Franchising World articles from December 2006

Franchising World archives from December 2006

Restructure your marketing toolbox.
December 1, 2006... The end of the year will find business leaders looking back at matters that created moments of achievement or challenge, but the final issue of Franchising World for 2006 will help readers move forward by taking a fresh look at franchise...

Tried and true--best practices of franchising.(IFA PRESIDENT'S COLUMN)
December 1, 2006... The term "best practices" suggests that there are some methods more effective at delivering a particular outcome than any others. Employing these "best practices" results in fewer problems and minimizes unforeseen complications. There's...

Breathing life into a mature franchise brand: it's not a project; it is a new method of business.(FRANCHISE MARKETING TOOLS)
December 1, 2006... Brand evolution is not a mystery of nature, nor does it follow a predictable course. For most mature brands, breathing life into a stagnant brand identity is a strategic necessity implemented periodically to accelerate business performance and...

Increasing market share through strategic branding: developing a strong franchise brand requires that franchise companies clearly communicate the vision for the brand to the field and enforce compliance to that identity.(FRANCHISE MARKETING TOOLS)
December 1, 2006... When a franchisee purchases a franchise, or she is buying a system and a brand. While the system is clearly defined through a procedures manual and operating guidelines, defining and upholding a franchise brand can be more challenging than...

Long-term marketing strategies can produce immediate returns; it is a franchise system's responsibility to constantly seek new marketing innovations and to seek ways to improve programs that are already successful.(FRANCHISE MARKETING TOOLS)
December 1, 2006... When it comes to marketing, every franchise system has high ambitions. Even for companies that have a successful marketing history, it's imperative to ask one question. To borrow from baseball parlance, "Do you ever take the opportunity to...

Keeping up with Internet marketing technology: don't let the tail wag the dog.(FRANCHISE MARKETING TOOLS)
December 1, 2006... It's getting complicated out there in cyberspace. It's not just about having a Web site anymore. Now, there are even more ways for companies to spend money online for franchise leads. Your franchise system may have been told it needs an...

Franchise marketing techniques: experts in the field impart their best advice on ways to boost marketing efforts.(FRANCHISE MARKETING TOOLS)
December 1, 2006... In today's rapidly evolving legislative and economic environment, it's critical for the franchising community to keep its eyes peeled and its ears perked. Understanding and applying the best practices of marketing will pay dividends. ...

Six principles for winning the sales growth challenge: advertising still has its place in a marketer's quiver, but four walls and neighborhood marketing techniques are waxing while the once-central importance of mass-media is waning.(FRANCHISE MARKETING TOOLS)
December 1, 2006... "Four walls and neighborhood marketing" work together but represent two, side-by-side faces of the same idea, similar to the way radio and television were two complementary components of electronic broadcasting. There are just a handful of...

Making demographics, research and modeling work for a franchise system: one of the most critical ways to "know" customers is to understand their preferences and purchasing behavior.(FRANCHISE MARKETING TOOLS)
December 1, 2006... For a franchise system to grow and improve its business, it needs to have control of the complicated relationship between sales performance and customers. Being able to identify, analyze and, ultimately, predict the relationships between...

Why go global? Compelling reasons to expand internationally.(FRANCHISE MARKETING TOOLS)
December 1, 2006... We are often asked why a franchise company should "go global" and how can it can best market the franchise into other countries. There are several key steps for marketing a franchise organization in other countries, but first, let's examine the...

Community relations: building awareness through local involvement: give your franchisees a "heart" in their communities.(FRANCHISE MARKETING TOOLS)
December 1, 2006... Never underestimate the value of a strategic community relations program for a franchise system. A solid, consistent community involvement program for franchisees can mean the difference between growing a positive brand image and simply...

2007 Will be an active year in state capitals.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
December 1, 2006... As the franchising sector approaches a new year, the International Franchise Association's State Government Relations program is already girding for continued battles in the states. Similar to recent years, there are certain thorny issues that...

2006 FrancPAC report card.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)(Franchising Political Action Committee)(Table)
December 1, 2006... 2006 FranPAC Report Card The International Franchise Association's current financial support to candidates for federal office as of mid-October is reflected in the following "report card." IFA's political action committee,...

