Signs Now training and sales consultant receives top business award

SARASOTA, Fla. April 10, 2007 - Sandie Ridings, President/CEO of Training Matters, Inc. (TMI) in Charlotte, NC and training and sales consultant for Signs Now, A Division of Allegra Network LLC, has been named the Small Business Administration’s 2007 North Carolina Women in Business Champion of the Year.

The award recognizes Ridings for her active support for legislative or regulatory action designed to help small businesses, her efforts to increase business and financial opportunities for women, her volunteer efforts to strengthen the role of women business owners within the community and other accomplishments demonstrating effectiveness in improving the environment for women in business.

"It is an honor to be recognized with this prestigious award. I am blessed to have so many wonderful women role models in my life who have taken the time to offer advice, mentorship, and life lessons during my career," remarks Ridings.

Ridings has worked extensively with such community organizations as: Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, The Entrepreneurship Institute, United States Small Business Leaders, Business Innovation & Growth Council, City of Charlotte, Women Impacting Public Policy, North Carolina National Leader, Greater Charlotte Hospitality and Tourism Alliance and the Charlotte Convention and Visitor's Bureau

Ridings’ venture, TMI, is a training and development firm that serves mid-sized businesses and Fortune 500 companies. TMI offers specialized services including Business Education Training Programs, Team Performance Enlightenment and Strategic Planning Sessions/Retreats. As a sales and training consultant for Signs Now, Ridings is able to use her experience as a former Signs Now franchise member and regional manager to assist the organization in future growth and development.

For more information on Signs Now, contact Signs Now’s Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Bernard Haun at (800) 356 3373.