Franchising World articles from February 2008

Franchising World archives from February 2008

Accepting the mission: advance the franchising community.(IN THIS ISSUE)(Steven J. Greenbaum chairman at International Franchise Association speaks about franchising industry growth)(Personal account)
February 1, 2008... It is indeed an honor and a privilege to begin my year of service as chairman of the International Franchise Association. To be selected to lead such a notable body of innovative "franchise citizens" who contribute their time and talents...

Public policy challenges await in 2008.(IFA PRESIDENT'S COLUMN)(International Franchise Association)
February 1, 2008... This time of the New Year is typically when efforts to fulfill resolutions are still headed down the right path. While many of us resolve to break old habits or improve other areas of our personal lives, the overall theme of improvement tends...

IFA Convention to deliver three "Es"-empowerment, enlightenment and education: when the International Franchise Association's major annual event comes to a close, it is the sincere wish of the Convention Committee that each attendee leaves with many new ideas to enhance the brand development.(FA'S 2008 ANNUAL CONVENTION)
February 1, 2008... To that end, franchising leaders, including franchisors, franchisees and suppliers, should bring an air of anticipation about what they will experience over the next few days to build their professional and personal lives. We are excited...

Keynote speakers set to provide unique insights: Marriott International, Inc. Chairman and CEO J.W. (Bill) Marriott Jr. and U.S. Army Gen. Colin Powell, retired, will headline the two main general sessions during the International Franchise Association's 48th annual convention.(FA'S 2008 ANNUAL CONVENTION)(Occupation overview)
February 1, 2008... For those attending the convention, the opportunity to hear from two prominent individuals and glean information during other educational sessions will become a reality. Kicking off the opening general session will be Powell whose remarks on...

Diversity Summit focuses on embracing a culture of inclusion: a three-hour diversity summit developed by the Minorities in Franchising Committee and the diversity institute will feature Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance Pres. Gerry Fernandez as keynote speaker.(FA'S 2008 ANNUAL CONVENTION)(International Franchise Association Educational Foundation and the Minorities in Franchising Committee)(Conference notes)
February 1, 2008... The institute, founded by the cooperative efforts of the International Franchise Association Educational Foundation and the Minorities in Franchising Committee, has been very active over the past year. Whether expanding outreach efforts by...

U. Gary Charlwood, CFE: chairman and CEO: Charlwood Pacific Group: this award, IFA'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.(Hall of Fame)(Occupation overview)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] German-born U. Gary Charlwood, CFE, moved to London, England as a child, and later attended Southampton University on a scholarship before beginning his career in the travel industry. In 1966, Charlwood moved to...

Brian Scudamore: founder and CEO 1-800-GOT-JUNK?(Entrepreneur of the Year)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 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 "entrepreneural sprit" that...

Gerald A. "Gerry" Fernandez: president and founder Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance.(Ronald E. Harrison Award)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This award was created to recognize organizations and or individuals who have made significant contributions to minorities in franchising either within their franchise organization or within the franchising...

Jeanne Kennedy: chief operating officer KENEX Corp. (dba Meineke Car Care Centers Inc.).(Bonny LeVine Award)(Occupation overview)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 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...

2008 taste of franchising sponsors honored.(IFA'S 2008 ANNUAL CONVENTION)(International Franchise Association)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Taste of Franchising event is the party that kicks off the convention experience: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Those members of the franchising community ho are returning or attending their first international Franchise Association annual...

In their own words.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)(Credit and Debit Card Receipt Clarification Act of 2007)(Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Franchising World magazine regularly shares with its readers public statements of leading policymakers on franchising issues of concern to mall businesses. Readers will "hear" directly from influencers of major public policy as they address...

FranPAC report card: the International Franchise Association's current financial support to candidates for federal office as of mid-December is reflected in the following "report card".(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
February 1, 2008... Convention events show politics can be fun The International Franchise Association's political action committee, FranPAC, offers association members prizes as part of its Silent Auction, a popular and fun feature of the annual convention....

