Franchising World articles from June 2008

Franchising World archives from June 2008

Creating a culture of inclusion.(IN THIS ISSUE)(Viewpoint essay)
June 1, 2008... As prospective investors become franchise owners, and one-by-one, new franchised establishments open their doors in communities across America, we are reminded that franchising is still very much a local phenomenon. But in order for...

Visionary leaders breed successful programs.(IFA PRESIDENT'S COLUMN)
June 1, 2008... The International Franchise Association's effort to broaden its outreach during the 1980s and 1990s was a conscious response to the vision of Elmer Winter--one of the association's founding fathers. Winter's mission of assuming social...

Attracting women and minority franchisees: programs that work: for franchise companies seeking to advance their recruitment activities to attract more women and minorities, consider the path two well-recognized franchisors used to broaden their brands' reach to these important audiences.
June 1, 2008... In January 2006, Domino's Pizza launched an internal minority franchisee recruitment program, "Delivering the Dream," aimed at providing financial support to current minority team members to build new stores. The company teamed up with GE...

Reaching a diverse franchise audience: IFA's minority outreach: the International Franchise Association, through the IFA Educational Foundation, is committed to fostering increased representation of minorities in the franchising industry. IFA is proud to provide this important service to the franchising community.
June 1, 2008... The Diversity Institute The Diversity Institute was established in 2005 to promote and foster diversity and inclusion in the franchising community. The Institute is chaired by Eric McCarthey, president, The Coca-Cola Company. Stan...

2008 Diversity Institute/Minority Fran calendar of events.(Calendar)
June 1, 2008... Diversity Institute/MinorityFran Sponsors One-day Franchise Opportunities for Women & Minorities Seminars No cost for IFA/MinorityFran members to participate as exhibitors. Call Miriam L. Brewer at 202-662-0784 or e-mail...

Minorities attaining success in franchising.
June 1, 2008... Each year, the franchising industry features several minority franchisees who are representative of the thousands of committed men and women who daily build brand loyalty in communities around the nation. This issue of Franchising World is the...

Alternative franchise financing can close the gap: buy a franchise with retirement funds and other untapped resources.
June 1, 2008... Nearly every franchisor or broker has a "one-that-got-away" tale about a would-be buyer whose financing landed just a few thousand dollars short of the capital necessary to close the deal. Thanks to the current credit crisis, franchisors...

Who is making an impact on diversifying their brands? Corporate diversity counseling is an emerging area that assists clients in addressing these issues, breaking into new diverse markets and gaining market share as the new society emerges.
June 1, 2008... The numbers don't lie. The United States is changing and the changes are coming more quickly than one might imagine. Recent census information and demographic trends showing that the United Slates' white majority is yielding to a...

Diversity training: making it work, making it effective.
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Today's diversity training is a far cry from what it once was. It was called "Race Relations Training" in the military, then became "Cultural Diversity Training" and today it is called "Diversity Training." More...

Small business advocates slam San Francisco law: small business on washingtonpost.com.(WHAT THE MEDIA ARE SAYING)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... Some small business advocacy groups are riled up about a San Francisco health care law and are fighting to overturn it in the courts. The law, on the books since 2006, requires any private employer with more than 20 workers to contribute a...

Winners at the business of diversity.
June 1, 2008... Many companies speak about the need to increase minority participation, but ServiceMaster Clean and its spokesperson, professional basketball player Shane Battier, are actually providing the opportunity for aspiring minority and female...

The tax gap: no "new" taxes doesn't mean no pain for small business.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Among the multitude of challenges of running any business is proper compliance with existing tax laws. Navigating the ins and outs of the various government tax rules is especially difficult for small businesses,...

Back to the future: the Americans with Disabilities Act: changing the definition of "disability" will amount to nothing more than a boon for creative trial lawyers and fewer resources to assist the truly disabled to enter the work force.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
June 1, 2008... In 1990, a bipartisan group of lawmakers, business-community leaders, disability rights advocates and the George H.W. Bush administration enacted landmark civil rights legislation that had a profound and positive impact on American life. The...

Colorado: a profile.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
June 1, 2008... This profile is part of an occasional series examining the issues and atmosphere guiding politics and policy in the various states. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Facts State Motto: Nil Sine Numine--Nothing Without the Deity ...

FranPAC hits new fund-raising record, IFA Chairman Dons first 5K pin.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
June 1, 2008... Vigorous fund-raising activities by International Franchise Association members have propelled the association's political action committee, FranPAC, to a record first quarter in 2008. With more than $390,000 raised through personal...

