Franchising World articles from August 2006

Franchising World archives from August 2006

Leveraging technology in franchising.(IN THIS ISSUE)(Editorial)
August 1, 2006... This issue of Franchising World magazine provides advice from experts who recommend ways to tap into the technology pipeline to garner the best results. "Franchisors who define, implement and manage their processes across franchise locations...

It's worth the trip.(IFA PRESIDENT'S COLUMN)(Franchise Appreciation Day)(International Franchise Association)(Column)
August 1, 2006... Traveling can be such a hassle these days. Between security checks, unpredictable weather, delays due to planes, trains and automobiles, lost luggage, crying babies--you know the drill. Well imagine heading out on a trip to the nation's capital...

Managing the chaos of technology: processes are essential to successful franchising and there are multiple ways to implement, manage, and improve them.(TECHNOLOGY STRATEGIES TO STAY AHEAD)
August 1, 2006... Although the mere mention of the word "process" can send the average entrepreneur into a catatonic state, it's a fact that franchisors who define, implement and manage their processes across many franchise locations have a higher likelihood of...

How to pay for technology: don't use copper wire: the right agreement language, right expectations and adequate funding make the difference.(TECHNOLOGY STRATEGIES TO STAY AHEAD)
August 1, 2006... What does one get when business partners are fighting over a penny? Copper wire. All too often this old joke is analogous to the way one approaches technology investments--fighting over the pennies versus focusing on the prize. Funding...

Managing prospective franchisee leads: technology can be used to manage contacts, build relationships and get results.(TECHNOLOGY STRATEGIES TO STAY AHEAD)
August 1, 2006... Don't blame marketing. Managing and closing qualified franchise sales that will produce quality owner-operators or area developers to support the objectives and growth plans of the franchise system will be the result of the processes that are...

Online training: things to know before you launch: upfront planning efforts will pay huge dividends at the end of the project and increase the likelihood of the training program being a success.(TECHNOLOGY STRATEGIES TO STAY AHEAD)
August 1, 2006... It's a typical sunny Friday afternoon in Southern California and the shipment of new training manuals has just arrived for the franchisee training class on Monday morning. As the first box is opened, the recipient takes a deep breath realizing...

Protect your technology investment: the time and money invested in franchise technology can have a lasting effect on the success and future of a franchise. Planning ahead is very important because, if done properly, technology can easily pay for itself many times over.(TECHNOLOGY STRATEGIES TO STAY AHEAD)
August 1, 2006... Technology is one of the harder aspects of franchising that most franchisors will eventually have to come to terms with. While some embrace new technology and try to implement it wherever possible, some avoid it like the plague. Depending on...

IFA Chairman takes franchising's message to "The Hill": IFA Chairman scouts nation's capital in advance of franchise community change.(FW FOCUS: LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE)(International Franchise Association's Lawrence Cohen )(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... No stranger to the nation's capital, International Franchise Association Chairman Lawrence "Doc" Cohen nevertheless felt the need to get a closer look at the lay of the land between 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and Capitol Hill where he'll lead a...

Rally the troops--the franchising community is heading to the Hill!(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)(Franchise Appreciation Day)(International Franchise Association)
August 1, 2006... The summer may be coming to an end, but the political scene is heating up. Everything from securing affordable healthcare to the thorny issue of immigration reform will be discussed at the seventh annual Franchise Appreciation Day event...

2006 FranPAC report card.(FW Focus: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
August 1, 2006... The following "report card" provides a snapshot of the International Association's current financial support to candidates for federal office as of mid-June. IFA's political action committee, FranPAC, supports pro-franchise, pro-business...

A franchising world Q & A with U.S. Rep. Sam Johnson: U.S. Rep. Sam Johnson returned home to Texas after serving in the Air Force for nearly three decades as a highly-decorated fighter pilot. Johnson flew combat missions in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars and was a prisoner of war in Hanoi for nearly seven years.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISING WORLD Q & A)(Interview)
August 1, 2006... After his military career, he established a home-building business and served in the exas legislature. Then, in 1991, he embarked on a new mission of service, representing Texas' Third District in the Congress. Johnson is the...

