Candy Bouquet News Room
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Little Rock, AR Candy Entrepreneur Reaps
Reward at International Franchise Conference
February 26, 2000
LAS VEGAS, NV (February 26, 2000) – Candy Bouquet International President and CEO Margaret McEntire received the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Bonny LeVine award today during the group’s 41st annual convention. The award recognizes McEntire’s efforts to mentor other women in franchising.
IFA, meeting this week at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, is the world’s oldest and largest trade group for the franchising business sector, which pumps an estimated $1 trillion into the U.S. economy each year. IFA members are franchisees, franchisors and suppliers operating in some 75 industries and more than 100 countries.
McEntire built her Candy Bouquet franchise to its current 508 stores in 37 countries and 48 states without benefit of prior business experience or a mentor. It was an experience that made a lasting impression, and that formed the basis of her franchisee training program.
At the core of her business philosophy is helping the company’s franchisees succeed. Although her franchisees, 95-plus percent of whom are women and minorities, are spread around the world, McEntire maintains personal contact with each one by telephone or e-mail when they have questions or want to talk about the business.
McEntire’s mentoring benefits not only the women in her company, but the community around her. She developed a concept called Rebuild America From Within, the goal of which is to infuse capital into inner cities across the U.S. by establishing franchised businesses there. She also developed a college tuition reimbursement program for her employees, as well as a welfare-to-work program. One young employee with two small children has left the welfare roles and will enter college in the fall, thanks to McEntire.
In addition, McEntire’s Teach a Man to Fish program helps mentally disabled adults find meaningful work experiences by encouraging her franchisees to hire them as employees. The individuals receive on-the-job training, and raise funds for the organizations that provide housing and assistance to them.
Editor’s Note: For more information on the entrepreneurs who have received IFA’s Bonny LeVine Award, or on franchising in general, contact IFA Media Relations at 202-628-8000, or visit the association’s Web site at www.franchise.org.
Candy Bouquet International, Inc. is a privately owned international franchisor of home based and store front businesses that specialize in floral-like creations crafted from gourmet chocolates and candies. Candy Bouquets can be customized into one-of-a-kind gifts that won't wilt, fade or die. Candy Bouquets are great for every occasion and wonderful for corporate gifts, centerpieces or just for fun and can be shipped worldwide. The company has received numerous awards including the #1 Franchise in the Food Gifts category eight years in a row by Entrepreneur Magazine, as well as one of the Top Home based and Low Cost franchises by the same magazine.
For more information on Candy Bouquet International, Inc. visit www.candybouquet.com or contact Candy Bouquet at yumyum@candybouquet.com.
Company Information:
Candy Bouquet International, Inc.
423 East 3rd Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 375-9990
Fax: (501) 375-9998
www.candybouquet.com