Franchising World articles from March 2007

Franchising World archives from March 2007

Seize the global route to expansion.
March 1, 2007... This issue of the International Franchise Association's Franchising World magazine clarifies the realities of "going global." Experts from government, franchising and legal circles contribute their knowledge to help you understand the...

Exploring the international marketplace.(International Franchise Association)(Column)
March 1, 2007... Last year, the International Franchise Association made significant progress in our efforts to promote franchise development in markets around the world. The successful trade shows and meetings in China in November were the capstone to a year...

Paul Hogan: The International Franchise Association's Entrepreneur of the Year: Home Instead Senior Care: founded in 1994, began franchising internationally six years later and today is sharing its mission for seniors in the United States, Canada, Japan, Portugal, Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Spain, New Zealand and Taiwan.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISING--READY, SET, GO GLOBAL!)(Cover story)
March 1, 2007... Creating a franchise can be quite a challenge. But for Paul Hogan, who in 1994, with wife Lori, founded Home Instead Senior Care, it was more a personal mission than a business enterprise. Hogan's own family experience caring for his...

IFA, U.S. Commerce Department ink formal promotion agreement.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISING--READY, SET, GO GLOBAL!)(International Franchise Association)
March 1, 2007... An agreement between the U.S. Department of Commerce's U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service and the International Franchise Association to foster, promote and facilitate the expansion of U.S. franchise systems was recently signed by IFA Pres....

Will this concept work internationally in a new country ... again? Entering new markets requires a dedicated approach to understanding all there is to know.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISING--READY, SET, GO GLOBAL!)
March 1, 2007... For many leaders of international franchise systems choosing the next international opportunity can be exciting, challenging and potentially rewarding depending on the vision for the future. Committing to a new country requires an extraordinary...

OPIC and the franchising sector-advancing economic opportunities: "it's just a matter of finding the right partner and bringing them together.".(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISING--READY, SET, GO GLOBAL!)(Overseas Private investment Corporation)
March 1, 2007... For a small U.S. government agency, albeit one with the large responsibility of supporting American investment in emerging markets, accustomed to elbowing its way into events arranged by better-known institutions, the Overseas Private...

The world of franchise legislation: the map changes: take a look at the map below. It shows, shaded, the countries where there is one form or another of "franchise legislation," and unshaded, those countries where there is no legislation--as yet.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISING--READY, SET, GO GLOBAL!)
March 1, 2007... Such a map in the 1970s would have shown only one shaded country: the United States, where states began to adopt franchise laws beginning in 1971 with California and where the Federal Trade Commission's Franchise Rule was adopted in 1979. In...

Franchising rides wave of economic expansion in Asia and Pacific Rim: with the fastest-growing economies in the world, the Asia Pacific is a region no international franchise company can afford to ignore for long.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISING--READY, SET, GO GLOBAL!)
March 1, 2007... If one works for a franchise system that either is franchising internationally or which is planning international franchise expansion, he undoubtedly has been evaluating opportunities and where to place the company's development resources....

Eye-opening opportunities exist for U.S. firms: the U.S. Commercial service provides expert assistance, helping franchises go global.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISING--READY, SET, GO GLOBAL!)
March 1, 2007... Do business professionals know that the demand for automotive and personal-care service franchises is growing in Mexico? Have they considered China as a market for their service offerings where best prospects include retail, health, interior...

The future of Latin America: some excellent prospects, some serious challenges await those who franchise in this rapidly-changing region.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISING--READY, SET, GO GLOBAL!)
March 1, 2007... In the wake of current events involving the political changes in Latin America, it is understandably a concern that franchise organizations may look elsewhere in their quest to expand internationally. This attitude is completely justifiable....

Franchising in Panama and Central America: ample opportunities for system expansion are appearing with increasing frequency.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISING--READY, SET, GO GLOBAL!)
March 1, 2007... Imagine a market of more than 39 million people, with a GDP of almost $100 billion. In addition to Panama, it includes Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. All of these countries are stable democracies that have concluded...

Responding to a union-organizing campaign: do you and your supervisors know the legal boundaries in a union campaign?(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
March 1, 2007... If your franchise is operating non-union, is it ready for a full-scale drive by a labor union to organize its employees? Consider this before answering: Many campaigns come as a complete surprise to the employer. In such situations, the...

California health care battle likely a loser for business.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
March 1, 2007... "I am returning Assembly Bill 1840 without my signature. As I stated last year in my veto of AB 89 (Horton), compiling a report of California employers with more than 25 employees whose employees or their dependents are enrolled in public...

