Franchising World articles from July 2006

Franchising World archives from July 2006

Legal climate of franchising bears attention.(IN THIS ISSUE)
July 1, 2006... No business can effectively operate without careful attention to the legal environment in which it functions. Constantly aware of the need to keep its members current on regulatory and compliance issues, the International Franchise Association...

Franchising: it's mutual.(IFA president's column)(good franchiser-franchisee relationship is crucial to business)
July 1, 2006... One of the more creatively-named sessions that was conducted during the International Franchise Association's 39th Annual Legal Symposium began with the words "Between Two Rocks and a Hard Place... " While the session was all about negotiating...

IFA Legal Symposium: the judicial update: Lane Fisher and Charles Miller participated as speakers during the International Franchise Association's 39th Legal Symposium discussing important cases of the past year impacting the franchising community.
July 1, 2006... The year 2005 brought some significant decisions for "hidden" franchisors and reflected the continuing debate of enforceability of arbitration clauses in franchise agreements. Missing from the mix of cases were cases involving encroachment,...

Updating the franchise rule: Steve Toporoff participated as a speaker during the Franchise Association International 's 39th Legal Symposium, addressing the FTC Rule's revisions and guidelines changes.(legal perspectives in franchising)(Federal Trade Commission)
July 1, 2006... The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the views of the Federal Trade Commission or any individual commissioner. The Federal Trade Commission is in the process of revising its franchise disclosure...

The 39th Annual International Franchise Association's Legal Symposium: for nearly four decades, the International Franchise Association has played host to the franchising sector's legal profession, each year offering the most up-to-date information about changes, trends, tips and tactics that are essential to franchising's ever-forward march of progress.(legal perspectives on franchising)
July 1, 2006... Attendance for the 39th Annual IFA Legal Symposium, conducted in early May in Washington, D.C., continued to grow over previous years, exceeding 560 participants who flocked to the Capital Hilton to gain insights on the latest legal challenges...

Federal Trade Commission initiates rulemaking proceeding for business opportunity rule.(legal perspectives in franchising)(Notice of Proposed Rulemaking)
July 1, 2006... On April 12, the Federal Trade Commission published its long awaited Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for a trade regulation role covering the offer and sale of business opportunities. The "Bus Opp Rule", if and when promulgated, will replace...

Electronic disclosure: navigating the confluence of law and technology: Frederick F. Simmons participated as a speaker during the International Franchise Association's 39th Legal Symposium, addressing the practical aspects of electronic disclosure.(legal perspectives in franchising)
July 1, 2006... Many people would not be surprised to find the law regarding electronic disclosure of franchise opportunities in a state of flux. While the law is married to the past, technology shows no signs of abating its frantic affair with the future....

eDisclosure: best practices.(LEGAL PERSPECTIVES IN FRANCHISING)
July 1, 2006... Can I provide disclosure over the net? By e-mail? On a CD? These are commonly-asked questions. While the landscape will be formally changed when the Federal Trade Commission adopts the new version of its Franchise Rule, many franchisors...

Handling defaults and terminations effectively: to paraphrase an old saying, there is nothing to concentrate the mind of a franchise lawyer like the prospect of a franchise termination in the morning. Both franchisors and franchisees, and their attorneys, need a clear understanding of their respective rights, and opportunities, in the default-termination process.(legal perspectives in franchising)
July 1, 2006... Carmen D. Caruso participated as a speaker during the International Franchise Association's 39th Legal Symposium, addressing the frequently arising issues in litigation. The Gathering Storm Franchise terminations are not usually...

Franchising's legal experts.(legal perspectives in franchising)(Directory)
July 1, 2006... The International Franchise Association's Supplier Forum is made up of over 400 firms that cater to the needs of the franchise sector by providing specialized products and services. Like their franchisor member counterparts, IFA Supplier Forum...

Nexus: between a rock and hard place on taxes.(out-of-state franchisors increasingly taxed )(The Business Activity Tax Simplification Act)
July 1, 2006... Franchise companies around the country are facing audits and tax bills from states where they do not have any buildings, physical property or staff located. Without employees or facilities in the state, the only connection that these...

