Franchising World articles from January 2009

Franchising World archives from January 2009

Gearing up for the event of the year.(DEPARTMENT: In This Issue)(Conference news)
January 1, 2009... Get ready for a star-studded kickoff during the International Franchise Association's 49th Annual Convention--the premier networking and educational event in franchising. Next month in San Diego, former President Bill Clinton will deliver the...

Seamless leadership 2009.(DEPARTMENT: IFA President and CEO's Column)(International Franchise Association )
January 1, 2009... As our nation prepares to inaugurate a new president and swear in a new Congress, the International Franchise Association is also preparing for the succession of a new group of volunteer leaders. A new chairwoman--the second, we hope, of many...

Former President Clinton to headline IFA convention.(THE 2009 CONVENTION PREVIEW)(International Franchise Association)(Conference news)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Former President Bill Clinton will be the keynote speaker for the International Franchise Association's 49th Annual Convention. Scheduled Feb. 14-17, 2009 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, IFA's convention...

Great expectations: why you should attend IFA's convention.(THE 2009 CONVENTION PREVIEW)(Discussion)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you were unable to attend the International Franchise Association's Annual Convention last year in Orlando or haven: signed up for the exciting event next month in San Diego, take a step back. Several franchise...

Introducing the 2009 IFA Executive Committee and Board of Directors.(THE 2009 CONVENTION PREVIEW)
January 1, 2009... Leadership and vision. The International Franchise Association looks to its Executive Committee and Board of Directors to expertly guide the organization as it seeks to protect, enhance and promote franchising while supporting its vision to act...

IFA presents the newly-elected members of the board of directors.(THE 2009 CONVENTION PREVIEW)
January 1, 2009... The International Franchise Association is honored to welcome six franchise executives who will bring their vast experience and knowledge to the association's primary leadership group. They will assume their posts during the group's 49th annual...

The state of franchising: 2009: the franchising community is going to see a rise in closed units as higher operating costs root out inefficient and underperforming units.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
January 1, 2009... As an economist, I try to understand what the economy and markets are telling us about the future. As a businessman, I try to find the opportunities in those messages. Over the past few years both have been relatively easy efforts. On the...

Leading a franchise system in an adverse market.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
January 1, 2009... A strong, expanding market covers many sins in business. In fact, it makes most of us look smart. However, the real test of a leader's business prowess comes not in easy times, but during adverse market conditions. This is a time when leaders...

Considering inward course adaptations and improvements.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
January 1, 2009... Focus inwardly and solidify your base and core franchisees. The recent slower, outward, new-unit growth is due to economic trends and credit tightening. If your operational model is strong and adaptable, if you are growing same-store...

Implementing a thorough review and revision system.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
January 1, 2009... By implementing a rigorous system of review and revision to make the franchise system as "lean and mean" as possible to weather the expected hardships of the bad economy, our franchise plans to become a stronger system that will actually grow...

Against the tide.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)(economic development)
January 1, 2009... We are operating in unchartered waters: consumer demand is falling and business revenues are declining. The stock market is a volatile bear. About the only things rising are bad things: unemployment and bankruptcies. Conventional wisdom...

Staying afloat during tough economic times: a guide for franchisees.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
January 1, 2009... There's no doubt that business owners today are facing economically-challenging times. As the current financial storm trickles down to all levels of the economy, including the small-business owner, the good news is that the franchise industry...

Rights of suppliers in an economic downturn: franchisors and other suppliers must remain diligent in dealings with customers in a distressed economy.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
January 1, 2009... Whether a franchisor a major supplier franchisees or an operator trying to manage cash flow and pay creditors in times of tight credit, understanding the rights of suppliers in bankruptcy and other insolvency situations is important. Suppliers...

Financing for minority franchisees: as interest in franchising increases among minorities, franchisors can utilize their experience to help franchisees locate funds, even in a down economy.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
January 1, 2009... With the topsy-turvy nature of our current economy, credit and financing are increasingly hard to come by. And with more uncertainty ahead, it's difficult to know where to turn or how to devise a plan. But while times may be tough, it's...

