FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 4, 2006--New York City businessman and ExxonMobil On the Run dealer Harry Singh was recently singled out as one of only 74 small-business operators from across the nation for outstanding performance by the International Franchise Association.

Singh, an On the Run franchisee, was nominated for the award by ExxonMobil, who franchises the On the Run convenience stores, because of his outstanding performance in all aspects of the convenience store and fuels business, for his leadership roles on national advisory boards, for his active role in promoting the growth of the On the Run brand, and for his support of community activities like the ExxonMobil Education Alliance.

"I've always had the burning desire to have my own business," said Singh. "Ever since my first station opened its doors, I always knew that the customer and the community were the most important factors in creating a successful business, and On the Run certainly emphasizes these factors."

Singh operates five On the Run convenience stores in the New York City area - two in Brooklyn and one each in Garden City, East Meadow and Middle Village. He also operates 13 Mobil-branded service stations - all in the New York City area.

"When you walk into one of his stores, you'll quickly notice that it is staffed with smiling people who want to please the customers," said Gina Malandra, On the Run, Network Development Coordinator, ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing. "Harry has so much passion for customer service he can't help but pass that along to his employees."

Singh believes strongly in supporting the communities where he has service stations and convenience stores. One example is his participation in ExxonMobil's Education Alliance program. Education Alliance is a community-related project that gives local Exxon or Mobil retailers the opportunity to select a school in their community and invest in its future through educational grants. Each year, ExxonMobil provides 4,000 of its retailers $500 grants to support a local school if its choice. The schools can use the money towards any education-based project.

All of Singh's locations actively participate in the Education Alliance program. In addition, Singh matches each ExxonMobil grant with an additional $500 for each school. In the past year, he has contributed more than $10,000 to 21 different schools that are putting the funds towards general education, math and science, and computer technology.

"I strongly believe in the ExxonMobil Education Alliance program because I see the enthusiasm in the parents and the schools' administration when they are able to fund new scholarships or the purchase of needed equipment," Singh says.

Singh also donates bicycle helmets to the elementary schools he has supported in the ExxonMobil Education Alliance. The helmets are to encourage bicycle safety during the summer months. He sponsors local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops.

"What separates Harry from many other operators is his passion for his employees," said Malandra. "He continuously strives to set an example for them. His philosophy is to treat his employees exactly as he would like to be treated. He is proud to say that many employees have been with his locations since the beginning and have continued to contribute to the growth of his business."

"Harry's an innovator who thinks outside of the box," said Brett Atherton, On the Run Merchandise Specialist, ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing. "His locations always have the latest offerings; every time On the Run comes out with something new, Harry's got it. There's always promotional activity at Harry's locations. The employees are always talking about the promotions and making sure that the customer is aware of everything going on in the store."

"I'm very grateful for my team of employees, and for their hard work," Singh said. "Now the challenge is to remain the best franchisee in the future."

On the Run is ExxonMobil's proprietary brand for its state-of-the-art convenience store, which is designed to meet rising consumer expectations for fast service and fresh quality products in a friendly atmosphere. On the Runs are operated by Exxon- and Mobil-branded fuel dealers and distributors under a franchise agreement. Each store is approximately 3,000 to 4,000 square feet and offer a wide range of name-brand products and food offerings, gourmet coffee and cold beverages.

ExxonMobil and On the Run are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) or one of its subsidiaries.

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SOURCE: Exxon Mobil Corporation