The profile of franchising: 2006: this is fifth in the series of IFA Educational Foundation-FRANdata research reports about the franchising sector.(SPECIAL REPORT)(International Franchise Association,)
December 1, 2006... The Continuing Franchisee-Franchisor Relationship: Unit Renewal Terms Vast Majority of Franchisors Offer Renewal Terms to Their Franchisees More than 90 percent of franchise systems offer their franchisees the option to renew their...

Taking calculated risks: when tough decisions happen to good franchisors.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
December 1, 2006... A typical franchise system's day is marked by a flurry of decisions. Regardless of a system's size, not a day goes by without the company having to make at least two or more important decisions. Choices ranging from which markets to target for...

Three avenues to "destination success".(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISE RELATIONS)
December 1, 2006... Franchisees and franchise companies come together to build a business relationship for a period of 10, 15, 20 years or sometimes longer. The goal is to be mutually, financially beneficial. Each party enters into the franchise agreement with a...

Using state and local programs to fuel franchise growth.(FW FOCUS: FINANCING)
December 1, 2006... The U.S. Department of Commerce reported that more than 40 percent of all retail sales today are made through franchise outlets. As the nation's economic base continues to migrate to one that is driven by the service and technology sectors,...

"Psychic" technology for franchise companies: knowing what franchisees don't know ... before they don't know it.(FW FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY)
December 1, 2006... Do you consider yourself a psychic? Oh, wait, someone probably knew I was going to ask that. In any case, it's safe to say that 100 percent of U.S. franchise companies wish they had the elusive "sixth sense" to predict franchisees' questions...

Honoring the nation's veterans every day: franchise trade association program continues to create opportunities for military veterans.(FW FOCUS: HONORING AMERICA'S VETERANS)(National organization overview)
December 1, 2006... It's important to pause and remember those who have served in the defense of the United States of America through military service not just one day of the year, but every day. The International Franchise Association honors veterans by offering...

PCI compliance: protecting customers and the franchise brand: give your franchise system a security check-up.(FW FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY)(Payment Card Industry )
December 1, 2006... The days of shopkeepers using cigar boxes as means of storing payments from customers is long gone, right? Businesses have opted for cash registers that secure both cash and credit card sales from would-be thieves. Right now, while you...

Understanding generational diversity in the workplace: 2007 Leadership Conference, an annual convention highlight.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISING EVENTS)
December 1, 2006... Throughout our lives, both personal and professional, we are often looking for ways to enhance what we have to offer. Perhaps someone has said, "I wish I could be: patient, more assertive, a better leader, a more understanding co-worker or--."...

The changing face of the IFA Legal Symposium.(FW FOCUS: LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE)(International Franchise Association )
December 1, 2006... For those of you who are not aware, the International Franchise Association has changed dramatically over the past five years. Since 2000, IFA franchisor membership has grown from 800 to 1,150 systems and franchisee membership through the...

When it comes to exporting, one company keeps on truckin'.(FW FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)(Two Men and A Truck/International Inc.)(Company overview)
December 1, 2006... Mary Ellen Sheets never imagined herself being in the moving business. That is, until her sons Brig and Jon scraped together some money to buy a truck to help raise extra cash for college. Although they soon left the nest to attend school,...

Major lenders and service providers launch new development program.(FW FOCUS: MINORITY OUTREACH)
December 1, 2006... The IFA Educational Foundation has been working with several major lenders and other service providers to develop a financing and technical assistance program for franchise systems, women and minority franchisees. IFA Educational Foundation...

Miami joins franchising's expo series for 2007.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISING EXPO)
December 1, 2006... Like a hit television show, the world's leading producer of franchise expos is expanding into new cities. Beginning in 2007, Miami joins Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, providing coast-to-coast (and beyond) exposure for companies looking to...

Welcome new members!(FW FOCUS: WELCOME MEMBERS)(Directory)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Franchise Systems 4 Color Press, Fort Worth, Contact Allen Daniell EmQuest Business Brokers, Orlando, Contact Lonnie Helgerson, CFE Roni Deutch Tax Center, North Highlands, Calif., Contact Gregory Flahive America's Best...

