Franchising World articles from August 2005

Franchising World archives from August 2005

Strength in numbers.(IN THIS ISSUE)(issues facing franchisers)
August 1, 2005... By now many of you are familiar with the statistics found in the franchising sector's groundbreaking study The Economic Impact of Frachised Businesses. There you will read that franchising accounts for nearly 10 percent of private-sector...

The best defense.(IFA PRESIDENT'S COLUMN)(meeting of associations across the U.S.)
August 1, 2005... I recently had the opportunity to participate in a meeting hosted by the United States Chamber of Commerce at which there were approximately 100 chief executive officers of association's from across the country. This group encompassed a broad...

Embracing technology: building a stronger system with effective franchisee relations; planning and implementing a system that is scalable and maintainable is important to improve inefficiencies and enhance profitability as a franchise organization grows.(TAMING TECHNOLOGY)
August 1, 2005... During the last 40 years as a technology professional, I have seen small- and medium-sized businesses, including franchise organizations, struggle with the use of information technology as a critical component for growth, communication and...

Does the Internet solve all of your franchisees' problems? Ways to effectively use the Internet for franchisee operations.(TAMING TECHNOLOGY)
August 1, 2005... In January 2000, America Online had just acquired Time Warner for $182 billion dollars in stock and debt, becoming AOL Time Warner Inc. Ford CEO Jac Nasser was proclaiming that the Internet "will transform how we think, design, manufacture and...

Including technology in the franchise offering: franchisors can provide franchisees with their basic technology needs. It could be the best $200 ever spent.(TAMING TECHNOLOGY)
August 1, 2005... If someone proposed they could prevent up to one-half of a company's franchisee information technology support problems for less than $200, would you believe it? The probable answer would be "No way!" Well, franchises can do just that with...

Pulling franchisee data back: common practices and implementation.(TAMING TECHNOLOGY)
August 1, 2005... Franchisees are an incredible source of information. Only recently, however, has it been cost effective for more than a handful of franchisors to tap this data and make use of it. There are three main reasons to collect franchisee data: to...

Electronic UFOC disclosure: can you and should you? More franchisors are answering these questions with an emphatic "yes".(TAMING TECHNOLOGY)(Uniform Franchise Offering Circular)
August 1, 2005... Jerrod Sessler, CEO of HomeTask.com, says: "There are obvious efficiency benefits of electronic disclosure of the UFOC, and we also use it as a yard stick to measure our candidates' technical comfort and ability. The HomeTask Handyman...

Domain names: identifying and battling other cyberpirates: while it is not possible to prevent all cyberpiracy, it can be drastically curbed by monitoring trade name and mark use on the Internet, and pursuing appropriate actions against cyberpirates.(TAMING TECHNOLOGY)
August 1, 2005... Clashes over domain names are becoming more common as the number of domain names proliferate and cyberpirates become more audacious. Cybersquatters register as domain names the trademarks and trade names of businesses and even the names of...

Keeping your customers in sight--getting insights from your customers: franchises can add value by getting insights from customers.(TAMING TECHNOLOGY)
August 1, 2005... Franchise professionals can directly attribute part of their success to identifying and implementing business processes that are reliable, repeatable and cost-effective. Technology solutions for accounting, time-tracking and billing, and...

Teleworking: is it right for your organization? Teleworking is a trend that will continue to grow and advance with the rate of technological advances and growth.(TAMING TECHNOLOGY)(technologies applied in franshising business)
August 1, 2005... Finally, you've found that perfect candidate for your team. However, when she finds out she will have to relocate to Middleofnowhere, Y.Z. she decides maybe it's not such a great offer after all. Or, you're looking over your most recent...

Franchise Appreciation Day: forum to tackle key legislative issues; International Franchise Association-member companies participating in the 2005 Franchise Appreciation Day on Sept. 12-13 in Washington, D.C. will be discussing some of franchising's most important legislative priorities with their senators and members of Congress.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
August 1, 2005... Top issues for Franchise Appreciation Day will include small-business health plan legislation (formerly know as association health plans) and the Veteran's Self-Employment Act. Other issues such as minimum wage, legal reform, immigration reform...

