Franchising World articles from February 2006

Franchising World archives from February 2006

Leading the lead generation challenge with online marketing: online lead generation can maximize organizational growth and profitability from the national to the local level.(SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS)
February 1, 2006... Americans are more sophisticated and demanding about their quality of life than ever. To keep up with today's savvy, demanding franchise prospects and consumers, we need to be smarter about reaching them. Once we have reached them we need to...

Franchising soars.(franchises welcoming New year)(Column)
February 1, 2006... Most people welcomed in the New Year with positive affirmations and reflections of past and current achievements. The International Franchise Association's 46th Annual Convention will kick off the franchising sector's New Year with an emphasis...

Fulfilling the mission.(International Franchise Association and its management since its formation)(Column)
February 1, 2006... Most of us don't remember it, but 1960 was a year of excitement. Chubby Checker captivated young followers with his dance craze, The Twist, and Etch-A-Sketch was the toy every boy and girl had to have. Philadelphia defeated Green Bay in an...

Welcome to a unique experience--the IFA convention 2006!(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL CONVENTION)(Cover Story)
February 1, 2006... Franchisees, franchisors and supplier members of the International Franchise Association can once again expect one of the most outstanding programs as IFA's 46th annual convention gets underway. You've heard about the line up of top-notch...

Reflections reveal the spirit of IFA past conventions; look to the future with a step into past IFA annual conventions.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL CONVENTION)
February 1, 2006... Each year, the International Franchise Association, through the work of numerous dedicated individuals, including members of the Convention Committee, develops a comprehensive program that is designed to meet the needs of franchisees,...

Convention offers special franchisee--focused sessions, programs.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL CONVENTION)
February 1, 2006... The International Franchise Association's annual convention in Palm Springs Feb. 25-28 will provide franchisees the opportunity to attend numerous educational programs to grow their businesses and network with peers. Program highlights will...

Taste of franchising event to reflect sector's diversity.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL CONVENTION)
February 1, 2006... As members of the franchising community gather for the International Franchise Association's 46th Annual Convention, they will learn first-hand the diversity of concepts within the sector. With record-breaking attendance expected, the "Taste of...

If you can't measure it ... you can't manage it; matching the right behaviors to the right actions equals favorable results.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL CONVENTION)(Column)
February 1, 2006... Imagine that your franchisees called tomorrow, all of them, one after another, and to tell you that they have a potential purchaser for their location. You however, know that you have an excellent, proven franchisee who wants their territory....

The pros and cons of SBA financing: a closer look at U.S. Small Business Administration loans and its importance to both small-business operators and the overall franchising community will be presented by the author during the convention's Business Solution Roundtable session on financing.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL CONVENTION)(Small Business Administration)(Panel Discussion)
February 1, 2006... Obtaining capital to finance single- or multi-unit operations has been relatively easy due to positive economic trends and strong liquidity in the financing industry. The continuous growth that has been experienced by the franchising sector is...

Hall of Fame: David and Gail Liniger: RE/MAX International, Inc. this award, International Franchise Association's oldest and most prestigious, is presented to an IFA member, past or present, who exemplifies the optimum in franchising and has contributed significantly to the advancement of franchising and the franchising community.
February 1, 2006... David Liniger Chairman of the Board and Co-founder RE/MAX International, Inc. David Liniger became interested in real estate while stationed in Phoenix with the U.S. Air Force. After working for both a commission company and a...

Entrepreneur of the year award.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL CONVENTION)(John Hewitt)
February 1, 2006... First presented in 1982, this award is conferred upon an individual who is currently building a successful business venture. The recipient need not be an IFA member, but must exemplify the "entrepreneurial spirit" that franchising represents....

Bonny LeVine Award.(presented to Joyce Mazero by International Franchise Association)
February 1, 2006... This award was created in 1994 in memory of esteemed IFA member and Postal Instant Press co-founder Bonny LeVine in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments in franchising and of her status as a role model for women in the franchising...

Ronald E. Harrison award.(presented by International Franchise Association to recognize franchises and franchisors)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... This award was created to recognize organizations or individuals who have made significant contributions to minorities in franchising either within their franchise organization or within the franchising community. This award is open to any...

Franchise attorney to receive Crystal Compass honor.(Mary Beth Brody)
February 1, 2006... Each year as part of its Leadership Conference, the International Franchise Association's Women's Franchise Committee bestows the WFC Crystal Compass upon someone within the franchising community who epitomizes the ideals of leadership....

International Franchise Association's federal and state issues: a year in review.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
February 1, 2006... The International Franchise Association, through its Government Relations Department, conducts an extensive, comprehensive program designed to preserve and enhance the legislative and regulatory climate for the growth of franchising. The...