FranPAC report card.(fw focus: government relations)(International Franchise Association's political action committee)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Franchising World begins a new feature for members of the International Franchise Association to keep them aware of the organization's current financial support to candidates for federal office. The following "report card" provides a snapshot...

California special election sounds positive note for franchising.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
July 1, 2006... A number of states conducted primary elections for Congress on June 6 and the results are encouraging for the International Franchise Association and business trade groups. In an open congressional seat in Iowa, hotel franchisee and restaurant...

Unleashing your inner lobbyist.(fw focus: government relations)(political involvement of franchising community )
July 1, 2006... Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the International Franchise Association places a high priority on involvement in the legislative and regulatory climate affecting franchising. IFA has an in-house government relations team of four experts who...

Troy Flanagan named International Franchise Association government relations director.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The International Franchise Association has named Troy Flanagan to be its director of government relations. He assumed his new duties for the association May 15. Prior to joining IFA, Flanagan was the director of government relations at...

The business case for minority business development: when making the case for minority business development it is important to recognize that one size does not fit all.(fw focus: minority development)
July 1, 2006... The Business Case Defined Whenever the topic of minority business development is discussed, the conversation invariably reaches the point where a challenge is made, "Show me the business case" or "Explain why diversity is necessary in a...

U.S. Commercial Service offers tools to explore new franchise markets: a key ingredient to enable a franchise concept's international growth lies in a business ability to cultivate the right information.(fw focus: international development)
July 1, 2006... Thanks to modern technology and a plethora of online market reports, it's not difficult to understand why many franchised businesses find information-overload a major deterrent to identifying opportunities for international growth. A key...

Selecting the "right" path to global development: one strategy is not necessarily better than another. The goal is to identify the one most appropriate for a company's objectives.(fw focus: international development)
July 1, 2006... In virtually every franchise development discussion that I've had in my career, every franchise company leader, regardless of the franchise system size, aspires to grow a worldwide company. In reality, not every franchised product or service...

Gift cards: what franchisors should know: franchise systems should know all about their gift card programs.(fw focus: management and operations)
July 1, 2006... Gift cards appear to be an appealing way to promote your business, but franchisors should beware of some legal pitfalls. According to a recent survey of a third-party provide of gift cards, more than 60 percent of Americans, or approximately...

Thinking outside the "franchise owner in a box": five ways to create distinction among your owners to follow.(fw focus: management & operations)
July 1, 2006... While franchising by design is all about replicating something that works--be it a product, a service, a program or a class--it's important to remember that the entrepreneurs drawn to a company are individuals, not clones. How many times has...

Technology and franchise relations: help or hindrance? Communication has been and always will be the foundation to building strong, healthy franchise relationships, relationships that are essential to the success of franchising.(fw focus: franchise relations)
July 1, 2006... In franchise systems, geography is often the largest hurdle to overcome. It's hard to build relationships with people over the phone or through e-mail. Face-to-face communication is so important, but can be very expensive within a good-sized...

IFA's Franchising World magazine, development brochure earn design honors.(fw focus:honors)(American InHouse Design Awards)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Franchising World magazine's February and August 2005 issues and a 2005 Franchise Development Seminar brochure earned honors for graphic design excellence. The American InHouse Design Awards are given by Graphic Design USA for excellence within...

Companies head West in November for Franchise Expo.(West Coast Franchise Expo)
July 1, 2006... In just three years, the West Coast Franchise Expo sponsored by the International Franchise Association has grown from the new kid on the expo block to become one of the "must attend" events for the elite of the franchising industry. "It...

Welcome new IFA members!(International Franchise Association)
July 1, 2006... Franchisors 1-800-PACKRAT, Washington, D.C., Contact Clay Davidson ASJ Development, LC, Salt Lake City, Contact Randy Clegg Best Coupon Book, Inc., Altamonte Springs, Fla., Contact James Greear Breeze Freeze, Plymouth, Mich.,...

