Franchising World articles from June 2009

Franchising World archives from June 2009

Multi-cultural inclusion strengthens franchising.(IN THIS ISSUE)
June 1, 2009... Members of the franchising community are aggressively seeking solutions to maintain and expand their businesses in this tight economy and adjust for demographic shifts. Using new-found strategies and revamping existing ones to achieve better...

Social networking: it's not just for kids.(IFA PRESIDENT AND CEO'S COLUMN)
June 1, 2009... This spring, we heard more tweets than usual when we welcomed the birds back from their long winter in the South. But it wasn't birds, it was people. Everywhere you turned people were "tweeting." I, of course, am talking about www.twitter.com,...

Navigating the franchising process: a primer for minority franchisees.(EIGHTH ANNUAL MINORITIES IN FRANCHISING SPECIAL EDITION)
June 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It is important to understand that to assist minority candidates in searching and obtaining financing, there are similarities to doing the same for non-minority candidates on the surface as you peel away the...

Minority small-business owners: tapping franchising's power: here are several inspiring stories about six committed and creative minority franchisees who offer insights for all operating in a challenging environment.(EIGHTH ANNUAL MINORITIES IN FRANCHISING SPECIAL EDITION)(Cover story)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... As franchisors know, many prospects new to franchising are not aware of the opportunities, not sure where to begin in the process, and are often uninformed about the resources at their disposal. The Eighth Annual Minorities in Franchising...

Out of the projects, Emir Lopez returns to give back.(EIGHTH ANNUAL MINORITIES IN FRANCHISING SPECIAL EDITION)
June 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Name: Emir Lopez Company: Domino's Pizza Number of Units: Two Locations: East Harlem, N.Y. Years in Franchising: Since 1996 When Emir Lopez was ready to open his first Domino's Pizza store, he...

Teamwork works, even in troubled times.(EIGHTH ANNUAL MINORITIES IN FRANCHISING SPECIAL EDITION)(Ron and Patricia Ramsey)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Name: Ron and Patricia Ramsey Company: Furniture Medic Number of Units: One Locations: Cleveland Heights, Ohio Years in Franchising: Since 2002 While the economy is threatening the survival of...

"I want to be on this guy's team".(EIGHTH ANNUAL MINORITIES IN FRANCHISING SPECIAL EDITION)(Sam Hilo )(Liberty Tax Service)
June 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Name: Sam Hilo Company: Liberty Tax Service Number of Units: Eight Locations: San Bernardino, Calif. Years in Franchising: Since 2003 "Only in America," says Sam Hilo whose business success as...

She wears lots of different hats besides "boss".(EIGHTH ANNUAL MINORITIES IN FRANCHISING SPECIAL EDITION)(Nancy Liu )(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Name: Nancy Liu Company: Precision Tune Auto Care Number of Units: One Locations: Atlanta Years in Franchising: Since 2004 Nancy Liu worked 10 years in information technology as a developer and...

A black belt in caring.(EIGHTH ANNUAL MINORITIES IN FRANCHISING SPECIAL EDITION)(Juan Grana )
June 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Name: Juan Grana Company: Sarahcare Adult Day Services Number of Units: One Locations: North Plainfield, N.J. Years in Franchising: Since 2005 Not only is Juan Grana one of Sarahcare's leading...

Power couple pays trust forward.(EIGHTH ANNUAL MINORITIES IN FRANCHISING SPECIAL EDITION)(Serdar and Sujata Chakraborty)(Wireless Zone )
June 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Name: Serdar and Sujata Chakraborty Company: Wireless Zone Number of Units: Three Locations: Bel Air and Edgewood, Md. Years in Franchising: Since 2006 In an economic climate when "flat" is the...

Building recruitment and support strategies for franchises: change is unavoidable and being flexible may be the key to long-term, sustainable success.(EIGHTH ANNUAL MINORITIES IN FRANCHISING SPECIAL EDITION)
June 1, 2009... The one thing you can always count on is change. How many times have you heard that? Today, the notion of change is more prevalent than ever. From the new presidential administration in Washington, D.C. to globalization, technology and the...

Evaluating business development opportunities in urban markets: has your franchise system researched buying powers lately of racial and ethnic minorities?(EIGHTH ANNUAL MINORITIES IN FRANCHISING SPECIAL EDITION)
June 1, 2009... Much has been written about the shifts in demographics that the United States has witnessed over the past decade and what is on the horizon from a racial and ethnic standpoint. But let's also consider the shifts in people moving into the city...

Ending credit logjam will create more jobs: new report makes case for new small-business lending policies.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)(Report)
June 1, 2009... A new study released by the International Franchise association confirms that the current recession and the corresponding credit crunch are hampering the franchising industry's ability to create jobs and economic growth on Main Street. ...