Re-franchising: what it can achieve, how to get it done: re-franchising is a powerful strategy that improves cash reserves, drives growth, ensures execution of re-image programs on a timely basis and will attract qualified new franchisees to the concept.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
January 1, 2009... Many franchise companies have come to realize that re-franchising is a powerful strategy. Re-franchise programs, the sale of company operated units to franchisees, has proven to be extremely effective for: * Attracting new operationally and...

Crisis management: what's your strategy? Do not underestimate the potential risk and costs of a crisis.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The marketplace is certainly challenging enough that franchise businesses would like to avoid the thoughts of having to deal with a crisis in their businesses. Besides, organizations would have a lot more issues to...

Building local businesses one opportunity at a time ...
January 1, 2009... Dear Franchise Colleagues: In a time of economic turbulence and business uncertainty, there is one event that you cannot afford to miss--IFA's 49th Annual Convention, February 14-17, 2009, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, CA....

Exhibits and FranPAC.(international franchise associations)
January 1, 2009... The IFA Exhibit Hall offers even the most experienced franchise executive new ideas for improving the operations of his/her business. Exhibitors are anxious to show you the latest trends and products in franchising today. We have it all for...

Convention information.(International Franchise Association)(Conference news)
January 1, 2009... Convention Pre-registration To register for all events described in this brochure, please complete one registration form per person and mail with payment to IFA's 49th Annual Convention, 1501 K Street, NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20005....

Rhode Island: a profile: this profile is part of an occasional series examining the issues and atmosphere guiding politics and policy in the various states.(FOCUS: Government Relations)
January 1, 2009... For the past two years, Rhode Island has been a major focus of franchise legislative activity. The Fair Dealership Act was enacted in 2007 and was largely based on the Wisconsin Fair Dealership Law, one of the most heavily-litigated franchise...

FranPAC report card: supporting federal candidates: the International Franchise Association's current financial support to candidates for federal office as of mid-November is reflected in the following "report card.".(FW FOCUS: Government relations)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2009... FranPAC Report Card: Supporting Federal Candidates The International Franchise Association's current financial support to candidates for federal office as of mid-November is reflected in the following "report card." IFA's...

How to grow a great franchise: differentiate your franchise product, attract attention and secure sales to grow a great franchise.(FOCUS: Marketing)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A franchise becomes great by having a lot of great franchisees, not just a lot of franchisees. A significant barrier in becoming great is that most franchise companies do not market their franchise opportunity well....

Implementing a Web-based satisfaction program: poor guest experiences negatively affect the overall health and vitality of a brand. Conversely, superior guest experiences lead to high levels of satisfaction, which ultimately translate into increases in franchisee profitability.(FOCUS: Technology)
January 1, 2009... A survey by the National Association of Retail Marketing Services, an association that represents the professional merchandising and marketing services industry, reports that as a national average, companies lose 10 guests for every one that...

The psychology of the winning franchisee: a top racehorse driven by the right jockey can be slowed down enough and trained enough to win races.(FOCUS: Franchise Development)
January 1, 2009... Having worked with the franchise industry for many years, we have conducted thousands of evaluations of prospective and existing sales and management personnel for countless franchises. We have also worked with a number of franchisors in...

Picking the best European countries for franchising: franchising will continue to expand to additional world markets, so the only question that remains is where next?(FOCUS: International Development)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] While franchising is generally accepted as a U.S. enterprise, it has grown globally by about 10 percent annually over the last five years. England, Australia and Canada have had great success in spreading their...

International franchising: a different perspective from the United States: the United States, although an open market without legal complications of franchising in other countries, has unique legal challenges for foreign franchisors.(FOCUS: International Development)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Although those of us sitting on the United States side of the pond often view franchising as uniquely American, the reality is that franchising is an increasingly global phenomenon crossing many different...

