Franchising World articles from January 2005

Franchising World archives from January 2005

In this issue.
January 1, 2005... The franchising community can draw upon many positive features: its diversity, flexibility and ability to create small businesses to fit every interest. The sector's primary strengths are the minds and hearts of the dedicated people that have...

2005 and beyond holds promise for franchising.
January 1, 2005... In the spring of 2004, the International Franchise Association's Educational Foundation released its benchmark survey, "The Economic Impact of Franchised Businesses," which reported franchising accounts for 9.5 percent of the private-sector...

Sunny franchise days ahead, predicts Entrepreneur magazine's chairman.(Entrepreneur Media Inc.'s Peter J. Shea)
January 1, 2005... The owner of Entrepreneur magazine, Peter J. Shea, is one of franchising's true entrepreneurs. From 1983 to 1997, he was the CEO and president of Stained Glass Overlay Inc., an international franchisor with more than 305 franchises in 40...

Franchising's leaders: the International Franchise Association's board of directors executive committee.
January 1, 2005... The International Franchise Association serves as the "Voice of Franchising" and is composed of talented and experienced representatives as members of its board of directors. The board includes franchisees, franchisors and suppliers. The...

Leadership makes the difference: IFA Board members share their insights on what makes a leader: leadership is a critical commodity to any franchised small business. Franchising World asked members of the International Franchise Association's board of directors to identify those who have served as their role models.(International Franchise Association)
January 1, 2005... Ron Berger President Figaro's Italian Pizza, Inc. My role models for leadership in both business and franchising are Bill and Bonny LeVine, founders of Postal Instant Press. With respect to franchising, Bill and his late wife...

The characteristics of a leader in franchising: franchise ownership and leadership are synonymous. To be in franchising, you must be a leader. To be successful in franchising, you must be an effective, compassionate and visionary leader.
January 1, 2005... As I interact with franchise owners every day, I am consistently awed by their energy, focus and drive. Franchise owners are entrepreneurs at heart. They have put the "egg money" into not just a job, but a future. When you couple this...

2005 nominees to the International Franchise Association's board of directors.
January 1, 2005... Several franchise leaders have been nominated to join the International Franchise Association's board of directors in 2005. These executives will work to shape association policies and positions on issues affecting the franchise sector. An...

Mission possible--harnessing strength and overcoming weakness in your career: the International Franchise Association's 45th Annual Convention will gather some of the sector's brightest stars for a session that is designed to shed light on the tools and resources needed to become leaders in today's workplace and community.
January 1, 2005... Speaker: Julia A. Stewart, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Director, IHOP Corp. Objective: "Lessons From the Top" session to examine characteristics that make a leader Location: Sixth Annual Leadership...

Women's franchise committee to present Sixth Annual Leadership Conference.
January 1, 2005... As we get ready to head to Hollywood, Fla. for the Annual International Franchise Association Conference, the Women's Franchise Committee has been busy preparing for the Sixth Annual Leadership Conference. This year's conference, entitled...

Minorities in franchising--looking to the future: the need for diversity is not new, but the world is changing and is calling--whether franchisee, franchisor, employee, or vendor--to include diversity and inclusion principles in business practices.
January 1, 2005... No matter what time you live in, or where you live, we all believe that the issues that we live with are unique to our own time and situation. It's no different with diversity. Ask when diversity became such a hot topic and many will say within...

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani featured at FranPAC reception.(Building Crossing Boundaries & Dreams)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani will be the featured guest at a FranPAC fundraising reception from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon Monday, March 7, just prior to his remarks at the International Franchise Association's Annual Convention Opening General...

IFA announces Compliance Training Program for new members.(International Franchise Association)
January 1, 2005... To provide franchise compliance training to educate new franchisors about existing federal and state franchise regulations, the International Franchise Association has designed a comprehensive training program. The goal is to help franchise...

2005 FTC Franchise Rule and sales compliance seminar series.(seminars on United States. Federal Trade Commission's franchise rules)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
January 1, 2005... The International Franchise Association-sponsored-seminar series will feature a morning overview of the proposed changes to FTC Franchise Rule followed by an afternoon session on how to develop and maintain a successful franchise sales...

How Will the federal elections affect franchising?
January 1, 2005... When the 109th Congress convenes in January, Republican control of the U.S. House and Senate will be slightly stronger. Prior to the November 2 elections, Senate Republicans held 51 seats and the Democrats held 49. In the 109th Congress, the...

Federal election results.
January 1, 2005... Thanks to the generosity of IFA members, FranPAC was able to support pro-franchising House and Senate candidates in 35 states during the recent federal elections. The candidates were selected by the FranPAC Advisory Board based on their...

