Allegra Network Printers Help Nonprofits Reach Supporters With New Footprint Fund SM, More Than $500,000 in Printing Contributed

NORTHVILLE, MICH (Tuesday, September 21, 2004) - At a time when many nonprofit organizations face increasing competition for attention and support, Allegra Network LLC, one of the world's largest printing franchises, has stepped forward with the FootPRINT FundSM for nonprofit friends, a new program that awards free printing services to qualifying nonprofit organizations, associations, charities and institutions.

Since its introduction in November 2003, the Allegra Network FootPRINT FundSM has awarded more than $400,000 in printing services through its participating U.S. and Canadian locations operating under brand names including Allegra Print & Imaging, American Speedy Printing and Insty-Prints.

When the Ronald McDonald House of Louisville needed newsletters and special event invitations, one Louisville Allegra Print & Imaging location awarded them $5,000 in free printing services to create the print materials. Other recent recipients include local chapters or branches of the Alzheimer's Association, the American Diabetes Association, Court Appointed Special Advocates, the Salvation Army and Special Olympics. To date, the FootPRINT FundSM has helped hundreds of service organizations and groups benefiting children, community development, the visual and performing arts, the underprivileged and physically and mentally challenged, as well as religious groups, healthcare organizations and professional associations.

"Today, nonprofit organizations must work harder to attract volunteers and generate funding and other sources of support," said newly-appointed Allegra Network President Carl Gerhardt. "Allegra Network is proud to offer the FootPRINT Fund SM as a way to help organizations extend their resources and increase their exposure."

The FootPRINT FundSM helps nonprofits more effectively "leave their footprint" in local communities by providing free graphic design, printing, copying and bindery for brochures, newsletters, forms, flyers, posters and other printed materials. Participating Allegra Network franchise locations each contribute up to $20,000 annually in print services.

To be considered, nonprofit organizations must complete a written application explaining their goals and how the printing services will be used. Eligible nonprofit organizations - such as schools, libraries, professional groups, health organizations, religious groups, trade and business associations and community groups - can receive awards of typically $1,000 per organization in printing services a year.

"The FootPRINT FundSM is an exciting new idea and one that offers a truly important service that will aid the vital work done by nonprofit organizations around the country," said International Franchise Association President Don DeBolt. "We applaud Allegra Network franchise members for building stronger communities. This wonderful program is a prime example of how franchisees can work together for a common goal and have a dramatic impact in our local communities."

The FootPRINT FundSM was inspired by Pete Ostlund, an Insty-Prints owner in Owatonna, Minn., who started a local grant program to help nonprofits in his community. He received such an overwhelming response that Allegra Network used his program as a national model.

"Through the FootPRINT FundSM we can help make a difference in our local communities, one step at a time," Gerhardt said. "Most of our franchise members already play an active role in their communities. The FootPRINT FundSM goes beyond this by leveraging our members' printing resources in a way that can have an even greater impact."

The FootPRINT FundSM is one of several community programs sponsored by Allegra Network as part of the company's Community Care Campaign to help unite and strengthen local communities. Other programs include Posters with PurposeSM, offering no-cost posters to nonprofit organizations, and Adventures in Safety, which educates children about strangers they may meet in person or on the Internet.

Allegra Network franchise locations offer advanced printing technologies including full-color printing, graphic design services, digital color and high speed copying as well as online file transfer. The company is considered a leader in franchise training, technology implementation and system profitability. Allegra Network LLC was ranked the best in its industry and the 20th fastest growing franchise according to Entrepreneur Magazine (2003). The company was also rated the 54th best franchise in the Franchise 500® based on its financial strength, stability, growth rate and size. Principal shareholders include members of Allegra Network management and Domino's Pizza founder and former CEO Thomas S. Monaghan.

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