Franchising World articles from January 2008

Franchising World archives from January 2008

Franchising's premiere event begins next month.(IN THIS ISSUE)
January 1, 2008... The 2008 International Franchise Association Annual Convention will deliver on its promises to empower, enlighten and educate. The Convention Committee, which is chaired by PostNet International Franchise Corp. Pres. and CEO Steve Greenbaum,...

Quality, consistency and value: the hallmarks of franchising ... and of IFA.(IFA PRESIDENT'S COLUMN)(International Franchise Association)
January 1, 2008... Now that the holidays are behind us and New Year's Resolutions loom ahead, convention season has gotten its cue to shift into high gear. Next month, Orlando is the place to be if you're a franchise professional seeking to sharpen your industry...

Introducing the 2008 IFA Executive Committee and Board of Directors.(2008 IFA CONVENTION PREVIEW)(International Franchise Association)
January 1, 2008... The International Franchise Association's leadership determines and follows the association's mission statement to protect, enhance and promote franchising, and its vision to act as the pre-eminent voice and acknowledged leader for franchising...

2008 International Franchise Association Board of Directors' Nominees.(2008 IFA CONVENTION PREVIEW)
January 1, 2008... The International Franchise Association's board of directors welcomes these franchise executives who will focus their respective experiences, talents and insights to benefit the association's primary leadership group. The nominees will assume...

A brave new workplace: creating an innovative environment for today's top talent.(2008 IFA CONVENTION PREVIEW)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Even though the phrase "work/life balance" is used very liberally these days, life can often seem more like a juggling act than a balancing one. Whether your life includes work and children, work and caring for older...

Maintaining unity in a franchise system: maintaining unity within a franchise system is paramount if a brand is to succeed. Several members of the franchising industry, representing different brands and offering varying views, provide their insights on what is involved in ensuring cohesion among corporate, field and franchisee operations.(2008 IFA CONVENTION PREVIEW)(International Franchise Association )
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Managing the Mindset of a Franchise Organization Matt "Red" Boswell Founder and Chief Executive Officer Pet Butler Managing an organization's psyche is one of a franchise company's top jobs. Just like...

Acknowledging success: how to build an effective franchise recognition program: building an effective franchise recognition program can be a crucial element in promoting the actions, diligence and planning required for being a successful franchisee.(2008 IFA CONVENTION PREVIEW)(International Franchise Association)
January 1, 2008... Building an effective franchise recognition program must start with a simple goal: to acknowledge, to appreciate, and to award treasured franchisees. The basis for such recognition programs relies on the consistent achievements and...

Goal planning breeds business success.(2008 IFA CONVENTION PREVIEW)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you don't know where you are going, any road will do --Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland. Lewis Carroll's words, though over a century old, seem especially appropriate when thinking about goal...

Leveraging contacts after the convention is over: the best method to leveraging contacts after the convention is over is to start before the convention begins.(2008 IFA CONVENTION PREVIEW)(International Franchise Association)
January 1, 2008... The thing that is so great about the International Franchise Association's annual convention is the opportunity for networking that results in long-term contacts, both personally and professionally. And the IFA convention gets better and better...

48th Annual International Franchise Convention.
January 1, 2008... LETTER FROM THE 2008 CONVENTION COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Dear Franchise Professional, Prepare to be empowered, enlightened and educated! We are pleased to invite you to attend the most significant event in franchising--the IFA's 48th Annual...

Special events.
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FRANPAC SPECIAL EVENTS Please join us again for the FranPAC Silent Auction, held in the Exhibit Hall during regular Exhibit hours. The silent auction is a great way to support FranPAC by bidding on travel...

Exhibitors.(EXHIBITS)
January 1, 2008... OUR EXHIBIT HALL Our Exhibit Hall is a one-stop shopping experience for the latest and greatest in services and products available to the franchising community. Your business solution partners are eager to meet you and demonstrate a wide...

Convention information.
January 1, 2008... 48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE CONVENTION FEBRUARY 9-12, 2008 // MARRIOTT WORLD CENTER // ORLANDO, FL [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE The Marriott World Center offers a multitude of on-site activities amidst 200...

You're "lobbyist?" So, what do you do, anyway? From strength in numbers to targeted outreach, IFA promotes franchising industry's interests.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)(International Franchise Association)
January 1, 2008... Within the nation's capital, a robust subculture of political enthusiasts, politicians, lobbyists, interest groups and political commentators is thriving. The International Franchise Association, headquartered in Washington, D.C., has made...

