Fleet Feet, Inc. is marking the 30th anniversary of the first Fleet Feet store at its National Franchise Conference in Hilton Head this week. The first Fleet Feet opened in Sacramento, California, in 1976, and the company began offering franchises in 1980.

According to Fleet Feet President Jeff Phillips, “the brand has come a long way in the last three decades, and we appreciate what each of our stakeholders has contributed over the years to make Fleet Feet the industry leader in running specialty retail.”

Attending this year’s conference are owners and staff from 62 Fleet Feet stores and representatives of 38 running industry vendors. After revamping the conference format for 2005’s gathering in Chicago, Fleet Feet is again offering “Fleet Feet Community College,” with educational sessions for franchisees on topics ranging from biomechanics to inventory management. An expanded, two-day trade show will feature the invited footwear, apparel, and accessory vendors. Guest speakers at the conference include Al Meyers of Retail Forward and marathoner and author Jeff Galloway.

At its annual awards ceremony Wednesday night, Fleet Feet honored the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of its franchisees and vendors. This year’s award winners are:

2006 FLEET FEET BRAND BUILDER AWARD

Ellen and Ed Griffin, Fleet Feet Syracuse

The Brand Builder award recognizes a franchisee for excellence in establishing and promoting the Fleet Feet brand in his/her community, as well as contributions to the national Fleet Feet network.

2006 FLEET FEET ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Fleet Feet Huntsville

This award recognizes an outstanding Fleet Feet franchise that has been open more than one year and less than three years.

2006 FLEET FEET AMBASSADOR

Jan and Phil Fenty, Fleet Feet Washington, DC

This award recognizes an individual for outstanding contributions to Fleet Feet.

2005 FLEET FEET FOOTWEAR VENDOR OF THE YEAR

Asics America

This award recognizes a footwear manufacturer for providing excellent product, support, and services to Fleet Feet stores. This is the second year in a row that Asics has received the award.

2006 FLEET FEET PINNACLE AWARD

Fleet Feet Roanoke

This award recognizes a franchise that demonstrates excellence in customer acquisition, staffing & customer service, financial & inventory management, and vendor relations, while embracing Fleet Feet initiatives such as the Personal FIT Process. Excellence in these areas defines the very best of Fleet Feet today and in the future.

2006 FLEET FEET LIFETIME COMMITMENT TO RUNNING AWARD

Jeff and Barbara Galloway

This award recognizes an industry leader who has shown career-long dedication to the business and sport of running.