Franchising World articles from December 2008

Franchising World archives from December 2008

Finding the right financing solutions.(IN THIS ISSUE)(impact of financial crises on franchises)
December 1, 2008... The state of the U.S. economy in recent months has posed challenges for all business segments including the franchising industry. In addition to the challenges that the rising costs of energy and depleted labor market have added to economic...

Counting our blessings.(Column)
December 1, 2008... As 2008 comes to an end, it a good time for reflection and planning for our personal lives, our businesses and our association. At the International Franchise Association, we are fortunate to have many things for which to be thankful. The IFA's...

Financing solutions in a tight credit market: preparing your franchise system during the current lending environment is more critical than ever.(FRANCHISE FINANCING: WHERE'S THE MONEY?)
December 1, 2008... Over the past several years the lending environment has been extremely complacent. As we all know, the credit crisis has escalated to unprecedented proportions and has created gridlock for all business owners seeking to access capital. Our...

Financing franchisees' expansion plans--a franchisor's perspective.(FRANCHISE FINANCING: WHERE'S THE MONEY?)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Where's the money? With the economic roller coaster and the explosion, or should I say implosion of the sub-prime mortgage fiasco, finding money has become much more of an adventure these days. Did we all just...

Private equity: take your franchise to the next level: private equity can be a likely source of capital.(FRANCHISE FINANCING: WHERE'S THE MONEY?)
December 1, 2008... The uncertainty of the financial Markets and credit crunch that has materialized during the second half of the year has many businesses concerned about their capitalization. Private equity has emerged as a prominent alternative for companies...

SBA loans offer options for franchisees, prospects.(Small Business Administration)
December 1, 2008... Since its founding in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration has helped more than 20 million Americans start, grow and expand their businesses, placing more than $170 billion in direct or guaranteed loans into the hands of entrepreneurs....

An audit you can live with: what could be more important than the financial health of a franchisee to the franchisor and the long-term affects it will have on their relationship, as well as the brand?(FRANCHISE FINANCING: WHERE'S THE MONEY?)
December 1, 2008... When someone mentions the word "audit," do chills run down your spine? The vision that comes to mind is one of sitting in an IRS office with a box of documents and receipts, sweat running down the brow while the agent peers over his wire-rimmed...

The 110th Congress in review: incomplete policy priorities are expected to resurface in the 11th Congress when it convenes.
December 1, 2008... Looking back on the 110th Congress, the International Franchise Association witnessed historic electoral feats and at the same time, had to fight off anti-competitive legislation. At the start of the session in 2007, the Democratic Party...

FranPAC report card: the International Association's current financial support to candidates for federal office as of late November is reflected in the following "report card.".(International Franchise Association)(political action committees)(Report)(Statistical data)
December 1, 2008... IFA'S political action committee, FranPAC, supports pro-franchise, pro-business candidates for U.S. Congress. 2007-2008 Receipts $522,274 2007-2008 Expenditures $449,000 FranPAC Supported Candidates ...

2009 States' outlook: can you spare a billion? Here's a look at some of the policy issues lawmakers will be tackling, as well as some specific issues the International Franchise Association will follow in the coming months.
December 1, 2008... The votes have been cast and tabulated. The inners have been declared and given acceptance speeches. Inaugural balls are being planned in Washington, D.C. and several states with freshly-elected governors. Now comes the hard part: governing....

New York: a profile: this profile is part of an occasional series examining the issues and atmosphere guiding politics and policy in the various states.(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... The Facts Capital: Albany State Motto: Excelsior 11th state to enter the Union on July 26, 1788 Population: 18.9 million, third most populous state in the Union [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Politics Gov. David Patterson...

New sessions to debut at IFA's 49th annual convention: new mini-Super Sessions on propelling franchise systems toward future growth will be featured on the final day of the hottest educational and networking event in the industry.(International Franchise Association)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As the economy continues to regain its balance, franchise executives should seize he opportunity to invest in the future of their franchise systems. The International Franchise Association's 49th annual convention,...

Leaders gather to seek solutions, share ideas: from economic clouds on the horizon to the new trend of "cloud computing," franchising leaders ponder key issues and discuss solutions to industry challenges.(FW FOCUS: SECOND ANNUAL EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE)
December 1, 2008... Just days before the 2008 presidential election, an assembly of franchising community leaders gathered in Phoenix for the Second Annual IFA Executive Leadership Conference Oct. 23-25 at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa. Naturally, the Nov. 4...

