The Dwyer Group today announced that all seven of its brands were ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide and named a 2012 Military Friendly Franchise® by G.I. Jobs Magazine.

The Dwyer Group is a group of service-based companies known for its depth of support services, respected management team, commitment to the company’s Code of Values®, and the success of its franchises. The company’s brands: Aire Serv®, Glass Doctor®, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Rooter®, Rainbow International®, and The Grounds Guys®; honor military veterans all year round by offering service members 25% off the initial franchise fee, allowing veterans to use their training and operational skills in a new civilian career.

“The Military Friendly Franchises® list was created three years ago out of demand from military veterans, many of whom want to start or own their own business but are unclear where to begin,” said Sean Collins, director for G.I. Jobs. “Being selected as a Military Friendly Franchise places The Dwyer Group in this elite group, and is testimony to The Dwyer Group’s world class programs and policies that support military veterans interested franchise opportunities.”

Don Dwyer, founder of The Dwyer Group, started the VetFran program at the end of the first Gulf War in 1991. Through the International Franchise Association (IFA), over 400 franchisors have joined in offering financial incentives to veterans through VetFran. The Dwyer Group has awarded more than $1.3 million in financial discounts to 254 VetFran franchisees within its brands, including 17 new franchisees in 2012 to date.

“Franchising is good for veterans, and veterans are good for franchising. With more than 200,000 veterans transitioning to the civilian world each year, we owe it to them to offer this opportunity,” said Mary Kennedy Thompson, former Marine, VetFran Chairwoman and president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing.

For information on opening a franchise, please visit http://www.leadingtheserviceindustry.com.

About The Dwyer Group, Inc.®:
The Dwyer Group, Inc., based in Waco, Texas, is a holding company of seven franchise businesses, each selling and supporting a different franchise under the following service marks: Aire Serv®, Glass Doctor®, The Grounds Guys®, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Rooter® (Drain Doctor® in the UK and Portugal), and Rainbow International®. Collectively, these independent franchise concepts offer customers world-wide a broad base of residential and commercial services. In addition, Dwyer operates glass shops in New England under the Portland Glass brand name. The Dwyer Group is a portfolio company of TZP Group LLC, a private equity firm based in New York that focuses on control investments in business and consumer services companies with enterprise values generally up to $200 million. More information on The Dwyer Group, or its franchise concepts, is available at http://www.dwyergroup.com.

About G.I. Jobs Magazine and Military Friendly Franchises®:
The full list of Military Friendly Franchises® is published each June in G.I. Jobs Magazine, and on http://www.MilitaryFranchising.com, a web tool that helps veterans decide which franchise to choose. Additional resources are posted on the Military Friendly Franchises® Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/MilitaryFranchising. G.I. Jobs (http://www.gijobs.com) is published 12 times per year by Victory Media, a veteran-owned business. The company also publishes The Guide to Military Friendly Schools®. You can follow G.I. Jobs on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GIJobsMagazine or on Twitter @gijobsmagazine

For further information on G.I. Jobs or Military Franchising, or to arrange interviews contact:
BP Media Relations, LLC – Barbara Pflughaupt
Barbara(at)bpmediarelations(dot)com 212-707-8181 or
Judee Cohen – Judithdeecohen(at)gmail(dot)com 917-721-0663

Now in its 26th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 140 cities in more than 50 countries throughout the world.

Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur Of The Year Program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall Award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 17, 2012. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored in the United States by SAP America and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
In the Southwest Area North, sponsors include Colliers International, Haynes and Boone, LLP, ADP, BBVA Compass Bank, Roach Howard Smith & Barton and D CEO Magazine.
About The Dwyer Group, Inc.®:
The Dwyer Group, Inc., based in Waco, Texas, is a holding company of seven franchise businesses, each selling and supporting a different franchise under the following service marks: Aire Serv®, Glass Doctor®, The Grounds Guys™, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Rooter® (Drain Doctor in the UK and Portugal), and Rainbow International®. Collectively, these independent franchise concepts offer customers world-wide a broad base of residential and commercial services. In addition, Dwyer operates glass shops in New England under the Portland Glass brand name. The Dwyer Group is a portfolio company of TZP Group LLC, a private equity firm based in New York that focuses on control investments in business and consumer services companies with enterprise values generally up to $200 million. More information on The Dwyer Group, or its franchise concepts, is available at www.dwyergroup.com.

