Muskogee, OK, June 20, 2005 - CK Ventures, Inc. was awarded "Franchise of the Year" by Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc., a recognition presented to only the most successful Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® franchise. Franchise owners Carl and Carrie Kelley received the prestigious "Franchise of the Year" honor during an awards ceremony held at the Jackson Hewitt Annual Convention 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Carl and Carrie Kelley's franchise operation was selected from among nearly 800 franchisees, representing more than 5,400 office locations nationwide.

 

The annual "Franchise of the Year" award is a celebrated recognition highlighting a Jackson Hewitt Tax Service franchise that significantly exceeds the quality standards set by Jackson Hewitt Inc. The chosen franchise demonstrates substantial overall success and improvement in numerous areas, including the number of tax returns prepared, customer service, territory expansion, individual office performance and customer retention.

 

"CK Ventures, Inc. exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit we look for in our franchise owners. Their high standards are demonstrated through their dedicated customer focus and success-driven team," said Mike Lister, Chairman, President and CEO, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. "Carl and Carrie Kelley clearly take pride in their business, customers and employees. The 'Franchise of the Year' award is a well-deserved recognition for all of their hard work and dedication."

 

CK Ventures, Inc. operates 42 Jackson Hewitt Tax Service locations in Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas and Florida. Achieving another successful tax season this year, their locations have averaged 20% growth each year for several years. In addition, CK Ventures, Inc. experienced strong growth in both customer and employee retention.

 

"Carrie and I are honored to have our franchise recognized at this level. It's just incredible," said Carl Kelley, owner of CK Ventures, Inc. "We have a great team in place who have set goals and stop at nothing to achieve them. Attaining 'Franchise of the Year' was definitely a goal we set our sights on. I have to commend everyone on our team for their commitment and support."

 

Carl and Carrie Kelley established their first Jackson Hewitt franchise in 1995. Since that time, they have won numerous awards, including #1 storefront location (Muskogee, Oklahoma) for most tax returns prepared and their Fort Walton Beach, Florida Wal-Mart location was ranked #3 nationally for number of tax returns prepared in a Wal-Mart. CK Ventures, Inc. is also ranked #18 among all Jackson Hewitt franchises in volume. In addition to the "Franchise of Year" award, Carl and Carrie Kelley received a very prestigious "Hall of Fame" award, recognizing CK Ventures, Inc. for their lifetime achievement with Jackson Hewitt.

 

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service began franchising in 1986, the same year that the IRS introduced electronic filing. Consistently ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine, in 2005, Jackson Hewitt was recognized as the #1 tax preparation franchise for the 12th consecutive year, #4 best franchise overall, #2 best low-cost franchise and #6 fastest- growing franchise. In addition, on June 22, 2005, Jackson Hewitt celebrates its one-year anniversary as a public company trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol JTX. A number of Jackson Hewitt constituents will join Chairman, President and CEO, Mike Lister on June 22nd to ring the closing bell at the NYSE, including Carl and Carrie Kelley.

 

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (NYSE: JTX) is the second largest tax preparation service company in the United States, with over 5,400 franchised and company-owned offices in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Specializing in electronic filing (IRS e-file), the Company provides full service, individual federal and state income tax preparation and facilitates related financial products. Most Jackson Hewitt offices are independently owned and operated. Jackson Hewitt is based in Parsippany, New Jersey. More information about the Company may be obtained by visiting the Company's Web site at www.jacksonhewitt.com.  

Contact

Carl Kelley

918-686-6800

Allison Jackson

973-496-7536