California: a profile: this profile is part of an occasional examining the issues and atmosphere guiding politics and policy in the various states.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Facts Often referred to as "The California Republic," a reference to the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846. Nickname: The Golden State Capital: Sacramento State Motto: Eureka! (I have found it!) ...

FranPAC report card.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2008... FranPAC Report Card The International Franchise Association's current financial suppoort to candidates for federal office as of mid-November is reflected in the following "report card" IFA's political action committee, FranPAC,...

When is it time to change management? Identifying the most effective CEO for a franchise enterprise is a complicated, time-consuming and sometimes painful task, but installing the right CEO is the only way to push the company to the next stage.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
January 1, 2008... Without exception, the success of any company, including a franchise company, is directly related to its leadership. Conversely, the root cause of a failed enterprise is without question the product of the decisions (and non-decisions) of its...

Managing the outside sales representative: by using behavioral techniques, franchise systems can determine the traits necessary for success.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
January 1, 2008... Franchise companies are seeking ways for potential franchisees who have certain personal and professional characteristics to determine if the person they're recruiting would be suitable to run a successful franchise. According to articles by...

Support a cause and get an effect: charitable team-building exercises are important not only for the immediate experience of the activities performed by the participants, but also for the community's perception of the franchise's commitment to making a positive difference.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
January 1, 2008... Renowned physicist Albert Einstein once said, "The value of a man should be seen in what he gives." If the mission of an upcoming annual franchisee event is to create a meaningful, memorable and heartwarming experience for each attendee,...

Hey mister, we can't take that $5 bill: redesigned currency is safer, smarter and more secure.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
January 1, 2008... Before the franchisee small-business owner dials the authorities about a customer passing strange-looking bills, the U.S. government wants businesses to know it has unveiled a new $5 bill. It is part of the government's ongoing commitment to...

Sharing best practices: building a culture of information sharing improves operations, boosts franchise relations and saves time.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISE RELATIONS)
January 1, 2008... If others are doing well, people tend to be interested in what they are doing and how they're doing it, so that they, too, can be successful. Sharing best practices is a key part attributing to the success of any organization. Similar to the...

Ensuring your franchise's involvement in diverse neighborhoods: engaging in and building relationships in the diverse communities where you own a franchise helps ensure success.(FW FOCUS: DIVERSITY)
January 1, 2008... Perhaps your franchise company plans to open a store in a community in which the majority of the population is composed of one or more racial or ethnic minority groups. Perhaps the plan is to open a store in a highly-multicultural community....

London host city for International Symposium on franchising: annual gathering concentrates efforts, energy on global expansion.(FW FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Designed specifically for franchise professionals whose mission is expanding their company internationally, the joint annual British Franchise Association-International Franchise Association International Symposium...

Bulgaria--bullish on franchising: Bulgaria's franchise market is still mostly unexplored and untapped.(FW FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bulgaria is an often overlooked, but potentially profitable country for franchisors interested Pin international expansion. The country that was once behind the Iron Curtain is now moving with a groundswell of...

It's a wrap for 2007: seven cities played host to International Franchise Association's Legal Roundtable Series and Franchise Development Seminars garnering quality audiences during 2007.(FW FOCUS: IFA EVENTS)(Discussion)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Education was the central focus ever since the U.S. Federal Trade Commission revised its Franchise Rule in early 2007. For those playing a role in how their companies conduct business, understanding the implications...

Viewpoint: truly "Super" Session.(FW FOCUS: IFA EVENTS)(International Franchise Association )
January 1, 2008... Another excellent Franchise Development Super Session has concluded, as well as an all round great trip out west. Why would one go? Instead of throwing around lots of generic reasons like getting people motivated, learning new ideas, making...

The West Coast Franchise Expo gets rave reviews.(FW FOCUS: IFA EVENTS)
January 1, 2008... Forget Sunset Boulevard and the Hollywood Hills, the West Coast Franchise Expo was the place to be during October in Los Angeles. More than 10,000 people attended the fourth annual event, including the industry's top franchisors and...