Dina Dwyer-Owens and The Dwyer Group are also on Twitter at @DinaDwyerOwens and @DwyerGroup.

About Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year®

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential, and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 140 cities in more than 50 countries.
About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 152,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit www.ey.com.
This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a US client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited.

Greg Avdoian

No Limit Media Consulting

888.VIP.NLMC

greg@nolimitmediaconsulting.com

Leading Franchisor Builds Incentive Program for Law Enforcement and Firefighters; Awards the Waiver of the Initial Franchise Fee from One of its Franchise Brands to a Qualifying Individual in Recognition of Program’s Inception

WACO, TEXAS — (March 21, 2012) – It was at the end of the first Gulf War when franchising visionary and The Dwyer Group founder, Don Dwyer, had an inspirational idea: empower military veterans to get into business for themselves yet not by themselves. That vision grew into VetFran, a program designed to incentivize former veterans to become new franchise owners. Today, his daughter Dina Dwyer-Owens, CEO and Chairwoman of The Dwyer Group, has expanded that program to include more than 400 franchise brands across the country and is extending the vision again.

This time, however, she is pioneering a program designed to salute law enforcement officers and firefighters and to help our community’s heroes get into business for themselves through franchise incentives.

Dwyer-Owens’ program, Public Protectors Franchise Advantage Program (PPFA), offers 20 percent off the minimum franchise fee for any current or former fulltime law enforcement/fire person with a minimum of two years of full-time service.

“My Dad would have been so proud to see how far VetFran has come,” Dwyer-Owens said, noting that she, along with the International Franchise Association and other franchisors, have helped 2,100 veterans get into business, including 236 by The Dwyer Group. “The Public Protectors Franchise Advantage Program is the next logical step to help more great people own their own business.”

To promote the PPFA launch, The Dwyer Group will award the waiver of the initial franchise fee for one base level franchise from one of its franchise brands to a qualifying individual in recognition of the inception of the PPFA.  Nominations will be accepted from March 20, 2012, until July 1, 2012, at www.leadingtheserviceindustry.com/protectors.asp.

The PPFA Award winner will receive the waiver of the initial franchise fee for a base level (100,000 population) franchise, which value, depending on the franchise brand selected, will range from $26,000 to $29,500. The minimum qualifications of the future franchisee include:

• Must currently be or have been a full-time law enforcement official or fire fighter in good standing and have served in such capacity for a minimum of two years.
• Must exhibit, to the satisfaction of the applicable franchisor, the financial wherewithal to open and operate a franchise.
• Depending on the franchise brand chosen, the required cash available of the future franchisee is a minimum of $60,000-$130,000.
• If currently employed, the future franchisee must be contractually able and willing to leave their current job to devote full-time energy and efforts to the franchise.
• Must have the necessary license (if required by applicable law) to operate the particular franchise.
• Must exhibit management and leadership capabilities to run the franchise to the satisfaction of the franchisor.
• All credit and background checks must be approved by the franchisor.
• Applications will be submitted and reviewed. There will be a three-person panel (the “PPFA Award Panel”) comprised of the Executive Vice President and the Vice President, Franchise Development of The Dwyer Group, Inc. and the President of the applicable franchise offering desired by the future franchisee, that will review the nominations, applications and qualifications of each nominee, then a final decision will be made. The PPFA Award Panel reserves the right, in its sole discretion, whether or not to bestow the PPFA Award upon any individual in the pool of nominees submitted by the July 1, 2012 deadline.

