Franchising World articles from May 2008

Franchising World archives from May 2008

Evaluating the current legal environment.(IN THIS ISSUE)(Industry overview)
May 1, 2008... While the franchising industry is experiencing significant growth--18 percent expansion between 2001 and 2005, according to the IFA Educational Foundation's Economic Impact of Franchised Businesses, Vol. 2--it is critical to remain acutely...

Franchising weathers economic challenges.(IFA PRESIDENT'S COLUMN)(Industry overview)
May 1, 2008... The state of the economy in recent months may have caused a case of the jitters among the general population, but judging by the overwhelmingly-optimistic comments shared among those who attended IFA's 48th Annual Convention, there are more...

Addressing the most common franchisee claims: common-sense steps that franchise systems often fail to apply.(EXPLORING THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF FRANCHISING)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One thing that all franchisors can agree upon is that litigation with franchisees is a no-win situation. Even if the franchisor prevails on all claims, it takes an incredible toll on the franchisor and the franchise...

The disclosure process--uncertainties, ambiguities and unresolved issues: while the disclosure document conversion process has gone quite smoothly for many franchisors, there are lingering issues.(EXPLORING THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF FRANCHISING)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Federal Trade Commission's announcement in January 2007 that it had--after roughly 12 years of rulemaking-finally revised the federal franchise disclosure rule triggered wide-ranging responses. These responses...

Post-purchase synergies: they come in all types: there are endless possibilities in organizing a multi-brand company that can take advantage of a variety of cost-savings measures that will contribute to the overall profitability of the multi-brand company.(EXPLORING THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF FRANCHISING)(Industry overview)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Over the past 40 years, franchising has undergone dynamic changes. In its infancy, the developing franchise systems were truly entrepreneurial with unique ideas coming in rapid succession to fill the post-World War...

Finding local counsel in international markets: retaining experienced and competent foreign counsel will ensure a much smoother transition and thorough understanding of the complexities of international franchising.(EXPLORING THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF FRANCHISING)
May 1, 2008... Domestic Legal Needs U.S. franchisors are well acquainted with the fact that franchising is a highly-regulated business. With a myriad of federal and state laws governing the preparation, contents, registration and delivery of franchise...

New economic research unveiled at National Press Club: IFA simultaneously launched a public-awareness campaign themed "Franchising: Building local businesses one opportunity at a time.".(Special Report: THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF FRANCHISED BUSINESS, VOL. 2)(Conference news)
May 1, 2008... International Franchise President and CEO Matthew Shay announced during a March 12 press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. new research findings showing the direct economic output of franchises grew by more than 40...

The "states" of franchising: IFA Educational Foundation study finds that while franchising is flourishing in every state, the industry's economic footprint is more important in some states than others.(Special Report: THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF FRANCHISED BUSINESS, VOL. 2)(Industry overview)
May 1, 2008... The March and April issues of Franchising World reported on some highlights of the report released by the IFA Educational Foundation that provides estimates on the growth of the franchising sector from 2001 to 2005. In 2005, the nation's nearly...

New awareness campaign prepares franchising for changes ahead.(FW FOCUS: BUILDING OPPORTUNITY)
May 1, 2008... "Voters don't decide issues, they decide who will decide issues."--George Will, U.S. journalist for the Washington Post, Newsweek and ABC News. Regardless of who wins the presidential and congressional elections this fall, one thing is...

IFA boosts communications and marketing efforts, names vice presidents to new posts.(FW FOCUS: COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING)(Alisa Harrison and Terry Hill appointed at International Franchise Association)
May 1, 2008... The International Franchise Association recently named Alisa Harrison as vice president of communications and marketing, a new position designed to enhance the organization's external media outreach and education efforts. Additionally, IFA...

South Dakota sets example for regulation streamlining.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
May 1, 2008... In March, South Dakota Gov. Michael Rounds (R) signed into law Senate Bill 52, legislation endorsed by the International Franchise Association that brings state and federal franchise regulation into conformity in the best regulatory scheme in...