Franchising sector pushes SBA funding.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)(Small Business Administration)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... The International Franchise Association recently supported a short-term extension that the U.S. House of Representatives passed Jan. 17 to temporarily reauthorize the U.S. Small Business Administration. The uninterrupted functioning of SBA is...

Part I: Franchising is booming.(The profile of franchising: 2006: IFA Educational Foundation-FRANdata study shows franchise systems growing at rapid pace new concepts appearing in greater numbers.)
March 1, 2007... Existing concepts are expanding at an increased pace, new concepts are being created in greater numbers, and the business format franchise model is showing up in more industries than ever before. Everywhere business is being conducted these...

Part II: understanding initial investment requirements of franchise systems.(The Profile of Franchising: 2006: IFA Educational Foundation--FRAN data study shows franchise system growing at rapid pace, new concepts appearing in greater numbers.)
March 1, 2007... One size does not fit all. Understanding the initial investment requirements of franchise systems across the franchise world is a complicated problem. First, franchising exists in a great many different types of businesses. Each industry...

Part III: royalty and advertising fees vary widely in franchise systems.(The Profile of Franchising: 2006: IFA Educational Foundation--FRAN data study shows franchise system growing at rapid pace, new concepts appearing in greater numbers.)
March 1, 2007... Franchising offers entrepreneurs a deal: in return for using a franchise brand trademark, getting operational guidance, marketing support and other services provided by the franchisor, franchisees must pay some upfront fees and some ongoing...

Part IV: franchisor financial assistance programs come in many shapes and sizes.(The Profile Of Franchising: 2006: IFA Educational Foundation-FRANdata study shows franchise systems growing at rapid pace, new concepts appearing in greater numbers)
March 1, 2007... It takes money to start a business, whether it's a coffee shop around the corner, a pet store in the local mall, a van-based handyman service, or a luxury hotel. In the world of franchising, franchisees need money for the initial franchise fee,...

PART V: the continuing franchisee-franchisor relationship: unit renewal terms: vast majority of franchisors offer renewal terms to their franchisees.(The Profile Of Franchising: 2006: IFA Educational Foundation-FRANdata study shows franchise systems growing at rapid pace, new concepts appearing in greater numbers)
March 1, 2007... More than 90 percent of franchise systems offer their franchisees the option to renew their franchise agreement at the end of the initial term. This report in the Profile of Franchising series examines the types of renewal terms, fees and other...

Part VI: Increasing number of franchise systems provide "earnings claims" to franchise candidates:.(The Profile Of Franchising: 2006: IFA Educational Foundation-FRANdata study shows franchise systems growing at rapid pace, new concepts appearing in greater numbers)
March 1, 2007... "How much can I make?" That's often the first and most persistent question that franchisors get asked by their franchise prospects. In recent years, an increasing number of franchisors have begun providing "Earnings Claims" to address that...

A baker's dozen from the cookie lawyers on compliance: review these 13 practical tips for an effective franchise sales compliance program.(FW FOCUS: LEGAL)
March 1, 2007... There are a number of fringe benefits that come with serving as inside counsel to a well-established, multi-brand franchise company. The free cookies are perhaps the most obvious in our case, though there have been fewer of them since our test...

IFA Legal Symposium: a strategic change of direction: the "Business" Legal Symposium addresses a new FTC Franchise Rule, private equity study and more.(Federal Trade Commission)(International Franchise Association)
March 1, 2007... The International Franchise Association's Legal Symposium Task Force, which consists of roughly 50 percent in-house and 50 percent outside attorneys, has gone to great lengths to revamp and improve the 2007 Legal Symposium and distinguish it...

Creating an effective operations manual: a "how-to" guide: the franchise operations manual documents the business model and the business model institutionalizes the buying experience and removes the element of surprise from the many customer experiences occurring every day in multiple locations.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
March 1, 2007... From time-to-time every franchise system finds it necessary to update its operations manual. The critical concern of an operations manual is its use. Existing franchisees often believe that the operations manual is part of what they bought and...

Feltenstein receives Wilham Rosenberg Leadership Award.(FW FOCUS: SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS)
March 1, 2007... The William Rosenberg Leadership Award is presented to an individual for outstanding contributions and leadership to advance the mission of the IFA Educational Foundation through research, teaching, fundraising, or other activities or service....