The nominations will be reviewed against the minimum qualifications listed, with finalists being selected by the PPFA Award Panel on or about July 30, 2012.

“There are so many incredible heroes in everyday life,” Dwyer-Owens added. “The Public Protectors Franchise Advantage Program is there to salute them and help them venture into business ownership. We are hopeful many other franchise brands will support this initiative, much like how they supported VetFran.”

ABOUT THE DWYER GROUP, INC.:
The Dwyer Group, Inc., based in Waco, Texas, is a holding company of seven franchise businesses, each selling and supporting a different franchise under the following service marks: Aire Serv®, Glass Doctor®, The Grounds Guys®, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Rooter® (Drain Doctor in the UK and Portugal), and Rainbow International®. Collectively, these independent franchise concepts offer customers world-wide a broad base of residential and commercial services. In addition, Dwyer operates glass shops in New England under the Portland Glass brand name. The Dwyer Group is a portfolio company of TZP Group LLC, a private equity firm based in New York that focuses on control investments in business and consumer services companies with enterprise values generally up to $200 million. More information on The Dwyer Group, or its franchise concepts, is available at www.dwyergroup.com.

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WACO, Texas – (Feb. 13, 2012) – With veteran unemployment hovering stubbornly above the national average, innovation is key for both transitioning veterans seeking rewarding civilian careers and for companies keen to harness their talent. On February 10, The Dwyer Group furthered its commitment to veteran entrepreneurship by being one of the inaugural companies to sign on with Boost a Hero, an online platform powered by Sprigster through which veterans can use crowdfunding to raise money for a franchise purchase. Crowdfunding is an up-and-coming fundraising approach that leverages social media to solicit micro-donations.

To kick off the intitiative, the International Franchise Association (IFA) introduced Boost a Hero onstage at its annual convention with Larry Colley, the Dwyer Group veteran selected to pilot the program as he joins the Aire Serv® brand. The Dwyer Group, parent company of seven home-service franchises, has supported veteran entrepreneurship since 1991 through the IFA’s VetFran program, offering veterans a 25 percent discount on the initial franchise purchase fee.

Colley, a Bronze-Star recipient and 21-year Army veteran, has been approved to open an Aire Serv franchise in Tampa, Fla., and has pledged to pay 20 percent of the franchise purchase fee from his own funds. He will raise the remaining amount, approximately $42,000, through crowdfunding. The Dwyer Group will tell Colley’s story and recruit donors through a fundraising website and social media campaign.

Colley served six years with the 82^nd Airborne Division and 15 years with the Army Special Forces. In addition to the Bronze Star, his awards include multiple Achievement Medals, Meritorious Service Medals and Army Good Conduct Medals. He has previous experience in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry, and realized after being introduced to Aire Serv that franchising was the missing link to his success.

“I have always wanted to be a business owner, and I know the Army has given me the skills and leadership ability to make it successful,” said Colley. “I am honored to be considered for this program and impressed that someone would have an interest in helping veterans pursue their dreams of owning a business.”

For Colley, both military and franchising are a family affair. Colley’s wife is also a veteran, and his son is currently serving in Afghanistan. His entire family plans to be involved with the Aire Serv business after his son returns from deployment.

The Dwyer Group is a founding member of the VetFran program and has awarded more than $1.2 million in financial discounts to 236 VetFran franchisees within its brands. “Franchising is good for veterans, and veterans are good for franchising. With more than 200,000 veterans transitioning to the civilian world each year, we owe it to them to offer this opportunity,” said Mary Kennedy Thompson, former Marine, VetFran Chairwoman and president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing.

To view Colley’s fundraising website, please visit www.sprigster.com. For franchising opportunities, please visit www.leadingtheserviceindustry.com or call 866-696-1504.