Growing beyond 100 units: mistakes to avoid: it is critical to build a foundation of strong systems and support that will set franchisees up to be profitable.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Successful franchisor have found the last few years to be very rewarding. A quick look at a few industry statistics shows just how significant franchising is to our economy. Research released earlier this year by the...

Recruiting great franchisees: the definition of a great franchisee differs from system to system.
December 1, 2008... What makes great franchisees and how does one recruit them? Let's start with the definition of a great franchisee. Although the process of determining great prospects for your franchise system is beyond the scope of this article as it...

Human capital: biggest expense, most important asset: successful human-capital investors constantly measure their people for efficiency and performance.
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Recognizing that your employees are an active investment-they are your "human capital," and not just doers, is the critical ingredient in any business and is often the difference between success and failure....

Attract great employees with non-qualified deferred compensation: nothing says "I value your services" more than some form of dollar-denominated compensation, bonus or rebate.
December 1, 2008... You built your franchise from the ground up, and your loyal employees have been with you every step of the way. How can you help make sure they continue working for you and not for your competition? How do you attract and keep qualified...

Veterans ownership sales surpass 1,200.(FW FOCUS: HONORING AMERICA'S VETERANS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, America honored its veterans of military service, more than 23 million of whom are still living. During these challenging economic times, many veterans seek employment while others desire to pursue the American Dream...

Preparing for a wage-and-hour audit: federal investigations can cover may aspects of employment law.
December 1, 2008... The manager at one of your locations notices an individual enter the establishment. The manager, assuming the individual is a customer, approaches to ask whether he can be of assistance. The individual is not a customer at all; instead,...

Don't dilute the brand: start with your brand. Define what it stands for.
December 1, 2008... When one company acquires another complementary business, careful and diligent considerations need to be made. There are strategic decisions, such as geographic expansion, product or competency diversification. Then there are also the legal and...

Protecting a brand without stifling franchisees: when your network is emotionally-engaged in building and protecting your brand, they become the brand itself.
December 1, 2008... Today customers have access to greater amounts of information, faster than ever before. With pervasive social-media tools like Facebook and the current trend of "video snacking" with Web sites like YouTube.com, brand managers are met with an...

Word-of-mouth: marketing that works: pay attention to what your customers are saying, solve problems quickly, encourage feedback and most importantly, give them something exciting to talk about.
December 1, 2008... A challenge for all businesses is to let the customers know who you are and what you do. Even if you successfully do that, the next hardest part is to have those customers think you do it better than your competitor. What everyone reading...

Driving traffic to franchisees with locator technology: understand the consumer-buying process and how to "get found" where users search.
December 1, 2008... Search. Find. Buy. Consumer behaviors have forever changed. Are you marketing at your customer or are you making your brand available using the medium of your consumers' choice? The lines between offline and online marketing are blurring....

Franchise systems reveal international expansion desires: IFA survey gleans in-depth insights of member-company growth interests.(International Franchise Association)(Survey)
December 1, 2008... What better way to gain an edge on the competition than find out what your competitors are up to? Regarding brand expansion outside the United States, the plans of franchise systems can vary according to age, size and market opportunities. Yet,...

How suppliers support strong franchise relations: supplier services and applications facilitate strong relationships.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISE RELATIONS)
December 1, 2008... Honest, strong and effective relations between franchisors and their constituent franchisees are the backbone of any franchising business model. If the franchisees are not effective at executing the business model as designed, then the...

Expo South prepares to shine in Miami: the third annual FES will cater to a growing Latin population and offer exhibitors access to top franchise talent.(FW FOCUS: EVENTS)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Franchise Expo South doesn't kick off until next month, but the event is already picking up speed. Thanks to the success of the two previous FES events, along with the unparalleled West Coast Franchise Expo and...

Welcome new IFA members.(International Franchise Association)
December 1, 2008... Franchise Systems Academy for Mathematics & English (USA) Inc., Thornhill, Ontario, Contact Balti Sauer America's Best Franchising, Inc., Atlanta, Contact Chip Elbers Ceramics To Go, Inc., Lake Elsinore, Calif., Contact Kelli...