Franchise Association's Government relations team enlists policy expert: the International Franchise Association has named Jason A. Straczewski as director of government relations. Straczewski joined the association in March.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Along with other members of the association's Government Relation's Department, Jason Straczewski will help work to influence public policy that affects the more than 900,000 franchised establishments that are responsible for creating 21...

Supporting candidates: FranPac report card: the International Franchise Association's current financial support to candidates for federal office as of mid-March is reflected in the following "report card.".(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
May 1, 2008... IFA's political action committee, FranPAC, supports pro-franchise, pro-business candidates for U.S. Congress. 2007-2008 Receipts $380,930.22 2007-2008 Expenditures $273,000 FranPAC Supported Candidates U.S. Senate ...

Franchise Association names restaurant executive to board of directors.(FW FOCUS: IFA LEADERSHIP)
May 1, 2008... The International Franchise Association's recent annual convention included opportunities for many franchise executives to advance their brand's operation. During the convention, a Los Angeles-based executive was chosen to join the leadership...

Making sales or making excuses? Turn every lead into a real prospect.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT)
May 1, 2008... A craftsman never blames his tools. But when it comes to selling franchise units, increasingly both mature and start-up franchises are falsely blaming the "junk" quality of portal and Web-based leads for their poor numbers. Undeniably, every...

Improving performance using franchisee growth groups: who are the smartest people in the room?(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
May 1, 2008... There are times in the evolution and growth of a franchise network in which the franchise system needs to come to terms with the fact that it cannot remain the holder of the title of "Smartest People in the Room." This principal has been...

300 mark in sight for VetFran participating companies.(FW FOCUS: HONORING AMERICA'S VETERANS)(Survey)
May 1, 2008... News media reports about the state of the economy or the allegiance of voters to a particular presidential candidate might vary on any specific day. But the power of franchising remains constant as it continues to fuel the dreams of...

Franchise relations: different ideas, great solutions: there are many different ways to measure success in franchising but, clearly franchisee satisfaction is at the top of the list.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISE RELATIONS)
May 1, 2008... In the passionate words of the late Bill Rosenberg, founder of both Dunkin' Donuts and co-founder of the International Franchise Association, "You can't have a successful franchisor without successful franchisees and you can't have successful...

Australian regulatory changes: the consequences.(FW FOCUS: LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE)(Trade Practices Amendment (Fair Trading) Act 1998)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Legislative amendments to the Australian Franchising Code of Conduct took effect March 1. Among other things, they removed the single foreign franchise exemption used by many U.S. systems to avoid having to comply...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to host first franchise expo and conference.(FW FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)(Conference notes)
May 1, 2008... The Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry has created an international venue to promote franchising in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council region. The International Conference and Expo for Franchises, scheduled June 1 to 3, is the...

Central Virginia expo expands trade show venues: new trade show welcomes new audience.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISING EVENTS)(International Franchise Expo)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When it comes to matching concepts with franchisees, in the past there was no substitute for the International Franchise Association's trade show trio of the International Franchise Expo, West Coast Franchise Expo...

New book for prospects published.(FW FOCUS: JUST OFF THE PRESS)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Franchise industry expert Julie Bennett authored with educator Cheryl Babcock, CFE, The Franchise Times Guide to Selecting, Buying and Owning a Franchise, a book filled with advice and best practices on how to buy...

Welcome new IFA members.(FW FOCUS: WELCOME TO IFA!)(International Franchise Association)
May 1, 2008... Franchise Systems Adventure Kids Playcare, Lewisville, Texas, Contact Dana Oliver Aqua Chill, Inc., Phoenix, Contact Ken Alteman Blinds By Noon, Inc., Suwanee, Ga., Contact Shane Silloway Buffalo's Southwest Cafe, Marietta,...

Brooke Capital Corporation.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2008... Art Ruby was promoted to national sales manager for the franchise sales start team of Brooke Capital Corporation.

Cruise Holidays.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2008... Cruise Holidays named Jim Pascale director of franchise development.

DoodyCalls.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2008... DoodyCalls appointed Chris Brown director of franchise support.

