Despite challenging economic times and a consolidating market, Allegra Network also ranked 54th overall among the Franchise 500®. Allegra Network was featured in the January, April and May issues of the magazine for its Entrepreneur rankings.

During a time of serious financial challenges for numerous small and large businesses alike, Allegra Network has consistently demonstrated significant progress and growth. Following the acquisition of Insty-Prints early last year, the company increased its system-wide sales by 53%, growing to $287 million. This acquisition, in addition to the ongoing and new support programs available to its franchise members, continues to fortify the company as a leader in the industry as well as in the franchise community.

President and CEO Bill McIntyre commented, "We are fortunate to have so many dynamic people in our network of franchise members who embrace ever-changing technology and, in turn, provide comprehensive solutions to meet their customers' print communications needs. We look forward to another successful year of growth and market penetration."

The profitability of the company's franchisees has increased in each of the last four years, attributable in large part to its emphasis on franchisee profitability through its Profit Mastery program, consisting of Performance Groups, an annual Operating Ratio Study, individual Profit Mastery Assessments and a new program being introduced this year, the Advanced Management Program.

International Franchise Association (IFA) President Don DeBolt believes that difficult economic times in 2003 will motivate more business people to control their professional lives by becoming franchisees.

In fact, interest in franchising opportunities has increased by 50 percent from last year due to corporate downsizing, layoffs, and a slow economy, according to Dick Munson, a strategic business advisor with FranNet, which matches aspiring entrepreneurs with franchisors.

"Franchising's appeal continues to grow," IFA President Don DeBolt said. "This is even more evident during economic downturns, when people look for ways to have greater control over their destinies."

Franchised small businesses span 75 diverse industries; combined, they generate an estimated $1 trillion in retail sales annually and employ nearly eight million people in the United States alone.

Allegra Network, with nearly 500 locations in North America, Japan and Poland, supports seven brands including Allegra Print & Imaging, American Speedy Printing, Insty-Prints, Quik Print, Speedy Printing, and Zippy Print. The company ranks in the top 100 in sales among all franchise companies in the world. Their independently owned franchises specialize in full-service print and graphic communications. Principal shareholders include members of Allegra Network management and Domino's Pizza founder and former CEO, Thomas S. Monaghan