About The Dwyer Group, Inc.®:

The Dwyer Group, Inc., based in Waco, Texas, is a holding company of seven franchise businesses, each selling and supporting a different franchise under the following service marks: Aire Serv®, Glass Doctor®, The Grounds Guys™, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Rooter® (Drain Doctor in the UK and Portugal), and Rainbow International®. Collectively, these independent franchise concepts offer customers world-wide a broad base of residential and commercial services. In addition, Dwyer operates glass shops in New England under the Portland Glass brand name. The Dwyer Group is a portfolio company of TZP Group LLC, a private equity firm based in New York that focuses on control investments in business and consumer services companies with enterprise values generally up to $200 million. More information on The Dwyer Group, or its franchise concepts, is available at www.dwyergroup.com.

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That’s not surprising, because Dwyer-Owens usually is holding court in corporate boardrooms.

But she wanted to get into the trenches with employees, learn their likes and dislikes, and find out what the Waco-based company she oversees is doing right and what it can improve. READ MORE AT WACOTRIB.COM

The two-time Emmy nominated “Undercover Boss” kicks off its third season on Jan. 15 and continues the quest to enable some of the world’s most successful company leaders to embark on grassroots journeys within their own organizations.

Dwyer-Owens accepted that opportunity, going undercover within The Dwyer Group, a company known the world over for its franchise brands: Aire Serv, Glass Doctor, Mr. Appliance, Mr. Electric, Mr. Rooter, Rainbow International and The Grounds Guys. Across the system’s 1,600 franchises is a world of plumbers, electricians, landscapers and more. The franchise family makes some 2 million residential and commercial service calls each year and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2011.

For Dwyer-Owens, it was a hallmark occasion to fulfill a long-held dream to ride in service vans out in the field.  The CEO-turned-service-professional donned company uniforms to see life as a potential trainee whose service brands represent some of the most male-dominated industries.

Dwyer-Owens has championed The Dwyer Group Code of Values and its themes of Respect, Integrity, Customer Focus and Having Fun in the Process as a foundation for the company’s success. The service brands will account for more than $750 million in annual system-wide sales this year. Now “Undercover Boss” viewers are invited to see her journey to customers’ front doors and find out how those values and the corporate culture are being embraced by service professionals on the front line.

About The Dwyer Group, Inc.®:
The Dwyer Group, Inc., based in Waco, Texas, is a holding company of seven franchise businesses, each selling and supporting a different franchise under the following service marks: Aire Serv®, Glass Doctor®, The Grounds Guys™, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Rooter® (Drain Doctor in the UK and Portugal), and Rainbow International®. Collectively, these independent franchise concepts offer customers world-wide a broad base of residential and commercial services. In addition, Dwyer operates glass shops in New England under the Portland Glass brand name. The Dwyer Group is a portfolio company of TZP Group LLC, a private equity firm based in New York that focuses on control investments in business and consumer services companies with enterprise values generally up to $200 million. More information on The Dwyer Group, or its franchise concepts, is available at www.dwyergroup.com.

Dina Dwyer-Owens and The Dwyer Group are also on Twitter at @DinaDwyerOwens and @DwyerGroup.

WACO, Texas – (Dec. 1, 2011) – The Dwyer Group has been named one of the Best Companies to Work for in Texas for the fifth consecutive year.  Dina Dwyer-Owens , chairwoman and CEO of The Dwyer Group, called it a crowning moment as the company celebrated its 30th anniversary at its annual reunion in Indianapolis this year.

“We are so proud that our associates feel we are one of the best companies to work for in Texas for the fifth year in a row. We strive to maintain a positive and productive workplace that sincerely values its people,” said Dwyer-Owens. “To receive this honor once again on our 30th year of success is proof that we have championed that idea in our corporate culture and we continue to provide a wonderful work environment where people can grow and flourish.”

The Dwyer Group is one of many prestigious companies to be recognized among the Best Companies to Work for in Texas and will be featured in a special issue of Texas Monthly next year.  Companies were judged on their benefits, leadership programs, corporate culture, interviews with company employees and more.

