Franchising World articles from May 2006

Franchising World archives from May 2006

Franchise Expo excitement builds.(IN THIS ISSUE)(International Franchise Expo)
May 1, 2006... As members of the thriving franchising community, nothing gives us greater satisfaction than to share the good news about this sector or to network with colleagues. This issue of May's Franchising World magazine salutes the International...

Doing the right thing: a journey, not a destination.(IFA PRESIDENT'S COLUMN)(International Franchise Association offers informational programs, online courses, seminars for consumer awareness)
May 1, 2006... It is quite common for those who attend meetings and conventions to come away with a high level of excitement, stacks of business cards swapped in rapid exchange and a brain spinning in its attempt to digest and make good use of all the...

Welcome to the International Franchise Expo! The International Franchise Association welcomes prospective investors, small-business owners who are considering franchising existing businesses, as well franchise system professionals and suppliers of goods and services to the 15th Annual International Franchise Expo.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE EXPO AND EXHIBITOR GUIDE)
May 1, 2006... This annual event continues to grow and expand to meet the demands of a rapidly-emerging global economy. There are lots of resources available for everyone, regardless of your present career position. Participants should be prepared to take...

Franchises provide big boost to nation's economy: study measures jobs, payroll, overall output.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE EXPO AND EXHIBITOR GUIDE)
May 1, 2006... Franchised businesses generate jobs for more than 18 million Americans and account for 9.5 percent of the private-sector economic output, a study released March 2004 by the International Franchise Association Educational Foundation reported....

10 reasons to exhibit at the International Franchise Expo.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE EXPO AND EXHIBITOR GUIDE)
May 1, 2006... In an age of conference calls, e-mail messages, Web conferencing and telecommuting, conducting face-to-face business can be rare. But there's something to be said for business conducted with eye contact and a firm handshake, and it just might...

Untapped financing option empowers deeper pool of qualified franchise prospects.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE EXPO AND EXHIBITOR GUIDE)(franchisees can put their retirement funds to work and own their own business)
May 1, 2006... Today, finding good prospects who financially qualify to invest in a franchise is one of the key jobs of any franchise that wants to grow. More and more Americans wanting to start their own businesses, however, don't have enough cash in the...

SBA lending programs': "the seven truths".(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE EXPO AND EXHIBITOR GUIDE)(evaluation of Small Business Administration lending programmes )
May 1, 2006... Here's a test to see how much you know or think you know about SBA loan programs. Take it for fun and then read the "truths" that follow the article below. Wasn't that fun? The answers are at the end of this article, but don't go there...

Seeking to buy a franchise? Welcome to the International Franchise Expo!(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE EXPO AND EXHIBITOR GUIDE)
May 1, 2006... The International Franchise Association welcomes those interested in joining the franchising community to fulfill their ambitions of self-employment and self-empowerment. The 15th Annual International Franchise Expo provides non-stop...

Advantages and challenges of franchising.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE EXPO AND EXHIBITOR GUIDE)
May 1, 2006... The Advantages Advantage #1--The Experience of the Franchisor When an individual buys a franchise, he purchases the years of experience and the proven methods of the franchise system, also known as the franchisor. One franchisee...

How to finance your franchise: entrepreneurs looking for financial backing to buy a franchise can count on two things: lenders want to see strong business plans, and they expect borrowers to provide about a third of the total capital needed. Depending on the type of franchise, this could mean coming up with roughly $50,000 to $200,000 from savings, stocks, bonds, pensions, IRAs, property, and so on.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE EXPO AND EXHIBITOR GUIDE)
May 1, 2006... The International Franchise Association (IFA), the world's oldest and largest trade group representing this growing business strategy's leading franchisors and franchisees, also counts among its members many top lending institutions and...

Key legal questions to ask.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE EXPO AND EXHIBITOR GUIDE)
May 1, 2006... Personal Liability and Obligations of Franchisee and Family Members What entities and/or individuals will be responsible for performance of various obligations under the contract? If the franchisee is a corporation, will a personal...

The Federal Trade Commission's consumer guide to buying a franchise: a U.S. government publication created by The Federal Trade Commission.(INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE EXPO AND EXHIBITOR GUIDE)
May 1, 2006... Many people dream of being an entrepreneur. By purchasing a franchise, you often can sell goods and services that have instant name recognition and can obtain training and ongoing support to help you succeed. But be cautious. Like any...

VetFran sales nearing 500 mark, more than 120 in pipeline.(FW FOCUS: VETERANS OUTREACH)(International Franchise Association)
May 1, 2006... According to the most recent survey of the International Franchise Association's veterans program, 466 franchises have been acquired through the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative program by military veterans. Company participation has...