Two terms combine to create small-business ownership opportunities for veterans.(FW FOCUS: HONORING AMERICA'S VETERANS)
January 1, 2008... "VetFran" is increasingly popping up to remind those within franchising industry circles and beyond that the two terms "veterans" and "franchising" can combine as one sure way to create small-business ownership opportunities for former military...

Welcome new members!(FW FOCUS: WELCOME NEW MEMBERS)
January 1, 2008... Franchise Systems ARCUBE Franchising, Inc., Richardson, Texas, Contact Rita Damle BlueLens Franchise Group, Southport, Conn., Contact Sean Meehan Chick N' Friends Franchise Systems, Inc., Columbia, Md., Contact Rhodney Lloyd ...

Accor North America.(People)
January 1, 2008... Accor North America promoted Dana Peluso to senior legal counsel. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Adventures in Advertising.(People)
January 1, 2008... Adventures in Advertising hired Gary Goodhart as northeast regional manager and Troy Mingo as director of corporate recruiting.

BrightStar Healthcare.(People)
January 1, 2008... BrightStar Healthcare appointed Ray Moore, CFE, vice president of business development.

F.C. Dadson.(People)
January 1, 2008... F.C. Dadson welcomed Mary Teal as its controller.

Fitness Together Franchise Corp.(People)
January 1, 2008... Fitness Together Franchise Corp. named Samuel F. Hirschberg vice president of marketing.

FOCUS Brands.(People)(promotions of Greg Regian, Mike Shattuck and Jocelyn Blain)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... FOCUS Brands promoted Greg Regian to chief marketing officer, Mike Shattuck to senior vice president of international, Jocelyn Blain to senior vice president of development services, Kathryn Rookes to senior vice president of legal, and Jim...

The Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard.(People)
January 1, 2008... The Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard named Glass Doctor Vice President of Operations Dan Mock to its board of directors. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Haynes and Boone, LLP.(People)(appointment of Joyce Mazero at Nina McLemore Inc)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Haynes and Boone, LLP partner Joyce Mazero has been selected to serve on the advisory board for Nina McLemore Inc., a New York-based designer clothing company.

Hurricane Grill and Wings.(People)(appointment of Lori Cuonze and Kim Murphy)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Hurricane Grill and Wings named Lori Cuonze as vice president of mar keting and communications and Kim Murphy, CFE, as director of franchise sales marketing. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

International Center for Entrepreneurial Development.(People)
January 1, 2008... The International Center for Entrepreneurial Development named Charles W. Mudd as vice president of franchise development and Deanne Sisson as director of training.

InterContinental Hotels Group.(People)
January 1, 2008... InterContinental Hotels Group appointed Gina LaBarre vice president, brand management of Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts and Robert Radomski to a similar post at Extended-Stay Brands.

INTERIORS by Decorating Den.(People)
January 1, 2008... Jeff Bevis, CFE, has been named president of INTERIORS by Decorating Den.

Women's Franchise & Distribution Forum.(People)
January 1, 2008... Massaggiano President and owner Michelle Novak was appointed to the advisory board of the Women's Franchise & Distribution Forum. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Nationwide Floor & Window Coverings.(People)
January 1, 2008... Nationwide Floor & Window Coverings announced the appointment of Meg Lesnick as chief operating officer. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Qdoba Mexican Grill.(People)
January 1, 2008... Qdoba Mexican Grill hired Lisa Dahl as chief financial officer and John Dikos as a manager of franchise development.

Submarina Inc.(People)(appointments of Jeff Warfield,Mimi Zeller and Charles Lynn Lowder)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Submarina Inc. has filled three executive management positions: Jeff Warfield took over as chairman of the board and CEO, Mimi Zeller was recruited as president and chief operating officer and Charles Lynn Lowder became executive vice president...

The Dwyer Group.(Awards & Honors)(Dwyer Group Inc.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The Dwyer Group was named one of the "Best Companies to Work for in Texas" by Texas Monthly, sponsored by the Texas Association of Business, the Texas State Council of the Society of Human Resource Management and the Best Companies Group.

Gray Plant Mooty.(Awards & Honors)(John W. Mooty)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Franklin Jesse, Gaylen Knack and Robert Zisk of Gray Plant Mooty law firm have been recognized in The International Who's Who of Franchise Lawyers 2008. John W. Mooty was recently honored with the Marry Baskerville Philanthropy Award by the...