Franchise leaders discuss credit, social networking during Dallas roundtable.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
June 1, 2009... The stormy skies in Dallas May 14 did not damper the enthusiasm of the franchise leaders who attended the latest in the series of CEO Roundtables being hosted by the International Franchise Association. Seventeen area franchise leaders braved...

Senate majority leader Reid tells IFA: lending help coming.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
June 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) told IFA President and CEO Matthew Shay that a new small-business stimulus package will be released within six weeks. Reid made the remarks in a response to a question...

Financial implications of the stimulus package.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)(American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009)
June 1, 2009... On Feb. 17, President Obama signed into law the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009," better known to all of us as the "Stimulus". This 407 page legislation's intent was stated in the preamble: * To preserve and create jobs and...

Franchise lending: beyond a paradigm shift: it will be incumbent for franchisors to become far more familiar with the changes their lenders are undergoing.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
June 1, 2009... A Paradigm shift is a complete change in thinking, innovation, theory, or belief systems that allows the creation of a new condition previously thought impossible or unacceptable. Many would say that what we are currently witnessing in the...

The entrepreneurial climate: 2009 and beyond: it seems clear that the ingredients for an entrepreneurial boom are in place.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
June 1, 2009... America has always been a nation of entrepreneurs. y grandfather was the original type of entrepreneur--a farmer. He had customers who followed him until the day he died. Together, he and my grandmother earned a living for their family and...

The death tax: will the new Congress bring relief to franchised small businesses?(GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
June 1, 2009... With the economy in crisis and the new Obama administration struggling to right the ship, Congress is again faced with a decision so central to small businesses that few if any issue comes close to the level of motivation the franchise...

10 key states targeted as IFA launches "Franchise Congress": nationwide network to create franchise-business advocates.(GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)(International Franchise Association)
June 1, 2009... To bolster the franchising industry's advocacy efforts and ensure its voice is heard on key legislative and regulatory issues, the International Franchise Association has launched a new grassroots program. To be known as "Franchise Congress,"...

Making your brand attractive for multi-unit development: franchisors must be focused on a number of key areas to help facilitate growth.(MULTI-UNIT DEVELOPMENT)
June 1, 2009... Having spent my career in the food-service industry, I have had the opportunity to know and work with some outstanding multi-unit owners. Whether it was three stores, 100 or something in between, all possessed a passion for the business, the...

Under new management? Engaging franchisee-owners: a new executive's key to future success should include participation and inclusion.(FRANCHISE RELATIONS)
June 1, 2009... Much like being the new kid in class, being the new person on the job is never an easy task, especially when one is coming from the outside to take over a leadership role at an established company. While it's clear the person was brought in to...

Rebranding: seven steps to success.(MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)(Express Services Inc.)(Conference news)
June 1, 2009... When 1,200 Express Personnel Services franchisees and staff assembled in Nashville, Tenn., for the company's annual conference and 25th anniversary celebration, attendees fully expected a focus on the company's future. They were not expecting...

Franchised health-care system seeks donations: franchising leaders join effort to advance health-care delivery in Africa.(COMMUNITY SERVICE)(Child and Family Wellness Clinics)(HealthStore Foundation)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Business-format franchising is well-suited to boost the delivery of quality health care to sub-Saharan Africa. Child and Family Wellness Clinics, a subsidiary of The HealthStore Foundation, seeks donations to continue to provide life-saving...

Using franchise expos to close the deal: franchise shows like the West Coast Franchise Expo guarantee more face time with qualified leads and can help strengthen the connection with prospects already in the pipeline.(EVENTS)
June 1, 2009... In a down economy everyone is looking for the best way to meet, attract and drive franchise prospects. Online marketing and direct mail pieces may generate calls or drive prospects to a Web site, but everyone does that. Ultimately, the key to...

Asian American Hotel Owners Association.(PEOPLE)(United States. Travel Association appoints Tarun S. Patel)(Report)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... The Asian American Hotel Owners Association reports that Vice Chairman Tarun S. Patel, CHA, has been named a member of the U.S. Travel Association's board of directors.

Charles G. Miller, C. Griffith Towle, and Darryl A. Hart, who comprise the Franchise Practice Group Bartko, Zankel, Tarrant & Miller law firm.(PEOPLE)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Charles G. Miller, C. Griffith Towle, and Darryl A. Hart, who comprise the Franchise Practice Group Bartko, Zankel, Tarrant & Miller law firm, have been certified as legal specialists in franchise and distribution law by the California Board of...

Promotional products and marketing expert Rose Shorma has joined Proforma.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2009... Promotional products and marketing expert Rose Shorma has joined Proforma as owner of Proforma Rose Shorma. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Romacorp.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Romacorp announced that Ken Myres has been promoted to president.

