April 5, 2004

Contact:
Barbra Gonzalez, Associate Director
(954) 262-5354
Mara Kiffin, Assistant Director
(954) 262-5350

NSU's H. Wayne Huizenga School Director, Cheryl Babcock, Honored By Franchise Industry

FORT LAUDERDALE , FL — Cheryl R. Babcock, CFE, director, International Institute for Franchise Education (IIFE) at the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) recently received the International Franchise Association (IFA) Free Enterprise Award for creating a positive environment for franchising through her contributions to the industry. IFA, the world's oldest and largest franchising organization, has members in more than 75 industries and over 100 countries. The award was presented to Babcock during the organization's 44th annual convention in Las Vegas .

IFA chairman, Russell J. Frith, CFE, said, “I want to congratulate you on being named recipient of the IFA Free Enterprise Award. It's a well-deserved recognition for your accomplishments at Nova Southeastern University , and your continuing commitment to franchising.”

The Free Enterprise Award, established in 1982, honors individuals or organizations that have strengthened and fostered the development of free enterprise worldwide. Recipients may or may not be involved in franchising, but must demonstrate through commentary, public relations or legislative activity, that they have championed the growth and development of franchising. Babcock also received the award in 2000 for an in-depth program she developed, while serving as the director of the franchising program at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis , Minn.

Michael J. Roman, CFE, Fuels Franchise Strategy manager, ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing, and chairman of the IIFE Strategic Advisory Board said, "The Free Enterprise Award presented to Cheryl at the IFA Convention recognizes her long-term commitment to being a champion for the growth and development of franchising as a powerful engine for global economic growth. Cheryl's leadership as director of the IIFE at NSU, positions the Institute to be an important catalyst to identify and provide innovative educational opportunities that continue to enhance the world-wide growth of franchising and free-enterprise."

Babcock is the founding director of the International Institute for Franchise Education in the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship. There she designs and develops executive education programs to help franchise leaders develop and enhance their knowledge and awareness of best practices. She also serves as executive director and arrangements chair of the International Society of Franchising, a multi-disciplinary, multi-national organization of academic teachers and researchers.

Former award recipients include: Robert T. Justis, Louisiana State University; Peter Shea, CFE, chairman and CEO, Entrepreneur Media Group; Thomas Murphy, Continental Franchise Review ; Jonathan J. Ledecky, U.S. Office Products Co.; Robert E. Kushell, Kushell Associates, Inc.; Scott DeGarmo, publisher, Success Magazine; Michael E. Gerber, Gerber Business Development; Andy Ireland, Member of Congress; Earl Graves, Black Enterprise Magazine; J. Peter Grace, W. R. Grace & Co.; Brian Mulroney, Prime Minister of Canada; Neil F. Hartigan, Attorney General of Illinois; Maurice H. Stans, U.S. Secretary of Commerce; W. Clement Stone, Combined Insurance Co.; Gov. James J. Blanchard, Governor of Michigan; and, Milton D. Stewart, Chief Counsel of Advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration. Additionally, the award has been presented to the following: Students in Free Enterprise; the University of St. Thomas ; the University of Texas at El Paso ; McDonald's Corp.; Inc. Magazine; and, Venture Magazine.