Q & A with U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley.(FW FOCUS: A FRANCHISING WORLD Q & A)(Interview)
February 1, 2006... U. S. Sen. Charles Grassley, Iowa's senior senator, serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, which is responsible for legislation dealing with Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and taxes. Grassley is a senior member of the...

State round-up: IFA participates in state legislative meetings: in November and December, the International Franchise Association participated in two important state legislative conferences: the State Government Affairs Council Leaders' Policy Conference in Miami and the American Legislative Exchange Council's States and Nation Policy Summit in Washington, D.C.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... The SGAC meeting was attended by legislative leaders such as house speakers, senate presidents, majority and minority leaders and key committee chairs from legislatures from around the country. In all, nearly 60 legislators attended along with...

Creating dynamic brand awareness: building a brand you can count on for unit revenue and franchise development.(franchises and their online marketing)
February 1, 2006... It is your brand that identifies and embodies all that a company is. Your brand is the single most important feature of your business proposition. The brand equity that the company holds adds true value to your franchise model and...

Unleashing the passion toward the vision: a vision needs to be watered regularly and intentionally integrated into the fabric of periodic organizational reviews.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)(Column)
February 1, 2006... As a customer you can just feel it when a passionate, engaged employee serves you. he interaction is refreshing and you feel as if you have received good value for your time and money. You want to tell others about the experience. I get...

The broadening appeal of niche franchising: to get the most out of a niche requires a franchisor with a strategic plan taking steps to ensure the greatest return.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)(Column)
February 1, 2006... Today's consumer is smarter than ever and demands an extensive variety of products and services within a single category. As customers are better educated about what goods and services they want and need--due largely to the explosion of...

So direct.
February 1, 2006... What's so important about lists? Lists told you whether you made the football or cheerleading squad, Dean's List, or First Chair. As adults, we have grocery lists, to-do lists, Top to lists. In direct marketing, the list is frequently...

Measuring the franchise relationship: for franchisors, the issue of franchisee satisfaction looms large.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISE RELATIONS)(Column)
February 1, 2006... Maintaining constructive relationships with franchisees is a lot easier to talk about than it is to put into practice. For franchisors, this is an ongoing challenge. Several things can strain relationships. Among them are: Stress When...

Information technology in franchising-looking forward: a few years ago, many franchising companies felt that information technology was not very important for their company, and they didn't invest much time or money in it.(FW FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY)
February 1, 2006... That is no longer the case. Any franchise today needs to think about information technology, and figure out how they can leverage it most for their company. If they don't, they will almost certainly be at a significant disadvantage in the...

Using technology effectively: a guide to leveraging the advantages that technology tools offer.(FW FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY)(Column)
February 1, 2006... No one ever remembers the team that finishes in second place at the Daytona 500. The winner has the best memories, the most fun, and takes home the biggest prize. When people discuss brands, the market leaders are always the focus of the...

Wendy's program to assist adoption agencies: the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, named for Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers Restaurants' founder, has launched an initiative to find permanent adoptive homes for children waiting in foster care.(FOCUS: COMMUNITY OUTREACH)
February 1, 2006... A Signature Program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption The goal of the "Wendy's Wonderful Kids " program is to place 8,000 to 10,000 foster care children by 2010 through grants to local adoption agencies. Wendy's Wonderful Kids is...

America's highways to prosperity and security: interstate system reaches half-century mile-marker.(FW FOCUS: TRENDS)
February 1, 2006... Imagine franchising without our interstate highway system. There'd be no suburban houses to sell or clean and no lawns to groom. Neither would there be soccer moms taking the kids to a quick service restaurant after tutoring, nor commuter dads...

Former U.S. Army Captain Courtney receives educational scholarship.(FW FOCUS: SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS)
February 1, 2006... Former U.S. Army Capt. Erica Courtney recently received an educational advancement scholarship established by the International Franchise Association Educational Foundation and Figaro's Italian Pizza. The scholarship is awarded to U.S. military...

Scholarship program aids veterans.(Nathaniel Fick, Victoria Habas, Johnny Fajardo and Kaharie Izobo.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... The Veterans Scholarship Program was spearheaded by IFA members Michael Seid and Kay Ainsley, whose firm made the first donation to sponsor $2,000 scholarships to U.S. veterans enrolled in business and entrepreneurial courses of study at...

International Franchise Expo a launching pad for sector growth: popular trade show is the place to meet new prospects, launch new concepts.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISE EVENTS)
February 1, 2006... In the world of trade shows, the International Franchise Expo has created a 15-year legacy for helping franchisors grow their networks across the nation and around the globe. In June, that legacy will continue as more than 15,000 visitors from...

