Franchising World articles from April 2009

Franchising World archives from April 2009

Franchising's magic: multi-unit operations.(IN THIS ISSUE)(International Franchise Association)(Conference news)
April 1, 2009... The recent International Franchise Association's 49th Annual Convention provided new and innovative strategies for operating in less than prosperous times. One element continues to weave itself into the fabric of franchising: the positive...

New laws threaten multi-unit owner growth and expansion: "perfect storm" of organized-labor legislative proposals is aimed squarely at multi-unit owners.(IFA PRESIDENT AND CEO'S COLUMN)
April 1, 2009... Multi-unit franchise ownership continues to increase in popularity as a growth strategy for franchising. Data show that since 2004, multi-unit operators control almost half of franchised units and about 20 percent of franchisees are multi-unit...

From single-unit owners to multi-unit achievers: a challenging but rewarding growth strategy.(USING MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISING TO EXPAND THE BRAND)(Cover story)
April 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As we look around the franchising community, it has become increasingly obvious that every year, more franchisees are becoming multi-unit operators, and more franchisors are focusing their development efforts on...

Nurturing multi-unit operators to success: nurturing multi-unit operators requires training, guiding and nourishing them on the path to success.(USING MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISING TO EXPAND THE BRAND)
April 1, 2009... The following suggestions are in no particular order, nor ranked as to relative value since that would depend on your situation and the environment in which you are living. No matter what that environment was in the past, we can all agree there...

How multi-unit operations boost a franchise: the benefits far outweigh the challenges.(USING MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISING TO EXPAND THE BRAND)
April 1, 2009... When building a franchise system, there are several ways to grow: by single-unit franchising, multi-unit franchising, or a combination. Multi-unit growth can provide accelerated growth of the brand versus single-unit operations, as well as...

Minimize the messages, multiply the messengers: giving employees direction on priorities will mobilize your organization and benefit the entire organization.(USING MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISING TO EXPAND THE BRAND)
April 1, 2009... If you are a multi-unit franchisee, you will never be able to successfully communicate everything you want to all of your employees in all of your locations. You know this already, of course. You have come to terms with all the other...

Cash falling through the cracks? By evaluating existing systems and practices, cash that could fall through the cracks can be recovered and channeled back into the company.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
April 1, 2009... It's hard to imagine anyone who isn't watching his or her expenses today, as avoiding the issue could have adverse effects in business, as well as personally. Unfortunately, even those who monitor their costs closely can still find themselves...

The brighter side of tax day: there is money out there begging to be claimed.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
April 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] While recent and ongoing economic concerns have forced some franchisors and franchisees into a state of financial panic, there can be a brighter side to tax day. Each year as tax time approaches, scrambling to...

Eight proven steps to growing during a recession: have the courage to reinvent your franchise.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
April 1, 2009... The star of franchising continues to shine brightly, even in these dark recessionary times. While independent retailers have been filing for bankruptcy and shuttering their doors, franchises have remained strong overall. I believe that is...

Franchisees screaming for more customers, but budget limited? Your franchisees should be thriving with new customers, even with a limited marketing and advertising budget, even in a challenging economic environment. There are unlimited resources available.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
April 1, 2009... New customers are the life-blood for any business. Limited advertising and marketing funds are not reasons for lagging sales or keeping a franchisee's business from thriving. Franchisees are screaming for more customers and their marketing...

All aboard the "brandwagon": online video becomes the hot ticket for franchisees to increase customers in tough economic times.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN THE CHALLENGING TIMES)
April 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With the economic crisis continuing to cripple Wall Street as well as Main Street, franchise owners are now forced to develop new ways to grow their businesses and attract customers. As consumer spending and...

Optimism, leadership and networking merge in San Diego.(4th annual franchise convention: a photo feature)(Conference news)
April 1, 2009... There may be have been a few rain clouds and below average temperatures, but that didn't dampen the experiences of more than 2,300 franchise professionals who gathered in San Diego for the International Franchise Association's 49th Annual...

IFA restaurant members.(Directory)
April 1, 2009... ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMAS (512) 219-7800 (512) 532-0820 FAX 1717 W. 6th Street, Suite 351, Austin, TX 78703 Email: franchise@drafthouse.com Internet: http://www.drafthouse.com ALL AMERICAN ICE CREAM & FROZEN YOGURT ...

What will the healthy families Act mean for your franchised business? Congress will likely consider legislative measures to mandate a minimum amount of employer-provided paid sick leave in 2009.(GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
April 1, 2009... As the federal government addresses the economic challenges facing the United States, this spring the International Franchise Association is working to encourage lawmakers to look to franchised-small businesses to help lead the economy out of...

The Business Activity Tax Simplification Act: Congress expected to address economic nexus confusion.(GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
April 1, 2009... The discussion of state nexus and business activity taxes is not new to these pages. The issue has confounded franchise company CFOs for several years now and the International Franchise Association has continued to relay these concerns to...