The Dwyer Group.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2008... The Dwyer Group named Brice Campbell vice president of marketing [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

HomeVestors of America.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HomeVestors of America promoted Jason Killough, CFE, and Eric Dibble to vice presidencies.

InterContinental Hotels Group.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] InterContinental Hotels Group promoted Ronen Nissenbaum to regional vice president of operations, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, North America.

Kitchen Tune-Up.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2008... Kitchen Tune-Up named Jon Hoffman as partner programs specialist.

Labor Finders International.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2008... Labor Finders International hired Dan Rosiak as regional manager for its corporate-owned offices.

Saladworks.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2008... Saladworks named Vernon W. Hill II, founder and retired chairman of Commerce Bancorp, as chairman of its Executive Committee.

Subway.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2008... Subway hired Thys Van Hout as chief technology officer. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

TheHomeMag Franchising.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2008... TheHomeMag Franchising Pres. Ralph Harris stepped down to become a franchisee in Orange County, Calif. Former COO Chris Goebel was named president.

Total Resource Group.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2008... Total Resource Group appointed Cory Olans as operations manager.

Two Men and A Truck.(PEOPLE)
May 1, 2008... Two Men And A Truck hired Sherry Pfaff-Doody as vice president of human resources and Greg Young as information technology project manager. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Driven Brands.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
May 1, 2008... Driven Brands acquired the AutoQual and Drive N Style units from Automotive Franchise Systems.

Saladworks.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
May 1, 2008... Saladworks signed Site Development Incorporated as the exclusive real estate broker for its targeted growth.

Spot Runner has acquired online marketing company Weblistic.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
May 1, 2008... Spot Runner has acquired online marketing company Weblistic in an allstock transaction.

Dippin' Dots.(Awards & Honors)
May 1, 2008... Dippin' Dots received a 2007 Innovator Award for Emerging Media from Summit International Awards.

DLA Piper was appointed by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China as one of its "preferred law firms.".(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... DLA Piper was appointed by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China as one of its "preferred law firms." The designation is a result of work by the firm's Franchise and Distribution group both in China and the United States...

Dunkin' Brands Vice Pres. of Franchising Lynette McKee, CFE, received a "2008 Women of Influence" award.(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Dunkin' Brands Vice Pres. of Franchising Lynette McKee, CFE, received a "2008 Women of Influence" award from The Griffin Report of Food Marketing for contributions to the food industry.

The Irving, Texas FASTSIGNS owned by Jeff Youngblood and Cory Merchant won the Blue Ribbon Small Business Award.(Awards & Honors)
May 1, 2008... The Irving, Texas FASTSIGNS owned by Jeff Youngblood and Cory Merchant won the Blue Ribbon Small Business Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The Parable Group.(Awards & Honors)
May 1, 2008... The Parable Group was recognized with a Bronze ADDY award in the Coastal California region for the 2007 Christmas TV commercial "Give Good Gifts."

re:group.(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... re:group was honored with 2008 Addy Awards from the Ann Arbor Ad Club for its work for three clients. The Children's Orchard integrated advertising campaign was recognized with two silver awards, the national campaign for La Petite Academy...

American Car Rental Association.(Awards & Honors)
May 1, 2008... U-Save Auto Rental of America Executive Vice Pres. and COO Robert M. Barton was elected as president of the American Car Rental Association.

Auntie Anne's.(Milestones)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Auntie Anne's celebrated its 20th birthday with a nationwide Free Pretzel Day and the launch of a grant program that will reward 20 families who give back to their communities with grants up to $20,000.

Fitness Together Franchise Corp.(Milestones)
May 1, 2008... Fitness Together Franchise Corp. opened its 400th franchise at a location in San Diego.

Marble Slab Creamery.(Milestones)
May 1, 2008... Marble Slab Creamery celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Verlo Mattress Factory.(Milestones)
May 1, 2008... Verlo Mattress Factory celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Sir Speedy Printing.(Growth)
May 1, 2008... Sir Speedy Printing opened its first location in India.

United Franchise Group launched Plan Ahead Events.(Growth)
May 1, 2008... United Franchise Group launched Plan Ahead Events, a home-based franchise in the corporate meetings and events industry.

