Candy Bouquet International Founder Wins Franchise Industry Entrepreneur Of The Year Award

Margaret McClain McEntire, Candy Bouquet International, Inc., chairman of the board, was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the International Franchise Association during the 51st IFA Annual Convention held in Las Vegas.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes those individuals who have the vision to see what might be, are willing to take the risks that traditionally accompany any new endeavor, and possess the management skills to create a successful business enterprise through franchising. "Margaret McEntire founded and built Candy Bouquet International, Inc., into a thriving franchise business," said IFA Chairman Ken Walker, CFE. "We congratulate her on her achievements and this important honor." McEntire started Candy Bouquet International, Inc., in her garage in 1989 and franchised the business four years later. In 20 years, the business has grown to include more than 550 franchises in all states and more than 35 countries. Candy Bouquet International, Inc. has received numerous honors, including being ranked for several years as one of the top franchises by Entrepreneur magazine and No. 17 top inner city businesses by Inc. magazine. The company is the largest candy franchise in the world. She is the recipient of IFA's Bonny LeVine Award, the Small Business Exporter of the Year, Woman of the Year and Person of the Year by the Small Business Association, the National Winner of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Blue Chip Award and the Congressional Medal of Merit. McEntire also received the Ronald Reagan Award for serving as an outstanding member of President George W. Bush's Business Advisory Council and the Arkansas Business Executive of the Year.

McEntire is involved in farming, Rainforest Preservation Alliance, banking, real estate and real estate development, oil and gas drilling and development, manufacturing and other entrepreneurial ventures. She attended the University of Arkansas where she received degrees in speech pathology, special education and early childhood education in three years, and later pursued her master's degree.

About the International Franchise Association The International Franchise Association is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. Celebrating 50 years of excellence, education and advocacy, IFA protects, enhances and promotes franchising through government relations, public relations and educational programs. Through its awareness campaign highlighting the theme, Franchising: Building Local Businesses, One Opportunity at a Time, IFA promotes the nearly 18 million jobs and $2.1 trillion of economic activity generated by franchising. IFA members include franchise companies in over 90 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law and business development.

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