Franchising World articles from December 2005

Franchising World archives from December 2005

Focus on the brand.(IN THIS ISSUE)
December 1, 2005... A franchise can have the most desired product or service, but if customers don't know about it, the company may as well be invisible. Having a marketing plan is one thing, but implementing a well-thought-out one pays hefty dividends. ...

2005: What a year for IFA! As we prepare to close our calendars on the year, it is important that we pause for a moment and glance back at 2005. For many, December is a time for joyous celebration and gift-giving, of family gatherings and of appreciation for life's benefits and blessings.(IFA PRESIDENT'S COLUMN)
December 1, 2005... Here at the International Franchise Association, we feel especially blessed to enjoy the benefits that an active, aggressive and dedicated group of leaders offers to the franchising sector. The prominent names that highlight our board of...

Key accounts and a franchised system: this meaningful strategy can boost a franchise's development, but it takes time and expertise to develop.(MARKETING MAGIC: MOVING YOUR FRANCHISE TO THE HEAD OF THE LINE)
December 1, 2005... Any strong franchised service company will inevitably get called upon by small and large chains to perform work on their locations. Strategically, the franchisor must decide the rules of engagement for their system. The immediate allure of such...

Franchisees must be on board to strengthen brand message: keep your brand consistent and keep it strong. If the franchise puts all of that together, it will have the strongest brand on the block.(MARKETING MAGIC: MOVING YOUR FRANCHISE TO THE HEAD OF THE LINE)
December 1, 2005... Minor changes in brand messaging may start as ripples, but can quickly turn into tidal waves if allowed to rage out of control. The success or failure of business lies in the strength and consistency of brand message. Branding is much more...

Going downmarket--with care: Star Tribune (Minneapolis).(WHAT THE MEDIA IS SAYING)
December 1, 2005... The expert's opinion: Matthew Shay, president of the International Association, said the Monsons [DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen franchisees] have the best of both worlds. "The beauty of a franchise system is that it is flexible, adaptable,...

Marketing and information technology come together: technology now impacts almost every facet of marketing. Franchise systems need to have a process in place that allows these disciplines to work effectively together so they can strength the brand and achieve the goals of the system, franchisees and customers.
December 1, 2005... Senior marketing executives from all industries have observed that there has been more change in marketing in the last five years than in the last 30 years. This transformation has significantly escalated consumers' exposures to marketing...

Making sure your advertising ends with a happy ending: Who? What? Where? How? Mark Twain wrote, "Many a small thing has been made large with the right kind of advertising.".
December 1, 2005... Four important words Today, newspaper editors tell cub reporters to remember the basic keys to writing a story: who, what, where, when and why. These keys hold true for advertising as well. By developing a vision that factors in these...

The latest FAD in lobbying: Franchise Times.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... One member referred to the International Franchise Association's annual trek to the Hill as real people with real problems--the ultimate reality show. Armed with three talking points, a study broken down into the economic impact of franchising...

Increase your franchise's visibility: a guide for maximizing your exposure on Franchise.org and the Web.(MARKETING MAGIC: MOVING YOUR FRANCHISE TO THE HEAD OF THE LINE)
December 1, 2005... Notice anything new at www.franchise.org? The International Franchise Association recently re-designed its Web site and has become one of the pre-eminent franchise lead portals on the Internet. With more than 200,000 "unique" visitors per month...

Using earnings claims to market your franchise: if properly drafted, supported, and qualified, a written earnings claim should enhance a franchisor's ability to market its franchise without increasing legal exposure.(MARKETING MAGIC: MOVING YOUR FRANCHISE TO THE HEAD OF THE LINE)
December 1, 2005... Should earnings claims be made? Should they be mandatory? Do they increase or decrease liability exposure for the franchisor? What form should they take? What information should be included? While franchise disclosure laws mandate providing...

Congresswoman turns the tables, visits Big O Tires franchisee: Franchise Appreciation Day invitation accepted by New Mexico leader.(Heather A. Wilson)(Big O Tires franchisee)
December 1, 2005... U.S. Rep. Heather A. Wilson (R--N.M.) was comfortably ensconced in her Capitol Hill office when a delegation of New Mexico constituents came to visit during September's Franchise Appreciation Day. As anyone who has visited the bustling offices...

Hosting events stretch IFA's FranPAC dollar.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
December 1, 2005... Throughout the year, the International Franchise Association hosts a number of small, intimate fundraising events for franchise-friendly lawmakers. The benefits of hosting a fundraiser, rather than just attending and contributing to an event,...

State round-up: wage increases defeated or vetoed: governor Schwarzenegger vetoes health care reporting bill.
December 1, 2005... In an election that the International Franchise Association hopes is a precursor to November 2006, Albuquerque voters on Oct. 4 rejected an attempt by organized labor and the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now to enact a...