Comfort Keepers.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2008... Comfort Keepers Executive Vice President, Operations and CFO Tim Purcey was named to the National Private Duty Association board of directors.

Figaro's Pizza.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2008... Figaro's Pizza appointed Patty Duffey as vice president of marketing. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Gamer Doc.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2008... Gamer Doc hired Darren Monahan as director of franchise development.

Shakey's.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2008... Shakey's named Robert Fix vice president of franchise development.

Sport Clips.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sport Clips hired Gayle Longmore as director of franchise support services.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe promoted Jim Valentino to president.(PEOPLE)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tropical Smoothie Cafe promoted Jim Valentino to president. Two Men And A Truck safety assistant Jeffrey Scott was elected to the Information Technology & Logistics Council.

Wyndham Hotel Group.(PEOPLE)(appoints Duane Elledge )(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Wyndham Hotel Group promoted Duane Elledge to executive vice president, brand services and Keith Pierce to president, brand operations, the Americas. The company also consolidated its distribution, channel...

Archadeck and Outdoor Lighting Perspectives have merged to create Outdoor Living Brands that will pursue global expansion in the outdoor products.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Archadeck and Outdoor Lighting Perspectives have merged to create Outdoor Living Brands that will pursue global expansion in the outdoor products and services category through multiple independent franchise brands.

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
December 1, 2008... DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen has partnered with Northern Contours.

Franchise Services.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
December 1, 2008... Franchise Services has acquired Signal Graphics.

Assisting Hands Home Care.(Awards & Honors)
December 1, 2008... Assisting Hands Home Care founder and Director Dr. Gail Silverstein was named a member of the "Million Dollar Club" by Arizona Woman magazine.

Bowman and Brooke.(Awards & Honors)
December 1, 2008... Law firm Bowman and Brooke was awarded the 2008 Defense Research Institute Law Firm Diversity Award.

Country Place Living.(Awards & Honors)
December 1, 2008... Country Place Living announced that its residence in Clay Center, Kan. received the highest rating from the state's Department of Aging's annual facility survey.

Express Employment Professionals.(Awards & Honors)
December 1, 2008... Express Employment Professionals was named one of AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50.

Glass Doctor.(Awards & Honors)
December 1, 2008... Glass Doctor Pres. Mark Dawson was named in the "50 Most Influential People in the Glass Industry" list by USGlass magazine.

Labor Finders.(Awards & Honors)
December 1, 2008... Sixteen Labor Finders offices have received Workers' Compensation and Risk Certification from the American Staffing Association and Risk Control Services.

Marco's Pizza presented awards for Manager of the Year to Robert T. (Bob) Falk (Toledo, Ohio) and Vendor of the Year to the Neil Jones Food Co. (Vancouver, Wash.).(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Marco's Pizza presented awards for Manager of the Year to Robert T. (Bob) Falk (Toledo, Ohio) and Vendor of the Year to the Nell Jones Food Co. (Vancouver, Wash.) The company also accepted Hospitality Technology magazine's fourth annual...

Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen presented its 2008 Gold Plate Awards to POP Investments (Mesquite, Texas).(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen presented its 2008 Gold Plate Awards to POP Investments (Mesquite, Texas) and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service's restaurant at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Franchisee of the Year award to Richpop (Richmond,...

Proforma.(Proforma Inc. to give awards for women in business)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Proforma announced its three finalists in the 5th Annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business: Proforma Albrecht & Co Pres. Suzette Albrecht; Proforma Global Printing & Design owner Holly Ambrose; and Proforma Custom Business Services owner...

TeamLogic IT.(Awards & Honors)
December 1, 2008... TeamLogic IT Pres. Chuck Lennon was named to the MSPmentor 250, a listing of the world's top managed service provider executives, entrepreneurs and experts.

Vivonet.(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Vivonet was named a finalist for the "Red Herring Top 50 Canada" award by Red Herring magazine which honors the most promising private technology ventures in Canada.

Homewood Suites.(Milestones)
December 1, 2008... Homewood Suites has opened its 250th property at a location in Forsyth, Ill.

Mr. Handyman.(Milestones)
December 1, 2008... Mr. Handyman marked the opening of its 300th location at a store in Atlanta.