Exhibitory directory.(The 15th Annual International Franchise Expo)(Directory)
May 1, 2006... Washington, DC Convention Center Washington, DC June 2-4, 2006 1-800-Flowers Ms. Rosemarie Tucker 1600 Stewart Avenue Westbury, NY 11590 Phone: (800) 503-9630 Fax: (516) 237-4942 1-800-Radiator Mr....

Small business health plans passes key Senate Committee.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
May 1, 2006... The International Franchise Association recently commended the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee for its passage of legislation that would allow small businesses to band together to offer health insurance coverage. ...

High noon for the death tax.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
May 1, 2006... U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) has a scheduled a key Senate showdown in May over the fate of the estate tax. The vote, which was originally slated for last year before it was postponed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,...

Opening doors to good government.(franchises meetings)
May 1, 2006... About the only time members of Congress are easily accessible is during election time. Outside of that, they spend a lot of time in Washington. When they're home in their districts, their schedules are filled with community events and...

Small-business advice: guide on buying a franchise.(Courier-Post Online (Cherry Hill, N.J.))
May 1, 2006... The Federal Trade Commission has prepared a booklet, "The Consumer to Buying a Franchise." The guide helps potential investors understand how to shop for franchise opportunities and know which questions to ask before investing. The...

FranPAC to Host Third Annual Wine Auction Fund-Raiser: when the International Franchise Association's board of directors gathers for its summer meeting in Half Moon Bay, California, there'll be more on the agenda than budget items, policy reviews and strategic planning discussions.(Strategic planning (Business) management)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Among the difficult decisions the group expects to face is... red or white? Napa Valley or Rhone River? Cellar for special occasion or drink right away? But there won't be much time to ponder these decisions because when franchise...

Franchise business outlook & compensation survey: business conditions are good, outlook for future favorable, respondents report.(FW FOCUS: RESEARCH)
May 1, 2006... In late 2005-early 2006, the International Franchise Association conducted an e-mail survey of its franchise-system members. Of the 872 companies that received the query, 97 responded, a response rate of 11 percent. While some comparisons can...

Negotiating computer contracts for franchisors and their franchisees.(FW FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY)
May 1, 2006... Franchise systems may use computer systems for many different reasons such as tracking sales, managing customer information, managing inventory, sharing system information and documentation with their franchisees. Often a computer system is an...

Take advantage of these franchise registration tips: Golden Rules to hastening the paperwork process.(FW FOCUS: LEGAL)
May 1, 2006... The goal of every franchisor who attempts to register or renew its Uniform Franchise Offering Circular is to complete the process in the least amount of time. While the federal franchise law mandates disclosure as opposed to registration, 14...

Best practices: structuring an international franchise expansion.(FW FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
May 1, 2006... International expansion can be extremely appealing for most franchisors. It holds both the promise of large untapped markets and the allure of the exotic. However, without careful research, planning and execution, it can also lead to dismal...

Mexico modifies its franchise laws; there is no reason to forego franchising in Mexico, it's just not the same comfort zone that franchisors have enjoyed for the last 12 years.(FW FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
May 1, 2006... While I was growing up in Mexico in the late 60s to early 80s, franchises were most non-existent. Due to a combination of lax trademark laws, currency controls, and devaluations, as well as a nascent international franchising effort from...

Amendments to Mexico's Industrial Property Law on franchising matters.
May 1, 2006... By decree of President Vicente Fox, published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on Jan. 25, the provisions of the Industrial Property Law in Mexico related to franchise matters were amended. Due to the lobbying performed especially by...

Call to service.(Telegram.com (Worcester, Mass.))(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... VetFran was launched in 1991, during the first Gulf War as a tangible symbol of gratitude felt by a Texas businessman and franchiser, Don Dwyer Sr. Today, it is another tool in the arsenal that can help veterans become entrepreneurs. "It...

WFC spotlight: the theme is leadership: at the turn of the 20th century, feminist and American writer, Charlotte Gilman was quoted as saying: "until we see what we are, we cannot take steps to become what we should be.".(FW FOCUS: WOMEN'S FRANCHISE COMMITTEE)(Conference news)
May 1, 2006... Today, at the turn of the twenty-first century, those words still hold true. If you attended the recent International Franchise Association annual convention in Palm Springs, you could feel the momentum of women in franchising. We've...

Welcome new IFA members!(FW FOCUS: WELCOME)
May 1, 2006... Franchise Systems 1-800-Radiator Franchise, Inc., Benicia, Calif., Contact Ted Rippey Allfreight Solutions, Salt Lake City, Contact Taun Jones Amcheck Payroll HR Benefits, Phoenix, Contact Dean Lucente American Prosperity Group...

Girl franchising power.(Women's Franchise Committee)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... When the International Franchise Association created the Women's Franchise Committee (WFC) in 1966, the number of women-owned businesses was on the rise and many of those entrepreneurs were taking an interest in franchising. Ten years later,...

The Dwyer Group.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2006... The Dwyer Group has selected Dean J. Riviera as chief information officer.