Big O Tires, Inc.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2006... Big O Tires, Inc. hired Kyle Iwasawa as president of franchise business.

Bruegger's.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2006... Chris Cheek was named vice president of franchise development for Bruegger's.

Cheryl Mullin & Associates.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2006... Marlon Wesley Frazier recently became of counsel to Cheryl Mullin & Associates.

CLIX Portrait Studios.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2006... Julia Burns and Kate Spencer were promoted to newly-created positions as CLIX Portrait Studios as franchise training specialists.

Fantastic Sams.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2006... Fantastic Sams hired Catherine Saar as vice president of marketing and Jeff Sturgis as vice president of franchise sales and development.

FranChoice.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2006... FranChoice promoted Lori KiserBlock to president and founder Jeff Elgin returned as CEO.

FranNet.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2006... FranNet has named Jania Bailey as president and COO.

Service Brands International.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2006... Service Brands International announced two new promotions at 1-800-DryClean including Jim Evers to president and Darrell New to vice president of guerrilla marketing.

Gray Plant Mooty.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2006... Gray Plant Mooty has added two new associates: Jimmy Chatsuthiphan and Collin Foulds.

Hilton Garden Inn.(PEOPLE)(promotions)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Hilton Garden Inn promoted Mark Nogal to vice president of hotel performance and sales support, Jim Cone to vice president of marketing, Alan Roberts to senior director of hotel performance support (Eastern U.S./Europe) and Chris Wilroy to...

MEDIchair.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2006... MEDIchair appointed Bas van Lankvelt as COO.

Mr. Rooter.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2006... Mr. Rooter named Mary Kennedy Thompson as president. Thompson is the first female president of the company.

Red Lion Hotels.(PEOPLE)(Washington Department of Community Trade and Economic Development appoints Matt Engels)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Matt Engels, the vice president of hotel operations for the Red Lion Hotels, has been appointed to the Tourism Advisory Council of the Washington Department of Community Trade and Economic Development.

RE/MAX International.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2006... RE/MAX International named Bill Soteroff as senior vice president of international operations.

Robeks.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2006... Robeks appointed Sheri Miksa as president and CEO.

Wyndham Hotel Group.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2006... Wyndham Hotel Group appointed Valerie Capers Workman as vice president of franchise administration.

Raiders guard, others join new rush to franchising.(WHAT MEDIA IS SAYING)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... East Bay Business Times Thirteen-year National Football League player Ron Stone is planning for retirement and, like thousands of others, has bought a franchise. According to an August report by the Washington, D.C.-based International...

The Franchise Company recently expanded its property improvement services platform.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
December 1, 2006... The Franchise Company recently expanded its property improvement services platform with the acquisition of Handyman Connection.

Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
December 1, 2006... Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling teamed up with the Dr. Phil show and DIY Network's DIY to the Rescue television program.

Payless Car Sales has partnered exclusively.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
December 1, 2006... Payless Car Sales has partnered exclusively with Credit Acceptance Corp.

Pet Butler has partnered with HealthyPetNet.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
December 1, 2006... Pet Butler has partnered with HealthyPetNet to offer their customers healthy food for their dogs and cats.

The Riverside Co. partnered with senior management.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
December 1, 2006... The Riverside Co. partnered with senior management of It's Just Lunch International to acquire the company.

Social Franchise Ventures.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
December 1, 2006... Social Franchise Ventures welcomed United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona as its newest client.

Accor North America honored four North American recipients with the global Bernaches Awards including Lisbeth Ceballos of Motel 6; Eric Laporte of Red Roof Inn; Jill Sasser of IT.(Awards)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Accor North America honored four North American recipients with the global Bernaches Awards including Lisbeth Ceballos of Motel 6; Eric Laporte of Red Roof Inn; Jill Sasser of IT help desk and employees of the Hurricane Crisis Team.

