Franchising World articles from February 2009

Franchising World archives from February 2009

Seizing opportunities, meeting challenges.(IN THIS ISSUE)
February 1, 2009... To begin a year of service as the International Franchise Association's chairwoman is a sincere honor and one that I embrace with humility. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the leadership of the world's oldest and largest association...

Equipping the industry with tools for change.(IFA PRESIDENT AND CEO'S COLUMN)
February 1, 2009... As the franchising community adjusts to meet new economic challenges, we have renewed our efforts to equip members with educational resources and other tools to make them more competitive. Nowhere are these efforts more visible than in the...

Investing in the future of franchising: each year when the International Franchise Association's annual convention commences, an air of excitement sweeps through the meeting halls as thousands of franchising professionals gather to embark on four days of networking, education and entertainment Feb. 14-17.(IFA'S 49TH ANNUAL CONVENTION)(Cover story)
February 1, 2009... Faced with a challenging economy, franchise professionals will be charged with a sense of urgency to glean tips and tactics necessary to guide their systems through the downturn and emerge stronger than ever. The theme "Building Local...

Networking: now more important than ever: get the benefit of sharing ideas with many who face the same challenges that we do each day.(IFA'S 49TH ANNUAL CONVENTION)(International Franchise Association)
February 1, 2009... As we look at the landscape of our industry, we will probably find that the average franchisor has limited resources to work with. That is why it is always prudent to view just what resources we should allocate to any endeavor. We are living in...

2009 Taste of Franchising sponsors honored.(IFA'S 49TH ANNUAL CONVENTION)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Taste of Franchising event is the party that kicks off the convention experience: Those members of the franchising community who are returning or attending their first International Franchise Association annual convention will gain a...

Congratulations: Hall of Fame Award winner: James S. Bugg Sr., CFE: Chairman and Owner Decorating Den Systems.(IFA'S 49TH ANNUAL CONVENTION)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 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...

Congratulations: Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner: Tariq Farid: President and CEO Edible Arrangements.(IFA'S 49TH ANNUAL CONVENTION)
February 1, 2009... [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 "entrepreneurial spirit"...

Congratulations: Bonny LeVine Award winner: Catherine Monson: CEO FASTSIGNS International.(IFA'S 49TH ANNUAL CONVENTION)
February 1, 2009... [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...

Congratulations: Ronald E. Harrison Award winner: Linda G. Alvarado President Palo Alto, Inc. (Yum! Brands Franchisee).(IFA'S 49TH ANNUAL CONVENTION)
February 1, 2009... [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...

Franchise businesses prepare for economic challenges: industry remains "cautiously optimistic.".(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
February 1, 2009... IFA launches five-point recovery plan. The nation's franchise businesses that employ millions of American workers and generate hundreds of billions of dollars of economic output are preparing for economic challenges in the New Year,...

Time to acquire another brand? valuations for '09 are down, creating excellent investment opportunities.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The world-wide financial crisis has negatively affected most segments of our economy and franchising is no exception. In franchising, the downturn has manifested itself in declining franchisee revenues and...

Picking up prospects when 401(k)s are down: in any market, strong or weak, the use of 401(k) and other retirement plans should be part of a franchise system's marketing strategy to get qualified prospects involved.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
February 1, 2009... The use of the 401 (k) and other retirement plans to help individuals invest in franchises has become the norm. Even the IRS was forced in its Oct. 1, 2008 memorandum to field auditors to bless the procedure when properly done. It's hard to...

Sharpen your financing tools: ensure that your franchise candidates have a smooth path to successful financing.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
February 1, 2009... Candidates who want to buy your franchise are faced with many challenges in trying to complete the deal. None is more complicated and misunderstood than the financing. Here are some tips on how you can help make it happen. Prevent Lender...

