National home-based travel franchises CruiseOne and Dream Vacations were recognized during awards ceremonies at the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Annual Franchise Action Network Conference in Washington, D.C.
CruiseOne franchisees Richard and Cheryl Butz were recognized as Franchisee of the Year, while Dream Vacations’ military initiative Operation Vetrepreneur was recognized as a gold Franchising Gives Back winner.
The Franchisee of the Year award is an annual recognition for a select group of franchisees who have demonstrated excellence within the franchising community.
Laurys Station, Pennsylvania, residents Richard and Cheryl Butz were recognized for growing their business from a home-based operation to one of CruiseOne’s most successful locations nationwide.
“We are in the business of creating dream jobs for entrepreneurs, and as a franchisor, there is no higher honor than to be recognized by the International Franchise Association,” said Debbie Fiorino, senior vice president of CruiseOne and Dream Vacations, in a written statement. “As a low-cost, home-based travel franchise, it is really something special to see our name share the spotlight with major household names in the franchise industry.”
The IFA’s Franchise Education & Research Foundation, the Franchising Gives Back program honors the best, most innovative community leaders and charitable programs nationwide.
Dream Vacations was one of five gold winners and was recognized in the “Support our Veterans” category for its Operation Vetrepreneur initiative, which has awarded 30 military veterans free franchises since 2012.
The Franchise Action Network Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. brings together more than 300 franchise business leaders to raise awareness with policymakers and other D.C. influencers about the industry’s continued success and economic contributions.
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