Creative Colors International.(Awards)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Creative Colors International named Andy McCoy and Jack Gee of Phoenix as Franchisee of the Year; Lori Frost of Phoenix as Technician of the Year and Chris Koselke and Vanessa Mendez of Tucson as Rookie of the Year.

Denny's.(Awards)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Denny's received national recognition as the first corporate recipient of the Partner of the Year Award for their statewide Kid's Safety Zone campaign. The State and Territorial Injury Prevention Directors Association recognized the company for...

Great Clips selected franchisee Keith Chalmers.(Awards)
December 1, 2006... Great Clips selected franchisee Keith Chalmers as Franchisee of the Year.

Proforma.(Awards)
December 1, 2006... Proforma received a PEAK Award from Print Solutions Magazine.

Subway.(Awards)(Subway Inc.)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Subway named three recipients of its Franchisee of the Year awards during the company's recent convention in Toronto including: Fasil Meressi of the U.K., Pekka and Ram Pohtola of Finland and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service.

Great Clips CEO Ray Barton.
December 1, 2006... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Great Clips CEO Ray Barton congratulates Frachisee of the Year award winner Keith Chalmers as company President Rhoda Olsen looks on.

Wyndham Worldwide.(Events)
December 1, 2006... Next year, Wyndham Worldwide will sponsor a PGA Tour Event in Greensboro called the Wyndham Championship which will be the final stop before the playoffs.

Long Drivers of America conducted the Celebrity Long Drive Charity Event.(Events)
December 1, 2006... Long Drivers of America conducted the Celebrity Long Drive Charity Event presented by American Airlines as part of the 2006 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship.

Burger King.(Marketing)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... Burger King launched a new multi-year ad campaign featuring Sean "Diddy" Combs on YouTube.com titled "DiddyTV." In his new role, Combs will consult relevant marketing and entertainment talent in an effort to enhance the company's profile in the...

McDonald's.(Marketing)(McDonald's Omnibus survey report)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... A recent McDonald's Omnibus survey in conjunction with the launch of the 2006 Monopoly Game at McDonald's found that Americans would share a $5 million prize with friends, family or a favorite charity.

Sanderson & Associates president Rhonda Sanderson founded DailyFranchiseNews.com.(Marketing)
December 1, 2006... Sanderson & Associates president Rhonda Sanderson founded DailyFranchiseNews.com, an Internet blog about franchising.

Sport Clips signed a partnership agreement with the NBA's 2006 Northwest Division Champions.(Marketing)
December 1, 2006... Sport Clips signed a partnership agreement with the NBA's 2006 Northwest Division Champions, the Denver Nuggets.

Teledex partnered with Accor North America to deploy ExpressNet AirLink (WiFi).(Marketing)
December 1, 2006... Teledex partnered with Accor North America to deploy ExpressNet AirLink (WiFi) at Studio 6 properties.

Valpak.(Marketing)
December 1, 2006... Valpak partnered with Buena Vista Television to promote "According to Jim" in syndication.

Bennigan's Grill and Tavern.(Milestones)
December 1, 2006... Bennigan's Grill and Tavern opened its 50th international restaurant in Seoul which marked the company's 30th franchise in the foreign country.

HomeVestors of America bought its 25,000th house in the U.S.(Milestones)(Brief article)
December 1, 2006... HomeVestors of America bought its 25,000th house in the U.S. The purchase was made by MJS Holdings a HomeVestors franchise in Atlanta owned by Greg and Diane Justice.

EmbroidMe granted master licenses to Grant Archibald of New Zealand.(Growth)
December 1, 2006... EmbroidMe granted master licenses to Grant Archibald of New Zealand and Bill and Anne Soutar of the United Kingdom.

GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance.(Growth)
December 1, 2006... GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance is funding the construction of six new hotels with a $60 million development line of credit.

SIGN-A-RAMA sold its master licensee flagship store in Madrid.(Growth)
December 1, 2006... SIGN-A-RAMA sold its master licensee flagship store in Madrid and granted a master license to Steven Jang in Seongnam-Si, Keyonggi-Doo, Korea.

Big O Tires, Inc.(Community Service)
December 1, 2006... Big O Tires, Inc. donated $50,000 to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer.