The AAFD Welcomes Ross Almo as New Executive Director

KINGSTON, Mass. - June 26, 2013 - PRLog -- SAN DIEGO, JUNE 2013 – The American Association of Franchisees & Dealers (AAFD), a non-profit trade association that represents the interests of franchisees and independent dealers, has announced that Ross Almo has joined its executive team as the company’s new Executive Director.

Almo will initially focus on supporting, managing and growing the AFFD’s network of franchise suppliers, and the AAFD’s member benefits program. Additionally, he will supervise and support the AAFD’s affiliated franchisee associations and expand the AAFD’s events and meetings agenda.

Almo brings extensive franchise industry experience to the AAFD, including over 20 years as an Econo Lodge franchise owner, 11 years as COO of the Econo Lodge Franchisee Association and nine years as COO of the Rodeway Inn Owners Association. During his tenure with the Econo Lodge Franchisee Association, Almo increased the association’s membership by 100%, coordinated over a dozen events a year and more than doubled the group’s revenue. Both positions gave Almo important insight into the challenges faced by franchisees and franchisors and allowed him to manage and resolve conflicts between the two interests.

“Ross Almo has been a long-time supporter of the AAFD. The depth and breadth of his experience as both a franchisee and a leader within the franchising industry makes him an incredible asset to our organization,” said Robert Purvin, founder and president of the AAFD.

“I am flattered to be a part of the AAFD and to help them advance their agenda of total quality franchising,” said Almo. “Together we will strive to help franchisees achieve the dream of owning a successful franchise and enjoying a strong relationship with their franchisor.”;

Almo received a bachelor’s of science in administration and management at New England College in Henniker, NH. In 2012, he received the Choice Hotels CEO Premier Alliance Award for philanthropic corporate social responsibility and the Vermont ESGR “Above and Beyond” Award.  Almo resides in Mendon, Vermont.

For more information about the AAFD, visit the company’s website at www.AAFD.org.

***

About the AAFD

The AAFD is a national non-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers throughout the United States. The AAFD is focused on market driven reform to achieve its mission to define and promote collaborative franchise cultures that the AAFD describes as Total Quality Franchising. Since its formation, the AAFD has grown to represent more than 50,000 franchised locations throughout the United States. The AAFD has members in all 50 states and represents more than 100 different franchise systems.

The AAFD's Fair Franchising Standards, Fair Franchising Seal, Trademark Chapters, and emphasis on Marketplace Solutions led to the Association's recognition as a growing force in franchising. The AAFD’s Branded Partner programs add a new dimension to the value of AAFD membership. The AAFD provides a broad range of member services designed to help franchisees build market power, create legislative support of interest to franchisees, provide legal and financial support, and provide a wide range of general member benefits.

For more information about the AAFD, please call toll free - 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

For media information:

Joel Ellazar

joel@aafd.org

Robert Purvin

rpurvin@aafd.org