Express Services.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2006... Express Services promoted Russ Moen to vice president of human resources.

FastSigns International.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2006... FASTSIGNS International promoted Larry Lane to president. Company cofounder Gary Salomon, who previously served as president, remains the company's chairman and CEO.

Garlic Jim's Famous Gourmet Pizza.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2006... Garlic Jim's Famous Gourmet Pizza picked Bart Hoemann to be the company's new CFO.

Homewatch CareGivers.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2006... Homewatch CareGivers named Leann Reynolds as president and is expanding into Japan.

The International Center for Entrepreneurial Development.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2006... The International Center for Entrepreneurial Development appointed Scott Krueger as vice president and chief financial officer and Bob Fisher as vice president of marketing.

IFX Online.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2006... IFX Online elevated Sally Facinelli to director of operations.

Lenny's Franchisor.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2006... Lenny's Franchisor has named Debbie Moskowitz as its senior paralegal and Dave Price as information technology manager.

The Melting Pot Restaurants.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2006... The Melting Pot Restaurants promoted David Sieg to director of marketing and public relations.

Sbarro.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2006... Sbarro named Randy M. Clifton as president, franchising of North America.

America's Best Franchising.(Marketing)(Country Hearth Inns and Suites)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... America's Best Franchising has offered a free discount prescription plan to all franchisees, their employees and travel club members. The program, known as "Choice RX," provides free drug prescription cards for America's Best Inns & Suites and...

Burger King Corp.(Nascar Nextel Cup)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Burger King Corp. will broaden its involvement in professional sports by entering the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series by sponsoring Michael Waltrip Racing's No. 00 race car driven by Bill Elliott.

Accor North America recently recognized Vijay Dandapani.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Accor North America recently recognized Vijay Dandapani, owner of the Red Roof Inn in New York, and Keith and Patricia Stotereau, owners of the Motel 6 in Avoca, Iowa, as franchisees of the year.

Wyndham Worldwide will become the name of the new hospitality company expected to be created by Cendant Corp.(Wyndham Worldwide )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Wyndham Worldwide will become the name of the new hospitality company expected to be created by Cendant Corp. later this year in a spin-off of its lodging, vacation exchange and rental, and timeshare resorts businesses.

Cendant Hotel Group announced it will acquire the Baymont Inn & Suites.(Transactions)
May 1, 2006... Cendant Hotel Group announced it will acquire the Baymont Inn & Suites brand and system of 115 franchised properties.

Consolidated Restaurant Operations.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Consolidated Restaurant Operations has executed a 75-restaurant franchise agreement spanning 13 countries. The United Arab Emirates-based Saleh Bin Lahej Group of companies will operate CRO's El Chico Cafe, Cantina Laredo and III Forks...

InterContinental Hotels Group.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... InterContinental Hotels Group has sold a portfolio of 24 hotels to a subsidiary of Westbridge Hospitality Fund, an investment fund managed by one of IHG's largest franchisees. The portfolio has been sold for ?352m (approximately 240m [pounds...

Homewood Suites by Hilton kicked off its relationship with the National Coalition for the Homeless with a presentation ceremony in Washington, D.C. earlier this year.(Photograph)
May 1, 2006... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Homewood Suites by Hilton kicked off its relationship with the National Coalition for the Homeless with a presentation ceremony in Washington, D.C. earlier this year. Homewood's D.C.-area properties joined...

The Dwyer Group celebrated its 25th anniversary in March with a gathering at its corporate headquarters in Waco, Texas.(Photograph)
May 1, 2006... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: The Dwyer Group celebrated its 25th anniversary in March with a gathering at its corporate headquarters in Waco, Texas. From left, Dina Dwyer-Owens, president and CEO; U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards; Virginia DuPuy,...

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, parent company of T.G.I. Friday's and Pick Up Stix restaurants, received an HR Service Excellence Award for 2005, reflecting outstanding employee satisfaction at the Carrollton, Texas based Support Center and the 23 Dallas-area T.G.I. Friday's restaurants.(HR Service Excellence Award)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, parent company of T.G.I. Friday's and Pick Up Stix restaurants, received an HR Service Excellence Award for 2005, reflecting outstanding employee satisfaction at the Carrollton, Texas based Support Center and the...

Cendant Hotel Group.(Honors & Awards)
May 1, 2006... Cendant Hotel Group has been recognized by the Society of Government Travel Professionals for improving travel services in the government travel market.

Budget Blinds'.(Growth)
May 1, 2006... Budget Blinds' opening of its St. Paul franchise marks 1,000 establishments.

International Franchise Association programs and calendar of industry events.(Calendar)
May 1, 2006... 2006 MAY 1 Developing Operations Manuals and Training Systems * NOVA Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale Contact: ICFE 2-3 Franchise Executive Real Estate Strategy * NOVA Southeastern University ...