Supporting federal legislators: the FranPAC report card: The International Franchise Association's current financial support to candidates, for federal office as of mid-April is reflected in the following "report card.".(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)(Statistical table)
June 1, 2008... IFA's political action committee, FranPAC, supports pro-franchise, pro-business candidates for U.S. Congress. 2007-2008 Receipts 2007-2008 Expenditures $392,275.22 $265,000 FranPAC Supported Candidates U.S....

IFA Educational Foundation and PepsiCo launch VetFran Business Grant Fund: franchisees who have been awarded a franchise through the VetFran program are eligible to apply for the grant.(FW FOCUS: SUPPORTING AMERICA'S VETERANS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The International Franchise Association for many years has sought to assist America's veterans in their transition to civilian lives. The Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative program, "VetFran" strives to achieve...

IFA, Lebanese Franchise Association sign promotion pact.(FW FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... The International Franchise Association and the Lebanese Franchise Association signed Memorandum of Understanding in April to help each other's members conduct business efficiently at home, collaborate to expand each country's markets and work...

India: market for the masses.(FW FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
June 1, 2008... Franchising in India has been consistently growing at more than 30 percent for the past five years, according to the Franchising Association of India. Several international brands have entered the country through franchising in the last few...

Franchises give veterans a break: USA today.(WHAT THE MEDIA ARE SAYING)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... Rolly Pollies is just one of almost 300 businesses providing financial benefits to honorably discharged veterans looking to open a franchise, through the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, or VetFran. The program is a collaboration of...

Establishing and Maintaining an effective franchise relationship: it all begins with establishing a corporate culture of respect and commitment.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISE RELATIONS 101)
June 1, 2008... Positive, trusting relationships between franchisors and franchisees are the foundation of healthy franchise systems. The basis of the franchise relationship is the license that allows the franchisee to use the franchisor's trademark and...

Building a healthy franchise culture.
June 1, 2008... Comparing franchise networks to "a big family" gives this author concern. Most family relationships have issues that franchisors may not want to encourage. If we agree that a healthy culture contains people who care about each other and share...

Franchise companies sell idea they weather downturn better: Washington Business Journal.(WHAT THE MEDIA ARE SAYING)
June 1, 2008... Sponsored by the D.C.-based International Franchise Association, the trade show expects to draw 8,000 to 10,000 participants. Franchise officials are touting the sluggish economy as a selling tool, saying franchises tend to be adverse to...

Veterans' small-business program hits new milestone: Schlotzsky's is the 300th franchise to join VetFran.(FW FOCUS: HONORING AMERICA'S VETERANS)
June 1, 2008... A program to help America's veterans become small-business owners, the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, has hit a historic milestone by welcoming Schlotzsky's Restaurant as the 300th franchise system to join, the International...

Attracting and retaining qualified franchisee: the bottom line is the bottom line.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Imagine an organization within the franchising community where the human resource department reports directly to the CEO. It advises top executives on business strategy and organizational effectiveness. It helps...

Shape up your brand: every franchisor and franchisee needs to be confident that the brands are at peak performance during challenging times.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
June 1, 2008... High petroleum prices, challenges associated with an unstable economy, foreclosures, retail-sector instability and pending political changes all require that franchisors and franchisees ensure that their brands are in great shape and able to...

"Green" conventions: how to plan great meetings and help the environment.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
June 1, 2008... Planning a convention today is more challenging than ever. It's no longer sufficient to locus only on franchise performance, best practices and future improvement. Today's conventions should also meet increasingly-high standards for...

The American work force: an ever-changing portrait: companies are at the starting line of a long, competitive race in the quest for skilled talent.(FW FOCUS: TRENDS)
June 1, 2008... More than 10 years ago, Spherion Corp. launched the Emerging WorkForce Study, a research initiative designed to provide a comprehensive portrait of changes in the American work force in the context of ongoing social and economic events. Since...

"Introduction to the law of franchising" now on sale: comprehensive guide offers information from basics to the complexities of franchise law at all levels that are applicable to all franchise systems.(FW FOCUS: JUST OFF THE PRESS)(Book review)
June 1, 2008... The International Franchise Association's new reference work on franchising and franchise law is now available for purchase. For the first time in its nearly 50-year history, the association is offering this comprehensive, one-volume piece on...

Watch for your IFA member survey: The International Franchise Association's Research Committee recently began work on a three-year research plan. Chaired by Immediate Past Chairman Michael Isakson, president and COO, ServiceMaster Co., the committee is working on several projects, including a new membership survey.(FW FOCUS: RESEARCH)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... The International Franchise Association has engaged Supplier Forum member Service Management Group to conduct the Web-based survey which will be distributed soon to all IFA members to update the 2004 data, gauge the "importance level" members...