Convention-goers boost FranPAC donations more than $150k.(GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
April 1, 2009... The International Franchise Association's Political action committee, FranPAC, tallied donations from is popular events conducted during the association's annual convention to the figure of $151,770 to aid franchise-friendly lawmakers. The...

IFA to SBA: goodwill financing guide misses the mark: the proposed rule change would immediately devalue many small businesses. (After this article was prepared, IFA met with the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee and SBA policy staff to craft a compromise on goodwill financing. SBA indicated it will consider an alternative policy from IFA.).(GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
April 1, 2009... Changes announced to the U.S. Small Business Administration policy guidance on the financing of goodwill do little to resolve the concerns of the franchise business industry, and only add more confusion and uncertainty during a time of economic...

MinorityFran, U.S. Conference of Mayors partner for seminars.(DIVERSITY)(International Franchise Association)(Conference news)
April 1, 2009... The International Franchise Association's Minority-Fran program will conduct one-day franchise seminars and work closely with mayors across the country. Building on the partnership established last year with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and...

Experienced franchisors weigh in on tactics: is no news, good news? Healthy relationships are the backbone of any successful business.(FRANCHISE RELATIONS)
April 1, 2009... Franchisors, like anyone else, are probably growing weary of what is becoming the most common way to start a sentence these days, "In today's uncertain economic times, it's more important than ever to..." Unfortunately, here it is, one...

Determining the best international partner match.(INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
April 1, 2009... Selecting the best international partner underpins the essence of franchising (and joint venturing for that matter). It establishes the foundation for launching a brand and for a sustainable, successful franchise business relationship in any...

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: implications on systems, franchisees: the prospect of a government investigation into FCPA violations is frightening, and frankly, that is just what the government intends.(INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
April 1, 2009... With the economic crisis in full swing, most businesses are trying to cut costs and follow he old adage, "a penny saved is a penny earned." Now is not the time to scrimp on compliance costs, especially in the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act...

Franchising scholarship to aid freshman's career aspirations.(HONORS AND EDUCATION)
April 1, 2009... The franchising industry contributes to fostering young entrepreneurs' exploration of business-format franchising through an innovative and generous scholarship. Binghamton University (Binghamton, N.Y.) freshman Shawn Goldsmith was awarded the...

Put franchising's leaders in the spotlight: nominations due June 30.(AWARDS & RECOGNITION)
April 1, 2009... The International Franchise Association annually recognizes an elite group of individuals who excel in the industry by honoring them with the association's highest awards during its annual convention. These individuals have been singled out for...

International Franchise Association: programs and calendar of events.(IMPORTANT DATES IN FRANCHISING CALENDAR)(Calendar)
April 1, 2009... 2009 APRIL 14-16-Creating Strategic Value, Implementing Strategic Planning and Utilizing the Balanced Scorecard Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 14-16-Strategic Planning and The Balanced Scorecard Nova...

New program supports employment success of injured veterans: program aims to dispel myths related to people with two increasingly common battlefield injuries.(HONORING AMERICA'S VETERANS)
April 1, 2009... The U.S. Department of Labor recently launched Americas Heroes at Work, a program designed to help employers support veterans who are coping with two increasingly common battlefield injuries: traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress...

Accor North America.(People)(Robert Moore and Jeffrey Palmer have been appointed)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Accor North America promoted Robert Moore to executive vice president, technical services and new construction and Jeffrey Palmer to executive vice president, sales and marketing. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

ActionCOACH.(People)
April 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ActionCOACH appointed Jodie Shaw as director of franchise sales and marketing.

Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP.(People)( Kim I. McCullough, Jeffrey Cowman and Lynne M. Hanson have been appointed)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP welcomed two additional partners: Kim I. McCullough and Jeffrey Cowman. Lynne M. Hanson, Garrett Tuttle, John L. Ruppert and Michele J. Rowland joined the firm as "of" counsel.

The Michigan Restaurant Association.(People)
April 1, 2009... The Michigan Restaurant Association elected Bob Fish, CEO of Biggby Coffee as chairman for 2009.

Cox Target Media.(People)
April 1, 2009... Greg Bicker has been named president of Cox Target Media, parent company of Valpak.

Elements Therapeutic Massage.(People)
April 1, 2009... Elements Therapeutic Massage named Kyle Gjersee senior vice president of operations.

El Pollo Loco.(People)(Joe Stein and Gary Campanaro have been appointed)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Joe Stein, El Pollo Loco's CFO, has been selected for a newly-created position, senior vice president of strategy and Innovation; Gary Campanaro will fill the senior finance role.

Franchise Services, Inc.(People)(Richard Lowe and John Bowen have been named)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Franchise Services, Inc., whose print management brands include Sir Speedy, PIP, Signal Graphics, Copies Now and MultiCopy, restructured its executive management team. Richard Lowe became president and COO of the print management group; Dan...