“We believe the foundation of our growth and success lies in the dedicated and passionate people who represent us on a daily basis and our unique Code of Values that ensures we work hard but have fun in the process,” Dwyer-Owens added.

The ranking is sponsored by the Texas Association of Business (TAB), the Texas State Council of the Society of Human Resource Management (TSC-SHRM) and the publishers of Texas Monthly. The survey and awards program recognizes and honors the best employers in Texas, benefiting the state’s economy, its workforce and businesses.

The TAB will be honoring The Dwyer Group along with other companies at their awards luncheon in February 2012, with The Honorable Greg Abbott Texas Attorney General as the keynote speaker.

About The Dwyer Group, Inc.®:

The Dwyer Group, Inc., based in Waco, Texas, is a holding company of seven franchise businesses, each selling and supporting a different franchise under the following service marks: Aire Serv®, Glass Doctor®, The Grounds Guys™, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Rooter® (Drain Doctor in the UK and Portugal), and Rainbow International®. Collectively, these independent franchise concepts offer customers world-wide a broad base of residential and commercial services. In addition, Dwyer operates glass shops in New England under the Portland Glass brand name. The Dwyer Group is a portfolio company of TZP Group LLC, a private equity firm based in New York that focuses on control investments in business and consumer services companies with enterprise values generally up to $200 million. More information on The Dwyer Group, or its franchise concepts, is available at www.dwyergroup.com .

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Monica Feid, BizCom Associates

(972) 490-8053, MonicaFeid@BizComPR.com

THE DWYER GROUP CEO DINA DWYER-OWENS AND MR. ROOTER PRESIDENT MARY KENNEDY THOMPSON TO TRAVEL TO WASHINGTON D.C. FOR SPECIAL VETERANS DAY PROGRAM WITH FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA

• The Dwyer Group celebrates 10^th anniversary of VetFran relaunch
• VetFran program started by The Dwyer Group now includes 428 franchisors that offer financial discounts to veterans who want to own a franchise
• More than 2,100 veterans have become franchise owners through VetFran
• The Dwyer Group counts 235 veterans among franchise owners

WACO, Texas – (Nov. 8, 2011) – The Dwyer Group will celebrate this Veterans Day with special attention to the 10^th anniversary since the relaunch of the VetFran program, and Dina Dwyer-Owens, chairwoman and CEO of The Dwyer Group, along with Mary Kennedy Thompson, president of Mr. Rooter and current chair of the International Franchise Association’s VetFran committee, will travel to Washington D.C. for a special announcement with the nation’s First Lady Michelle Obama to do more in helping veterans transition to civilian life with careers and jobs in the franchising arena.

On Thursday, Nov. 10, the day before Veterans Day, a special ceremony to launch “Operation Enduring Opportunity” will take place at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to promote an industry-wide recruitment campaign to offer returning veterans career paths in franchising, including increased employment opportunities and incentives for ownership of franchise businesses through the IFA’s longstanding VetFran program.

VetFran was the brainchild of the late Don Dwyer Sr., founder of The Dwyer Group, who wanted to thank veterans returning from the first Gulf War by offering them the best financial incentive towards owning a franchise. The program was later reborn by his daughter, Dwyer-Owens, after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Today, the program includes 428 franchise systems that voluntarily offer financial incentives to veterans seeking to become franchise small-business owners.

Through VetFran, more than 2,100 servicemen and women have become franchisees since the program’s inception. And The Dwyer Group is one of the largest participants in the program with more than 235 veterans who have owned a franchise across its service brands.

“The men and women who protect the very freedom by which we do business have proven that they are the kind of leaders for those businesses as well,” said Dwyer-Owens. “We will continue to thank them through VetFran, helping to provide a transition to civilian life with opportunities for business ownership that they deserve.”