The future for small business health plan legislation.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)(International Franchise Association)
August 1, 2006... For more than a decade, a legislative proposal to allow small businesses and franchisees to pool together through membership in a national association, or a franchise system, to access affordable health care has been debated around Capitol...

The Massachusetts miracle: can a state's plan for universal health care really please everyone? Is this the beginning of a new wave of policymaking?(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
August 1, 2006... Earlier this year, the Democrat-controlled Massachusetts legislature and Republican Mitt Romney agreed on a radical new plan to provide health-care insurance to all Massachusetts residents. The program, which will become effective in July 2007,...

State legislature zero in on businesses: lawmakers float measures that can be costly, harmful to franchises.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
August 1, 2006... The 2006 cycle of state legislative sessions proved to be an active period for International Franchise Association's Government Relations Department, providing numerous opportunities to advocate on behalf of the franchise community. Although a...

Bush business nominee is off to a bumpy start.(The Dallas Morning News)(Matthew Shay of International Franchise Association supports Steve Preston )(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Matthew Shay, president of the International Franchise Association, has thrown his support behind Mr. Preston, noting that ServiceMaster is a franchisor. "Steve Preston knows the crucial role that franchised small businesses play in the...

The profile of franchising: 2006: IFA Educational Foundation-FRANdata study shows franchise systems growing at rapid pace, new concepts appearing in greater numbers.(SPECIAL REPORT)(International Franchise Association CutCopyPasteSelect All FindReplace Create TableDelete TableCreate TBCAuthorTitle Annotation Text BiographeeNames of PersonsCase NameCompany NamesEventsGeographic Scope DesignatorsGeographicGovernment AgenciesNamed CharacterNamed ThingsOrganizationsProductsStatutesSubject DescriptorsWorks)
August 1, 2006... Franchising is booming. Existing concepts are expanding at an increased pace, new concepts are being created in greater numbers, and the business format franchise model is showing up in more industries than ever before. Everywhere...

Franchise systems.(SPECIAL REPORT)
August 1, 2006... Almost all 18 industries are experiencing an increase in the number of franchised concepts (the lone exception being the Travel industry, which has had a modest reduction in franchise systems). From 2003 to 2005, the other 17 industries...

Improving your franchise network through proactive transfer: key steps to ensuring a smooth and meaningful transfer of an existing franchise.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISE RELATIONS)
August 1, 2006... It's the rare franchise prospect who is considering the eventual sale of their franchised business when they first decide to buy a franchise--and rightly so. Franchise systems want the new franchisee to focus on learning the system and...

Rosenberg Center study confirms global franchise growth.(FW FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)(Rosenberg International Center of Franchising)
August 1, 2006... The Rosenberg International Center of Franchising has been working with the International Franchise Association Educational Foundation and the association's Global Marketing Committee on a research project that investigates the current state...

Franchise system offers unusual spot for conferences, meetings.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
August 1, 2006... Finding suitable destinations and facilities to hold regional or system-wide meetings can be a challenge for franchise-system conference planners. What if in addition to providing an unusual location for the next conference or seminar, the host...

International Franchise Association Board gathers in Half Moon Bay, California for summer meeting.(FW FOCUS: LEADERSHIP)
August 1, 2006... It was a true test of business-professionals' discipline and attention-span, but the International Franchise Association's Board of Directors remained tightly-focused on their agenda, refusing to be distracted by challenging golf courses,...

Franchisors head West with rave reviews for IFE.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISING EVENTS)(International Franchise Expo)
August 1, 2006... They arrived in record numbers at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center from all corners of the world and from across the United States, including entrepreneurs and investors, young professionals and retirees, experienced multi-unit operators...

First Franchise Diversity Law Scholarship Awarded.(FW FOCUS: SCHOLARSHIP
August 1, 2006... Georgetown University Law Center student Alicia Winston has been named recipient of the first Franchise Law Diversity Scholarship Award. Established by the IFA Educational Foundation and sponsored by DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary US LLP, the...

Choice Hotels International.(PEOPLE)
August 1, 2006... Choice Hotels International announced the hiring of Mark Weiner as vice president, customer care.