Cheryl Hammons was hired as manager of training for Home Helpers and Direct Link.(People)(Cheryl Hammons, Joel Roadruck and Sue Susskind have been appointed)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Cheryl Hammons was hired as manager of training for Home Helpers and Direct Link; Joel Roadruck was promoted to manager of Direct Link; and Sue Susskind was promoted to manager of community relations for Home Helpers.

Home Instead Senior Care.(People)(Jeff Huber and Yoshino Nakajima have been named)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Jeff Huber, who joined Home Instead Senior Care in 1998 as franchise development manager, has been named chief administrative officer and Yoshino Nakajima, who helped build the company's international presence in 14 countries and the United...

Key West Inns.(People)
April 1, 2009... Key West Inns hired Rick Patel as the brand manager.

Krass Monroe.(People)
April 1, 2009... Krass Monroe Chairman Dennis Monroe has assumed additional responsibilities as CEO and general counsel of Parasole Restaurant Holdings. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Marco's Pizza.(People)
April 1, 2009... Marco's Pizza announced the promotion of Jim Strachan to vice president of operations.

The National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA).(People)(Scott Denniston has been named)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... The National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA) hired Scott Denniston as its director of programs. He served as director of the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Center for Veterans Enterprise since founding and signed the original...

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers.(People)(Lee Evans, Layne Marshall and David Williams have been appointed)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers named Lee Evans to vice president-controller, Layne Marshall as director of recruiting, David Williams as director of risk management and Rodney Morris as chief people officer. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Safeguard Business Systems.(People)
April 1, 2009... Safeguard Business Systems appointed J.J. Sorrenti as president.

SRA International.(People)
April 1, 2009... SRA International named Marty Thallman vice president of franchise development.

Tossed Franchise Corporation.(People)
April 1, 2009... Tossed Franchise Corporation promoted Eric Clark to chief operating officer.

Two Men And A Truck.(People)(Brig Sorber, Mary Hlen and Melanie Bergeron have been appointed)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Two Men And A Truck's board of directors has shifted roles: Brig Sorber, CFE, was named chief executive officer and president, Mary Hlen Sheets is founder, Melanie Bergeron, CFE, has become chairwoman of the board and Jon Sorber, CFE, is...

eMed-ID.(Growth)(Medical-identification franchise)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Medical-identification franchise eMed-ID recently launched a low-cost, home-based franchise concept that provides a personal USB device to consumers containing their comprehensive medical history, offering a simple way for consumers to document...

Glass Doctor opened its first Canadian franchise.(Growth)
April 1, 2009... Glass Doctor opened its first Canadian franchise, Glass Doctor of Kawartha Lakes, owned by Joe and Wendy Barrieau and Brian Stephens. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Motel 6.(Growth)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Motel 6 announced the opening of its 1,000th Motel 6/Studio 6 property and the first corporately-built and owned location to feature the new "Phoenix" room design. The Biloxi, Miss. property showcases the chain's room of the future, with...

Procter & Gamble is expanding its Mr. Clean Car Wash franchise chain nationwide through Agile Pursuits Franchising, a new P&G subsidiary established to oversee franchising efforts which will be led by Bruce Arnett Sr.(Growth)
April 1, 2009... Procter & Gamble is expanding its Mr. Clean Car Wash franchise chain nationwide through Agile Pursuits Franchising, a new P&G subsidiary established to oversee franchising efforts which will be led by Bruce Arnett Sr. 2001 IFA Chairman Jim...

Proforma.(Growth)
April 1, 2009... Proforma added 10 new members to its prestigious Million Dollar Club and four members into the Multi-Million Dollar Club.

Sandella's Flatbread Cafe.(Growth)
April 1, 2009... Sandella's Flatbread Cafe recently opened its first location in the United Arab Emirates in Dubai.

Wyndham Hotel Group.(Growth)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Wyndham Hotel Group recently launched seven hotels in China, including three new construction properties, under its Ramada, Howard Johnson and Super 8 brands. Among them is the five-star, 1,162-room Howard Johnson Resort Sanya Bay on Hainan...

Sports Clips celebrated the opening of its 600th store.
April 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Sports Clips celebrated the opening of its 600th store which is located in Wilson, N.C.

FASTSIGNS International.(Marketing)
April 1, 2009... FASTSIGNS International announced a partnership with digital signage leaders Scala and NEC Unified Solutions.

Fitness Together Franchise Corporation.(Marketing)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Fitness Together Franchise Corporation launched a national brand marketing campaign to communicate with high-end consumers. The campaign uses a sense of humor to break the ice and introduce fitness in a new way. Ad concepts include: "Stop...

