Franchising World articles from May 2007

Franchising World archives from May 2007

Create and sustain interest in your brand.(IN THIS ISSUE)
May 1, 2007... Whether your brand is a mature one or a newcomer, creating and sustaining recognition among your targeted audiences takes considerable know-how. This issue of Franchising World focuses on marketing techniques and lead generation strategies that...

The brain behind franchising--branding.(IFA PRESIDENT'S COLUMN)
May 1, 2007... What's the big secret? What makes franchising a unique business model that sets it apart from other forms of business? Most franchising professionals would agree that in simple terms, it's a combination of consistency and branding. While...

The best source of leads? Your customers: surveying customers uncovers leads and demands for new products and services, and creates a roadmap for staying ahead of the competition.(MARKETING AND LEAD GENERATION)(Survey)
May 1, 2007... Customer surveying has gone in and out of vogue about as many times as bell-bottoms. And with each rise, it has improved slightly. For decades, surveying customers was time-consuming or costly, or both, and more often than not, produced results...

Prepare for successful search-engine optimization: key steps to improving your Web site.(MARKETING AND LEAD GENERATION)
May 1, 2007... Search-engine optimization is one of the hottest topics in Internet marketing today. As constantly increasing numbers of people use the Internet to conduct research, those franchise systems that understand and implement SEO best practices for...

Growing your business with referrals: existing franchisees are an important source of tomorrow's franchisees in your system.(MARKETING AND LEAD GENERATION)
May 1, 2007... There comes a time for every franchise system when it has to decide if it wants to grow for the sake of growth or it wants to grow in the name of quality, service and innovation. For those who choose the latter, several hurdles exist. Competing...

Video marketing: lights. Camera. Communicate! A little bit of Hollywood can put some sizzle in your franchising business communications.(MARKETING AND LEAD GENERATION)
May 1, 2007... A video revolution is underway, and smart franchise businesses are lead the charge. helping lead the charge. Franchise companies need new, more effective and affordable means of communicating with end customers, potential new franchisees,...

Adding TV to your franchisees' marketing toolkit: consider the branding benefits of hundreds or thousands of operators running corporate-approved TV advertising campaigns with a localized message.(MARKETING AND LEAD GENERATION)(television)
May 1, 2007... Every day franchise systems ask themselves how they can make their franchisees more successful. Marketing and advertising are usually parts of the answer and most franchise companies spend considerable resources trying to help their franchisees...

Does your franchise need an international partner? Having a third party that understands franchising to nurse both parties through the process can be invaluable.(MARKETING AND LEAD GENERATION)
May 1, 2007... The first point to make in the search for master franchisees is that finding an overseas partner is not where the international franchising process starts. In the unlikely event that a business is considering international development because...

Breaking out of your comfort zone: successfully supporting new stores in new markets: a solid strategy, familiarity with new markets and a strong support team sets a brand up for success.(MARKETING AND LEAD GENERATION)
May 1, 2007... A common phrase in the workplace environment, "comfort zone" refers to an employee's favored tasks, usually ones they have mastered with ease time and again. It makes sense, therefore, to find highly-organized, more introverted individuals with...

Health-care solutions for franchise systems debated in the 110th Congress.(FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
May 1, 2007... Health-care coverage options for franchise systems are often unaffordable or inadequate. The root of the problem is that the costs of health care and health insurance have been rising much faster than the rate of inflation. In addition, federal...

Q&A with U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.).(FOUCS: A FRANCHISING WORLD Q&A)(Interview)
May 1, 2007... Gering native and sixth-generation Nebraskan Adrian Smith was one of just 13 freshman Republicans to be sworn into office in 2007. Smith was quickly named a member of the Republican leadership team, serving as an assistant whip in the 110th...

Recently-introduced comprehensive immigration reform legislation to aid small businesses.(FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
May 1, 2007... The International Franchise Association considers the bi-partisan legislation introduced in Congress this spring as a great first step towards mending the nation's dysfunctional and out-dated immigration policies. The bill, the Security Through...