Griffin awarded Irl Marshall CFE Scholarship.(FW FOCUS: SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS)(Jamie J. Griffin is the sixth recipient of the Irl Marshall Certified Franchise Executive Scholarship Award)
March 1, 2007... The Irl Marshall Certified Franchise Executive Scholarship Award provides $2,500 toward tuition expenses to the recipient, plus a complimentary registration to attend the International Franchise Association's Annual Convention. To qualify for...

Outreach program enables veterans to tell their stories.(FW FOCUS: HONORING AMERICA'S VETERANS)(Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative program)
March 1, 2007... The success of the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative program or "VetFran" is being told by those who once served in the nation's Armed Forces. Many veterans are now turning their understanding of operating within a government system into...

Franchisees of the Year honored during IFA Convention.(FW FOCUS: HONORS)(International Franchise Association)
March 1, 2007... More than 50 leading franchisees were recognized for their outstanding performance and honored Feb. 26 by the International Franchise Association during the association's recent 47th annual convention. The annual IFA Franchisee of the Year...

Franchise fitness CEO to receive Crystal Compass.(FW FOCUS: HONORS)(Liberty Fitness Holdings LLC chief executive officer Linda Burzynski to get the 2006 Cyrstal Compass)
March 1, 2007... Each year as part of its Leadership Conference, the International Franchise Association's Women's Franchise Committee bestows the WFC Crystal Compass upon an individual within the franchising community who epitomizes the ideals of leadership....

IFA names mUurgent Preferred Vendor.(FW FOCUS: IFA NEWS)(International Franchise Association signs deal with mUrgent Corp. for e-mail marketing )(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... The International Franchise Association has selected mUrgent Corp. as the association's official e-mail marketing service provider. The company is the newest addition to IFA's Preferred Vendor Program. E-mail marketing is an emerging...

ExxonMobil and Coca-Cola Co. make donations to MinorityFran program.(FW FOCUS: FOUNDATION NEWS)(International Franchise Association )(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... IFA Educational Foundation Chairman Michael Roman, CFE, who is ExxonMobil fuels marketing strategy manager, presents a check for $50,000 from the company to IFA Director of Diversity Miriam Brewer. The donation is earmarked to support the...

16th International Franchise Expo--something for everyone: selling is about relationships.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISING EXPOS)
March 1, 2007... When the 16th annual International Franchise Expo opens its three-day run in the nation's capital March 30, more than 300 exhibitors will be on hand to welcome an expected 15,000 prospects from 85 countries. And by the time the last...

Building more effective women leaders through mentoring.(FW FOCUS: WOMEN IN FRANCHISING)(International Franchise Association's Women's Franchise Committee initiative)
March 1, 2007... Mentors and those mentored or "mentees" are hailing a pilot program designed to encourage the professional development of women in franchising. The International Franchise Association's Women's Franchise Committee launched the initiative in...

1-800-DryClean.(PEOPLE)
March 1, 2007... 1-800-DryClean announced that Darrell New, vice president of guerrilla marketing, has earned designation as a guerrilla marketing coach.

Clutterbusters Franchising.(PEOPLE)
March 1, 2007... Clutterbusters Franchising hired Walter Ewell, CFE, as franchise consultant.

Denny.(PEOPLE)
March 1, 2007... Denny's named Louis Laguardia vice president of talent acquisition and diversity.

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen.(PEOPLE)
March 1, 2007... DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen appointed Kyle Conatser as franchise director.

Earl of Sandwich.(PEOPLE)
March 1, 2007... Earl of Sandwich hired Michael Grodi as president and CEO.

Firehouse Subs.(PEOPLE)
March 1, 2007... Firehouse Subs promoted Susan Schweizer to director of training and Richard Griggs as manager of franchise compliance.

IFA Educational Foundation Pres. John Reynolds recently celebrated 20 years of service.(PEOPLE)
March 1, 2007... IFA Educational Foundation Pres. John Reynolds recently celebrated 20 years of service with the IFA.

Liberty Tax Service.(PEOPLE)
March 1, 2007... Liberty Tax Service named Steven Lepkowski COO of its Canadian division.

Puroclean.(PEOPLE)
March 1, 2007... Puroclean hired Keith Gerson as president and COO.

Subway.(PEOPLE)
March 1, 2007... Jeffrey Whitney was named vice president of field marketing for the Americas for Subway.

Wiley Rein LLP.(PEOPLE)
March 1, 2007... Wiley Rein LLP named Eric Andreas, Leslie D. Curran, Scott D. Delacourt, Eve Klindera Reed, Roderick L. Thomas and Joshua S. Turner as partners.