Taking it to the Max at Expo: maximize your presence at franchise trade shows to get the most for your brand and your money.(FW FOCUS: LEAD GENERATION)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When an MFV-Expositions-produced franchise trade show opens its doors, thousands of prospective franchisees descend, each hoping to meet a franchise match and find the right concept. Attendees have their pick...

Thinking big? Don't overlook small communities for expansion: franchisors who aren't already considering smaller markets for expansion should explore the possibility.(FW FOCUS: EXPANSION OPPORTUNITIES)
June 1, 2008... When designing expansion plans for their systems, most franchisors automatically "think big," equating big cities to big-budget spending and big advertising campaigns. However, given current market conditions and other economic factors, they...

'West Coast'burgers get lift: The Washington Times.(WHAT THE MEDIA ARE SAYING)
June 1, 2008... A Falls Church hamburger shop is hoping to raise the status of the common Washington hamburger. Franchise fever Franchises from across the country will be descending on the District this weekend for the annual International Franchise...

Owning a franchise not for everybody: Chicagotribune.com.(WHAT THE MEDIA ARE SAYING)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... There are about 3,000 franchise systems and 900.000 franchised businesses in the United States, according to the International Franchise Association. The franchise industry grew at a faster pace than the overall U.S. economy between 2001...

Welcome new IFA members!(FW FOCUS: WELCOME TO IFA!)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... Franchise Systems Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, Austin, Contact John Martin Blendz Franchise System, Inc., Campbell, Calif., Contact Scott Mortier FedEx Kinko's, Dallas, Contact Candice Wessinger Gamer Doc, Woodinville, Wash., Contact...

Giles Foodservice Equipment.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Chester's International's former director of area developers, Rankin Belkofer, CFE, joined sister company Giles Foodservice Equipment as southeast regional sales manager.

The Dwyer Group.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2008... The Dwyer Group named Burton D. Cohen to its board of directors.

El Pollo Loco.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] El Pollo Loco named Allison A. Watanabe to vice president of information technology.

L A Weight Loss.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] L A Weight Loss hired Sandra Maltzman, R.D., M.A., Certified Health Education Specialist as it's director of nutrition services.

Meineke Car Care Centers.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2008... Meineke Car Care Centers named Keenan V. Moran president.

Papa Murphy.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2008... Papa Murphy's hired Ann Stone as chief marketing officer and Gregg Benvenuto as vice president of franchise sales.

Pet Butler.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2008... Pet Butler named Tim Leslie as operations and solutions manager.

PuroClean.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2008... PuroClean hired Kelly DuPree as vice president of sales and support, Marci Kleinsasser as director of national marketing, and Tracy Hetrick as director of training.

Red Roof Inn.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2008... Red Roof Inn hired Robert Wallace as senior vice president of franchise and Andrew Alexander as senior vice president and general counsel.

Spot Runner.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2008... Spot Runner appointed John Gentry as president, Sam Paisley as chief financial officer, and Joanne Bradford as executive vice president of national marketing services.

Travel Acquisitions Group.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2008... Travel Acquisitions Group named Alan Hale as president.

Travel Franchise Group.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2008... Travel Franchise Group promoted Steve Loucks to vice president of communications and Don Kennedy to vice president of Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associate Division.

Two Men And A Truck.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2008... Two Men And A Truck hired Scott Auge as network and systems administrator.

Uno Restaurant Holdings Corp.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2008... Uno Restaurant Holdings Corp. named Louie Psallidas senior vice president and chief financial officer.

Wiggin and Dana LLP.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Law firm Wiggin and Dana LLP named Dean T. Fournaris a partner in its Philadelphia office.

Butler Capital Corp., through its Franchise Finance Division, has committed $30 million in financing this year for Subway.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
June 1, 2008... Butler Capital Corp., through its Franchise Finance Division, has committed $30 million in financing this year for Subway franchisees throughout the United States.

Figaro's Italian Pizza.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
June 1, 2008... Figaro's Italian Pizza acquired the 31-unit Pizza Schmizza of Hillsboro, Ore.

Travel Acquisitions Group.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
June 1, 2008... Travel Acquisitions Group, formerly Carlson Leisure Group, acquired TraveLeaders from American Leisure Group's subsidiary American Leisure Holdings, Inc.

Chester's International.(Awards & Honors)
June 1, 2008... Chester's International named multiunit owner Greg Parker its 2007 Franchisee of the Year.