Haynes and Boone LLP.(Awards & Honors)(ClientConnect)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... ClientConnect, a software company created by Haynes and Boone LLP, was honored as one of the Dallas non-profit shelter and crisis-intervention charity Promise House's "Outstanding Corporations" for 2007.

HomeVestors of America.(Awards & Honors)
January 1, 2008... HomeVestors of America was ranked among the "Dallas 100" by the Caruth Institute at the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University.

Wyndham Worldwide.(Awards & Honors)(Stephen Po Holmes)(Wyndham International Inc.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stephen Po Holmes, chairman, president and CEO of Wyndham Worldwide received the Travel Industry Association's highest honor when inducted into the group's Hall of Leaders recently. From left, TIA President and CEO...

Liberty Tax Service.(Awards & Honors)(John Hewitt)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Liberty Tax Service CEO and Founder John Hewitt has been named one of the Accounting Today magazine's Top 100 most influential persons in the tax industry for the seventh consecutive year.

2008 Zagat Survey.(Awards & Honors)
January 1, 2008... The 2008 Zagat Survey announced that Polio Campero in Hyattsville, Md. was voted the "Best Drive-Thin" in the business.

Proforma.(Awards & Honors)
January 1, 2008... Proforma owners Gidget Tracy and Holly Ambrose were named finalists in the 2007 Stevie Awards for Women in Business. [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]

Stroller Strides.(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Stroller Strides won the Stevie Award for "Best Overall Company of the Year, Service Businesses up to 100 Employees" in the awards' Women in Business competition.

Annex Brands.(Community Service)(Annex Brands Inc. offers free mailbox rental)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Annex Brands stores in San Diego offered six months of free mailbox rental and up to five corrugated boxes to families in the county who lost their homes to wildfires in the fall.

Big O Tires.(Community Service)(Big O Tires Inc. awarded scholarships to 11 college students)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The Big O Tires Scholarship Fund awarded scholarships to 11 college students from schools in Arizona, California, Colorado, Kentucky, New Jersey and Utah. Two individuals were awarded $2,500 each and nine received $1,000 each.

Church's Chicken.(Community Service)
January 1, 2008... Falcon Holdings LLC donated $26,000 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association on behalf of Church's Chicken during the association's Jerry Lewis telethon in September.

FASTSIGNS.(Community Service)(Cory Merchant)(Jeff Youngblood)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Jeff Youngblood and Cory Merchant, co-owners of the FASTSIGNS center in Irving, Texas made good on their commitment to give back to the community by challenging their staff to select a local business or organization to receive a free signage...

Qdoba Mexican Grill.(Community Service)
January 1, 2008... Qdoba Mexican Grill has committed $10,000 and employee volunteer time to Habitat for Humanity in a variety of local initiatives.

Schlotzsky.(Community Service)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Schlotzsky's, which hosts Austin, Texas' longest-running 5k race, the Bun Run, launched a t-shirt design contest with cash prices for winners. The event hosts 5,000 participants and raises an average $50,000 for Austin Sunshine Camps, a Young...

Leaving the light on ...(NEWS BRIEFS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As the debates heat up and election time draws near, Motel 6's famous spokesman Tom Bodett tackles the major issues between red states and blue states--conflicts like who has the best potato salad and who has the...

Sport Clips.(Community Service)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Sport Clips included two recent Purple Heart recipients among 19 clients, stylists, franchisees and area developers as drivers of a NASCAR racer to participate in the MVP 500 Richard Petty Driving Experience at Chicagoland Speedway, and...

WineStyles.(Community Service)(Share Our Strength partnered with WineStyles)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... WineStyles partnered with Share Our Strength, an organization working to end childhood hunger in America, to launch the Series Wine Club, Collaboration Wines and Share Our Strength gift baskets during the holiday season by donating a portion of...

Froots.(Growth)
January 1, 2008... Froots appointed Austin-based Two Eyes Blue, LLC as its exclusive area franchise developer for Bastrop, Williamson, Travis, Hays, Comal, and Bexar, Texas counties.

Mister Softee.(Growth)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Mister Softee recently rolled into the streets of Suzhou, China making history, the company said, as the first foreign ice cream truck to hit the road in that country.

SIGNARAMA.(Growth)
January 1, 2008... SIGNARAMA granted a master license for Albania to Adriatik Dudaj.