Q & A with U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson.(FW FOCUS: A FRANCHISING WORLD Q AND A)(Interview)
August 1, 2005... U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson is a family man, business owner and public servant. He served as president of Northside Realty for 22 years, 17 years in the Georgia General Assembly and three years as chairman of the Georgia Board of Education. In...

IFA state legislative agenda moves forward; using state capitol visits and participating in carefully selected organizations is part of an overall government relations strategy designed to advance IFA's state legislative agenda.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
August 1, 2005... Since Jan. 2004, the government relations staff of the International Franchise Association has visited 21 states in an intensive effort to educate state lawmakers about the economic benefits that accrue from franchising. Capital visits are an...

New legislative changes for franchisors doing business in Canada: the PEI Act and the other recent changes to the Ontario and Alberta Regulations provide good reasons to review their Canadian disclose documents to ensure compliance not only with the act, but with all laws governing franchises in Canada.(FW FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL LAW)
August 1, 2005... Things are heating up in the north this summer as Canadian provincial legislators have turned their attention to franchising. Prince Edward Island recently passed a franchise disclosure law for the first time, Ontario amended its regulations...

Quebec City hosts International Franchise Association leaders.(FW FOCUS: IFA LEADERSHIP)
August 1, 2005... Judging from the photographs, one could hardly imagine that the International Franchise Association's Summer Board of Directors gathering in Quebec City included hours of discussions on topics ranging from strategic planning to budget...

Setting up a franchise in the land of E Pluribus Unum.(FW FOCUS: TRENDS)
August 1, 2005... Several years ago on a cold day, armed with the data that had been received from the Church's franchise business development office, I drove through the West side of town. At just the right time, I got an important call, not on the cell phone,...

As entrepreneurs, seniors lead U.S. start-ups; the image of senior start-ups is making businesses re-think their options.(FW FOCUS: TRENDS)
August 1, 2005... Once dominated by young, highly-driven, technology-oriented entrepreneurs, start-up activity is quickly being taken over by individuals who, while still driven and tech-savvy, happen to be in their 50s, 60s and 70s. As companies outsource...

Entrepreneur joins ranks of franchisees; Small Business Development Centers play a key role in business development.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT)
August 1, 2005... When Pilar Jacobs attended the international Franchise Association's franchise Training Seminar in Santa Ana, Calif. Feb. 24, she had no idea how quickly she would use the information. Jacobs, a loan specialist with the Orange County Small...

Strategic planning with system franchisees: it will be exciting for franchisees and the system because it will reap great rewards.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISE RELATIONS)(essentials of strategic planning in franchising)
August 1, 2005... Strategic planning is essential for the long-term success of operating organizations. The best planning is accomplished when the organization's key constituencies are included. In a franchise system the franchisees are a primary constituency,...

Contract and renewal issues for mature franchisors: franchisors of mature systems need to work with their franchisees to accomplish beneficial system changes. Unilateral mandates should be used sparingly.(FW FOCUS: LEGAL)(contracting methods in franchisings)
August 1, 2005... Franchisors of mature systems continuously face the challenge of keeping their concepts fresh and competitive while simultaneously dealing with old franchise agreements. The franchisor may want to require franchisees to invest in new...

Nexus goes to Washington; as this edition of Franchising World went to press, the International Franchise Association filed an amicus (friend of the court) brief in support of Supreme Court review in A&F Trademarks v. State of North Carolina as cited in this article.(FW FOCUS: LEGAL)
August 1, 2005... Victoria's Secret wants to appear before the U.S. Supreme Court to strip off its tax liability. As reported by publisher CCH Inc., on June 2, 2005, Limited Brands, the owner of Abercrombie & Fitch and Victoria's Secret, filed a petition for...