200 franchise companies now aiding military veterans: after leaving the Navy and having successful business careers, Joseph Dondero and John Mann walked away from their regular paychecks in search of a venture that could make money while making a difference. That's when they created Rolly Pollies, a children's gym franchise that offers classes in gym, creative arts and music as well as summer camps and birthday parties.(International Franchise Association)
July 1, 2006... Naturally, the first place the U.S. Naval Academy graduates looked for highly-motivated, well-disciplined people to help expand their entrepreneurial venture was among fellow veterans. Luckily for them, the International Franchise Association...

Veterans sales nearing 500 mark.(Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative from International Franchise Association )
July 1, 2006... Nearly 500 veterans own franchised small businesses today because of the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, an International Franchise Association program known as VetFran, which offers discounted franchise fees to veterans seeking to...

Accord North America.(PEOPLE)
July 1, 2006... Accor North America hired Sue MacGregor as the vice president of risk management and promoted Teresa Epperson to senior director of human resources.

Brooke Corp.(Brooke Credit Corp. appoints Barbara Davison )(Brooke Corp. appoints Mitch Holthus and Shawn Lowry )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Brooke Corp. elected Mitch Holthus and Shawn Lowry to its board of directors. Brooke Credit Corp., the company's finance subsidiary appointed Barbara Davison to its board.

Denny's.(PEOPLE)
July 1, 2006... Denny's named Michael Polydoroff as director of sales promotion and licensing.

The Dwyer Group.(Dwyer Group Inc. appoints Doyle James )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The Dwyer Group named Doyle James president of ProTradeNet, a subsidiary company that manages national vendor programs for its franchise concepts. James also serves as president of subsidiary Aire Serv Heating & Air Conditioning.

Eatza Pizza.(PEOPLE)
July 1, 2006... Ryan Leavitt has been named director of real estate for Eatza Pizza.

Fantastic Sams International.(PEOPLE)
July 1, 2006... Fantastic Sams International named Scott L. Colabuono as president and CEO to replace Jack Keilt who resigned.

Lenny's Franchisor.(PEOPLE)
July 1, 2006... Lenny's Franchisor, franchisor of Lenny's Sub Shops, promoted John Strand to director of education and development, a new position.

Mr. Electric added Terry Jones.(PEOPLE)
July 1, 2006... Mr. Electric added Terry Jones, marketing manager, to its corporate team.

Mr. Rooter selected Bobby Pruitt to join its franchise systems management team.(PEOPLE)
July 1, 2006... Mr. Rooter selected Bobby Pruitt to join its franchise systems management team. He also serves as technology solutions manager.

Sir Speedy appointed Richard Lowe to president, replacing Dan Beck.(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Sir Speedy appointed Richard Lowe to president, replacing Dan Beck, who has been named president and chief operating officer of Imaging Solutions, a new company owned by Franchise Services, Sir Speedy's parent.

Sonic.(Sonic Corp. appoints Anne Burkett )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Sonic promoted Anne Burkett to principal internal auditor, Moises Santana to director of Beyond Our Basics Training and Christina Bell to central region marketing director. Frank Bravato was named director of operations, Richard C. Russell was...

Tony and Deborah Mack of West Chester, Pa. have opened the 100th franchise of 1-800-DryClean.(Growth)
July 1, 2006... Tony and Deborah Mack of West Chester, Pa. have opened the 100th franchise of 1-800-DryClean, a member of Service Brands International.

Bob Weber of Kalispell, Montana will open the 500th franchise.(Growth)
July 1, 2006... Bob Weber of Kalispell, Montana will open the 500th franchise of FASTSIGNS International.

LA Weight Loss.(Growth)
July 1, 2006... L A Weight Loss opened its 800th center in May. Sparks, Nev. is the site.

RE/MAX has sold franchising rights for Hungary to Balazs Posta and Bence Kesthely who will serve as co-region owners and regional directors and Romanian rights to Canadian associates Adrian Sischin and Gabriel Bianchi.(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... RE/MAX has sold franchising rights for Hungary to Balazs Posta and Bence Kesthely who will serve as co-region owners and regional directors and Romanian rights to Canadian associates Adrian Sischin and Gabriel Bianchi. Sischin will serve as...