John W. Francis.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] John W. Francis has joined the board of directors of Sport Clips.

7-Eleven.(Growth)
June 1, 2009... 7-Eleven opened its 100th business-conversion program store, located in Queens Village, N.Y.

eMed-ID.(Growth)(John C. Williams and Cheryl Babcock)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... eMed-ID medical identification franchise welcomed Cheryl Babcock, CFE, and her husband, John C. Williams as its first area directors to the Fort Lauderdale market. She is founding director of the International Institute for Franchise Education...

Polio Campero.(Growth)
June 1, 2009... Polio Campero opened its 50th U.S. store, in Boston.

Sylvan Learning announced expansion in the Middle East.(Growth)(Sylvan KEE Systems. Sylvan Learning Systems)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Sylvan Learning announced expansion in the Middle East. Mohamed A. Dobashi, associate professor at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar and his various partners, purchased rights to open Learning Centers in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Oman,...

Blimpie Subs & Salads.(Marketing)
June 1, 2009... Blimpie Subs & Salads, founded by three college buddies in 1964, launched an aggressive plan to seek college seniors to join their team as franchise owners.

Pat Conlin.(Marketing)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... "We see a tremendous opportunity to help college seniors and community college graduates start their careers on solid footing," said Blimpie Area Developer Pat Conlin. "In today's economy and for today's 20-somethings, paying your dues for an...

CiCi's Pizza.(Marketing)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... CiCi's Pizza initiated "Penny Picker Upper," a promotional campaign that offers rewards to those who find one-cent coins labeled with prizes. One million pennies will be dropped around the franchise's 650 U.S. restaurants. Each specially marked...

Critter Control.(Marketing)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Critter Control was invited to participate in the National Environmental Report, a nationally-televised public TV series hosted by Hugh Downs, which focuses on environmental issues. The segment, "Cohabitating with Backyard Wildlife, was also...

Wingstop.(PEOPLE)(Wingstop Restaurants Inc.)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Wingstop announced its first international franchise agreement for 10 restaurants in Mexico and Mexico DF. Luis Antonio Ortiz Dominguez, Jose Luis Serrato Villegas, Wingstop national spokesman Troy Aikman, Jose...

elements therapeutic massage.(Marketing)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] elements therapeutic massage offered to help taxpayers manage the stress of tax season with "Tax-Relief" with discounts on popular therapeutic massage sessions--either a $10.99 or $10.40 deduction on any...

Marco's Pizza earned high marks during the International Pizza Challenge at the International Pizza Expo with its "White Cheezy" pizza, which won the Mid-American non-traditional regional division and placed second in the finals for the "World's Best Nontraditional Pizza.".(Marketing)(Marco's Inc.)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Marco's Pizza earned high marks during the International Pizza Challenge at the International Pizza Expo with its "White Cheezy" pizza, which won the Mid-American non-traditional regional division and placed second in the finals for the...

Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza.(Marketing)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza hit the road to demonstrate across the United States how easy, convenient and delicious its grilled pizzas could be. The Take 'N' Grill Tour, which will run through October, kicked off in mid-April in St....

Planet Smoothie will host eight "Franchise U" sessions across the Southeast, to include Tallahassee, Atlanta, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Miami, Jacksonville and Fort Myers.(Marketing)(Conference news)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Planet Smoothie will host eight "Franchise U" sessions across the Southeast, to include Tallahassee, Atlanta, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Miami, Jacksonville and Fort Myers. Franchise experts Jason Mann and Tanya Mareno will lead...

Red Mango.(Marketing)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Red Mango launched the "Red's Real Deal" franchise program, which commits the company to purchasing a franchisee's Red Mango store for up to $275,000 if the franchisee is not satisfied with the store for any reason within the first six months...

Tropical Smoothie Cafe.(Marketing)(Universal Studios Inc.)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Tropical Smoothie Cafe, in partnership with Universal Studios, named winners of its "Mamma Mia Greek Giveaway" promotion, which drew more than 16,000 online entrants wing for an opportunity to win a free vacation for two to Greece and the Greek...

IHOP.(Milestones)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... After 50 years and billions of pancakes flipped and served, IHOP announced that for the first time in the company's history, it has restaurants open in all 50 U.S. states.

Rita's Franchise Co. celebrated its 25th anniversary in May.(Milestones)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Rita's Franchise Co. celebrated its 25th anniversary in May. Currently operating in 17 states with 550 stores, the company is led by CEO Jim Rudolph who, in 2005, with his brother Bill, led a private-equity purchase...

Uno is 30!(Milestones)(Uno Restaurant Corp.)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Uno is 30! Preparing to blow out the candles on a birthday deep-dish pizza in celebration of Uno's 30th anniversary are, Boston City Council Member John Tobin, Mayor Thomas Menino, Uno CEO Frank Guidara and company...

