First Center for Franchising in the State of Florida Officially Opens Doors

UFG's CEO, Ray Titus, made a $1.5 million endowment to fund the Titus Center for Franchising, which allowed the university to develop the unique program. Students who are looking to one day own and operate their own business can be educated and trained in franchising and entrepreneurship through the university's Rinker School of Business, said veteran franchise practitioner and educator, Dr. John P. Hayes, who also serves as director of the center and Titus Chair for Franchise Leadership.   

"Franchising can open the door to financial independence for entrepreneurs and jobs for hundreds of thousands of employees.  It embodies the American spirit of opportunity and I am both honored and humbled that my family and our now 1400-plus organization can help provide opportunities for the next generation of business men and women," Titus said.

In addition to funding the center, UFG will also provide hands-on internship opportunities at the company's 50,000 square foot worldwide headquarters in West Palm Beach.

"One of our key missions at the International Franchise Association is to educate people who have saved a lifetime and are interested in getting into business themselves. In today's environment, it's more important than ever to provide an educational framework so both new and existing franchise candidates are equipped to launch and grow," Cresanti said.  "The Titus Center will play a critical role in helping thousands of entrepreneurs realize their dream and we hope to be right along with them."

UFG is the Global Leader For Entrepreneurs, with over 1,400 franchise locations spanning 80 countries, including the brands Signarama, Jon Smith Subs, Fully Promoted, Transworld Business Advisors, Experimac, Accurate Franchising, SuperGreen Solutions, Venture X  and Paramount Tax. Titus has been interested in the franchise business since he was a child, and launched Signarama when he was 23. Franchising is truly a family business for Titus.

About the Titus Center for Franchising
The Titus Center for Franchising at Palm Beach Atlantic University, the only academic center of its kind in Florida, offers academic coursework, internships, job shadowing and training at area franchises, including the global headquarters of United Franchise Group in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Center, based in the Marshall E. Rinker Sr. School of Business, was established in 2016 through a gift from Ray Titus, founder and CEO of United Franchise Group. Dr. John P. Hayes was appointed the Center's director. Classes are now underway at the Center.  Contact the Titus Center at www.pba.edu/titus-center.

About Palm Beach Atlantic University
Palm Beach Atlantic University is a private, independent university offering undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees in West Palm Beach, Orlando and online. The University is dedicated to the integration of Christian principles to prepare students for lifelong learning, leadership and service. For additional information, visit our website: http://www.pba.edu.

About the International Franchise Association 
Celebrating 57 years of excellence, education and advocacy, the International Franchise Association is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and nearly 733,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 7.6 million direct jobs, $674.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy and 2.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology and business development. Learn more Franchise.org.

About United Franchise Group 
Led by CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group is home to a variety of internationally recognized brands including Signarama, Fully Promoted, Experimac, Jon Smith Subs, Venture X, SuperGreen Solutions, Transworld Business Advisors and Paramount Tax.  With over three decades in the franchising industry and more than 1,400 franchisees throughout the world, United Franchise Group offers unprecedented leadership and solid business opportunities for entrepreneurs.

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SOURCE United Franchise Group