Accor North America.(Marketing)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Accor North America purchased wind-generated power in the form of Renewable Energy Certificates to qualify its Sofitel brand as the first hotel chain to become an EPA Green Power Partner.

California Closets.(Marketing)
May 1, 2008... California Closets introduced its Lago collection of premium finishes inspired by the landscapes and architecture of Italy's Lake Como.

Edible Arrangements International.(Marketing)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Edible Arrangements International launched a national campaign supported by television, print and online media to promote its new tagline "Edible Arrangements Makes Any Occasion Special." The company also added the Kids & Kids at Heart...

El Pollo Loco.(Marketing)
May 1, 2008... El Polio Loco debuted two advertising campaigns to reach general and Spanish-speaking audiences.

HomeVestors of America.(Marketing)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... HomeVestors of America is offering a new software service to help potential buyers of its franchisees' properties analyze the financial characteristics of buying and owning their properties for investment. The company also offers homeowners a...

Meineke Car Care Centers.(Marketing)
May 1, 2008... The Meineke Car Care Bowl has extended Meineke Car Care Centers as title sponsor of the bowl for two years.

Money Mailer.(Marketing)(Rubicon Race Team )(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Money Mailer became a major associate sponsor of the new Rubicon Race Team entry in the Indy 500 owned by actor Jason Priestley and racing industry veteran Jim Freudenberg.

Play N Trade.(Marketing)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Play N Trade hosted the National Guitar Hero III Tournament at participating stores where the champion was awarded $2,000 in-store credit. The company also launched its Franchisee Advisory Board.

Snap-on Tools partnered with Georgetown University to create a customized program to help the company create a brand image.(Marketing)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Snap-on Tools partnered with Georgetown University to create a customized program to help the company create a brand image. Georgetown Instructor Ben Litalien and Ktnetico, Inc. director of U.S. dealer sales, teaches Snap-on executives from...

Two Men And A Truck Pres. Brig Sorber, CFE, and Exec. Vice Pres. Jon Sorber appeared on Fox Business Network.(Marketing)(Fox News Network L.L.C. Fox Business Network)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Two Men And A Truck Pres. Brig Sorber, CFE, and Exec. Vice Pres. Jon Sorber appeared on Fox Business Network to discuss the company and franchising.

The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. became exclusive sponsors of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.(Marketing)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. became exclusive sponsors of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program. To kick-off the program, MBE donated $125,000, which will distribute 125,000 books to children in need.

Virginia Barbeque has partnered with Business Advisers International.(Marketing)
May 1, 2008... Virginia Barbeque has partnered with Business Advisers International to provide business coaching and advisory services to its franchisees.

Wyndham Hotel Group selected Berlin Cameron United of New York to provide advertising support.(Marketing)
May 1, 2008... Wyndham Hotel Group selected Berlin Cameron United of New York to provide advertising support for the Super 8, Howard Johnson and Travelodge brands.

Labor Finders International.(Community Service)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Labor Finders International collected materials and spent a weekend constructing a new bedroom for a Lake City, Fla. youth to provide a clean environment in which to relax while undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia.

Money Mailer.(Community Service)
May 1, 2008... Money Mailer raised $371,500 for Children's Miracle Network in 2007.

Popeye's Chicken founder Al Copeland dies.(IN MEMORIAM)(Obituary)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Al Copeland, 64, founder of Popeye's Famous Fried Chicken and several other restaurant concepts, died March 23 in Germany where he had gone to continue treatment for cancer. Named IFA's Entrepreneur of the Year in 1989, Copeland launched...

Got News?
May 1, 2008... Franchising World wants to help you share your company's news with others. We publish news of senior management changes, growth milestones (100, 500, etc. units, but not projections), community service activities, first-time entry into new...

International Franchise Association programs and calendar of industry events.(IMPORTANT DATES IN FRANCHISING)(Calendar)
May 1, 2008... 2008 MAY 11-13-41st Annual Legal Symposium Capital Hilton Hotel Washington, D.C. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 13-14-24th Annual Joint IFA/IBA Conference Washington, D.C. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 15-17-Franchise...