Elections leave state legislative chambers evenly divided.
January 1, 2005... Heading into November 2nd it was hard to imagine state legislatures more evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. Republicans held just 64 more seats than Democrats out of 7,300 nationally and controlled 21 legislatures to 17 with 11...

Association responds to FTC staff report on franchise rule.(United States. Federal Trade Commission)
January 1, 2005... The new Rule represents a dramatic improvement over the current FTC disclosure format, as it will help ensure a regulatory climate and disclosure format that promotes a thorough evaluation of information relevant to franchise investors. Below...

Rushing "The Hill" results in visit to Super Wash headquarters: U.S. House Small Business Committee chairman gets first-hand look at franchising.(A Franchise Appreciation Day Success Story)(Donald Manzullo)
January 1, 2005... On September 28 I was provided the opportunity to participate in Franchise Appreciation Day alongside 250 other franchise professionals to bring the message of franchising to Capitol Hill. I was a representative of the state of Illinois with...

U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush hosts franchise conference in Chicago.(Chicago)(representative)
January 1, 2005... In November, U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) hosted a franchise conference at the University of Chicago to help his constituents learn what franchising is all about and how to investigate their franchise options. The event marked the second...

U.S. Treasury Secretary addresses IFA franchising roundtable.(Government Relations)(International Franchise Association)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... U.S. Treasury Secretary John W. Snow met in October with Minneapolis franchise representatives to discuss issues of concern to the business sector. Organized by the International Franchise Association, the roundtable was hosted by International...

Veterans reporting for duty as franchise owners: franchise community says "thank you" to those who serve.(Veterans Outreach)
January 1, 2005... As America honored those who have served in its armed forces on Nov. 11, Veterans Day, the International Franchise Association reported that increasing numbers of veterans are reporting for duty as franchise business owners via a program that...

Veterans franchise program offers increased visibility.(Vetfran)
January 1, 2005... Franchise systems that support America's veterans can tap additional resources in their efforts to offer opportunities to former military personnel. Through an alliance with the Destiny Group, the International Franchise Association has taken...

Smart growth strategies for franchise expansion: how to recognize, evaluate and implement franchise-system growth.(Management & Operations)
January 1, 2005... Every franchisor dreams of becoming the next McDonald's, Subway or Curves. These companies have become household names, and they have one thing in common--each franchise system took the necessary steps to facilitate growth. It's important that...

Developing strategic partnerships: after just six months of franchising, Abrakadoodle had exceeded its first year goals for both new franchises and Crayola product sales.(Management & Operations)(Binney and Smith Inc.)
January 1, 2005... When Mary Rogers prepared to launch her new art education franchise company Abrakadoodle, she began looking for a corporate partnership that would provide added credibility plus tangible benefits to her franchise owners. She ended up pairing...

An uncommon marketing approach: is the use of mass media detrimental to your franchise?(Marketing & Public Relations)
January 1, 2005... Advertising in America has become frantic, clever, expensive, ubiquitous and increasingly invisible. The word you hear most often now in ad circles is "clutter," followed by "recall." The two are inversely proportional. Today, advertisers spend...

Technology in franchising: looking forward: IFA's Information Technology Committee is a valuable resource for the franchising community.(Technology)(International Franchise Association)
January 1, 2005... I remember being a little kid at family gatherings during the holidays and hearing the "old-folks" say things like, "Where has this year gone? Every year just seems to go by faster and faster." Well, I am now an "old-folk." I cannot...

Allegra Network.(People)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Allegra Network promoted Laura Pierce to vice president and controller, Tim Wood to vice president of technology and hired Dirk Nelson as vice president of field operations.

Applebee's International.(People)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Applebee's International named Rohan St. George as president of the company's international division.

Burger King.(People)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Burger King appointed Kneeland Youngblood to the company's board of directors.

Cendant Corp.(People)(Promotions)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Cendant Corp. promoted Peter Strebel, a 22-year lodging veteran, to executive vice president and chief marketing officer and also elevated Jean Thomas to corporate senior vice president of marketing for its Hospitality Services Division....

Crack Team.(People)(Appointments)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The Crack Team has named Tim Church as franchise director and Cary Goldwasser as public relations director.

Denny's Corp.(People)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Denny's Corp. appointed Henry Nasella, a venture partner at Apax Partners Inc. to the company's eight-member board of directors. Nasella joins current directors Vera K. Farris, Vada Hill, Nelson J. Marchioli, Robert E. Marks, Elizabeth A....

