SIGNARAMA Extends Outreach and Support to Veterans

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SIGNARAMA, the world's largest full-service sign business, announced today it has partnered with the International Franchise Association (IFA), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to host the New Opportunities Workshop (NOW) to educate veterans on franchising and small business opportunities.

The workshop will be held on Thursday, June 28 at 9 a.m. at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. During the workshop, a free online Veterans Franchise Toolkit and a new Mentor Network will be launched designed to connect veterans to business leaders and jobs. Speaking at the workshop will include SIGNARAMA President, "JT" Jim Tatem along with SIGNARAMA franchisee and veteran, Robert M. "Buzz Saw" DeGroff.

DeGroff became a SIGNARAMA franchisee in February 2012 with the help of the VetFran program, an IFA initiative that helps returning veterans access franchise opportunities. Prior to becoming a business owner, DeGroff served in the United States Army from 1983 until 2011, most recently holding the title of Special Operations Command Sergeant Major. 

"We are thrilled to be able to participate in events such as the New Opportunities Workshop in support of our veterans and military," said "JT" Jim Tatem, president of SIGNARAMA. "At SIGNARAMA we are committed to helping our veterans transition back into civilian life, find career opportunities, including business ownership, and achieve success like our veteran franchisee Robert M. DeGroff has had."

In addition to SIGNARAMA's participation in the New Opportunities Workshop, it will also participate in several job fairs aimed to hiring veterans including the Veteran Open House taking place on June 26-28 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Detroit Hall of Cobo Center in Detroit, Mich. and the Recruit Military Veteran Job Fair on June 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

As Independence Day approaches, and with unemployment rates for some groups of veterans hovering at more than 18 percent, franchising can provide an ideal career path for returning veterans to become leaders in the civilian economy. Recently SIGNARAMA announced an initiative that supports returning military members seeking to start a SIGNARAMA franchise. As part of the program, the company is offering significant discounts, as much as 50%, to veterans wanting to open their own business. SIGNARAMA is also waiving the franchise fee for one qualified U.S. military veteran, making it easier for them to start their own business. The savings is estimated at up to $40,000.

SIGNARAMA is part of a successful system of business-to-business franchise brands and development services under the United Franchise Group. As part of the $30-billion-plus worldwide sign market, SIGNARAMA has been at the forefront of the sign industry for more than two decades providing cost effective advertising and branding solutions for companies to increase recognition. Growth continues to be a focus for SIGNARAMA, both domestically and internationally. Currently the company boasts almost 900 locations in more than 50 countries including Albania, Colombia and Australia.

Each and every SIGNARAMA store features trained specialists that understand the unique advertising and marketing needs of today's constantly evolving market and can offer impactful solutions from digital signage to vehicle wraps, banners, and monument, neon, LED and pylon signs.

About SIGNARAMA (SAR)

Approaching 900 locations in more than 50 countries, SIGNARAMA uses cutting-edge industry software programs to provide a full range of comprehensive sign and graphic services to both the private and commercial segments of the business community. For franchising information, please call (800) 465-0362 or visit www.signarama.com.

About the United Franchise Group (UFG):

United Franchise Group (http://www.unitedfranchisegroup.com), the Global Leader for Entrepreneurs, is a $500-million franchising expert with 30 years of experience and 1,400 franchise locations in over 50 countries. Brands include SIGNARAMA, EmbroidMe, Billboard Connection, Plan Ahead Events, Super Green Solutions and Transworld Business Advisors. Information on franchising opportunities is available at 800-286-8671 (U.S.) or 001-561-640-5570 (international).

CONTACT: Carmen Ordonez, +1-954-893-9150, [email protected]

SOURCE SIGNARAMA