Snip-its.(Growth)
January 1, 2008... Snip-its launched its 60th location, in Douglasville, Ga.

Bearclaw Coffee Co.(Marketing)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The Bearclaw Coffee Co. sent a fleet of orange franchise-owned espresso trucks to the Southeast Michigan area to serve the same menu offered at its retail stores.

Campero USA, a U.S. division of the Polio Campero Latin American restaurant chain.(Marketing)
January 1, 2008... Campero USA, a U.S. division of the Polio Campero Latin American restaurant chain, entered into a tenant-landlord relationship with Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

Chester's International LLC.(Marketing)(Royal Buying Group Inc.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Chester's International LLC has partnered with merchandising and marketing company Royal Buying Group Inc. in a strategic alliance to market the Chester's to the 5,500 retail locations in Royal Buying Group's membership.

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide, Inc.(Marketing)
January 1, 2008... DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide, Inc. has retained author, speaker and award-winning designer Ellen Cheever to create a standardized showroom model for the company.

Motel 6.(Marketing)(Tim Wilkerson )(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Funny Car racer Tim Wilkerson won the $25,000 Motel 6 Who Got the Light? Award with his victory over Tony Pedregon during the second round of eliminations at the Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Nationals in Virginia. Motel 6 is also participating in...

Play 'N Trade Franchise Inc.(Marketing)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Play 'N Trade Franchise Inc. conducted the National Halo 3 video game tournament, which awarded prizes of $2,500 in-store credit, a Halo 3 "Dream System," and H3 controllers and headsets.

Operation RE/MAX.(Marketing)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Operation RE/MAX, which assists military spouses in launching careers in real estate, partnered with the U.S. Departments of Labor and Defense for the $35 million Military Spouse Career Advancement Initiative. The three-year pilot program will...

Robeks Fruit Smoothies and Healthy Eats.(Marketing)
January 1, 2008... Robeks Fruit Smoothies and Healthy Eats and Dole Food Co. entered a strategic alliance to advance wellness by sponsoring their first American Wellness Challenge, an in-store contest at Robeks locations.

Valpak.(Marketing)
January 1, 2008... Valpak partnered with TV talk show star Ellen DeGeneres to launch a sweepstakes for her 50th birthday, featuring an invitation on Valpak envelopes.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.(Marketing)
January 1, 2008... Wyndham Hotels and Resorts will feature VTech Electronics North America educational gaming systems in more than 3,000 Wyndham guest rooms and suites.

Wyndham Worldwide.(Marketing)(Wyndham International Inc. partners with Cirque du Soleil)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Wyndham Worldwide will be the official hospitality partner for Cirque du Soleil touring shows Saltimbanco, KOOZA and Corteo for two years, providing the company with the opportunity to market to more than three million spectators.

Papa Murphy's hosted a pizza competition between its stores nationwide to discuss who produced the best-looking pizzas in the fastest time.(NEWS BRIEFS)(Papa Murphy's International Inc.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Papa Murphy's hosted a pizza competition between its stores nationwide to discuss who produced the best-looking pizzas in the fastest time. Justin Davis and Barbara Wellington (above) from a Sacramento store won...

American leak Detection partnered with Environmental Biotech International to provide environmentally friendly products and services related to water management.(Mergers, Acquisitions & Transactions)
January 1, 2008... American leak Detection partnered with Environmental Biotech International to provide environmentally friendly products and services related to water management, water conservation and water recycling.

Findley Group.(Mergers, Acquisitions & Transactions)
January 1, 2008... Investment sales and consulting firm Findley Group added three franchises, Rising Roll Gourmet, Bahama Buck's and Justix, to its offerings.

The Franchise Company.(Mergers, Acquisitions & Transactions)(Franchise Company Inc. acquires Field Asset Services Inc.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The Franchise Company has expanded its property services portfolio with the acquisition of an 80 percent interest in Field Asset Services Inc., a residential preservation services companies.

Sona MedSpa International.(Mergers, Acquisitions & Transactions)
January 1, 2008... Byron Ashbridge and Joe Pitt, who operate five Sona MedSpa franchises in North Carolina, have purchased the controlling interest in Sona MedSpa International.

Unishippers Global Logistics.(Mergers, Acquisitions & Transactions)
January 1, 2008... Unishippers Global Logistics, in partnership with BB&T Capital Partners, has recapitalized the company.