C.T. Gabbert and DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen.(People)(National Kitchen and Bath Association)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Chuck Gabbert, owner of C.T. Gabbert and DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide in East Peoria, Ill., was elected to serve on the National Kitchen and Bath Association's Advisory Council of Builders and Remodelers. His term will begin in 2005...

Earl of Sandwich.(People)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Earl of Sandwich, a new fast-casual sandwich franchise whose founders include a direct descendant of the man credited with inventing the sandwich in 1762, appointed Lynette McKee as vice president of franchising. McKee, who previously served as...

FastSigns.(People)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Marc Brande is the new FastSigns franchise sales consultant in the northeastern United States, while Claire Billingsley, formerly the company's director of training, will handle franchise development in the southeast.

Flicko's Video Workshops.(People)(Appointments)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Flicko's Video Workshops has appointed Kathy Porter as Web master, Tony Drake became manager of the company-owned store and Doug Netherton as director of franchising.

Ratner Companies.(People)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Ratner Companies announced that Thomas Fihe has joined the organization as vice president, franchising. He will be responsible for launching and managing franchising operations for Hair Cuttery, Ratner Companies' flagship brand. The company...

HomeVestors.(People)(Paul D'Angelo promoted as director)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... HomeVestors promoted Paul D'Angelo to director of information technology services.

The Maids.(People)(Charles Williamson appointed as business coach)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Charles Williamson was selected as The Maids' new business coach.

Melting Pot Restaurants.(People)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The Melting Pot Restaurants named Jim Sullivan as the company's new director of real estate.

Payless Car Sales.(People)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Payless Car Sales appointed James Formanek as vice president of its Florida Division.

Sport Clips.(People)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Debbie Campbell has been named a business coach for Sport Clips.

Doctor's Associates Inc.(People)(Appointment)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Cindy Eadie, for 21 years the executive director of the Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust, has been named assistant vice president for Doctor's Associates Inc., the franchisor of Subway restaurants.

First SBA advocacy chief counsel Milton Stewart dies.(In Memoriam)(Obituary)
January 1, 2005... Milton D. Stewart. the first chief counsel for advocacy at the U.S. Small Business Administration, died Nov. 5. Stewart served in the position from 1978 to 1981. IFA honored him in 1982 as its Free Enterprise Award recipient for his...

Fantastic Sams.(Fantastic Sam's International)(Locks of Love)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Fantastic Sams, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, is hoping to set new charitable records in 2005 for Locks of Love, a national non-profit organization that helps hundreds of financially disadvantaged children who suffer from long-term...

Denny's and The King Center have formed a partnership to create the "Realizing the Dream: Nonviolence or Nonexistence" program to seek a solution to violent acts that result in homicide, the second leading cause of death among young people.(Community Service)(Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Denny's and The King Center have formed a partnership to create the "Realizing the Dream: Nonviolence or Nonexistence" program to seek a solution to violent acts that result in homicide, the second leading cause of death among young people. In...

Jon Luther, CEO, Dunkin'Brands, Inc., home of Dunkin' Donuts and Dunkin' Donuts Franchisee Dinart Serpa presented a check for $151,000 to Joe O'Donnell for the Joey Fund which was founded by Joe O'Donnell in 1986 in memory of his late son Joey who battled cystic fibrosis, The Joey Fund is a local, independent fund that works in partnership with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.(Community Service)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Jon Luther, CEO, Dunkin'Brands, Inc., home of Dunkin' Donuts and Dunkin' Donuts Franchisee Dinart Serpa presented a check for $151,000 to Joe O'Donnell for the Joey Fund which was founded by Joe O'Donnell in 1986 in memory of his late son Joey...

KidzArt is helping children of families in financial need reap the benefits of creative extracurricular activities.(Community Service)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... KidzArt is helping children of families in financial need reap the benefits of creative extracurricular activities by providing scholarships that entitle students to attend classes conducted by the franchise. "All kids deserve to have a...

Several program scholarships are awarded each year to deserving children, from elementary through high school ages, who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate.(Community Service)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Several program scholarships are awarded each year to deserving children, from elementary through high school ages, who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate. KidzArt collaborates with principals, counselors and art teachers...

Dayton-area MotoPhoto stores donated $3,200 to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.(Community Service)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Dayton-area MotoPhoto stores donated $3,200 to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children as a result of a charity drive in connection with MotoPhoto's National Tot Shots contest, where children from newborns to seven-years-old could...

SIGN-A-RAMA has developed a community relations strategy to promote awareness of three charitable organizations.(Community Service)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... SIGN-A-RAMA has developed a community relations strategy to promote awareness of three charitable organizations: Junior Achievement, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Danielle Stillson.(Education & Training)(Women's Business Alliance awards)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The Women's Business Alliance, a group established by worldwide lodging franchisor Choice Hotels International Inc. to foster professional and social networks for women in the hospitality industry, recently awarded its first academic...

