LITTLE ROCK, Ark., June 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sirrah, 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. Through their company, Sirrah, Inc., franchise owners Mary and George Harris own and operate 57 Jackson Hewitt Tax Service offices throughout Arkansas. They received the prestigious "Franchise of the Year" honor during an awards ceremony held at the Jackson Hewitt Annual Convention 2006 in Orlando, Florida. Mary and George Harris' franchise operation was selected from among nearly 800 franchisees, representing more than 6,000 office locations nationwide.

 

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

 

"George and I are honored to receive the 'Franchise of the Year' award," said Mary Harris. "We're thrilled with the accomplishments of our Jackson Hewitt locations throughout Arkansas and look forward to continuing to provide quality service to our customers."

 

"Mary and George exemplify 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. "The 'Franchise of the Year' award is a well-deserved recognition for all of their hard work and commitment to their business, employees and customers."

 

Sirrah, Inc. experienced strong growth in both customer and employee retention, and has averaged double digit growth in tax returns prepared over the past several years.

 

"We are very focused on marketing, customer service and employee retention, all of which are vital to our success," said Harris. "We could not have reached this level of achievement without the support of our staff members. They've been essential to our organization reaching its goals year after year."

 

Mary and George Harris joined the Jackson Hewitt franchise in 1993. During their past 13 years of growth within the franchise system and the communities they serve, they have been honored with several Jackson Hewitt Tax Service awards, including the highest percentage increase of tax returns prepared in a storefront. The Harris' are also members of the very prestigious Jackson Hewitt Tax Service "Hall of Fame," which recognizes franchisees for their overall lifetime business achievements within the Jackson Hewitt franchise system.

 

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (NYSE: JTX), with over 6,000 franchised and company-owned offices throughout the United States during the 2006 tax season, is an industry leader providing full service individual federal and state income tax preparation. Most offices are independently owned and operated. The Company is based in Parsippany, New Jersey. More information may be obtained at www.jacksonhewitt.com. To locate the Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® office nearest to you, call 1-800-234-1040.

 

Mary Harris

501-219-9393

 

Allison Jackson

973-630-0681

 

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.