Dunkin' Donuts.(Community Service)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Dunkin' Donuts launched an effort to aid injured veterans in need by offering 16-ounce iced coffees for 50 cents, five cents of which were earmarked to benefit Homes for Our Troops, a national, non-profit organization that builds specially...

Nestle.(Community Service)(United Nations)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Nestle announced three new company initiatives as it launched a two-day forum in partnership with the UN Partnership Office and the Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations. The initiatives included an expanded nutrition education program...

Valpak.(Community Service)(National Association of Letter Carriers)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Valpak supported the National Association of Letter Carriers in its Stamp Out Hunger food drive, collecting food and offers assistance to communities across the United States. The drive, a tradition since the early 1990's, will provide relief...

Wyndham Worldwide.(Community Service)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Wyndham Worldwide kicked off a new philanthropic program, Wishes by Wyndham. The company adopted four signature charities that reflect its interests in women and children: Hole in the Wall Camps, Christel House International, Starlight...

The Dwyer Group's Director of Military Development Chris Loudermilk was recently awarded the Irl Marshall Certified Franchise Executive Scholarship in recognition of his outstanding efforts during his tenure with the company.(Education)(International Franchise Association)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Dwyer Group's Director of Military Development Chris Loudermilk was recently awarded the Irl Marshall Certified Franchise Executive Scholarship in recognition of his outstanding efforts during his tenure with the...

The Dwyer Group.(Honors & Awards)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... The Dwyer Group was recently recognized on the 2009 Best Companies to Work for In Texas list. Dina Dwyer-Owens, CFE, chairwoman and CEO of The Dwyer Group along with Mike Bidwell, CFE, president and COO of The Dwyer Group, celebrate the...

The Goddard School.(Honors & Awards)(Paddock Publications Inc.)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... The Goddard School was named one of the best child care centers in the Chicago area in the 2009 Readers' Choice award conducted by the Daily Herald newspaper.

Reidsville, N.C. Golden Corrall Manager Shane Marsh was selected as one of the nation's top five sponsor volunteers recently honored during the 2009 Celebration for Children's Miracle Network in Orlando.(Honors & Awards)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Reidsville, N.C. Golden Corrall Manager Shane Marsh was selected as one of the nation's top five sponsor volunteers recently honored during the 2009 Celebration for Children's Miracle Network in Orlando. He and his...

Holiday Inn Express.(Community Service)(InterContinental Hotels Group PLC. Holiday Inn Express)(Battledown Ward Cheltenham General Hospital)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The children at U.K. Battledown Ward Cheltenham General Hospital received special treatment on Good Friday, when the Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham donated Easter eggs and chocolate goodies to the ward.

Two Men and a Truck International, Inc.(Honors & Awards)(Public Relations Society of America)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... The marketing department of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK INTERNATIONAL, Inc. recently earned a Pinnacle Award for its electronic newsletter from the Central Michigan chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

BodyScapes.(Alliances & Partnerships)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... BodyScapes announced a year-long partnership with the New England Patriots Cheerleaders to be the official physical fitness training centers for the squad. As part of the relationship, all cheerleaders will use the facilities and certified...

Fitness Together.(Alliances & Partnerships)
June 1, 2009... Fitness Together of Rancho Bernardo, Calif. sponsored a 1,200-mile "Paddle for the Battle" kayaking fundraiser in support of the American Cancer Society.

Hilton Family of Hotels has teamed up with Samantha Goldberg, celebrity wedding planner and star of the Style Network's "Whose Wedding is it Anyway".(Alliances & Partnerships)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Hilton Family of Hotels has teamed up with Samantha Goldberg, celebrity wedding planner and star of the Style Network's "Whose Wedding is it Anyway," to create a new wedding planning Web site, "Guestiquette."

Motel 6.(Alliances & Partnerships)(Accor North America. Motel 6)(Collegiate Athletic Association )(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... Motel 6 announced a partnership with U. S. Collegiate Athletic Association to offer its members, teams, fans, spectators and faculty a discount on rooms. USCAA is a national organization that provides organized athletic competition on a...

Wingstop Restaurants.(Alliances & Partnerships)(Dallas Cowboys)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... The Dallas Cowboys and Wingstop Restaurants announced a partnership making the franchise menu item the "official wings" of football team. Wingstop also will partner with the team on official radio and TV broadcasts as well as various...

In memoriam.(ERA Franchise Systems)(Brenda W. Casserly)(Obituary)(Brief article)
June 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Brenda W. Casserly, president and CEO of ERA Franchise Systems passed away in April after a battle with cancer. For the past eight years, she was responsible for leading the growth, development and strategic...