Leading Signage & Visual Graphics Franchisor to Join Top U.S. and Canadian Photofinishing Companies at Historic Buck Rogers Photofinishing Meeting to Discuss Growth Strategies 

MOBILE, Ala. – The photofinishing industry has evolved greatly over the past few decades, leaving business owners to continuously adapt to the changing technological landscape. Recognizing the valuable insight and resources that it could offer photofinishing businesses, FASTSIGNS International Inc. hopes to inspire this group to explore new routes for diversification through its sponsorship of the 2015 Buck Rogers National Photofinishers Group meeting, taking place February 22-24, 2015 in Mobile, Ala. 

Held by The Buck Rogers National Photofinishers Group, The Buck Rogers Meeting is a historic and exclusive organization that was founded in the 1930s and is made up of owners, presidents and decision makers in the photofinishing industry. Hosted by The Calagaz Group, the organization has strongly influenced industry trends throughout its existence.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. CEO, Catherine Monson, and EVP of Franchise Support and Development, Mark Jameson, will be attending the meeting to discuss top industry growth strategies and diversification methods, including the FASTSIGNS® Co-Brand franchise program. The franchise opportunity provides the necessary resources independent owners need to expand their businesses in the signage and visual communications space while still maintaining their independent identities and operations in photofinishing.

“We are honored to be a part of such a long-standing, influential meeting and look forward to sharing game-changing ideas,” said Jameson. “Sponsoring this event gives us greater insight into the photofinishing industry and supplies attendees with new methods of broadening their service offerings. In an industry where evolution is a constant need for survival, it’s necessary to consistently adapt in ways that promote long-term growth.”

Leo J. Calagaz, president of The Calagaz Group and chairman of The Buck Rogers National Photofinishers Group, is also a FASTSIGNS Co-Brand franchisee who has one Co-Brand location already operating and another in development. The Calagaz Group is made up of three divisions: photo retail, commercial printing and silk screening apparel. He said, “Having FASTSIGNS involved in our annual meeting gives independent photofinishing companies across the nation sustainable and proven growth options. The national franchise has a long history of success and I’m confident that many attendees will leave inspired to implement FASTSIGNS ideas within their businesses.”

Independent business owners can join FASTSIGNS through its Co-Brand program for as little as $10,000 down in addition to reduced royalties. As the leading brand name in the sign and graphics industry, the company offers the latest technology, cost savings through relationships with national vendors and suppliers, comprehensive marketing and visual communications solutions and the benefits that come from networking with FASTSIGNS centers nationwide.

“The photo division of The Calagaz Group has been around for 60 years, so we have seen six decades of new technologies and how they’ve shaped consumer habits – thus drastically impacting our industry,” Calagaz said. “The FASTSIGNS tagline—‘More than fast. More than signs.®’—captures the spirit of the Co-Brand program, allowing independent businesses the ability to offer existing clients a whole suite of new services and truly embrace the ‘More than’ mentality. Our business is now the central source for all visual communications.”