Wyndham Worldwide appointed Betsy O'Rourke as senior vice president of marketing and communications.(Wyndham Hotel Group appointed Jeff Dallas)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... Wyndham Worldwide appointed Betsy O'Rourke as senior vice president of marketing and communications. Wyndham Hotel Group hired Jeff Dallas as senior vice president of development.

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide partnered with ABN AMRO Capital to acquire 45 T.G.I. Friday's restaurants.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
March 1, 2007... Carlson Restaurants Worldwide partnered with ABN AMRO Capital to acquire 45 T.G.I. Friday's restaurants from Whitbread.

The Entrepreneur's Source.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
March 1, 2007... The Entrepreneur's Source signed a master agreement with Al-Tafra Holdings of Saudi Arabia, allowing for business-to-business franchise sales.

GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance acquired a franchise loan portfolio owned by Textron Financial Corp.(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance acquired a franchise loan portfolio owned by Textron Financial Corp. and landed a refinance deal giving Hacienda Mexican Restaurants full control of its 12-restaurant chain.

Hilton Hotels.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
March 1, 2007... Hilton Hotels signed multi-year management agreements with the Caribbean Real Estate Opportunity Fund 2005 for two resorts in Costa Rica.

Huddle House partnered with Allied Capital.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
March 1, 2007... Huddle House partnered with Allied Capital in a multi-million dollar acquisition.

Palm Beach Tan.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
March 1, 2007... Palm Beach Tan acquired Desert Sun Tanning Salons.

Peter Piper Pizza.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
March 1, 2007... Peter Piper Pizza was acquired by ACON Investments.

Shoney's Restaurants.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
March 1, 2007... Shoney's Restaurants was acquired by Royal Hospitality Corp.

Paul Davis Restoration.(Awards & Honors)
March 1, 2007... Paul Davis Restoration of Baltimore was recently awarded performance excellence honors by Crawford Contractor Connection.

Proforma partner Patti Spadafora was named a finalist in the Best Canadian Entrepreneur category in the 2006 Stevie Awards.(Awards & Honors)
March 1, 2007... Proforma partner Patti Spadafora was named a finalist in the Best Canadian Entrepreneur category in the 2006 Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs.

U.S. Lawns announced its newest members of its Hall of Fame.(Awards & Honors)(Mike Kirk, Angela Kirk, Brenda Gaggas and Tami Swearingin)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... U.S. Lawns announced its newest members of its Hall of Fame, franchisees Mike and Angela Kirk, northeast Miss.; and Brenda Gaggas and Tami Swearingin, Phoenix, Ariz.

World Franchisors Pres. Tony Foley, CFE, received the "Rock" Award.(Awards & Honors)
March 1, 2007... World Franchisors Pres. Tony Foley, CFE, received the "Rock" Award from United Franchise Group.

Cinnabon and Carvel Ice Cream opened their newest international co-brand unit.(Milestones)
March 1, 2007... Cinnabon and Carvel Ice Cream opened their newest international co-brand unit, located in Amman, Jordan.

FASTSIGNS International.(Milestones)
March 1, 2007... FASTSIGNS International opened its 500th location in North Haven, Conn.

Pick Up Stix.(Milestones)
March 1, 2007... Pick Up Stix celebrated the opening of its 125th restaurant.

Holiday Inn announced Cory B. Gandert of Fairfax, Va. as winner of "The Baseball Fanatic Ultimate Road Trip Sweepstakes".(Marketing)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... Holiday Inn announced Cory B. Gandert of Fairfax, Va. as winner of "The Baseball Fanatic Ultimate Road Trip Sweepstakes" providing a road trip and two tickets to every Major League Baseball stadium in 2007 including accommodations and travel.

The UPS Store.(Marketing)
March 1, 2007... The UPS Store was named the most competitive retailer in 2007 in a study conducted by Kanbay Research for the The National Retail Federation Foundation.

Wendy's Wonderful Kids.(Marketing)(organised for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)(Wendy's International Inc.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... The Wendy's Wonderful Kids program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption expanded its network of foster care adoption recruiters to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada helping them to work toward its goal of helping 8,000...

HoneyBaked Ham.(donated turkeys and hams to Hosea Feed the Hungry)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... In a partnership with Hosea Feed the Hungry, HoneyBaked Ham donated more than 1,700 turkeys and hams for the organization's dinner in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In memoriam.(PEOPLE)(Andrew Kostecka)(Obituary)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... Andrew Kostecka, former franchise expert for the U.S. Commerce Department and author of "Franchising's Growing Role in the U.S. Economy, 1975-2000" wrote the department's annual report on the sector and also led trade missions around the world...