The West Coast becomes franchise learning central in November; from franchise opportunities to the latest educational seminars on government regulation, it's all here.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISE EVENTS)
August 1, 2005... Like any enterprise, franchising can be a tough business. Initiative, drive and motivation will get franchisors only so far. Successful franchisors and franchisees must also make financial and personal commitments to their businesses and make...

High school scholars capture international franchising's prize; while many students were giving serious consideration to their spring break plans, some high school scholars were realizing the benefits of a different type of strategic planning.(FW FOCUS: EDUCATION & TRAINING)(Franchising and Entrepreneurship at DECA's 2005)
August 1, 2005... Three high school students were recognized recently for producing the best paper on "Franchising and Entrepreneurship" at DECA's 2005 International Career Development Conference held in Anaheim, Calif. this spring. The annual contest is...

Scholarship named for former IFA president: first DECA scholarship planned.(FW FOCUS: EDUCATION & TRAINING)(International Franchise Association)
August 1, 2005... A new scholarship program that is designed to motivate outstanding high school and college students to pursue franchising and entrepreneurship studies will be named in honor of former International Franchise Association President Don DeBolt....

Veterans Scholarship Program gains additional sponsor; the IFA Educational Foundation recently gained an additional sponsor for the Veterans Scholarship Program. Janice Dwyer, CFE, president of Luce, Smith & Scott, has established a veterans scholarship in the company's name, in cooperation with the IFA Educational Foundation.(FW FOCUS: EDUCATION & TRAINING)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Veterans Scholarships have been been established by Michael H. Seid & Associates and Figaro's Italian Pizza. The $2,500 scholarships are awarded annually to U.S. military veterans enrolled in business and entrepreneurial courses of study at...

IFA's support for veterans gains government recognition; more than 350 veterans own franchised small businesses today because of the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, an International Franchise Association program known as VetFran, which offers discounted franchise fees to veterans seeking to purchase a franchise.(FW FOCUS: VETERAN'S OUTREACH)
August 1, 2005... Deputy Secretary Gordon H. Mansfield, of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, recently recognized this successful program as well as the IFA Educational Foundation's Veterans Scholarship Program by awarding the association with its Support...

Big O Tires.(Peter B. Hultgren appointed)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Big O Tires named Peter B. Hultgren senior vice president of strategic business development.

Blimpie International.(PEOPLE)(John Campbell appointed)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... John Campbell has joined Blimpie International as vice president of global development.

Camp Bow Wow.(PEOPLE)(Crickett Christgau appointed)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Camp Bow Wow has selected Crickett Christgau as director of marketing and events.

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide.(PEOPLE)(Matt Durbin appointed)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Carlson Restaurants Worldwide has announced that Matt Durbin will lead the T.G.I. Friday's U.S. team as beverage marketing director.

Denny's Inc.(appointments)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Denny's Inc. named Enrique N. Mayor-Mora as vice president of planning and analysis. He was previously vice president of finance at Gap Inc. The company also announced the election of Brenda J. Lauderback and Michael Montelongo to the company's...

The Dwyer Group Inc.(Mike Owens appointed)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... The Dwyer Group Inc. has named Mike Owens director of vendor programs and president of a newly-created company, ProTradeNet LLC.

Executive Tans.(Joseph Levy appointed)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Executive Tans appointed Joseph Levy vice president for education and training.

Franchise Gator.(Farrah Kennedy appointed)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Franchise Gator promoted Farrah Kennedy to vice president of operations.

HomeVestors of America Inc.(appointments)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... HomeVestors of America Inc. named Mark Hagen, vice president of marketing, Jason Killough, director of development, David Hicks, director of franchise systems management, Scott Bowling, business development manager, and Steve Klein, collateral...

Lenny's Franchisor.(Lenny's Sub Shops appoints Brad Crawford and Molly Fitzpatrick)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Lenny's Franchisor (Lenny's Sub Shops) hired Brad Crawford as manager of finance and planning, and Molly Fitzpatrick as marketing coordinator.

