Franchising World articles from December 2007

Franchising World archives from December 2007

Financial determination: creating strategies to reach your franchise's goals.(IN THIS ISSUE)
December 1, 2007... It requires careful planning and implementation to position your company for advancement. That same principle can be applied to locating financial sources that will complement your franchised business. This issue of Franchising World offers...

A year defined by growth and resiliency.(IFA PRESIDENT'S COLUMN)(International Franchise Association)(Column)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Franchising is booming a phrase echoed widely at the end of last year that continues to resonate on through the remaining weeks of 2007. This growth and resiliency are reflected in the increases in International...

Which money source is best for your franchise system? The right amount, for the right reasons, at the right time, from the right source can cause significant, positive change in a franchise systems and ownership. Each of these factors requires a detailed analysis and plan.(FRANCHISE FINANCE TACTICS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What is the right source of money? First, decide how much money is needed for ownership liquidation desires or system growth. Be careful to only take as much money as is actually needed to have a substantial...

When loan options narrow: financing partners, can help: franchise systems that put the time and effort toward establishing financing partner relationships provide an extremely valuable component that each franchisee can tap into to succeed.(FRANCHISE FINANCE TACTICS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Volatile change in global credit markets is year did not leave the franchising industry untouched. So, the question, "How can I obtain funding?" requires a bit more detailed answer than last year, when credit options...

It's still a good time to sell, refinance or recapitalize your business: headlines can be misleading, but the sky is not falling and it is still a very good time to sell, refinance or recapitalize a business.(FRANCHISE FINANCE TACTICS)
December 1, 2007... It is difficult to pick up a newspaper or magazine these days without reading about the dramatic changes taking place in the global financing markets. In March, many heard about a dramatic sell-off of U.S. subprime mortgage assets on fears of...

IFA wins first round in federal case: IFA believes Congress has a mandate and an obligation to address immigration reform at the federal level, in a fair, comprehensive way.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)(International Franchise Association and AFL-CIO)
December 1, 2007... Recently, a U.S. District Court blocked the federal government from implementing its new "final rule" requiring increased employer action in response to "no match" letters. In August, the International Franchise Association joined a lawsuit...

Op-ed: franchises, small businesses would suffer under "carried interest" tax.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
December 1, 2007... Legislation proposed this summer would alter the way private-equity compensation arrangements are taxed, raising the taxes on "carried interest" payments for managing partners and essentially penalizing entrepreneurial risk-taking. The...

2008 in the states--politics over policy: an overcrowded ballot will assure political posturing when Congress and state legislatures convene.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
December 1, 2007... As Americans head into the New Year, they may already be tiring of a presidential race that remains months away from its conclusion. Chances are the airwaves are already being infiltrated with ads "paid for by the Committee to Elect Me...

FranPAC report card.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)(International Franchise Association)
December 1, 2007... 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, FranPAC, supports pro-franchise,...

Exclusive gathering of top franchising executives launches new annual IFA program.(FW FOCUS: INAUGURAL EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE)(International Franchise Association)(Conference notes)
December 1, 2007... The combination of stellar programming and notable business visionaries drew more than 50 top-level franchise executives to the Royal Palms Resort & Spa in Phoenix this fall. The International Franchise Association's Executive Leadership...

Franchising expansion fueled by industry entrepreneurs.(SPECIAL REPORT)
December 1, 2007... Franchising has been on a fast growth trajectory since 2000. Much of that growth has come from established franchise systems continuing to expand their presence across the United States. Some of that growth also has been fueled by entrepreneurs...

Betting against conventional wisdom: enhancing decision-making skills increases your odds of achieving desired results.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
December 1, 2007... Would it feel like if one gambled his career to make a crucial business decision, only to have a famous commentator deride the move as "nothing of value" and "a dark deed done in the night?" Well, that's exactly what happened in '67, and at $7...

Identifying future franchise system leaders: hire the best candidate who can be found and hire for the future, not for today.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
December 1, 2007... Corporate management educator and researcher Jim Collins wrote in his book "From Good to Great" that one must have the right people on the bus and the right people in the right seats to become a great company. Every franchise organization...

Give franchisees a head start on success: having a successful franchise depends a lot on whether the owner knows how to run the business. Knowing the rules is part of what helps franchisees to be successful.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
December 1, 2007... Topping the list of rules for running a successful small business is the U.S. Internal Revenue Service Tax Rule: pay what should be paid, when it should be paid. This could be easier said than done. Knowing which taxes a franchise is...