Thompson, who oversees one of the nation’s largest plumbing and drain cleaning franchise chains, Mr. Rooter, knows the program well.  As a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps she served eight years and rose to the rank of captain. She then found a future in franchising as a successful franchise owner of Cookies By Design when she retired from service. She became a multi-unit franchisee and later the president of the organization.  Then, in 2006, she took the position of president for Mr. Rooter at The Dwyer Group.

Thompson counts her military training to follow systems as a strong foundation for her successful career in the civilian world. And in her role as chair for the IFA’s VetFran Committee, she seeks to help other military veterans achieve their dreams of business ownership through franchising.

“Celebrating our 30^th anniversary this year has been an incredible achievement for The Dwyer Group,” said Dwyer-Owens. “But celebrating the 10^th anniversary of the VetFran relaunch across more than 325 participating franchise organizations is the icing on top. Together, the franchising world can do great things for business ownership, community support, the economy and more. VetFran is a shining example.”

Thompson added, “Having the support of The White House to recognize our military members, create jobs and establish franchised businesses in communities sends a huge message for the will and determination of this country. Operation Enduring Opportunity will encourage economic prosperity and the free enterprise system, adding many men and women to the next generation of business owners who will move this nation forward.”

NOTE TO MEDIA: The Dwyer Group will have a VetFran vehicle driving in Waco’s Veterans Day parade on Nov. 11th.  More information about VetFran at The Dwyer Group can be found at: http://www.leadingtheserviceindustry.com/VetFran.asp

About The Dwyer Group, Inc.®:

The Dwyer Group, Inc., based in Waco, Texas, is a holding company of seven franchise businesses, each selling and supporting a different franchise under the following service marks: Aire Serv®, Glass Doctor®, The Grounds Guys™, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Rooter® (Drain Doctor in the UK and Portugal), and Rainbow International®. Collectively, these independent franchise concepts offer customers world-wide a broad base of residential and commercial services. In addition, Dwyer operates glass shops in New England under the Portland Glass brand name. The Dwyer Group is a portfolio company of TZP Group LLC, a private equity firm based in New York that focuses on control investments in business and consumer services companies with enterprise values generally up to $200 million. More information on The Dwyer Group, or its franchise concepts, is available at www.dwyergroup.com.

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• Company to award thirty $1,500 scholarships for continuing education
• Program to accept applications from full-time employees of The Dwyer Group and full-time employees of franchisees
• Fund supports 30th anniversary theme of “Customers First”

WACO, Texas – (Oct. 26, 2011) – The Dwyer Group recently announced the launch of a 2012 scholarship program for employees at its 2011 Annual Reunion and 30th anniversary celebration at the J.W. Marriott in Indianapolis.

To mark its 30th anniversary, the company will accept applications to grant thirty $1,500 scholarships to eligible full-time employees of The Dwyer Group and full-time employees of franchisees who are planning to enroll or are enrolled in coursework at certain undergraduate, graduate, and trade schools. Eligible candidates will have been continuously employed by the respective company for a minimum of two years.

“For employees needing financial assistance in order to obtain their educational goals, we wanted to take the opportunity to honor them and their hard work,” said Dina Dwyer-Owens, chairwoman and CEO of The Dwyer Group. “The Dwyer Group’s hope is that these scholarships will help build talent, knowledge and skills that we value.”

Since launching Rainbow International in 1981, The Dwyer Group has grown over three decades to include Mr. Rooter, Aire Serv, Mr. Electric, Mr. Appliance, Glass Doctor and The Grounds Guys in that order. Like the 30th anniversary theme of “Customers First,” Dwyer-Owens credits much of the success for the brands to dedicated associates, service technicians and customer service representatives across the system who deliver a valuable experience to their customers. This scholarship program honors them with a program to further their goals.

Applications and guidelines for the scholarships are available at http://www.dwyergroup.com/scholarships.asp and may be submitted online from November 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. The award recipients will be determined by a scholarship committee and will be awarded on February 1, 2012.