Q & A with Georgia Representative Earl Ehrhart.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISING WORLD Q & A)(Interview)
December 1, 2005... Georgia Rep. Earl Ehrhart represents the state's 36th District. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1988, and serves on the Rules, Appropriations, Banks and Banking, and Intergovermental Cooperation Committee. He is also the...

Diversity Institute Advisory Council a vital source of information and collaboration.(FW FOCUS: DIVERSITY OUTREACH)
December 1, 2005... On Sept. 12, the first meeting of the newly-formed International Franchise Association's Diversity Institute was held in Washington, D.C. While the board of the institute is solely comprised of IFA-company members, the institute also features...

Franchise Appreciation Day: The Metro Herald (Alexandria, Va.).(WHAT THE MEDIA IS SAYING)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The International Franchise Association will welcome members from across the nation to Washington, D.C. for the major grassroots initiative that will include visits to Capitol Hill, a briefing by regulators and a keynote address by Bob...

When a large, established company decides to become a franchise: with 1,700 outlets in 50 states, a company decides to take the plunge.(Chester's International)
December 1, 2005... When a large, established company decides to change its business format to that of a franchised organization, there is a learning curve that cannot be underestimated. Everything that the company has done to bring it to its present state of...

How do you mend a broken franchise system? Precision Tune's revitalization strategy put the system back on track to profitability.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS)
December 1, 2005... How do you mend a broken franchise system? Similar to mending a broken heart, it takes time to heal. In the summer of 2001, the Precision Tune Auto Care system was broken. When I say "broken," think of Humpty-Dumpty. One had to look no...

Proactive change: is your franchise system a candidate for 'extreme makeover'? A franchise organization can go from mediocre to superior, but never without taking on the challenge of change.(Company Profile)
December 1, 2005... Change can evoke the most dramatic of emotions in all of us. Change can be scary, exciting, dreadful or saddening. Validation for this lies in the popularity of television's "extreme makeover" shows-from homes and businesses to beauty and...

Franchise relations publications provide wealth of best practices: International Franchise Association offers wide variety of publications, information that focus on franchise relations.(FW FOCUS FRANCHISE RELATIONS)
December 1, 2005... When a franchise executive or an individual franchisee encounters a difficult problem in managing, developing or expanding their respective organization, one of the very first challenges they must confront is how and where to obtain quality...

Measuring political and economic risk: the ability to measure and understand risk is a key success factor when deciding to expand business operations into foreign markets.(FW FOCUS INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
December 1, 2005... Political and economic risk is always a factor in international commerce due to the unavoidable differences between the laws, customs and policies of foreign governments. As foreigners entering new markets, we often lack the local market...

Report: the International Franchise Association's 2005 Asia trade mission.(FW FOCUS INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
December 1, 2005... Before the International Franchise Association's 2005 trade mission to Asia got underway, some pre-mission activities started in Thailand when Betsy Ludlow, founder and president of Slim and Tone, along with Edwards Global Services Inc.'s Pres....

Commerce department helps franchisors go global: U.S. Commercial Service anchors franchising team: The franchising sector is worth more than $1.53 trillion a year to the U.S. economy and continues to grow. American franchisors looking to tap new opportunities in the global marketplace can benefit from the export services of Commerce Department's International Trade Administration Franchising Team.(FW FOCUS INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
December 1, 2005... Margaret McEntire has always had a sweet tooth and a flair for decorating. Formerly a teacher, she quit the profession and retired to her garage to perfect her franchising concept and never looked back. As founder, president and CEO of Candy...

Duraclean makes sale to China with commercial news USA.
December 1, 2005... Duraclean International, Inc. of Arlington Heights, Ill., is a service franchise providing a wide range of commercial and residential cleaning services. A long term client of the U.S. Commercial Service's Export Assistance Center in Chicago,...

American Trading Centers initiative means new opportunities for U.S. franchisors in China.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... American franchisors looking to do business in China are among firms that will benefit from a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the Commerce Department's U.S....

Let's go shopping: the International Franchise Association's annual convention could be considered education central, the networking capital or new ideas "R" us. But its also a great place to shop ... for goods and services every franchise system needs.(FW FOCUS: IFA ANNUAL CONVENTION)
December 1, 2005... The annual convention is a place to learn new ideas from pioneers and trendsetters in the franchising community by addressing a variety of topics that affect franchised businesses. However, can convention-goers count the number of times that...

The International Franchise Expo celebrates 15th anniversary: when the doors open for the 2006 International Franchise Expo in Washington, D.C., the act will signal 15 years of growth and excellence.(FRANCHISE EXPO)
December 1, 2005... It's a fantastic beginning. That's what MFV Expositions is calling the upcoming 15th anniversary of the International Franchise Expo in June 2006. However, celebrating 15 years as the leading international franchising exhibition is about...