Veterans turning to franchising in increasing numbers.(FW FOCUS: VETFRAN)
February 1, 2006... More than 350 veterans own franchised small businesses today because of the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, an International Franchise Association program known as VetFran, which offers discounted franchise fees to veterans seeking to...

Abrakadoodle.(PEOPLE)(Bill Cherkasky, Kathryn Morgan and Steven Siegel appointed to advisory board)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Abrakadoodle named franchise-sector veterans Bill Cherkasky, Kathryn Morgan and Steven Siegel to its advisory board.

Boston's The Gourment Pizza.(Dianna Robinson appointed)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Boston's The Gourmet Pizza appointed Dianna Robinson national marketing director.

Carlson Restaurants Carlson.(Brad Bixby appointed at Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, parent company of T.G.I. Friday's restaurants, named Brad Bixby chief financial officer and vice president of finance.

Cartridge World New England .(Bob Cassidy appointed)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Cartridge World New England named Bob Cassidy operations manager.

Cendant Hotel Group named April R. Urbine as vice president of national sales.(Jeff Smith, Kevin Rupert appointed too)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Cendant Hotel Group named April R. Urbine as vice president of national sales, Jeff Smith as vice president of operations and Kevin Rupert as vice president of marketing and strategy for Wyndham Worldwide.

Choice Hotels International.(appointments)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Choice Hotels International announced several organizational changes and promotions: Dave Goldberg was named senior vice president, brand value; Dan Head became senior vice president, business intelligence and strategy; Janna Morrison was named...

Denny's Restaurants.(Steve Padley and Darlene Coachman appointed)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Denny's Restaurants named Steve Padley director of product development and Darlene Coachman director of product implementation.

The Dwyer Group.(Donald Dwyer Jr.'s appointment at Texas Camino Real District Export Council)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Donald Dwyer Jr., director of international operations for The Dwyer Group and president and owner of Get Noticed Solutions by Worldwide Supply has been named the vice chair of the Texas Camino Real District Export Council, one of four councils...

Express Personnel Services.(Robert A. Funk appointed by Federal Reserve Board)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... The Federal Reserve Board recently announced the appointment of Robert A. Funk, founder and CEO of Express Personnel Services, to the executive committee of the Conference of Chairmen. The chairmen represent each of the 12 Federal Reserve Bank...

Home Instead Senior Care.(appointments)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Home Instead Senior Care President Paul Hogan has become the franchise system's first chief executive officer. Senior Vice Pres. Roger Baumgart will move up to president. Other personnel changes include the appointments of John Hogan as chief...

More Space Place.(appointments and promotions)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... More Space Place promoted Bart Baker to vice president of manufacturing and engineering and Kathy Rowe to customer service manager. Newly-hired members of the staff include: Gwen Lee, marketing manager; Ed Vasquez, national sales manager; Karen...

Nestle Toll House Cafe by Chip.(Jason Piltzmaker appointed)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Crest Foods announced that Jason Piltzmaker of Piltzmaker Development Group has become the first area representative for the Nestle Toll House Cafe by Chip franchise system. He will support stores in the Houston area.

Palm Beach Tan.(Eric Edwards and Ted Stoner appointed)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Palm Beach Tan picked Eric Edwards to be director of franchise sales. Qdoba Mexican Grill has hired Ted Stoner as director of strategic product development.

Saladsworks.(Steven Beagelman appointed)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Saladworks appointed Steven Beagelman as senior vice president and chief franchise officer.

Sonic.(Steve Young, Barbara Williams and Eddie Steffensen appointed)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Sonic promoted Steve Young to regional vice president, Barbara Williams to director of marketing analysis, and Eddie Steffensen to director of operation services.

Buffalo Southwest Cafe.(social work with Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alabama and Georgia)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Buffalo's Southwest Cafe and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alabama and Georgia teamed up to send a four-year-old boy and his family to Disney World to make his wish come true. The youth developed Hodgkin's Lymphoma at age three but his disease...

Money Mailer.(partnership with Children's Miracle Network)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Money Mailer has entered a strategic partnership with Children's Miracle Network. The company will raise funds with three themed promotions tied to its spring mailings of more than 21 million envelopes. Franchisees will donate a portion of...

Pump It Up.(community service)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Pump It Up rolled out a system-wide program in which its 105 franchise owners nationwide can directly lend support to families affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The company is pairing with "Families Helping Families," a Louisiana...

RE/MAX.(RE/MAX Relief Fund established for hurricane relief)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, the RE/MAX Relief Fund was established to assist members of the RE/MAX network and their families affected by the storms. To date more than $1.3 million has been contributed by RE/MAX associates,...