Virginia amends franchise registration law: new measure could ease franchise registration in the Old Dominion.(FOCUS: LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE)
May 1, 2007... Life may be getting easier for franchise systems in Virginia. A bill amending the Virginia Retail 'Franchising Act that will make it easier for some franchise companies to be registered to sell franchises in the Commonwealth has recently been...

Truncation of card account numbers on electronic receipts.(FOCUS: LEGAL)
May 1, 2007... December 2006 marked the three-year anniversary of the passage of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act, which significantly amended the Fair Credit Reporting Act. One of the principal goals of FACTA was to provide consumers with new...

700th veteran acquires franchised small business: Veterans Affairs Sec. Nicholson recognizes 700th veteran to open franchised-small business via special program.(FOCUS: HONORING AMERICA'S VETERANS)
May 1, 2007... U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson recognized former Marine Alan Martinez, who recently purchased a Virginia Barbeque franchise, as the 700th U.S. military veteran to acquire a franchised-small business using financial incentives...

A new take on "show me the money:" the franchise diversity and development initiative.(FOCUS: MINORITY OUTREACH)
May 1, 2007... Ask anyone interested in securing a franchised business what the number one abstacle is in taking the plunge and the answer is likely to be funding. Misperceptions still remain surrounding the cost of franchising, including those that...

Franchise seminars to reach women, minorities and veterans.(FOCUS: MINORITY OUTREACH)
May 1, 2007... One could feel the excitement in the air, as program participants gathered for the kick-off of the "Franchise Opportunities for Women, Minorities and Veterans Seminars" at Coppin State University in Baltimore. U.S. Rep. Elijah E. Cummings...

Franchise Expo success takes a better booth, better leads: West Coast show slated Oct. 19-21 in Los Angeles.(FOCUS: FRANCHISE EXPO)
May 1, 2007... Franchising community members have heard time and again how much business can be generated at franchise trade shows and expos. One of the greatest benefits of a franchise expo is that a brand can have a captive audience of which at least half,...

And the winners are ...(FOCUS: AWARDS & RECOGNITION)
May 1, 2007... The International Franchise Association recognizes those who excel in the sector by honoring them as award winners during the association's annual convention. This special group of individuals who have been singled out for their accomplishments...

IFA Educational Foundation, Argentinean educators discuss franchising program.(FOCUS: EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION)(International Franchise Association)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... IFA Educational Foundation Pres. John Reynolds recently met with Argentinean educators Silvia Torres Carbonell, director of the center for entrepreneurship at IAE-University Austral; Ignacio Cornejo, director of new business development at...

Welcome new IFA members.(FOCUS: WELCOME NEW MEMBERS)
May 1, 2007... Franchise Systems ABRA Auto Body & Glass, Brooklyn Center, Minn., Contact Mark Wahlin Accessible Home Health Care, Coral Springs, Fla., Contact Piero Falci Agile Pursuits, Inc., Cincinnati, Contact George Weathers ...

Accor North America.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2007... Accor North America promoted Kristin Taylor to vice president of real estate and development and Janice Maragakis to vice president of corporate communications.

Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2007... Dean T. Fournaris joined law firm Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll as co-partner in charge of the firm's Franchise and Distribution Group.

Butler Capital Corp.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2007... Buffer Capital Corp. named Joseph P. Serif president and chief operating officer.

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2007... DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen appointed James Mills to franchise director and Jamie Brooks to communication manager.

DUCTZ.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2007... DUCTZ named Steve Lajiness as a new franchise development manager.

The Dwyer Group.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2007... The Dwyer Group promoted Mark Bidwell to president.

FranFund.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2007... Former president of the International Franchise Association Don DeBolt was appointed to the FranFund board of birectors.

Interim HealthCare.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2007... Interim HealthCare hired Russ Cooper as president and CEO.