The $2,000 scholarship, funded by the Choice Hotels International Foundation, will be used for educational costs for the Spring 2005 semester.(Education & Training)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The $2,000 scholarship, funded by the Choice Hotels International Foundation, will be used for educational costs for the Spring 2005 semester. Stillson was selected for the scholarship on the basis of her GPA, letters of recommendation and a...

Janna Morrison.(Education & Training)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... "Danielle was an excellent candidate to receive the Women's Business Alliance's first scholarship," said Janna Morrison, senior vice president, Franchise Services for Choice Hotels International. "Danielle is a wonderful young woman with a...

A resident of Winsted, Connecticut, Stillson was employed this summer as a guest services agent for the Comfort Suites hotel in Chincoteague, Virginia.(Education & Training)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... A resident of Winsted, Connecticut, Stillson was employed this summer as a guest services agent for the Comfort Suites hotel in Chincoteague, Virginia. She currently works as a guest services agent at the Comfort Inn in Pawtucket, Rhode Island....

The Women's Business Alliance of Choice Hotels, in conjunction with the Choice Hotels International Foundation, awards an annual college scholarship to a deserving female with an interest in or link to the hospitality industry.(Education & Training)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The Women's Business Alliance of Choice Hotels, in conjunction with the Choice Hotels International Foundation, awards an annual college scholarship to a deserving female with an interest in or link to the hospitality industry. Both...

The Women's Business Alliance scholarship is available to female applicants who are residents of the United States and attending an accredited institution in the United States.(Education & Training)(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2005... The Women's Business Alliance scholarship is available to female applicants who are residents of the United States and attending an accredited institution in the United States. An announcement about the recipient of the next scholarship will be...

Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership.(Growth)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership's Swainsboro, Ga. store, opened in October, is their 1,000th.

Burger King Corporation.(Growth)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Burger King Corporation opened its first franchised restaurant in Brazil in Sao Paulo.

Cendant Corp.'s Hotel Group inked a deal with Hermitage Hospitality Ltd. to franchise Days Inn hotels in Russia and the other 14 countries of the former Soviet Union.(Growth)(Hermitage Hospitality Ltd.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Cendant Corp.'s Hotel Group inked a deal with Hermitage Hospitality Ltd. to franchise Days Inn hotels in Russia and the other 14 countries of the former Soviet Union. The agreement covers the nations of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as well as...

EmbroidMe.(Growth)(expands to 200 stores more)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... EmbroidMe has expanded its operations to more than 200 stores.

It's Just Lunch International opened its first international location in Singapore.(Growth)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... It's Just Lunch International opened its first international location in Singapore. Harold Katz, who in the 1980's built Nutri/System into an international chain of 700 weight loss centers, is launching LA Shapes to compete directly with...

Liberty Tax Service now has 1,000 franchises.(Growth)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Liberty Tax Service now has 1,000 franchises. The Van Nuys, Calif. office will be operated by franchisees Dora E. Cerrillos, Mona Dutt, and Lorraine Peralejo-Sanchez, who formerly worked in corporate finance at Universal Studios.

SIGN-A-RAMA has added a third franchise concept.(Growth)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... SIGN-A-RAMA has added a third franchise concept, Billboard Connection, an advertising agency franchise specializing in outdoor advertising.

Hawthorn Suites is providing franchisees with "Any Rate".(Marketing)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Hawthorn Suites is providing franchisees with "Any Rate," an online management tool that delivers customized competitive rate shopping rates and tools.

RE/MAX will be a patron of the 60th U.S. Women's Open Championship June 20-26, 2005.(Marketing)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... RE/MAX will be a patron of the 60th U.S. Women's Open Championship June 20-26, 2005 at Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver.

Action International's "28? Brochure" won an award.(Honors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Action International's "28? Brochure" won an award in the Public Relations Society of America's 2004 Pinnacle Awards competition.

The Rose Group, one of the largest Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar franchisees, was named the company's 2004 National Franchisee of the Year Award.(Honors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The Rose Group, one of the largest Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar franchisees, was named the company's 2004 National Franchisee of the Year Award. This is the second time in eight years that CEO Harry Rose has received the award, which...

Cold Stone Creamery.(Statistically Speaking ...)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
January 1, 2005... World Headquarters Fact Sheet Location: Via de Ventura & the 101 Freeway, Scottsdale, Ariz. Estimated Move-in Date: May 2005 Construction Company: Combined project team of McCarthy Nordburg Architect, OPUS West,...

