Volvo Construction Equipment Rents is joining the fight against breast cancer to “reach high” for a cure. Continuing its search for financially-stable and experienced business operators in the United States, Volvo Rents launched its Franchise Referral Program, offering a $15,000 referral fee for candidates who become Volvo Rents franchisees and open a store. In addition, for each referred candidate who becomes a Volvo Rents franchisee and opens a store in the United States (excluding Hawaii, Illinois, New York, Virginia and Washington), Volvo Rents will donate $5,000 to support the Chattanooga Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure through Dec. 31, 2011.

The donation component of the franchise referral program does not apply to franchise candidates initially introduced to Volvo Rents through the Volvo Rents franchise referral program if the referrer is a resident of Alabama, Maine, Massachusetts or South Carolina.

The announcement comes as Volvo Rents targets markets throughout North America for expansion in 2010 and 2011.

“Every time a referred candidate becomes a Volvo Rents franchisee and opens its location in the United States, $5,000 will be donated to the Chattanooga Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure to support the fight against this deadly disease,” said Ed Benizzi, director of sales, North America for Volvo Rents. “Susan G. Komen for the Cure is dedicated to saving lives, empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures. Every year, more than 180,000 women and men develop breast cancer.”

Financial stability and solid business experience are prerequisites. Experience in construction-related or equipment rental industries, though helpful, is not required. Typically, candidates have a net worth of $2 million or more with at least $750,000 of liquid assets. Candidates must be serious about franchise ownership and willing to work within the Volvo Rents franchise program.

For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, call 866-387-3687 or visit www.volvorents.com/reachinghighforthecure.

Asheville, N.C.-based Volvo Construction Equipment Rents is No. 19 on the RER 100.