Salad Creations.(Milestones)
December 1, 2008... Salad Creations opened its 50th store and celebrated selling its 100th franchise in three years.

Subway.(Milestones)
December 1, 2008... Subway celebrated the opening of its 30,000th location worldwide.

EmbroidMe has granted a master license to Hasan Yousef Al-Sai.(Growth)
December 1, 2008... EmbroidMe has granted a master license to Hasan Yousef Al-Sai to open locations in Qatar.

Home Instead Senior Care.(Growth)
December 1, 2008... Home Instead Senior Care has expanded into Finland, South Korea and Austria.

Homewatch Caregivers.(Growth)
December 1, 2008... Homewatch Caregivers opened its first location in Panama.

Marble Slab Creamery.(Growth)
December 1, 2008... Marble Slab Creamery opened its first location in Lebanon.

Ramada.(Growth)
December 1, 2008... Ramada opened its first location in Lebanon.

Sweet Beginnings Wedding Consulting & Event Planners.(Growth)
December 1, 2008... Sweet Beginnings Wedding Consulting & Event Planners sold its first master franchise in Brazil.

Athletic Nation.(Marketing)
December 1, 2008... Athletic Nation has begun offering coed training.

Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System.(Marketing)
December 1, 2008... Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System launched its "Germville" Web site, www.germville.com, to educate about the dangers of germs.

Cruise Holidays.(Marketing)
December 1, 2008... Cruise Holidays will kick off its 25th anniversary with a year-long celebration which will include a celebratory Alaska cruise for all its clients.

Express Employment Professionals.(Marketing)
December 1, 2008... Express Employment Professionals has renewed its registration for the 10th year as an ISO 9001:2000 company through Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance.

Fitness Together Holdings.(Marketing)
December 1, 2008... Fitness Together Holdings released a free report, "The Insider's Guide to Owning a Fitness Franchise."

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.(Marketing)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As part of its evolving "green" strategy, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts launched its eco-friendly uniform line for hotel staff using recycled polyester fibers spun from plastic beverage bottles.

Franchise Update Media Group.(Marketing)
December 1, 2008... Franchise Update Media Group's publisher Steve Olson released the book Grow to Greatness--How to Build a World-Class Franchise System.

FRANdata.(Marketing)
December 1, 2008... FRANdata released a comprehensive report on executive compensation and job functions that compares executive and staff compensation levels across similar franchise brands.

Grins 2 Go.(Marketing)
December 1, 2008... Grins 2 Go conducted its annual Kids' Watch month offering free child ID and fingerprint kits along with photos.

HomeVestors of America.(Marketing)
December 1, 2008... HomeVestors of America has awarded the additional title of development agent to Tulsa franchisee, Stieferman Investments.

Marco's Pizza.(Marketing)
December 1, 2008... Marco's Pizza launched an online ordering system.

Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffee and Smoothies.(Marketing)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffee and Smoothies donated more than 100 pounds of 100 percent Kona coffee, as well as boxes of cookies and popcorn to troops stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Snap-on Tools.(Marketing)
December 1, 2008... Snap-on Tools served as the official tool company of the annual Engine Masters Challenge.

Tasti D-Lite.(Marketing)
December 1, 2008... Tasti D-Lite was a sponsor of Mercedes Benz New York Fashion week.

California Tortilla.(Community Service)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... California Tortilla raffled off a year's supply of burritos during New York Times' bestselling author Brad Meltzer's book signing, The Book of Lies, and donated proceeds to Meltzer's philanthropic Web site.

Critter Control.(Community Service)(Kevin Clark )(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Critter Control CEO Kevin Clark flew the Stanley Cup from Detroit to Traverse City, Mich. to Red Wing Hockey star Dallas Drake and the Grand Traverse Hockey Association which raised $40,000 for children who cannot afford to play hockey.

TEAMRennick.(Community Service)
December 1, 2008... TEAMRennick participated in the "One Day" Veterans Car Show at the Jerry L. Pettis VA Hospital in Loma Linda, Calif. generating $395,000 for the hospital.

Yum! Brands.(Community Service)
December 1, 2008... Yum! Brands is donating $80 million over five years to purchase 200 million meals for school-age children.