Lenny's Sub Shop.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2007... Lenny's Sub Shop named Matt Kuhn senior director of franchise development.

Massage Envy.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2007... Massage Envy welcomed CG Funk as vice president of industry relations and product development.

Robeks.(PEOPLE)(Brian Tademy appointed as vice president of marketing)(Larry Hohl appointed as vice president of operations )(Sheri Miksa appointed as board of directors)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... Robeks appointed Brian Tademy to vice president of marketing, Larry Hohl to vice president of operations and elected President and CEO Sheri Miksa to the company's board of directors.

Signs Now.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2007... Signs Now named John Argeros mergers and acquisitions manager.

Super Suppers.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2007... Super Suppers promoted Terrill Phillips to president.

Sutherland Asbill & Brennan.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2007... Phillip E. Stano joined the Litigation Practice Group as partner resident in law firm Sutherland Asbill & Brennan's Washington D.C. office.

TruePresence.(PEOPLE)(Albert Calvin appointed as chief technology officer)(Casey Boccia appointed as director of marketing)(Chris Finnegan appointed as interactive production manager)(Julianne Brilliant appointed as search marketing manager)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... TruePresence hired Albert "Cal" Calvin as chief technology officer, Casey Boccia as director of marketing, Chris Finnegan as interactive production manager, and Julianne Brilliant as search marketing manager.

Michigan Movers Association.(PEOPLE)(appointments)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... Two Men And A Truck Executive Vice President Jon Sorber was elected to the Michigan Movers Association board of directors. The company also promoted Keith Clark, CFE, to vice president of finance, Matt Curler, CFE, to vice president of...

Wireless Zone.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2007... Wireless Zone named Sean Fitzgerald its first national vice president of franchise development.

Wyndham Hotel Group President and Days Inn Worldwide President Joseph R. Kane retired.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2007... Wyndham Hotel Group President and Days Inn Worldwide President Joseph R. Kane retired and was succeeded by Ken Greene.

XPIENT Solutions.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2007... XPIENT Solutions named Sean Dugan its chief technology officer.

Aussie Pet Mobile partnered with Kurt Landwehr and his BrandONE franchise sales consulting business.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
May 1, 2007... Aussie Pet Mobile partnered with Kurt Landwehr and his BrandONE franchise sales consulting business to help the company's franchise expansion efforts in U.S markets.

Figaro's acquired.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
May 1, 2007... Figaro's acquired Sargo's Subs.

PostNet International Franchise Corp. President and CEO Steven Greenbaum, CFE, and Executive Vice-President and COO Brian Spindel, CFE, formed Global Franchise Ventures, Inc.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... PostNet International Franchise Corp. President and CEO Steven Greenbaum, CFE, and Executive Vice-President and COO Brian Spindel, CFE, formed Global Franchise Ventures, Inc. to serve as the holding company for PostNet and their recent...

FASTSIGNS special recognition awards were given to Andy Simpson.(Awards & Honors)(Andy Simpson, Brian Boehm, Kate Groom, franchise business consultants recieves an award)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... FASTSIGNS special recognition awards were given to Andy Simpson, franchise business consultant in the United Kingdom, Brian Boehm, manager of technical services at the corporate headquarters, and Kate Groom, general manager of SIGNWAVE in...

Hilton Garden Inn.(Awards & Honors)
May 1, 2007... Hilton Garden Inn recognized 17 winners with top hotel performance awards.

Signs Now awarded Jim Atwood.(Awards & Honors)
May 1, 2007... Signs Now awarded Jim Atwood the Regional Operations Director of the Year Award.

Mark Liston, Valpak director of new franchise development and William Edwards.(Awards & Honors)(Edwards Global Services)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... Mark Liston, Valpak director of new franchise development and William Edwards, Edwards Global Services president were two of four recipients of the 2007 Rowan University Outstanding Workshop in Entrepreneurship Pedagogy Award.