Veterans Franchise small-business sales hit 1,000 milestone: 200 more sales are pending in "VetFran" program designed to financially assist military veterans.(FW FOCUS: HONORING AMERICA'S VETERANS)
December 1, 2007... As the nation prepared to observe Veterans Day n Nov. 11, the International Franchise Association announced that its "VetFran" program, created to aid former military personnel in the transition to civilian life, has enabled 1,000 veterans to...

Keys to a successful start-up: satisfied first-year franchisees are essential to validation and the consistent growth of the franchised concept year after year.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISE RELATIONS)
December 1, 2007... Picture an excited new franchisee ready to join a growing franchise system. This new franchisee has already made a life-changing decision after searching for the right concept and the right company. He strongly believes that the franchise...

Gen. Colin Powell to address IFA 48th Annual Convention: the International Franchise Association's Opening General Session keynote speaker for the organization's 48th annual convention will be retired U.S. Army Gen. Colin Powell, announced IFA Chairman Michael M. Isakson.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISING EVENTS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Retired U.S. Army General Colin Powell became the 65th Secretary of State on Jan. 20, 2001. As he stated during his confirmation hearing, the guiding principle of U.S. foreign policy during his tenure was that...

Welcome to the great franchise idea exchange! Orlando is scheduled to host thousands of franchising representatives who will gather to exchange ideas Feb. 9 to 12.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISING EVENTS)(International Franchise Association)(Conference news)
December 1, 2007... A flyer e-mailed to association members posed the question, "Why should you invest time and money to attend the International Franchise Association's Annual Convention?" The typical answers about attending the event might include exposure to...

Encore performance for Franchise Expo South should be a showstopper.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISE EXPO)
December 1, 2007... It has taken less than a year for word to spread among the franchising community that Miami is the place to be in January. In fact, for some it took only a matter of minutes to realize that the Franchise Expo South is not an average event. ...

The world's hottest franchise concepts premiering in the South: Miami Beach Convention Center, Florida, January 11-13, 2008.(FRANCHISE EXPO SOUTH)
December 1, 2007... Franchise Expo South Exhibitors 3 Day Closets Booth #146 7-Eleven Booth #333 AccuDiagnostics Booth #134 Alloy Wheel/Repair Specialists Booth #127 Alphagraphics Booth #636 Amazin' Flates ...

IFA Publications Net Four Design Awards.(FW FOCUS AWARDS)
December 1, 2007... The International Franchise Association's flagship publication, Franchising World, has reaped more awards for its outstanding graphic design. Honored each year since 2002, the magazine earned recent recognition for design excellence. IFA also...

Welcome new members.(FW FOCUS: WELCOME NEW MEMBERS)
December 1, 2007... Franchise Systems Age Advantage Home Care Franchising, Inc., La Mesa, Califl, Contact Gregory Archer Air Advantage Franchising Group, Frankenmuth, Mich., Contact David Simmet All Star Franchising, LLC, Ann Arbor, Mich., Contact...

ADIR Restaurants Corp.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2007... ADIR Restaurants Corp. named Rick Howard as director of franchise development.

Brooke Corporation.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2007... Brooke Corporation appointed Keith Bouchey director, president and chief executive officer and Carl Baranowski senior counsel.

Fitness Together Franchise.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2007... Fitness Together Franchise named Samuel F. Hirschberg vice president of marketing.

Gray Plant Mooty.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2007... Gray Plant Mooty hired Ashley M. Ewald and Katherine Wallman as associates in its Washington, D.C. office. [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]

Homewatch International.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2007... Homewatch International hired Rick Greenbaum, CFE, as vice president, franchise development.

InterContinental Hotels Group.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2007... InterContinental Hotels Group appointed Tom Seddon chief marketing officer. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Mullin House.(PEOPLE)(Robert D. Royse Jr., Zachary A. Copp and Laine Schroeder appointed)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Mullin House, formerly Cheryl Mullin & Associates, named Dyan House partner, hired attorneys Robert D. Royse Jr., Zachary A. Copp and appointed Laine Schroeder senior legal assistant.