IFA Educational Foundation, Michael H. Seid Associates scholarship awarded.(International Franchise Association, Kaharie Izobo)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Kaharie Izobo has been named to receive an educational advancement scholarship established by the International Franchise Association Educational Foundation and Michael H. Seid & Associates. The scholarship is...

Big O Tires.(Steve Steffens appointed)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Big O Tires selected Western Division vice president Steve Steffens as vice president of marketing.

Brooke Corporation.(Bryan Whipple promoted)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Brooke Corporation announced that Bryan Whipple has been promoted to senior vice president of company marketing.

Earl of Sandwich.(Ian Schneider appointed)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Earl of Sandwich picked Ian Schneider as director of franchise development.

Edible Arrangements Franchise Group.(John Eucalitto appointed)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... John Eucalitto has been named vice president of operations for Edible Arrangements Franchise Group.

Figaro's Italian Pizza.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Figaro's Italian Pizza named John Mills executive vice president of operations and franchise development, Jerry Doty vice president of marketing, Don Suklis vice president of operations, Mike Fitzgerald vice president of field operations and...

HCX Salons International.(Howard Kaplan appointed)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... HCX Salons International appointed Howard Kaplan as manager of franchise development.

Huntington Learning Centers.(J.J. Sorrenti appointed)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... J.J. Sorrenti has been named CEO of Huntington Learning Centers.

It's a Grind Coffee House.(Rick Kowalski appointed )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... It's A Grind Coffee House appointed Rick Kowalski as vice president of operations.

Lenny's Franchisor, franchisor of Lenny's Sub Shops.(Nicole Camurati, Linda Costas and Teresa D'Amore promoted)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Lenny's Franchisor, franchisor of Lenny's Sub Shops promoted Nicole Camurati to sales support representative, Linda Costas to vice president of real estate and brand management, and Teresa D'Amore to director of restaurant development.

PostNet International Franchise Corporation.(Louis Beaupre appointed)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Louis Beaupre has been named vice president and general manager for PostNet International Franchise Corporation.

RE/MAX Relocation.(Amy Greenfield appointed)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Amy Greenfield has been named director of business operations for RE/MAX Relocation. She will also continue to serve as corporate counsel.

Signs Now.(Bernard Haun promoted)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Signs Now promoted Bernard Haun to vice president of marketing and communications.

Sona MedSpa International.(new postings for Heather Rose, Jim Amos)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Heather Rose has been promoted to president and CEO of Sona MedSpa International. Jim Amos will step aside day-to-day responsibilities with the company, but remain on the board of directors as non-executive chairman.

Sonic Corp.(appointments)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Sonic Corp. promoted Eddie Saroch to senior vice president, field services, Alan Cantrell to vice president, field finance, Todd Wekenborg to senior director, field marketing, and appointed Sharon Strickland senior director of potential,...

Subway.(Rick Ueable appointed)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Subway franchisee Rick Ueable has been named chairman of the board for the company's Independent Purchasing Cooperative, which implements purchasing and distribution programs for the more than 10,000 franchisees and 24,000 Subway restaurants.

Cardsmart.(delivers gifts for the soldiers)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Cardsmart stores around Rhode Island helped U.S. troops from the state through Lt. Gov. Charles Fogarty's "Operation Holiday Cheer" in October. Gifts for the soldiers were to be dropped off at any Cardsmart store up by month's end.

Cartridge World.(opens center in Atlanta)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Cartridge World opened its 1,000th retail location in Atlanta.

Edible Arrangements Franchise Group.(250th franchise)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Edible Arrangements Franchise Group signed its 250th franchise, slated to open in New York's Greenwich Village by year's end.

Liberty Fitness Holdings.(relocates to Austin, Texas )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Liberty Fitness Holdings relocated its corporate operations to Austin, Texas at 1701 Directors Blvd., Suite 110. CEO Linda Burzynski said the move will provide increased access and support to new and existing franchisees and drive national...

Navis Pack & Ship Centers.(franchise agreement with Pamela Vanston)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Navis Pack & Ship Centers awarded its first international master franchise agreement to Pamela Vanston of Canada.

RE/MAX.(George Petrov and Hyan Nikolov buys Bulgarian branch)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... RE/MAX Bulgaria has been purchased by George Petrov and Hyan Nikolov, and becomes the 58th country for the real estate network.

Subway.(opens center in India)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Subway opened its 50th location in India.

UPS subsidiary Mail Boxes Etc.(opens center in India)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... UPS subsidiary Mail Boxes Etc. opened its first location in India.

American Securities Capital Partners.(divestment plans)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... American Securities Capital Partners has agreed to sell El Polio Loco to Trimaran Capital Partners.