Accor North America.(Accor North America organized a hurricane summit )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Accor North America recently organized a hurricane summit at its corporate headquarters in Carrollton, Texas, to prepare for the 2006 hurricane season. Seventy company representatives met to centralize resources for use by field personnel...

Camille's Sidewalk Cafe.(partners with Children's Hunger Alliance)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Camille's Sidewalk Cafe recently joined forces with Ohio's Children's Hunger Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating childhood hunger through education, leadership, advocacy, and service. The partnership allows for...

Choice Hotels International announced that all of its Econo Lodge hotels will offer a wireless hot spot.(Choice Hotels International Inc.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Choice Hotels International announced that all of its Econo Lodge hotels will offer a wireless hot spot, with complimentary access for guests, by the end of 2006

Hilton Garden Inn.(Marketing)
July 1, 2006... Hilton Garden Inn launched a new advertising campaign, titled "Where are you going?" It depicts how life on the road no longer is about finding "balance" between the demands of work and personal life; it's about "blending" the two worlds and...

Hilton Family of Hotels.(new travel portal launched)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The Hilton Family of Hotels launched a new travel agent information and booking portal, available at www.hiltontravelagents.com. The dedicated site offers improved access to the company's nearly 2,800 hotels, and provides hotel search and...

HomeVestors of America has launched a weekly radio show in Dallas-Fort Worth called the "HomeVestors Real Estate Investors Hour," Sundays at 8 a.m. on WBAP-AM.(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... HomeVestors of America has launched a weekly radio show in Dallas-Fort Worth called the "HomeVestors Real Estate Investors Hour," Sundays at 8 a.m. on WBAP-AM. It is hosted by President and CEO John Hayes, and features guests and industry...

The International Sign Association launched a new series of ads to appear in Franchising World magazine.(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The International Sign Association launched a new series of ads to appear in Franchising World magazine. The ISA campaign reaches out to the sign-user community to promote the economic value of on-premise signage to businesses. The goal of the...

El Pollo Loco Holdings.(El Pollo Loco Inc.)(Goldman Sachs and Co.)(Piper Jaffray & Co.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... El Pollo Loco Holdings announced in May that it had filed a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a proposed initial public offering of shares of its common stock. It is the indirect parent company of El...

FranNet has been sold by founder and Chairman Howard Bassuk to a partnership formed by several associates.(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... FranNet has been sold by founder and Chairman Howard Bassuk to a partnership formed by several associates. Steve Rosen and Jack Armstrong led the buyout. Rosen will serve as CEO on an interim basis, Bassuk will remain involved with in training,...

Hair Cuttery said it thinks Donald Trump made a mistake by firing Charmaine Hunt during the May 1 episode of The Apprentice, so the company offered her a multi-unit franchise deal.(Transactions)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Hair Cuttery said it thinks Donald Trump made a mistake by firing Charmaine Hunt during the May 1 episode of The Apprentice, so the company offered her a multi-unit franchise deal. She'll get the opportunity to work with Hair Cuttery's...

Raving Brands.(Transactions)
July 1, 2006... Raving Brands announced plans to acquire an interest in Atlanta's Flying Biscuit, its first foray into breakfast and day parts besides lunch and dinner.

Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor declared May 17 as "Camille's Sidewalk Cafe Day" to recognize the opening of the company's 100th location.(Honors)
July 1, 2006... Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor declared May 17 as "Camille's Sidewalk Cafe Day" to recognize the opening of the company's 100th location. Camille's was founded in 1996 by Tulsans David and Camille Rutkauskas.

Christian Brothers Automotive Corp.(honored with Better Business Bureau Awards)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Christian Brothers Automotive Corp. is a finalist for this year's Better Business Bureau Awards for Excellence for the second consecutive year. The company was named a Winner of Distinction by BBB in May.

