United Franchise Group Announces Winners of J.J.’s Entrepreneurs Business Plan Competition

Palm Beach Atlantic University Student Wins Grand Prize of $10,000 for Social Media Site Idea

West Palm Beach, FL (March 26, 2011) – The United Franchise Group (UFG), the global leader for entrepreneurs, today announced the winners of its J.J’s Entrepreneurs Business Plan competition in partnership with Palm Beach Atlantic University. Jared Stresen-Reuter, a senior majoring in marketing, was awarded the grand prize of $10,000 for his idea of a social media site, named Toodol, which allows its users to post local events telling, explaining and even showing details about events going on in their area.

The competition was developed to encourage and teach young students about the benefits of entrepreneurship and owning their own business and involved creating a business plan. The second-place recipient, freshman Jude Abeler, was awarded $5,000 for Thoughtstream, described as a structured new millennium journaling technique for today’s thinkers.

“I’m very excited and honored to be the recipient of the first J.J.’s Entrepreneurs award,” said Stressen-Reuter. “The money is great, but the partnership with J.J. Prendamano and Ray Titus is worth everything,”

Students participating in the competition were mentored by business leaders Ray Titus, CEO of UFG and J.J. Prendamano, who together have more than 75 years of experience in business and franchise industries. A panel of judges representing members of the business community as well as University faculty and administrators reviewed the plans and chose the winners.

“We are thrilled to honor Jared Stresen-Reuter for his innovative idea and it was very inspiring working with all the students involved in the competition,” said Ray Titus, CEO of UFG. “We hope to continue supporting our future entrepreneurs to accomplish their dreams.”

The J.J.’s Entrepreneur competition is part of a five-year $75,000 commitment to Palm Beach Atlantic University made by UFG. UFG is made up of five industry-leading franchise brands including SIGNARAMA, the world’s largest full-service sign business; EmbroidMe, the world’s largest embroidery franchise; Billboard Connection, a home-based advertising agency; Plan Ahead Events, a home-based event planning business; and TransWorld Business Advisors, a business brokerage and franchise development services firm. In 2010, UFG developed nearly 200 new franchises and projects its growth trend to continue in 2011 with a goal of adding up to 300 new franchise locations around the world.

About the United Franchise Group (UFG):
The United Franchise Group (http://www.unitedfranchisegroup.com) consists of a number of award-winning business-to-business brands and franchise development services including some of the world’s largest industry-leading names. The experts at UFG have used their over 25 years of franchising experience to grow the franchising giant into a $500 million dollar success story with approximately 1400 franchise locations in 50 countries. Brands include SIGNARAMA, EmbroidMe, Billboard Connection, Plan Ahead Events, and Transworld Business Advisors. Information on franchising opportunities is available at 800-286-8671 (U.S.) or 001-561-640-5570 (international).

About Palm Beach Atlantic University:
Palm Beach Atlantic University is a private, independent university offering undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees, with campuses in West Palm Beach, Orlando and Wellington. 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.

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