Polio Campero.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2007... Todd Deckert joined Polio Campero's U.S. division as director of marketing and sales. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

RE/MAX International.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2007... RE/MAX International named David M. K. Metzger chief financial officer.

Two Guys and a Truck.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2007... Two Guys and a Truck hired Brendan Bowie as marketing director of franchising and Paul Price to lead the franchise development team.

Metal Supermarkets.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
December 1, 2007... Metal Supermarkets acquired Metal Express from A.M. Castle & Co.

Byron Ashbridge and Joe Pitt, who operate five Sona MedSpa International franchises in North Carolina.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
December 1, 2007... Byron Ashbridge and Joe Pitt, who operate five Sona MedSpa International franchises in North Carolina, purchased the controlling interest in the company.

Critter Control founder and CEO Captain Kevin Clark was winner of the First International Game Fish Association.(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Critter Control founder and CEO Captain Kevin Clark was winner of the First International Game Fish Association new membership incentive award program for garnering 50 new members during six months.

Express Personnel Services.(Awards & Honors)
December 1, 2007... Express Personnel Services was named one of AARP's "Best Employers for Workers Over 50."

Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa.(Awards & Honors)
December 1, 2007... Meetings & Conventions magazine named Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa a Gold Key Award winner.

Pet Butler.(Awards & Honors)(Celebration of Enterprise)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Pet Butler was named a "Celebration of Enterprise" award winner for companies less than $2 million in revenue by Inside Collin County Business, a Texas newspaper.

SUBWAY.(Awards & Honors)
December 1, 2007... SUBWAY presented its Franchisee of the Year awards to Savana and Jennifer Som of British Columbia, Jean-Claude Demanne of France, and Ines Banse of Germany.

Two Men And A Truck.(Awards & Honors)(J.D. Power and Associates)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... The J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Full-Service Moving Company Customer Satisfaction Study revealed that Two Men And A Truck was ranked highest for local moves in the Midwest.

Brooke Franchise Corp.(Milestones)
December 1, 2007... Brooke Franchise Corp. reached the $1 billion in premiums mark.

Extreme Pita.(Milestones)
December 1, 2007... Extreme Pita celebrated its 10th anniversary.

FranNet.(Milestones)
December 1, 2007... FranNet is 20 years old.

The Little Gym International.(Milestones)
December 1, 2007... The Little Gym International opened its 250th U.S. location.

N-Hance.(Milestones)
December 1, 2007... N-Hance opened its 150th franchise at a location in Morristown, N.J.

Petland.(Milestones)
December 1, 2007... Petland celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Yogen Fruz.(Growth)
December 1, 2007... Yogen Fruz completed a master franchise agreement with Two Towers Inc. to develop the San Francisco Bay area.

Grins 2 Go.(Marketing)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Grins 2 Go conducted its third annual Kids' Watch throughout October during which franchise units across the country distributed free child identification kits, fingerprinting materials, photo records and information for parents to promote...

L A Weight Loss.(Marketing)(Food and Drug Administration)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... L A Weight Loss sent 20,800 brownies to 1,300 journalists nationwide to taste-test its new fat replacement, Controltrim, that was developed for the company by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The Little Gym.(Marketing)
December 1, 2007... The Little Gym joined Walt Disney Pictures in a strategic marketing collaboration to promote the release of "Enchanted."

Postal Annex+.(Marketing)
December 1, 2007... Postal Annex+ changed its name to Annex Brands.

Rent-N-Roll.(Marketing)
December 1, 2007... RENT-N-ROLL is re-branding to become RNR Custom Wheels and Tires.

Two Men And A Truck.(Marketing)
December 1, 2007... Two Men And A Truck installed an environmentally-friendly, 123-foot tall wind turbine to supplement the power supply for its headquarters in Michigan.

PostNet.(Sharing Franchise Opportunities)
December 1, 2007... PostNet area franchisee and IFA board member John Francis participated in a roundtable informational interview "A Day in the Life of..." during Career Day 2007 produced by the Fashion Group Foundation of Minneapolis/St. Paul where he educated...

International Franchise Association programs and calendar of industry events.(Calendar)
December 1, 2007... 2008 JANUARY 11-13--Franchise Expo South Miami Beach Convention Center 14-15--How to Recruit Better Candidates & Close More Franchise Sales Management 2000 Tucson 23-24--How to Become a More Effective Field Consultant...