Petland.(Milestones)
May 1, 2007... Petland celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Accor.(Growth)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... Accor opened its 300th hotel in the Asia Pacific region with the launch of the Grand Mercure Xidan Beijing in China and signed a contract Moorfield Real Estate Fund for 23 hotels in the United Kingdom.

Proforma.(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Proforma recieved the Advertising Specialty Institute Spirit award in the Self-Promotion category for its More and Better Appointments program. Proforma Instant Promotion Partner and Proforma's Owner...

Choice Hotels.(Growth)
May 1, 2007... Choice Hotels increased domestic hotel franchise agreements with minority and non-lodging entrepreneurs by adding 35 new franchisees in 2006.

Pet Butler.(Growth)
May 1, 2007... Pet Butler opened its 60th franchise.

Wyndham Hotel Group.(Growth)
May 1, 2007... Wyndham Hotel Group will open its first property in Xiamen, China.

Choice Hotels announced that all of its Comfort Suites.(Marketing)
May 1, 2007... Choice Hotels announced that all of its Comfort Suites properties are now smoke-free.

Domino's Pizza.(Marketing)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... Domino's Pizza is lending financial assistance in the form of loan guarantees and incentives to help existing minority team members open their own stores through the "Delivering the Dream" program.

The International Franchise Association endorsed Franchise Payments Network.(Marketing)
May 1, 2007... The international Franchise Association endorsed Franchise Payments Network, which will in turn offer IFA members customized electronic payment processing services.

Play N Trade.(Marketing)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... Play N Trade conducted its first National Halo 2 Tournament in March. Local store winners received free editions of Halo and a $200 in-store gift certificate. The Play N Trade National Tournament Champion received a 32-inch high-definition LCD...

Valpak partnered with Tuffy Auto Service Centers.(Marketing)
May 1, 2007... Valpak partnered with Tufty Auto Service Centers to give franchisees access to a custom marketing toolkit.

Denny's.(Community Service)(United States Bowling Congress)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... Denny's, in conjunction with the Professional Bowlers Association and the United States Bowling Congress, completed the first Denny's All-American tournament with 29 high-school student-athletes competing in a bowling tournament. Finalists took...

The Dwyer Group.(Community Service)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... The Dwyer Group, through the IFA Educational Foundation Veterans Scholarship Fund, is sponsoring a $2,500 annual veterans scholarship for the next three years, to assist veterans pursuing college-level studies in franchising or...

Loop Pizza Grill started a non-denominational chaplaincy program for its units.(Community Service)(MEDIchair)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... Loop Pizza Grill started a non-denominational chaplaincy program for its units. MEDIchair was awarded a Special Equipment Inventory Recycling contract by Veterans Affairs Canada for the province of Ontario.

Proforma founder and Co-CEO Greg Muzzillo, CFE, will award two Baldwin Wallace College students, at no cost, franchises valued at $40,000 each.(Community Service)
May 1, 2007... Proforma founder and Co-CEO Greg Muzzillo, CFE, will award two Baldwin Wallace College students, at no cost, franchises valued at $40,000 each. Franchises will be awarded this month to a graduating senior and an MBA candidate.

Share Our Strength became a WineStyles franchisee and its official national charity in a joint cause-marketing campaign.(Community Service)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... Share Our Strength became a WineStyles franchisee and its official national charity in a joint cause-marketing campaign to help ensure the more than 12 million American children facing hunger have the nutritious food they need to learn, grow...

International Franchise Association programs and calendar of industry events.(IMPORTANT DATES IN FRANCHISING CALENDAR)(Calendar)
May 1, 2007... 2007 MAY 6-8 IFA Legal Symposium Capital Hilton Hotel Washington, D.C. Contact: IFA 8-9 IFA/IBA Symposium Capital Hilton Hotel Washington, D.C. Contact: IFA 8-12 American Hotel & Lodging Association Annual Meeting The...