics for businesses and organizations of all sizes. FASTSIGNS product line includes banners, flags, building signs, digital and electric signs, yard signs, vehicle graphics, labels, trade show exhibits and displays, point-of-purchase signs, posters, mobile sites and promotional products. The company’s franchisees use computer-aided sign-making systems and techniques to design and create their products. They also offer services including personalized design consultation and project management; custom sign design; sign installation; and digital printing.

For franchise information, contact Mark Jameson at mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or by calling (800) 827-7446.

About FASTSIGNS®
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®). FASTSIGNS sign and graphics centers leverage sign and marketing knowledge, state-of-the-art technology and innovative thinking to solve customers’ marketing and communications challenges—from the simple… to the simply impossible™. Centers provide consulting, file transfer, design, production, delivery and installation for a full range of custom sign and graphic solutions. For franchise information, visit: 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. 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