Caribou Coffee received an "excellent" rating.(Honors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Caribou Coffee received an "excellent" rating in Consumer Reports' December issue.

Black Enterprise named Choice Hotels International one of the Top 10 Franchises for 2004.(Honors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Black Enterprise named Choice Hotels International one of the Top 10 Franchises for 2004. Criteria included: number of African-American owned units in the system, franchise start-up cost and programs offered to attract African Americans. ...

Coverall Cleaning Concepts.(Honors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Joann Mumford of Coverall Cleaning Concepts was named a finalist in the Community Involvement Program of the Year category in The 2004 Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs.

Creative Colors International.(Honors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Creative Colors International named Jose Del Llano, owner of CCI Orlando, its 2004 "Franchisee of the Year" and Chris Shefts, of Waitekus, Ill. "Technician of the Year." Henry East, owner of CCI Mansfield, Ohio, won "Rookie of the Year."

Joe Kane, president of Days Inns Worldwide, received the Lodging Conference's Above and Beyond Award in recognition of his humanitarian efforts and contributions to the industry during his 39-year career.(Honors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Joe Kane, president of Days Inns Worldwide, received the Lodging Conference's Above and Beyond Award in recognition of his humanitarian efforts and contributions to the industry during his 39-year career. Kane is the current secretary/treasurer...

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide of Amarillo recently was named Remodeler of the Year.(Honors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide of Amarillo recently was named Remodeler of the Year by the Texas Panhandle Builders Association.

RE/MAX Satellite Network received five MarCom Creative Awards.(Honors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The RE/MAX Satellite Network received five MarCom Creative Awards. Three individual "Coaching Hall of Fame" programs with Richard Robbins, Brian Buffini and Howard Brinton won honorable mentions. The corporate culture feature, "This is RE/MAX"...

The owners and operators of the Subway locations on Guam were honored by Legislative Resolution No. 133, as presented by Sen. Ray Tenorio of the 27th Guam Legislature.(Honors)(restaurants)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The owners and operators of the Subway locations on Guam were honored by Legislative Resolution No. 133, as presented by Sen. Ray Tenorio of the 27th Guam Legislature. The measure congratulated Subway on celebrating its 15th anniversary on the...

Apple Sauce Inc., owner and operator of 70 Applebee's Neighborhood Bar & Grill Restaurants, in Indiana, Ohio, Florida, and Illinois, completed a sale-leaseback deal.(Transactions)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Apple Sauce Inc., owner and operator of 70 Applebee's Neighborhood Bar & Grill Restaurants, in Indiana, Ohio, Florida, and Illinois, completed a sale-leaseback deal with GE Commercial Finance, Franchise Finance that includes 10 Applebee's...

GEFF also completed a transaction with Elite Hospitality, managers of 18 hotel properties in Florida.(Transactions)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... GEFF also completed a transaction with Elite Hospitality, managers of 18 hotel properties in Florida, valued at $10 million and a $6 million deal with Fatburger Restaurants which refinanced its debt to maximize cash flow during a phase of...

Regis Corp. has signed an agreement to acquire Hair Club for Men and Women.(Transactions)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Regis Corp. has signed an agreement to acquire Hair Club for Men and Women. The $210 million transaction was scheduled to close in December and will be financed with debt.

Grins 2 Go, a franchise that involves digital-photography and a proprietary system was launched at the West Coast Franchise Expo in October.(Welcome to Franchising)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... Grins 2 Go, a franchise that involves digital-photography and a proprietary system was launched at the West Coast Franchise Expo in October. The concept integrates three business concepts: digital portraiture, digital photo prints and custom...

The U.S. Small Business Administration and the National Urban League have entered a new partnership that was prompted by and part of the Urban Partnership.(Partnerships)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The U.S. Small Business Administration and the National Urban League have entered a new partnership that was prompted by and part of the Urban Entrepreneur Partnership, a public-private initiative announced by President George W. Bush in 2004....

The SBA will provide technical assistance, counseling and education at these business sessions and will help to promote them through local SBA district offices and the Web.(Partnership)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2005... The SBA will provide technical assistance, counseling and education at these business sessions and will help to promote them through local SBA district offices and the Web. The agreement will remain in effect through September 30, 2006.

Q & A with U.S. Sen. Blanche L. Lincoln: U.S. Sen. Blanche L. Lincoln made history on November 3, 1998, when she became the youngest woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate. She is only the second woman to win a U.S. Senate seat representing Arkansas.(A Franchising World Q & A)(Interview)
January 1, 2005... Lincoln has worked closely with colleagues from both sides of the aisle to advance issues critical to the future of Arkansas and America. She brings a common-sense approach to solving problems, working to build consensus between political...