Visiting the IFA Family.(International Franchise Association Pres. Matthew Shay discusses the franchise system's successes and goals with Kitchen Tune-Up Founder and Pres. David Haglund)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... International Franchise Association Pres. Matthew Shay visited with Kitchen Tune-Up Founder and Pres. David Haglund at the company's Aberdeen, S.D. corporate office where the pair discussed the franchise system's successes and goals, along with...

HomeVestors of America.(corporate sponsorship of Rebuilding Together)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... HomeVestors of America became a corporate sponsor of Rebuilding Together, a Washington D.C.-based non-profit group that preserves and revitalizes houses and communities, assuring that low-income homeowners live in warmth, safety and...

iSold It.(Transactions)(gets finance from Jacaranda Partners)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... iSold It, a chain of eBay drop-off stores, announced it has received $7.25 million in venture capital funding from a group of investors led by Jacaranda Partners. The funding will be used to introduce iSold It to new customers and to accelerate...

Allegra Network.(chosen as Future 50 of Greater Detroit honoree)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Allegra Network has been chosen as a Future 50 of Greater Detroit honoree in recognition of the company's outstanding contribution to Southeast Michigan through growth in employment, investments, community enhancement, revenues and...

The Pennsylvania State University's School of Hospitality Management.(Awards & Honors)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... The Pennsylvania State University's School of Hospitality Management recently appointed Paul Manley, Cendant Hotel Group director of loyalty marketing, to its Technology Advisory Board.

The Dwyer Group.(Dina Dwyer-Owens nominated as finalist in 2005 Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Dina Dwyer-Owens, president and CEO of The Dwyer Group, was named a finalist in the Best Executive category for service businesses with up to 2,500 employees in the 2005 Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs.

T.G.I. Fridays.(Awards & Honors)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... People Report, a provider of human capital metrics for the foodservice industry, presented T.G.I. Friday's with the Catalyst Award for its "significant advances and sustained results in people management."

Aero-Colours Inc., a subsidiary of Meineke Holding Co.(Growth)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Aero-Colours Inc., a subsidiary of Meineke Holding Co., is celebrating its 20th year in business.

Bark Busters.(Growth)
February 1, 2006... Bark Busters has reached the 150 franchise mark.

Chester's International.(Growth)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Chester's International opened a franchised store in the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport ha San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Cinnabon.(Growth)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Cinnabon celebrated its 20th anniversary in November.

Comfort Keepers.(Growth)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Comfort Keepers opened an office in Dublin.

Creative Colors International.(Growth)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Creative Colors International relocated its headquarters to 19015 South Jodi Road in Mokena, Ill. to accommodate its growing infrastructure, strengthen franchisee training, technological developments, and support capabilities.

Gray Plant Mooty.(Growth)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... The law firm Gray Plant Mooty established an East Coast office in Washington, D.C. Lawyers at the location will include Robert Zisk, Eric Yaffe, David Worthen, Jeff Karlin, Tristan Siegel, Stephen Vaughan, Iris Rosario, and Michael Robbins.

Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops.(Growth)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops recently signed an agreement to open a store in Raleigh, N.C., its 700th store.

Marble Slab Creamery.(Growth)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Marble Slab Creamery now has 500 stores and opened its first in Dubai.

Papa's Murphy's.(Growth)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Papa Murphy's reached the 900th store mark with the opening of its Aurora, Colo. establishment.

Burger King Corp.(Marketing)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Burger King Corp. offered one of its largest burgers ever, the Triple Whopper, in conjunction with the opening of the feature film, King Kong, in December. The company also monkeyed around with its milkshake menu, serving chocolate-banana in...

Edible Arragements.(Marketing)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Edible Arrangements hard-carved, fresh fruit arrangements that resemble floral bouquets were among gifts provided by E! News to celebrities receiving Golden Globe Nominations. Recipients included George Clooney, Marc Cherry, Eva Longoria, Matt...

In December, Express Personnel founder Robert Funk was featured on the History Channel's "History's Business" program.(Marketing)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... In December, Express Personnel founder Robert Funk was featured on the History Channel's "History's Business" program and Billy Etbauer, five time World Champion Saddle Bronc rider who is sponsored by Express Ranchies, appeared on the David...

FASTSIGNS.(Marketing)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... FASTSIGNS has launched a new store decor that is designed to be business-oriented, eye-catching and professional.

International Franchise Association Programs and Calendar of Industry Events.(FW FOCUS: IMPORTANT DATES IN FRANCHISING)(Calendar)
February 1, 2006... 2006 FEBRUARY 2-4 The Influential Leader Workshop NOVA Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale Contact: ICFE 24-25 ICFE Special Sessions Wyndham Hotel Palm Springs, Calif. Contact: ICFE 2-4 The Influential Leader Workshop...