April 13, 2006 - Toronto, Canada.

Maribel Guiste, Vice President Operations at WSI, the #1 Internet and Tech Services Franchise in the world, is the first and youngest female Canadian Certified Franchise Executive (CFE). The honor was awarded by the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives at a graduation ceremony held in Palm Springs, California On February 28, 2006.

The Institute fo Certified Franchise Executives is the academic arm of the International Franchise Association's (IFA) Educational Foundation. IFA is the world's largest trade organization representing the franchising sector.

“The CFE course was challenging and well rounded covering academic and practical aspects of Franchise Management. At times it was difficult to handle the pressures of work, managing a family and coping with the rigorous syllabus of this course,” says Ms. Guiste. “As I experienced the rewarding moment of receiving the certification today, I could not do enough to thank my family, friends, peers and colleagues at WSI for their invaluable support and understanding to help make this possible. Canada has a strong franchising industry which I am excited to be a part of. To date there are only ten Canadians in the IFA program and this is the first year a Canadian will have graduated. I am proud to represent both Canada and WSI, and I am determined to utilize and share my knowledge to help WSI maintain its position as the world’s leading franchise organization,” she comments.

Ron McArthur, President of WSI adds, “All of us at WSI are very happy for Maribel. We congratulate and thank her for bringing this honour to our company. She has been and will remain, truly one of our best management assets. We look forward to continuing our journey of innovation, expansion and consolidation as we build the WSI brand world-wide. We are well equipped to do this with the skilled managerial capabilities of Maribel and all our executives and managers leading a motivated and high caliber staff”.

Joining the premier franchise company in the world, WSI, after having run her own enterprise, was a way for Ms. Guiste to be in touch with the dynamic, growth-oriented small and medium sized (SME) business community at a global level. Ms. Guiste looks upon her past 7 years of her tenure as Vice President Operations with WSI as “tremendously rewarding in the learning, networking and overall business knowledge of franchising I have gained through this experience in the fast paced Internet industry”.

Nearly 400 candidates are currently enrolled in the CFE program, which provides candidates with expanded knowledge, industry recognition, peer-level networking and professional standing. To earn the CFE designation, candidates must complete a rigorous course of study, which includes attending institute-sponsored educational seminars and workshops. The program is designed for motivated, experienced franchising professionals to enhance their grasp of the fundamentals and complexities of franchising. For more about the CFE program, visit http://www.franchise.org or contact IFA Media Relations on 1-202-628-8000.

About WSI – We Simplify the Internet:
With a network of over 1500 offices in 87 countries, WSI is the leading provider of Internet solutions to small and medium sized businesses the world over. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, WSI provides affordable Internet related services and technologies that deliver maximum return on investment for businesses.
With the support and cooperation of its customers, franchise network, employees, suppliers and charitable organizations, WSI aims to help make child poverty history through its global outreach program.
For more information about WSI’s offerings and business opportunities, please visit our website at www.wsicorporate.com/contact.asp.