International expansion: do opportunities outweigh challenges?(FW FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
February 1, 2008... The landscape of franchising is rapidly changing. Consider: * More than 900 new franchised concepts have been added to the existing base of more than 2,000 concepts, according to FRANData Corp. * The housing credit crunch may negatively...

Seasoned global affairs executive Carlos Poza joins IFA staff: new vice president of international affairs to bolster the association's visibility in the global market.(FW FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS)
February 1, 2008... Carlos F. Poza has been named vice president of international affairs of the International Franchise Association. His credentials include more than 30 years experience working with organizations in global development, market research, trade...

Diversity Institute success in 2007 forecasts positive future.(FW FOCUS: MINORITY OUTREACH)
February 1, 2008... Educational and outreach programming under the International Franchise Association Education Foundation's Diversity Institute was robust in 2007 and is the underpinning for success in 2008. IFA, through the Diversity Institute, launched an...

The art of closing the sale in 10 easy steps: these steps convey messages of confidence to future franchises and customers.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
February 1, 2008... Retired Hall-of-Fame Dodger Manager Tommy Lasorda once said, "There are three types of baseball players: those who make it happen, those who watch it happen and those who wonder what happens." In the world of franchising, only those willing to...

The new frontier of franchise disclosure.(FW FOCUS: LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE)
February 1, 2008... The final version of the amendments to the Federal Trade Commission's Rule on Franchising was finally announced in early 2007. Franchisors have until July 1 to convert their offering circulars to the new disclosure format and transform then]...

The benefits of system-wide continuity.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISE RELATIONS)(Padgett Business Services USA Inc.)(Company overview)
February 1, 2008... Last year, Padgett Business Services recently celebrated its 40th year in business and more than 30 years in franchising. As the organization's history was reviewed, many realized that its core business offering has not changed much. Of course,...

Financing re-imaging projects: national funding program can be the solution to revitalizing a brand.(FW FOCUS: FINANCE)
February 1, 2008... Studies have been conducted about how an increase in gross revenues can be attributed to having a new look. This is the same reason customers see products on grocery shelves appear with a new image on boxes. For instance, "new and improved"...

2008 Legal Symposium--it's all in the planning: task force boosts program to new levels.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISING EVENTS)(McDonald's Corp.)(Starbucks Corp.)(Subway Inc.)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 2008 Legal Symposium Task Force has 28 members, roughly half of whom are in-house attorneys from AAMCO, The Dwyer Group, FOCUS Brands, Friendly's, International Dairy Queen, Marriott, McDonald's, Meineke,...

Central Virginia joins the Franchise Expo tour: new partnership helps expand trade show circuit, attract more leads.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISING EVENTS)
February 1, 2008... Following in the very large footsteps of such renowned trade shows as the International Franchise Expo, West Coast Franchise Expo and Franchise Expo South, the International Franchise Association and MFV Expositions have teamed again to unveil...

Irl H. Marshall Jr., CFE.(IN MEMORIAM)(In memoriam)
February 1, 2008... Irl H. Marshall Jr., CFE, aged 78, died Dec. 20 at his Northbrook, Ill. home of 56 years. Marshall, the recipient in 2002 of IFA's highest honor, the Hall of Fame Award, dedicated more than 33 years of his life to franchising. Irl H....

Accor North America.(PEOPLE)(Jeffrey Palmer, Andrew McKay and Helen Spencer appointed)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Accor North America hired Jeffrey Palmer as senior vice president of sales and marketing for Motel 6 and Studio 6. FASTSIGNS master franchisee SIGNWAVE of Melbourne, Australia hired Andrew McKay as general manager,...

Fitness Together Franchise Corp.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... Fitness Together Franchise Corp. announced Patrick Pounders as its director of sales.

Focus Brands.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... FOCUS Brands hired Kelly Roddy as brand president of Schlotzsky's.

InterContinental Hotels Group.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] InterContinental Hotels Group named Gopal Rao regional vice president of sales and marketing for Canada.

Palm Beach Tan.(PEOPLE)(Palm Beach beauty Products)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Palm Beach Tan appointed Diane Lucas as president and chief operating officer, Steve Berkman as vice president of franchise services for Desert Sun Tanning and promoted Roy Sneed to director of franchise support.