Much ado about ... "card check": passage of the pro-union Employee Free Choice Act is organized labor's top priority.(GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
February 1, 2009... It's back. The top legislative priority for the International Franchise Association is the defeat of the so-called Employee Free Choice Act or "card-check." Enactment of this legislation remains the top legislative priority for organized labor....

FranPAC report card: supporting federal candidates: the International Franchise Association's current financial support to candidates for federal office as of mid-December is reflected in the following "report card.".(GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)(List)
February 1, 2009... IFA's political action committee, FranPAC, supports pro-franchise, pro-business candidates for U.S. Congress. FranPAC Supported Candidates US. Senate Alexander, Lamar (R-Tenn.) $1,500 [check] Barrasso, John (R-Wyo.)...

Texas: a profile: this profile is part of an occasional series examining the issues and atmosphere guiding politics and policy in various states.(GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
February 1, 2009... The Facts State Motto: "Friendship," based on the Caddo Indian word "tejas," meaning friends or allies. Nickname: Lone Star State 28th state to enter the Union on Dec. 29, 1845 Capital: Austin Population: 23.5 million ...

Attracting franchisees: grow with the right candidates.(LEAD GENERATION)
February 1, 2009... Although franchising's largest and most popular brands represent the images most people hold about the industry, recent research revealed that franchising has been significantly influenced by the growing number of new concepts appearing in the...

Do you really know your franchise prospects? Taking the time to "peel the layers" closes more deals and seals lasting franchisee relationships.(LEAD GENERATION)
February 1, 2009... Stress levels in franchising are at an all-time high, and franchise development teams are feeling the burden now more than ever. With unit sales slumping as a result of decreased consumer spending, franchisors are putting extra heat on their...

Developing effective lead generation strategies: do your messages cut through the clutter of 3,000 marketing notices a day?(LEAD GENERATION)
February 1, 2009... At the core of every successful business is dead generation. It's no wonder most of us are obsessed with more effectively generating the right volume and quality of leads. The truth is, whether you are targeting consumers or franchisees, the...

Diversified marketing overcomes inconsistent lead delivery: can franchise systems ensure their leads are qualified and sales teams are productive?(MARKETING)
February 1, 2009... How can franchise systems make sure their leads are qualified? It's not simple. The secret is to stay on top of changes. Partnering with the right sources, thinking "out of the box" and implementing the campaign swiftly and effectively are...

Are your marketing and business strategies aligned? Alignment is a continual process, not a once a year affair.(MARKETING)
February 1, 2009... A tight economy forces businesses to scrutinize very resource. All too often marketing comes under the gun because its tactics are not perceived by management as having a direct impact on the company's bottom line. If your business is...

When is a franchise fee considered income: franchisors should not rely on their "professionals" to put together the proper documents. A strong franchisor is one that "minds his or her own business.".(MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
February 1, 2009... Tough economic times are upon us. No news there. Finding the right franchisees, uncovering financing alternatives, evaluating fixed and variable costs, and reassessing expansion plans are but a few of the concerns plaguing the franchising...

Which comes first, a franchisee or a site? It is in the franchisor's long-term best interests to take the "egg first" (or the "location first") approach to site selection and leasing.(MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
February 1, 2009... You've certainly heard of the analogy of "Which comes first, the chicken or egg?" The same correlation can be drawn with a franchisor's site-selection process. Typically, franchise tenants are astounded to learn that they are often no...

Best practices: promoting consistency within a system: consistency lays the foundation and creates expectations, employees, franchisees, vendors and customers.(MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
February 1, 2009... Promoting consistency within any system is tantamount to laying the cornerstone of a great company, for the consistency which you create, develop, nurture and enhance will eventually permeate your organization. In today's ever-changing business...

Next global stop: ranking franchise-friendly countries.(INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
February 1, 2009... Experienced international operators will also know that there are many other things to consider such as local taxes and business practices, currency transfer regulations, specific local laws and the local culture. In amongst all that comes how...