Dave Clark of JMC Restaurant Distributions Co., a Dallas-Ft. Worth Cici's Pizza support firm, has driven more than one million miles without an accident.(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Dave Clark of JMC Restaurant Distribution Co., a Dallas-Ft. Worth CiCi's Pizza support firm, has driven more than one million miles without an accident. In recognition, he received a $5,000 check, and his name and accomplishment was printed on...

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide.(honored by Remodeling)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide of Peoria has been named one of the nation's best remodelers by Remodeling magazine. The "Big 50" honors companies who have set the standard for professionalism and integrity through smart marketing,...

Institute of Certified Franchise Executives.(Linda Haneborg appointed)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Express Personnel Services Senior Vice Pres., Communications/PR Linda Haneborg CFE was recently named chairman of the board of governors for the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives.

Friendly's Restaurants, Kevin Peyton.(Honors)
July 1, 2006... Just two years after purchasing five Ohio Friendly's Restaurants, Kevin Peyton of 4th Day Hospitality was named Franchisee of the Year by the company.

The Hilton Family of Hotels and Creative Vision Group have received three Aegis Awards for outstanding video production.(Hilton Hotels Corp.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The Hilton Family of Hotels and Creative Vision Group have received three Aegis Awards for outstanding video production. The videos were made for Hilton's "be hospitable" campaign and the company's sponsorship of the U.S. Olympic Team. The...

HomeVestors of America.(ranked among top according to revenues)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... HomeVestors of America has been ranked among Dallas' Top 200 Private Companies by the Dallas Morning News. The list ranked privately-held area companies based on 2005 revenues.

Instant Imprints honored Todd and Robin Muhlheim of Lake Oswego, Ore. for their sales achievement; Todd and Amy Pearn of Aurora, Colo.(Honors)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Instant Imprints honored Todd and Robin Muhlheim of Lake Oswego, Ore. for their sales achievement; Todd and Amy Pearn of Aurora, Colo. received the Store of the Year Award and Jeff Willis of Concord, Calif. earned the Spirit Award for...

MFV Expositions.(Gary Dick and Philip Schumacher honored)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... MFV Expositions, producer of the International Franchise Expo, named Gary Dick, vice president of Jani-King International, as recipient of the 2006 Michael Minihane CFE Outstanding Achievement Award for International Franchise Development and...

Microtel Inns & Suites has again been ranked first in its segment.(Honors)
July 1, 2006... Microtel Inns & Suites has again been ranked first in its segment by the Market Metrix Hospitality Index with an 84.3 customer satisfaction score.

Microtel Inn & Suites.(Honors)
July 1, 2006... The Mobile/Daphne, Ala. Microtel Inn & Suites owned and managed by Rocco Valluzzo was named the brand's "Hotel of the Year."

Mr. Appliance franchisee Woodrow Holloway of Birmingham, Ala. has become the first of the franchise's owners to achieve the industry's highest recognition as a Certified Service Center.(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Mr. Appliance franchisee Woodrow Holloway of Birmingham, Ala. has become the first of the franchise's owners to achieve the industry's highest recognition as a Certified Service Center. The program recognizes service businesses for their...

Proforma co-CEO Vera Muzzillo appeared on the cover of the April issue of BLF&S (Business Forms Labels & Systems) magazine and was featured.
July 1, 2006... Proforma co-CEO Vera Muzzillo appeared on the cover of the April issue of BLF&S (Business Forms Labels & Systems) magazine and was featured, along with several of the company's franchisees in the publication's "Women in Print" edition.

RE/MAX International CEO Margaret M. Kelly, a graduate of Troy, Mich.'s Walsh College, was honored.(Honors)
July 1, 2006... RE/MAX International CEO Margaret M. Kelly, a graduate of Troy, Mich.'s Walsh College, was honored by the college with an honorary doctor of laws degree.

International Franchise Association programs and calendar of industry events.(IMPORTANT DATES IN FRANCHISING CALENDAR)(Calendar)
July 1, 2006... 2006 JULY 11 Franchise Business Network Meeting Local Store Marketing Contact: IFA 17-18 How to Recruit Better Candidates and Close More Franchise Sales * Management 2000 Houston Contact: ICFE ...