Great American Cookies.(Marketing)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Great American Cookies is using social networking to market its signature Cookie Cakes via a "Cookie Cake Creator" application on Facebook where users can create a digital cake, customized with frosted artwork and text, and send it to as many...

HomeVestors of America.(Marketing)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... HomeVestors of America, famous for its "We Buy Ugly Houses" billboards, initiated the HomeVestors Wealth Builder Network to help real estate investors learn how to build long-term wealth through real estate.

Liberty Tax Service.(Marketing)
April 1, 2009... Liberty Tax Service, as part of its commitment to the Latino community through its Hispanic Initiative program, Una Farnilia Sin Fronteras (A Family without Boundaries) has begun sponsoring and hosting live 30-minute Spanish-language radio...

Uno Chicago Grill.(Marketing)
April 1, 2009... Uno Chicago Grill catered the Illinois Inaugural Celebration Ball with classic Uno deep-dish pizza featuring more than 30 themed dining rooms.

ColorTyme.(Milestones)
April 1, 2009... Rent-to-own franchise ColorTyme celebrated its 30th anniversary in January.

MaidPro.(Milestones)
April 1, 2009... MaidPro kicked off 2009 by opening its 100th franchise in the United States.

SRA International.(Milestones)
April 1, 2009... SRA International, franchisor of the Sanford Rose Associates Network, celebrated its 50th Anniversary in March. The company has also moved its headquarters to the Atlanta area. It was founded by Akron-area entrepreneur Sanford Rose who awarded...

The Dwyer Group.(Community Service)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... The Dwyer Group was recently honored for donating more food than any other company with 100 or more employees to the local Food for Families food drive. The company also set a new internal record, donating 27,717 pounds of food to the...

Home Helpers.(Community Service)(Conference news)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... In an attempt to spread the word about the Aid and Attendance Benefit to the nation's older population, Home Helpers, an in-home, non-medical care provider, and California-based Veterans Express, a free service to help elderly veterans maneuver...

Glass Doctor announced the winners of its Season of Sharing awards recently which encouraged franchisees to collect and donate non-perishable food items to local food banks and non-profit organizations.(Community Service)(Awards list)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Glass Doctor announced the winners of its Season of Sharing awards recently which encouraged franchisees to collect and donate non-perishable food items to local food banks and non-profit organizations. Award winners included Glass Doctor of...

Schlotzsky.(Community Service)(Schlotzsky's Inc.)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Schlotzsky's conducted a T-shirt art contest for its annual Bun Run, offering the design winner a $1,000 cash prize and recognition during the 5K event in Austin, Texas. The marathon attracts some 5,000 participants...

The William Rosenberg Family Foundation, which honors the founder of Dunkin' Donuts, granted $40,000 grant to the University of New Hampshire Rosenberg International Center of Franchising.(Philanthropy)
April 1, 2009... The William Rosenberg Family Foundation, which honors the founder of Dunkin' Donuts, granted $40,000 grant to the University of New Hampshire Rosenberg International Center of Franchising. The gift was made by Ann Rosenberg, CFE, widow of...

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Colorado Springs.(Honors & Awards)(DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen)(National Association of the Remodeling Industry)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Colorado Springs, associated with The Remodeler, has received a regional Contractor of the Year award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for a residential bathroom priced under $30,000. This is...

The Dwyer Group.(Honors & Awards)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... The Dwyer Group has been named one of the Best Companies to Work for in Texas for the second consecutive year. The company ranked 24 in the list that was published in Texas Monthly.

Fun Bus: Fitness for Kids, which uses school buses filled with equipment to encourage America's kids to exercise, named Felicia Murphy its Franchisee of the Year for 2008.(Honors & Awards)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Fun Bus: Fitness for Kids, which uses school buses filled with equipment to encourage America's kids to exercise, named Felicia Murphy its Franchisee of the Year for 2008. Murphy, a 43-year-old mother of two based in Indian Trail, N.C., won the...

Goddard Systems.(Honors & Awards)
April 1, 2009... Goddard Systems has received companywide accreditation from the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation.

Total Golf Adventures.(Honors & Awards)
April 1, 2009... Total Golf Adventures won two categories in the 16th Annual ING Industry Honors awards program at the PGA Merchandise Show.

Yale University Child Study Center, Educational Records Bureau and Children's Progress are launching a new study.(Education)
April 1, 2009... Yale University Child Study Center, Educational Records Bureau and Children's Progress are launching a new study for a pilot assessment program.

The Goddard School.(Education)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... The Goddard School has been selected to participate in the initial round of field-testing. Eleven Goddard schools will be included in a group of approximately 30 schools across the country.

Expanding the VetFran ranks.(Grins 2 Go photography )(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The signing of a franchise agreement with Jay Henderson, marks another veteran joining the Grins 2 Go photography franchise system. Henderson will open his photography franchise in Laguna Hills, Calif. in March. ...