International symposium: good news, opportunities: slow growth forecasts, saturated territories and new international and domestic competitors going the extra mile for a slice of your market share--are any or all of these affecting you now? Chances are that at least one of these factors is an important element in your conditions today or in your foreseeable future.(FOCUS: International Development)(Conference news)
January 1, 2009... Globalization is an on-going process, which managed proactively, can pay very handsome dividends. But, ignore it at your peril. If you are lucky, you may lose only a little market share and do well in a continued market growth scenario. In a...

CFE program launches in Singapore and Thailand: after a delegation of franchising-community leaders visited Southeast Asia late last year, plans were drawn to finalize the launch of the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives programming in Singapore and Thailand.(FOCUS: Education)(Conference news)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... The delegation appeared before a conference organized by the Franchising and Licensing Association of Singapore and met with Thai franchise executives and government officials in Bangkok. Institute of Certified Franchise Executives Chairwoman...

Franchise expos: launching new careers: International Franchise Expo gears up for March crowds.(FOCUS: Events)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As 2009 begins, millions will make New Year's solutions. Some may be goals for physical fitness and diet, some promises to quit bad habits, others may decide to begin a new career path. If you missed the West...

Dunkin' brands reaches out to veterans.(FOCUS: Honoring America's Veterans)
January 1, 2009... Mention the word "brew" and a GI's ears perk up... and Dunkin' Donuts has a new marketing effort underway to share their brew (the percolating kind) with veterans through the International Franchise Association's VetFran program. This...

Leading the way: IFA approaches 50.(FOCUS: Profiles of Leadership)(International Franchise Association )
January 1, 2009... In 2010, the International Franchise Association will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding as a self-regulatory body whose initial challenge was to protect the budding industry from unscrupulous opportunists rushing to capitalize on...

Athletic Nation.(DEPARTMENT: People)
January 1, 2009... Athletic Nation hired Robin Dalton as director of operations. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

FOCUS Brands.(DEPARTMENT: People)(Russ Umphenour has been appointed)(Steve Romaniello has been appointed)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FOCUS Brands appointed 2003 IFA Entrepreneur of the year Russ Umphenour as president and CEO and IFA board member Steve Romaniello, CFE, as chairman, who serves as Roark Capital Group's new managing director. ...

NexCen Franchise Management.(DEPARTMENT: People)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NexCen Franchise Management promoted Martin Amschler to chief development officer.

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers.(DEPARTMENT: People)
January 1, 2009... Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers appointed Jennifer Simler to director of marketing.

Souper Salad.(DEPARTMENT: People)(Danny Meisenheimer has been appointed)(Joe Brink has been appointed)(Vivien Horton has been named)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Souper Salad named Ward Olgreen COO; Danny Meisenheimer Chief Brand Officer; Joe Brink vice president of supply chain management; and Vivien Horton director of human resources.

Tasti D-Lite.(DEPARTMENT: People)
January 1, 2009... Tasti D-Lite hired Bill Zinke as chief marketing officer.

U.S. Lawns.(DEPARTMENT: People)
January 1, 2009... U.S. Lawns named Jerry Brown as manager of franchise support.

Wyndham Hotel Group.(DEPARTMENT: People)
January 1, 2009... Wyndham Hotel Group promoted Don Li to regional vice president of development in China and Japan.

Driven Brands has acquired.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
January 1, 2009... Driven Brands has acquired Maaco Franchising.

Vivonet.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
January 1, 2009... Vivonet has acquired DAS Software.

Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy was named winner of the 2008 William E. Simon Prize for Philanthropic Leadership by the Philanthropy Roundtable.(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy was named winner of the 2008 William E. Simon Prize for Philanthropic Leadership by the Philanthropy Roundtable and will receive a $250,000 cash award payable to the charity of his choice.

Cruise Holidays bestowed its "2008 Franchisee of the Year" award and top sales award on Jeff and Sharon Duncan of Newtown, Pa.(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Cruise Holidays bestowed its "2008 Franchisee of the Year" award and top sales award on Jeff and Sharon Duncan of Newtown, Pa. The company also unveiled its 2008 President's Circle of top 20 performing stores and honored two other top sales...

