Limousine franchise, Racing Limos, Inc. has announced the Franchisee of the Year for 2008-2009 and the 2008 Marketing Idea of the Year Award.

The Racing Limos franchise is designed to be a unique, fun and exciting experience for both the customer and franchise owner. There is no doubt that theses limousines present a wow factor, attracting attention to the vehicle, the advertisers and guests. Playstation 3, karaoke, ipod docking stations are just a few of the amenities added to our vehicles not found in traditional limousines.

The business model features a proactive marketing strategy that offers multiple revenue streams including a wide variety of limousines services, mobile advertising and static displays. Racing Limos provides the tools for you to work toward success by creating individual, custom business strategies in each franchise location

Gary and Karen Davis own a franchise, Racing Limos of Tri-Cities which is based in Richland, Washington and received the highest honor.

In January of 2008, the couple were granted a Racing Limos franchise and purchased a Dodge Charger. "We have only been in business for less than 12 months so it was exciting to learn that we were being recognized for our accomplishments and efforts so soon," said Gary Davis.

Being involved in charities was one of the reasons the judge selected Racing Limos of Tri-Cities. Some of those organizations include the March of Dimes, the Lewis and Clark PTA, the local Humane Society, Forever Homes (which assists abused, abandoned and neglected children) and the Hsinchu Municipal Pei-Ying Junior High School (Taiwan).

Another factor in the selection process is "striving for the benefit of other franchisees." Mr. Davis is active in the on-line monthly chats of the franchisees, and was recently selected to the Racing Limos Franchisee Advisory Committee.

Their abilities are being noticed beyond the Racing Limos community. Limousine Chauffeur Transportation Magazine featured an article in the November 2008 issue which was written by Mr. Davis.

For their efforts, the couple will receive the recognition of their peers, a pair of decals for their Racing Limo announcing the award, the traveling trophy which will be provided from the previous year's winner, and a prize package that includes tickets to the 2009 NASCAR Championship race in Homestead, Florida, ground transportation, welcome dinner and hotel accommodations.

"Gary and Karen hit the ground running and haven't stopped," said Racing Limos President Bryan Pease. "We can't wait to see the progress in 2009."

The Davis couple thanked all of their Marketing Partners including Richland AutoCare Center, The TRAC Center, Harvey-Monteith Insurance, Fast Signs, Eagle Printing and Graphic Design, Michael Peterson Music, Conoco/76 (R.H. Smith Distributing Inc., SuddenValues.com and the Mid Columbia Reading Foundation. "Without them, we would never have achieved success so quickly," said Davis.

He also thanked the Tri Cities Chamber of Commerce and the Tri Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau. Davis said they helped intregrate into the business community.

MARKETING IDEA OF THE YEAR

Racing Limos of New Hampshire East owned by Shelly and Chris Richards are the award winner for the 2008 Marketing Idea of the Year.

"Their marketing concept has been successfully implimented which has allowed their business to grow over the last year," said Dave Ziccarelli, Director of Franchise Development.

All of the marketing ideas were automatically submitted during the monthly on-line chats that the franchisees participate in. From this list, three judges selected the top ten ideas independent of each other. The only idea that all the judges agreed upon was the idea submitted by Shelly Richards. For proprietary reasons, the actual idea cannot be disclosed.