The Dwyer Group.(Awards & Honors)(Debbie Wright-Hood has been awarded for her outstanding leadership and service)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... The Dwyer Group Chief Administrative Officer Debbie Wright-Hood was named a recipient of the Women of Distinction Awards by the Girl Scouts of Central Texas for her outstanding leadership and service to the Waco community.

Microtel Inns & Suites.(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... Microtel Inns & Suites was named a winner in the marketing category of the Disability Matters Award Competition for its significant contributions to the needs of travelers with disabilities.

Rainbow Station.(Awards & Honors)
June 1, 2008... Rainbow Station is one of five finalists for the 2008 Better Business Bureau International Torch Award for Marketplace Excellence.

HouseMaster.(Milestones)
June 1, 2008... HouseMaster celebrated 25 years as a member of the International Franchise Association.

Pet Butler.(Milestones)
June 1, 2008... Pet Butler has opened its 100th franchise.

Accor North America unveiled the Motel 6 "Phoenix" prototype.(Milestones)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Accor North America unveiled the Motel 6 "Phoenix" prototype, which has a modern, European boutique-style.

Red Roof Inn.(Milestones)
June 1, 2008... Red Roof Inn celebrated its 35th anniversary in conjunction with the grand opening of its new headquarters in Columbus, Ohio.

InterContinental Hotels Group.(Growth)
June 1, 2008... InterContinental Hotels Group will open its first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Taiwan.

N8 Touch signed a master franchisee agreement with Drs. Andrew Cameron and Mark Pierce of Golden Square, Australia.(Growth)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... N8 Touch signed a master franchisee agreement with Drs. Andrew Cameron and Mark Pierce of Golden Square, Australia for the development of 100 franchises over the next seven years.

Teamlogic IT.(Growth)
June 1, 2008... Teamlogic IT has awarded a master franchise agreement for the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Athletic Nation.(Marketing)
June 1, 2008... Athletic Nation became the official gym of the San Jose Stealth professional indoor lacrosse team and will guide the team's weight-training program and personal training.

Carvel Ice Cream's.(Marketing)
June 1, 2008... Carvel Ice Cream's franchise support team visited 440 of its establishments to implement six new blended frozen drinks.

Constant Contact.(Marketing)
June 1, 2008... Constant Contact was chosen by Intuit to be the e-mail marketing provider for its Marketing Tools Center.

Country Place Living.(Marketing)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... Country Place Living has partnered with Kansas' Cloud County Community College's elder study program, "Prime Time-learning in the prime of life," and will host memory improvement classes.

Express Personnel Services changed its name to Express Employment Professionals.(Marketing)
June 1, 2008... Express Personnel Services changed its name to Express Employment Professionals to refocus its branding efforts.

The Home Depot.(Marketing)
June 1, 2008... The Home Depot partnered with KaBOOM! to build or refurbish 1,000 play spaces.

Motel 6.(Marketing)(new Web site has been introduce by Motel 6 for travelers)(Website overview)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... Motel 6 developed a series of American journeys as part of its new Web site, Goin6.com, which encourages travelers to visit several of the country's historic and culturally significant destinations.

Chris Chike, reigning Guinness World Record holder in Guitar Hero III.(Marketing)(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... Chris Chike, reigning Guinness World Record holder in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock video game earned $2,000 in store credit for winning the Play N Trade National Guitar Hero III contest.

PostNet International Franchise Corp.(Marketing)
June 1, 2008... PostNet International Franchise Corp. is deploying EFI Digital StoreFront web-to-print solution in more than 400 centers in the United States and Canada.

Re-Bath.(Marketing)
June 1, 2008... Re-Bath partnered with home improvement expert Lou Manfredini for two years.

re:group.(Marketing)( American Cancer Society awarded re:group )(Brief article)
June 1, 2008... The Great Lakes Division of the American Cancer Society awarded re:group the assignment to create, plan and execute the regional campaign to promote the society's Cancer Resource Network.

Pizza Fusion.(Community Service)
June 1, 2008... Pizza Fusion participated in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life event in March, donating pizzas to help raise more than $28,000 in contributions.

International Franchise Association programs and calendar of industry events.(IMPORTANT DATES IN FRANCHISING CALENDAR)(Calendar)
June 1, 2008... 2008 JUNE 9-10-How to Use Area Franchising to Effectively Grow Your Franchise System Management 2000 Tucson 12-13-How to Lead Change & Innovation in a Franchise System Management 2000 Tucson 24-Franchise...