Elements therapeutic massage founder Michele Merhib was named a finalist in the Best Entrepreneur category for service businesses with up to 100 employees.(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... elements therapeutic massage founder Michele Merhib was named a finalist in the Best Entrepreneur category for service businesses with up to 100 employees in The 2008 Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs.

Great Harvest.(Awards & Honors)
January 1, 2009... Great Harvest was recognized as a "World-Class Franchise" from the Franchise Research Institute.

Stroller Strides named Colleen Nettekoven of Laguna Niguel, Calif. Franchisee of the Year, Danielle Rowan of Corona, Calif.(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Stroller Strides named Colleen Nettekoven of Laguna Niguel, Calif. Franchisee of the Year, Danielle Rowan of Corona, Calif. Instructor of the Year and Joelean Lambrecht of Visalia, Calif. a member of the LUNA Moms Club of the Year.

Goddard Systems.(Milestones)
January 1, 2009... Goddard Systems has opened its 300th school at a location in Centennial, Colo.

Massage Envy.(Milestones)
January 1, 2009... Massage Envy has sold its 800th franchise at a location in South Carolina.

Mr. Appliance.(Milestones)
January 1, 2009... Mr. Appliance now has more than 150 locations in the United States and Canada.

Garner Doc has expanded its operations into Canada.(Growth)
January 1, 2009... Garner Doc has expanded its operations into Canada with area developers Frank and James Bajc.

Homewatch CareGivers.(Growth)
January 1, 2009... Homewatch CareGivers opened its first location in Panama.

Ramada Worldwide.(Growth)
January 1, 2009... Ramada Worldwide has opened its first property in Israel.

Tasti D-Lite.(Growth)
January 1, 2009... Tasti D-Lite signed a master franchise agreement with Coffee Bean Korea Co. to expand the brand in South Korea.

7-Eleven.(Marketing)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... 7-Eleven plans to convert the majority of its company-operated stores into franchise operations in the United States by 2012. The company is also expanding through its Business Conversion Program through which independent business owners...

Budget Blinds.(Marketing)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Budget Blinds offered prospective franchisees a refund the franchise fee of $14,950 via a 10-month royalty holiday if they didn't gross $750,000 within the first three years in business.

Choice Hotels International.(Marketing)
January 1, 2009... Choice Hotels International formally launched its Ascend Collection membership program in the United States and the Caribbean.

Critter Control.(Marketing)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Critter Control introduced CritterSafe to offer a humane wildlife management option, using non-lethal, no-trap, release on-site, or one-way doors to minimize stress on evicting wild animals.

Elements therapeutic massage.(Marketing)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... elements therapeutic massage has partnered with the Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids charitable organization which rallies local and corporate support for charities focused on the health and well-being of children.

Glass Doctor.(Marketing)
January 1, 2009... Glass Doctor opened its University Training Center in Waco.

Salad Creations.(Marketing)
January 1, 2009... Salad Creations has partnered with the Diabetes Research Institute and VitaZest Water to launch a diabetes-friendly salad.

Schlotzsky's.(Marketing)
January 1, 2009... Schlotzsky's is conducting its "Bun Run" contest in which contestants aged 13 and older can design the race t-shirt and compete to win $1,000.

Elements therapeutic massage franchisee Steve Stabile.(DEPARTMENT: NEWS BRIEFS)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Elements therapeutic massage franchisee Steve Stabile of Middleton, Mass. was honored with the Franchisee of the Year at the company's headquarters. From left, COO Kevin Betts; Senior Vice Pres. of...

HomeVestors of America has awarded its first associate franchise, which features smaller entry fees and overhead, to Scott Arnold of Dallas.(Community Service)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: HomeVestors of America has awarded its first associate franchise, which features smaller entry fees and overhead, to Scott Arnold of Dallas. From left, Arnold, HomeVestors Pres. and CEO John Hayes, and C&C...

Oreck.(Community Service)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Oreck, a Million Dollar Council supporter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, has donated $1.2 million to Komen for the Cure and pledged another minimum donation of $500,000 for the remainder of 2008. To...