Play N Trade Franchise, Inc.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... Roger Lloyd was appointed CEO of Play N Trade Franchise, Inc.

Signs Now.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Signs Now hired Dennis Della Franco as franchise development manager.

NexCen Brand.(Mergers, Acquisition and Transactions)
February 1, 2008... NexCen Brands acquired trademarks and other intellectual property of The Shoe Box, Inc. in partnership with the Camuto Group.

Accor North America Vice Pres. of Telecommunications and Support Service Adrian M. Butler was honored.(Awards & Honors)
February 1, 2008... Accor North America Vice Pres. of Telecommunications and Support Service Adrian M. Butler was honored as one of Computerworld's 2008 Premier 100 IT Leaders.

ADIR Restaurants Corp. Pres. and COO Jose Cofino was awarded "Best in Business--Franchising".(Awards & Honors)
February 1, 2008... ADIR Restaurants Corp. Pres. and COO Jose Cofino was awarded "Best in Business--Franchising" from Hispanic Enterprise magazine.

Dunkin' Brands recognized outstanding franchisees, partners and suppliers with the company's highest honors at its annual Enterprise Awards.(Awards & Honors)
February 1, 2008... Dunkin' Brands recognized outstanding franchisees, partners and suppliers with the company's highest honors at its annual Enterprise Awards dinner including Franchisee of the Year winners Walt and Kathy Ballard, Los Banos, Calif.; and...

Schlotzsky's.(Awards & Honors)(Schlotzsky's Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Schlotzsky's launched its first Online Winning Combination Game where prizes were awarded for $25,000 a year for life to Candy Lawson of Shelby, N.C. and a $10,000 sweepstakes to Rick Conaway of Chesapeake, Va....

Gray Plant Mooty.(Awards & Honors)(Gray Plant Mooty P.A.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Gray Plant Mooty won first place in the "Promotional/Collateral Materials and Web sites" category, and second place in the "Ad Campaign" category for work on its Franchise & Distribution practice group's 2006 ad campaign during the Legal...

Hilton Hotels.(Awards & Honors)
February 1, 2008... Hilton Hotels' Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort was recognized as a AAA Four Diamond hotel.

Regis Corp. honored eight of its franchisees with its prestigious Franchisee of the Year award.(Awards & Honors)
February 1, 2008... Regis Corp. honored eight of its franchisees with its prestigious Franchisee of the Year award including Harold and Renee Biebel of Bowling Green, Ky. for the Multi-Concept, Cost Cutters and Supercuts category.

United Franchise Group Dir. of Marketing Tipton Shonkwiler was named.(Awards & Honors)
February 1, 2008... United Franchise Group Dir. of Marketing Tipton Shonkwiler was named to the Advertising Specialties Institute's Show Advisory Board.

Valpak was named the recipient of four MarCom Creative Awards for several of the company's marketing and communications campaigns.(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Valpak was named the recipient of four MarCom Creative Awards for several of the company's marketing and communications campaigns. The company earned Platinum awards in the Marketing/ Promotion and Self Promotion categories and two Gold awards...

Asian American Hotel Association.(Milestones)
February 1, 2008... The Asian American Hotel Association surpassed the milestone of 1,000 lifetime members and 8,700 total members in 2007.

Learning Express.(Milestones)
February 1, 2008... Learning Express celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Rim's Water Ice.(Milestones)
February 1, 2008... Rim's Water Ice celebrated the opening of its 500th store.

Search Path International.(Milestones)
February 1, 2008... Search Path International celebrated the opening of its 50th franchise at a location in Hudson, Ohio.

Cartridge World awarded master franchise rights of Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.(Growth)
February 1, 2008... Cartridge World awarded master franchise rights of Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay to Diego Albanell.

Home Instead Senior Care.(Growth)
February 1, 2008... Home Instead Senior Care has begun franchising in Germany and now has operations in 12 countries.