Cendant Corp.(reorganization plans)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Cendant Corp. announced a plan to separate the company into four independent, publicly-traded, pure-play companies--one each for Cendant's real estate, travel distribution, hospitality and vehicle rental businesses. The plan is designed to...

Meineke Holding Co., parent of Meineke Car Care Centers, has acquired Aero-Colours, a Minneapolis-based automotive mobile paint repair franchise that services new- and used-car dealerships.(Transactions & Acquisitions)
December 1, 2005... Meineke Holding Co., parent of Meineke Car Care Centers, has acquired Aero-Colours, a Minneapolis-based automotive mobile paint repair franchise that services new- and used-car dealerships. Pres. and CEO Kenneth D. Walker said: "When the time...

Cinnabon.(Marketing)
December 1, 2005... Cinnabon re-opened its original Seattle bakery, located in The Commons at Federal Highway. Franchise partner CinnaWorkS will oversee the location, which marks the entity's 112th owned and operated bakery. "Re-opening the original Cinnabon...

Denny.(title sponsorship deal with Professional Bowlers Association)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Denny's and the Professional Bowlers Association have agreed to a three-year, multi-million dollar title sponsorship that makes Denny's the title sponsor of the Denny's PBA Tour through the 2007-08 season.

Buffalo's Southwest Cafe.(Community Service)(Southwest Cafes Inc.)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Don Scott of Dacula, Ga., was declared the nation's Wing-Eating Champion at "Just Wing It," Buffalo's Southwest Cafe's first national wing-eating challenge in Atlanta. The championship was a featured event during the recent March of Dimes Ride...

Denny.(fund raising for Education and Youth division of National Urban League )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Denny's partnered with the National Urban League to raise up to $1 million for the group through October 2006 to directly support the league's Education and Youth division, which serves approximately 400,000 urban children in early childhood...

Dunkin' Donuts.(donations to Coffee Kids)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... For the third consecutive year, Dunkin' Donuts will provide a $75,000 cash donation to Coffee Kids, an international, non-profit organization established to improve the quality of life for children and families who live in coffee-producing...

Fantastic Sams.(donations to Locks of Love)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Fantastic Sams presented Locks of Love, the non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially-disadvantaged children suffering from longterm medical hair loss, with the single, largest donation in the charity's history during the...

Robeks Fruit Smoothies & Healthy Eats.(Save the Children U.S. Nutrition and Physical Activity Initiative)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Robeks Fruit Smoothies & Healthy Eats is gearing up with its Live Healthy Robeks Band to raise money to benefit the Save the Children U.S. Nutrition and Physical Activity Initiative. Robeks is offering bracelets or wristbands for one dollar and...

Adir Restaurants.(disaster relief)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Adir Restaurants, parent of franchisor Pollo Campero donated 10 percent of its sales from its 10 Los Angeles restaurant locations to the American Red Cross as part of the Dine for America program.

DLA Piper Rudnick.(disaster relief for Katrina victims)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... DLA Piper Rudnick donated more than $622,000 to the American Red Cross and America's Second Harvest to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. Individual offices around the nation provided help through such acts as supplying blood donations, sorting...

Fantastic Sams.(disaster relief)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Fantastic Sams will provide $28,000 in aid to company stylists and salons devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The aid will be made through the Fantastic Family Foundation. The foundation also donated $375,000 of branded shampoo and conditioner to...

Wireless Zone Foundation for Giving.(disaster relief)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Wireless Zone Foundation for Giving donated more than $28,000 to AmeriCares. The funds were contributed by the company's franchisees, with the parent company, Automotive Technologies, Inc., matching their contributions.

1-800-Water Damage.(Speaking To and Responding--Star Award)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... 1-800-WATER DAMAGE was chosen as first-place winner among 150 franchise organizations evaluated for the "Speaking To and Responding--Star Award" from Franchise Update magazine. The award recognizes outstanding responsiveness to potential...

2005 Fiducial Franchisee of the Year.(Honors)(Larry Recor)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Larry Recor of New York was named the 2005 Fiducial Franchisee of the Year during the company's Fifth Annual Convention.

Microtel Inns & Suites.(wins Extra Mile Award from Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel magazine )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Microtel Inns & Suites won the 2005 "Extra Mile Award" from Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel magazine for providing guests nationwide with free local and long distance calling and wireless Internet service.

Papa Murphy.(Papa Murphy's International Inc. named as "Best Pizza Chain in America")(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... For the third year in a row, Papa Murphy's was named "Best Pizza Chain in America" in the annual "Consumers' Choice in Chains" survey, conducted by Restaurants & Institutions magazine.

International franchise association programs and calendar of industry events.(FW FOCUS: IMPORTANT DATES IN FRANCHISING)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... 2006 JANUARY 23-24 How to Recruit Better Candidates and Close More Franchise Sales * Management 2000 Houston Contact: ICFE 26-27 How to Become a More Effective Field Consultant * ...