Franchise development series recap: "Unconference" format successful, '09 session planned: expertise provided by "Unconference" attendees who are currently managing daily franchise operations is beneficial.(EVENTS)
February 1, 2009... Developing and expanding your franchise system in a challenging economy calls for sharing proven methods that overcome obstacles and achieve success. Continuing to provide an accessible pass to established franchisors and providing...

Women's Franchise Network chapters offer benefits: local networking and educational events offer "bonding" opportunities for like-minded women in franchising.(EVENTS)
February 1, 2009... We are in a time of remarkable change, some of it historical in scope and nature. But there are changes all around us that can have remarkable impact on our lives and businesses, most of which are done in small and modest ways. This is what has...

Expo: best franchise prospects are found in Washington, D.C. 18th annual expo set for March 20-22 in the nation's capital.(EVENTS)
February 1, 2009... Franchising's oldest and largest showcase, the International Franchise Expo, begins its 18th run in Washington, D.C. March 20 and this year should prove to be anything but typical. As our nation's capital, Washington, D.C. brings together...

Looking for a few good VFPCs: (VetFran participating companies).(HONORING AMERICA'S VETERANS)
February 1, 2009... "Two hundred thousand servicemen and women separate from military service annually, and it's up to all of us... whether in the public or private sector... to help them start... or re-start... their civilian careers," said former U.S....

Welcome new IFA members.(WELCOME TO IFA!)(List)
February 1, 2009... FRANCHISE SYSTEMS Big Frog Custom T-Shirts, Clearwater, Fla., Contact Ron DeFrece Mama Fu's Asian House, Austin, Texas, Contact Randy Murphy Ductz International, LLC, Ann Arbor, Mich., Contact Paul Evers Floods4Less, Inc.,...

Athletic Nation.(PEOPLE)(appoints Robin Dalton, Scott Mortier)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Athletic Nation hired Robin Dalton as director of operations, Scott Mortier as director of franchise sales, and appointed National Football League All-Pro fullback Mike Karney to its Advisory Committee.

Buxton.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2009... Buxton promoted Charles Wetzel to president. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

ColorTyme.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ColorTyme hired Albert A. Kohut as vice president of operations.

Figaro's Pizza.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2009... Figaro's Pizza named Rick Glenn executive vice president.

Friendly Ice Cream.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2009... Friendly Ice Cream appointed Ned R. Lidvall as president and CEO. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Harris Goldman Productions.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2009... Harris Goldman Productions named David Pinkard as national account director in their San Diego office.

InterContinental Hotels Group.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2009... InterContinental Hotels Group appointed Paul Snyder to vice president of development brand management and marketing. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The Melting Pot Restaurants.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2009... The Melting Pot Restaurants hired Garry Smyth as national director of brand development.

Mrs. Fields' Original Cookies.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2009... Mrs. Fields' Original Cookies named John Lauck and Michael Ward as co-CEOs.

Submarina California Subs.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2009... Submarina California Subs hired Kirk Thompson as executive vice president of area development and Vicki Finley as the director of marketing.

Concepts Worldwide was honored as the recipient of the Professional Convention Management Association's 2008 Spirit Award.(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Concepts Worldwide was honored as the recipient of the Professional Convention Management Association's 2008 Spirit Award and its president Terri Breining was named as one of the "25 Most Powerful, People, Forces and Trends influencing the...

The Dwyer Group.(Awards & Honors)
February 1, 2009... The Dwyer Group was named one of the "Best Companies to Work for in Texas" by Texas Monthly.

Home Helpers named the winners of several franchisee awards.(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Home Helpers named the winners of several franchisee awards including Rookie of the Year to Pablo Martinez of Santa Barbara, Calif.; Shooting Star to Janet Dean of Peebles, Ohio; Caregiver of the Year to Patricia Johnson of Philadelphia; and...

Homewood Suites by Hilton.(Awards & Honors)
February 1, 2009... Homewood Suites by Hilton was recognized as America's "Best Value Hotel Chain" in Zagat's 2009 Top U.S. Hotels, Resorts & Spas survey.