InterContinental Hotels Group.(Growth)
February 1, 2008... InterContinental Hotels Group expanded its Hotel Indigo brand into Mexico at a location in Merida.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone.(Milestones)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... London Mayor Ken Livingstone delivered the keynote speech when FranFind opened its Franchise Resource Centre in September. From left, Livingstone, and FranFind's Managing Dir. Angela Bachfeld; Franchise Consultant Matthew Kirby; and...

Stroller Strides.(Growth)
February 1, 2008... Stroller Strides began franchising in British Columbia.

Burger King's.(Growth)(Burger King Corp.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Burger King's famous burger, the WHOPPER sandwich, celebrated its 50th anniversary on Dec. 6 in New York City with the unveiling of a wax installation at Madame Tussauds. First introduced in 1957, the item has become...

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.(Growth)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brought its brand to Panama City, Panama converting the Veneto Hotel & Casino to a Wyndham Grand Hotel.

Georgetown College (Dallas) Pres. Dr. William H. Crouch Jr. and Diverse Wealth Systems CEO, Certified Diversity Professional and Consultant, Phil Wilkins partnered to improved diversity at Georgetown College by launching a "Diverse Wealth Tour.".
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Georgetown College (Dallas) Pres. Dr. William H. Crouch Jr. and Diverse Wealth Systems CEO, Certified Diversity Professional and Consultant, Phil Wilkins partnered to improved diversity at Georgetown College by...

The Athlete's Foot.(Marketing)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... As the winner of the "In My Shoes Contest," The Athlete's Foot awarded Denver high school student Jasmine Warfield of Aurora, Colo. court time with Denver Nuggets basketball player Carmelo Anthony.

California Tortilla.(Marketing)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... California Tortilla launched its computer-based loyalty rewards system "Burrito Elito" where members can gain points on their card with each purchase made, one point for every pre-tax dollar spent. In addition to the opportunity for bonus...

Red Roof Inn.(Marketing)
February 1, 2008... Red Roof Inn returned its headquarters to Columbus, Ohio.

RE/MAX International.(Marketing)(RE/MAX International Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... RE/MAX International signed an online advertising agreement with Disaboom, Inc., which is developing the first online community for people living with or directly affected by disabilities or functional limitations.

ServiceMaster Clean.(Marketing)(Jesus Martinez receives commercial cleaning franchise from ServiceMaster Clean)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... ServiceMaster Clean and professional basketball player Shane Battier have named Miami resident, Jesus Martinez, as the third recipient of a commercial cleaning franchise from The Shane Battier Franchise Scholarship Program.

Sport Clips.(Marketing)
February 1, 2008... Sport Clips awarded two recent Purple Heart recipients and clients, stylists, franchisees and area developers opportunities to drive a NASCAR-style racer at Chicagoland Speedway.

Valpak.(Marketing)(teams up with Walt Disney Co. Walt Disney Studios )(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Valpak partnered with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and Odyssey Marine Exploration to celebrate the release of National Treasure: Book of Secrets offering the chance to win free movie tickets or a $20,000 treasure.

Wyndham Hotel Group.(Marketing)
February 1, 2008... Wyndham Hotel Group introduced The Wyndham Grand Collection brand designed to attract guests seeking unique experiences in distinctive destinations.

Sport Clips.(Community Service)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Sport Clips donated $80,000 to the Veterans of Foreign War's Operation Uplink Program that helps military personnel and hospitalized veterans stay in touch with their families and loved ones. The company also raised funds to support the...

HomeVestors.(Community Service)(HomeVestors of America Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HomeVestors of America's Ugliest House of the Year contest revealed that a home in Sarasota, Fla. won the honors. The property was then purchased by Gregory Weinstein of Goldmine Properties, LLC.

International Franchise Association programs and calendar of industry events.(IMPORTANT DATES IN FRANCHISING CALENDAR)(Calendar)
February 1, 2008... 2008 FEBRUARY 9-12-IFA Annual Convention Marriott World Center Orlando MARCH 1-2-Central Virginia Franchise & Finance Expo Richmond 10-11-How to Recruit Better Candidates & Close More Franchise Sales...