The Maids Home Services.(Laird Mott appointed)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... The Maids Home Services named Laird Mott as business coach.

Molly Maid Inc.(Harrison Young H apppointed)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Molly Maid Inc. selected Harrison (Harry) Young H president. He has more than 30 years of domestic and international management experience and has been president and CEO or COO of six companies with annual sales ranging from $3 million to $100...

PostNet Int'l Franchise Corp.(Rick Greenbaum appointed)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... PostNet Int'l Franchise Corp. promoted Rick Greenbaum to director of franchise development and Dayton C. Baldwin III to general manager.

Proforma.(Chris Simnick appointed, Lawrence J. DeAngelo joins Roark Capital Group)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Proforma has named Chris Simnick as chief franchise development officer Lawrence J. DeAngelo has joined Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm

Rock Bottom Restaurants Inc.(John Hyduke appointed)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Rock Bottom Restaurants Inc., the franchisor for Old Chicago appointed John Hyduke as vice president of franchise development.

Subway.(Subway Restaurants appoints Steven Safier )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Subway appointed Dr. Steven Safier as senior vice president and chief administrative officer of the Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust.

Cold Stone Creamery.(Phoenix Fire Department donates Make-A-Wish Foundation of America)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Cold Stone Creamery executives and Phoenix Fire Department firefighters present a check for $751,943.06, the largest donation in company history, to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. Donations were collected at stores nationwide in April...

Eatza Pizza Inc. has signed a five-year contract.(Marketing)
August 1, 2005... Eatza Pizza Inc. has signed a five-year contract with Coca-Cola

RE/MAX International.(becomes official real estate partner of Little League Baseball and Softball )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... RE/MAX International has become the official real estate partner of Little League Baseball and Softball in the United States and Canada.

Meineke Car Care Centers Inc.(partners with Allied Capital Corp.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Meineke Car Care Centers Inc. underwent a management-led re-capitalization with Allied Capital as its new financial partner.

HomeVestors of America Inc.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... HomeVestors of America Inc. signed its 250th franchise.

Sergio Papadopoulos.(RE/MAX office purchased)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Sergio Papadopoulos, a successful Canadian RE/MAX agent heads a corporation which has purchased the first RE/MAX office in Panama, making it the 55th country for the global real estate franchisor. Panama is part of the RE/MAX Central America...

Zayed and Solah Al Jaidah operating as Jaidah Brothers have purchased the first RE/MAX franchise in Qatar.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Zayed and Solah Al Jaidah operating as Jaidah Brothers have purchased the first RE/MAX franchise in Qatar, making it the 56th country for the global real estate franchisor.

Private-equity firm Sentinel Capital Partners sold Falcon Holdings to Falcon CEO Aslam Khan and his management team.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Private-equity firm Sentinel Capital Partners sold Falcon Holdings to Falcon CEO Aslam Khan and his management team. With 101 units Falcon is one of the largest franchisees in the worldwide chain of Church's Chicken restaurants.

Subway.(Subway Restaurants opens new location in United kingdom)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... Subway has opened its 400th location in the United Kingdom.

College Nannies & Tutors Development, Inc. is beginning to franchise businesses which offer child development programs and academic tutoring programs and services.(Welcome to Franchising)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2005... College Nannies & Tutors Development, Inc. is beginning to franchise businesses which offer child development programs and academic tutoring programs and services. Founded in 2001, College Nannies & Tutors was started by Joseph Keeley after...

International Franchise Association programs and calendar of industry events.(FW FOCUS: IMPORTANT DATES IN FRANCHISING)
August 1, 2005... 2005 AUGUST 6 Franchise Sales Mastery * Joseph Matthews- Franchise Coaching Company Litchfield, Conn. Contact: ICFE 22-23 How to Manage the Franchise Relationship Management 2000 Houston Contact: ICFE 25-26...