Eatza Pizza.(PEOPLE)
August 1, 2006... Steve Belden has been named vice president of operations for Eatza Pizza.

Foley & Lardner announced that Michael J. Lockerby joined the firm as a partner.(PEOPLE)
August 1, 2006... Foley & Lardner announced that Michael J. Lockerby joined the firm as a partner in the Litigation Department.

Franchise Services.(PEOPLE)
August 1, 2006... Franchise Services, parent company of Sir Speedy, PIP, Copies Now, MultiCopy, inkTone, Digital Quickcolor and TeamLogic IT, appointed Keith Galus as vice president of marketing.

Lawn Doctor.(PEOPLE)
August 1, 2006... Lawn Doctor's Bob Goodyear, CFE, has been promoted to franchise development manager.

MEDIchair.(PEOPLE)
August 1, 2006... MEDIchair hired Mike Pinnegar as director, regional support-West.

Mr. Electric added Anna Dusi.(PEOPLE)
August 1, 2006... Mr. Electric added Anna Dusi as franchise systems specialist.

Cheryl Mullin & Associates.(PEOPLE)
August 1, 2006... Cheryl Mullin & Associates named Rachel Berke counsel to the firm.

Pet Butler.(PEOPLE)
August 1, 2006... Randall Edwin Brown has been named director of franchise operations for Pet Butler.

PostalAnnex+.(PEOPLE)
August 1, 2006... PostalAnnex+ hired Steve Goble as director of marketing communications.

RE/MAX International.(PEOPLE)
August 1, 2006... RE/MAX International promoted Marnie Blanco to vice president, eBusiness

Rita's Ices, Cones, Shakes and Other Cool Stuff picked Geoff Goodman as vice president.(PEOPLE)
August 1, 2006... Rita's Ices, Cones, Shakes and Other Cool Stuff picked Geoff Goodman as vice president for operations.

The United Franchise Group.(PEOPLE)
August 1, 2006... The United Franchise Group (SIGN-A-RAMA, EmbroidMe, Billboard Connection and World Franchisors) appointed Tom Johnson as corporate controller.

Sonic boosted its staff by adding Frank Bravato as director of Sonic Restaurants.(PEOPLE)(also added Doug Halley, Anne Burkett )(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Sonic boosted its staff by adding Frank Bravato as director of Sonic Restaurants, Richard C. Russell director of SRI real estate, Doug Halley senior director of architecture and engineering for Sonic Industries, Anne Burkett principal internal...

SRA International.(PEOPLE)
August 1, 2006... SRA International selected Mary Flaminio as vice president of operations.

Two Men And A Truck International brought on Steven Pinkos as technology liaison.(PEOPLE)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Two Men And A Truck International brought on Steven Pinkos as technology liaison, Jennifer Myers human resource manager, Michael Arrieta Garcia franchise development and support specialist, Karen Miller data entry assistant, and Drew Lockwood...

FW June 2006 correction.(Correction notice)
August 1, 2006... The June edition Of Franchising World omitted the locations of many of the Matco Tools' small business franchises purchased through VetFran. Matco Tools is a home-based, mobile distribution franchise servicing professional repair technicians...

Camille's Sidewalk Cafe.(Growth)
August 1, 2006... Camille's Sidewalk Cafe signed a master franchise agreement for Puerto Rico, South America, the Caribbean Basin, and portions of Florida.

Dunkin' Donuts.(Growth)
August 1, 2006... Dunkin' Donuts inked 40 new store development agreements for stores in major markets including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago, Cincinnati, Charlotte, Tampa and others. The company opened more than 300 new stores during its...

Eatza Pizza awarded its first area development agreement outside the United States to Felix Pinero and Marisela Oller.(Growth)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Eatza Pizza awarded its first area development agreement outside the United States to Felix Pinero and Marisela Oller of Port Orange, Fla. for restaurants in Puerto Rico.

Edible Arrangements International.(Growth)
August 1, 2006... Edible Arrangements International now has 500 franchises, with units in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.