Subway's.(Awards & Honors)
February 1, 2009... Subway's first Eco-Store, located in Kissimmee, Fla., has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design silver certification.

United Franchise Group CEO Ray Titus was named to the Advertising Specialty Institute's Counselor magazine.(Awards & Honors)
February 1, 2009... United Franchise Group CEO Ray Titus was named to the Advertising Specialty Institute's Counselor magazine "Power 50" ranking. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Valpak Senior Vice Pres. of Marketing and Communications Melissa Fisher was named winner of the Stevie Award for Best Executive.(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Valpak Senior Vice Pres. of Marketing and Communications Melissa Fisher was named winner of the Stevie Award for Best Executive in a Service Business by the American Business Awards.

Sport Clips.(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sport Clips conducted its annual National Cut-a-Thon on Veterans Day where $118,000 was raised to donate to the Veterans of Foreign Wars' Operation Uplink program which keeps military personnel and hospitalized...

Homevestors of America.
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Homevestors of America announced that a 100-year-old Chicago house was voted the winner of Second Annual Ugliest House of the Year contest. The house was purchased by franchisee Scott Gottlieb of SNL Realty and...

Cruise Holidays signed a multi-location franchise agreement with Murtaza (Monty) Kanani.(International Growth)
February 1, 2009... Cruise Holidays signed a multi-location franchise agreement with Murtaza (Monty) Kanani to open locations in Dubai.

Dunkin' Donuts.(International Growth)
February 1, 2009... Dunkin' Donuts has opened its first shop in Shanghai.

Flip Flop Shops.(International Growth)
February 1, 2009... Flip Flop Shops is expanding into Vancouver.

Pizza Inn.(International Growth)
February 1, 2009... Pizza Inn opened the first of 20 locations in Kuwait.

Uno Chicago Grill.(International Growth)
February 1, 2009... Uno Chicago Grill entered the fast casual arena with the launch of Uno Dud Go at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Valpak.(International Growth)
February 1, 2009... Valpak partnered with talk show host Ellen DeGeneres to give viewers prizes during her show in "Ellen's 12 Days of Giveaways Sweepstakes" through a "Watch and Win" Valpak promotion.

Edible Arrangements.(Community Service)
February 1, 2009... Edible Arrangements offered two special edition fruit arrangements to support breast cancer awareness and donated 10 percent of the sales to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Golden Corral franchisee Eric Holm served more than 18,000 Thanksgiving dinners in Orlando.(Community Service)
February 1, 2009... Golden Corral franchisee Eric Holm served more than 18,000 Thanksgiving dinners in Orlando through his 16th annual "Helpings from the Heart" meal for the homeless.

Togo's.(Community Service)
February 1, 2009... Togo's offered a 1970s "Wednesday's Flashback" price reduction promotion donating funds to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

WineStyles.(Community Service)(donation to Share Our Strength )(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... WineStyles, Clos LaChance Winery and Share Our Strength joined forces to launch Collaboration Wine through which 10 percent of the retail price of each bottle will benefit Share Our Strength's work to end childhood hunger.

Golden Corral.(Marketing)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In honor of their service, Golden Corral offered U.S. military veterans a free dinner in November and made available special postcards available at its restaurants for sending messages of thanks and encouragement to...

Correction.(Correction notice)
February 1, 2009... An incomplete e-mail address was listed in the December Franchising World magazine article "Financing Solutions in a Tight Credit Market." The correct e-mail address for the author, Direct Capital Corp. Senior Franchise Finance Manager Peter J....

HealthStore Foundation brings services to more than two million, names new CEO.(Community Outreach)
February 1, 2009... An institution using a franchise model provide life-saving medicines and health care has reached several major milestones: serving more than two million people on the African continent, opening 82 medical clinics, converting 45 drug shops into...