Fleet Feet, Inc., the nation's leading franchisor of running specialty stores, honored the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of its franchisees, employees and vendors during its annual National Franchise Conference here June 22- 27, 2008. Franchise owners and employees from 80 Fleet Feet stores and representatives of 40 industry vendors gathered for a week of education, networking and business planning. The theme of this year's conference was Live Fit which reflects Fleet Feet's ongoing commitment to encourage and support active, healthy lifestyles for the members of the communities in which the stores operate.

The conference featured FIT Interactive where attendees participated in hands-on fit and biomechanics training, and Fleet Feet Community College which offered educational seminars with industry experts on a wide range of topics including employment law, human resources and business strategy. Franchisees also participated in an exclusive trade show highlighting its key vendors including Adidas, Asics, Brooks, Mizuno, New Balance, Nike, Saucony, and many apparel and accessory suppliers.

"This conference provides an invaluable opportunity for franchisees and vendors to exchange ideas and build business relationships," said Fleet Feet, Incorporated President Jeff Phillips. "With our focus on educational and business development sessions, attendees leave energized and better prepared to address the business opportunities and challenges they face."

As part of the event, Fleet Feet honored its franchise owners and vendors at its annual Awards Dinner.

2008 award winners include:

Fleet Feet Brand Builder Award 
Lori and Tim Dreiling of Fleet Feet Sports Tulsa, OK


This award recognizes a Fleet Feet Sports franchisee opened for 
more than three years for excellence in establishing and 
promoting the Fleet Feet Sports brand in their community, and 
for contributions to the national Fleet Feet Sports network.  


Fleet Feet Rookie of the Year Award  
Robyn and Chris Gault, Fleet Feet Sports Gaithersburg, MD


This award recognizes an outstanding Fleet Feet Sports 
franchise that has been open more than one year and less than 
three years.


Fleet Feet Pinnacle Award
Lesley Roberts, Fleet Feet Sports Jackson, MS


This award recognizes a franchise that demonstrates excellence 
in customer acquisition, customer experience, financial & 
inventory management, and vendor relations, while embracing 
Fleet Feet Sports initiatives.  Excellence in these areas 
defines the very best of Fleet Feet Sports today and in the 
future.


Fleet Feet Footwear Vendor of the Year
Brooks Sports


This award recognizes a footwear manufacturer for providing 
excellent product, support, and services to Fleet Feet Sports 
stores.


Lifetime Commitment to Running Awards
Betty and Roy Benson


This award recognizes an industry leader who has shown career-
long dedication to the business and sport of running.


Golden Stool Award presented by Superfeet
Fleet Feet Sports Marlton, NJ, Fleet Feet Sports Northfield, 
OH, Fleet Feet Sports Pittsburgh, PA and Fleet Feet Sports 
Tulsa, OK


Superfeet recognizes stores that demonstrate outstanding sales 
and service of Superfeet product.


Fleet Feet Jane Ketchin Bryl Memorial Scholarships


Rachael Arrington, Fleet Feet Sports Tulsa, OK
Allison Bentley, Fleet Feet Sports American Fork, UT
Mindy Bewley, Fleet Feet Sports Buffalo, NY
Latasha Jarrett, Fleet Feet Sports Hartford, CN
Jenn Short, Fleet Feet Sports Brentwood, TN

Established in 1999 in memory of Jane Ketchin Bryl of Fleet Feet Sports Albuquerque, the $600 scholarships are awarded to Fleet Feet employees and/or children of Fleet Feet store owners or corporate staff. With her dedication to her family and her community, Jane Ketchin Bryl embodied the Fleet Feet philosophy to help people reach their goals whether in business, education or life.

"This year's slate of award winners is indicative of the breadth and depth of talent and leadership we find among our franchisees," says Phillips. "There is a remarkable group of people associated with Fleet Feet, and we value their individual and collective contributions, both to our organization and to the communities they serve."

About Fleet Feet Inc.
Fleet Feet, Incorporated is the industry leader in franchising successful, community-oriented, specialty footwear, apparel, and accessory stores serving runners, walkers, and lifetime fitness enthusiasts. Currently there are 86 Fleet Feet Sports locations nationwide. Fleet Feet, Incorporated offers support for existing and potential franchises out of its corporate headquarters in Carrboro, NC.

For more information about Fleet Feet Sports Gaithersburg, please call (301) 926-6442.