HomeVestors of America opened the Ken D'Angelo Training Center at its corporate headquarters in Dallas.(Growth)
August 1, 2006... HomeVestors of America opened the Ken D'Angelo Training Center at its corporate headquarters in Dallas, named for the company's late founder.

Kinderdance awarded an area development franchise to Catherine Csajka.(Growth)
August 1, 2006... Kinderdance awarded an area development franchise to Catherine Csajka of Switzerland.

L A Weight Loss.(Growth)
August 1, 2006... L A Weight Loss marked the opening of its 800th center with a new location in Sparks, Nev.

Meineke Holding Co. Inc. announced that the privately-held corporation will undergo a name change and operate as Driven Brands Inc.(Growth)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Meineke Holding Co. Inc. announced that the privately-held corporation will undergo a name change and operate as Driven Brands Inc. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., it will serve as the parent company for three separate businesses: Meineke Car...

RE/MAX International's Chaves De Casa has opened in the capital city of Maputo, Mozambique.(Growth)
August 1, 2006... RE/MAX International's Chaves De Casa has opened in the capital city of Maputo, Mozambique under the co-ownership of Steve Snider and Rui Samo Gudo.

Hot Dog on a Stick.(Marketing)
August 1, 2006... To celebrate its 60th anniversary, Hot Dog on a Stick gave away 50,000 signature hot dogs at its locations on June 13.

Moe's Southwest Grill.(Marketing)
August 1, 2006... Moe's Southwest Grill launched its first national branding campaign in July with Burritos for Life burrito eating contest and sweepstakes.

Dave and Gail Liniger, chairman and vice chairman and cofounders of RE/MAX International were presented with the Ballington and Maud Booth Award for Distinguished Service to Humanity by Volunteers of America.(Honors and Awards)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Dave and Gail Liniger, chairman and vice chairman and cofounders of RE/MAX International were presented with the Ballington and Maud Booth Award for Distinguished Service to Humanity by Volunteers of America. They were recognized for their...

Raving Brands.(promotes Stephen M. LaMastra )(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Raving Brands promoted Stephen M. LaMastra to president and chief operating officer and simultaneously announced a $25 million recapitalization with Wells Fargo for its Moe's Southwest Grill brand.

Sentinel Capital Partners acquired Interim Healthcare.(Honors and Awards)
August 1, 2006... Sentinel Capital Partners acquired Interim Healthcare, a provider of home healthcare and supplemental health staffing services.

Ernst & Young 2006 Hospitality Entrepreneur of the Year for the Carolinas.(Awards)
August 1, 2006... Nelson J. Marchioli, CEO and president of Denny's Corp. was selected as the Ernst & Young 2006 Hospitality Entrepreneur of the Year for the Carolinas.

MEDIchair employees Karen Husli and Trevor Eichelbaum received their professional ATS certification (Assistive Technology Supplier).(Awards)(from The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... MEDIchair employees Karen Husli and Trevor Eichelbaum received their professional ATS certification (Assistive Technology Supplier) through The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America.

PostalAnnex+.(Awards)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... PostalAnnex+ was honored with an Emmy award for direction in a TV commercial. The honor was announced at the National Academy of Television and Sciences 32nd annual Pacific Southwest Emmy Awards in June. The advertise ment also received a...

Wiley Rein & Fielding.(won the Sodexho Law Department)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Wiley Rein & Fielding received the Sodexho Law Department's Commitment to Diversity Award, presented in recognition of the firm's participation in the department's minority student job-shadowing program.

Beef 'O' Brady's.(Community Service)
August 1, 2006... Beef 'O' Brady's awarded $34,000 in scholarships to restaurant employees throughout its system.

RE/MAX International.(Community Service)(donations to Children's Miracle Network Telethon)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... RE/MAX International's system wide 2005 contributions to the Children's Miracle Network were nearly $10 million, marking the 14th consecutive year that the company's efforts topped each previous year. Funds raised for the children's cause to...

DVDs on the run to franchise.(WHAT THE MEDIA IS SAYING)(Matthew R. Shay of International Franchise Association)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... "People generally franchise their businesses because they recognize franchises are an effective way to expand a business into new markets and do so fairly rapidly with a relative minimum of expense," said Matthew R. Shay, International...