Franchising World articles from May 2009

Franchising World archives from May 2009

Franchising and the law.(IN THIS ISSUE)(International Franchise Association)(Conference news)
May 1, 2009... The power and popularity of business-format franchising continues to attract the attention of investors, both large and small. But it is the legal framework that also lends dimension, sometimes along with hurdles, to the franchising industry....

Congress should oppose the arbitration "Fairness" act of 2009.(IFA PRESIDENT AND CEO'S COLUMN)(Law overview)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When it comes to franchise law, one thing that China and the United States have in common is the recognition of the importance of arbitration clauses in franchise contracts. If I told you however, that one of these...

Franchise defaults: the big picture: while a franchisor may have the legal right to default a franchisee, there are many issues that a franchisor should consider prior to determining whether to send out a default letter.(FRANCHISING'S LEGAL UPDATE)
May 1, 2009... Deciding to default a franchise is a serious step, therefore, it's important that the franchisor remember that this process may ultimately lead to the termination of the parties' relationship. Thus, the determination of whether to declare the...

Enforcing your arbitration agreements: given the growing antipathy in some segments toward arbitration, it is not surprising that 2008 was a challenging year for those who sought to enforce arbitration agreements. This was especially true in California, which continued to take the lead in finding new ways to strike down arbitration agreements.(FRANCHISING'S LEGAL UPDATE)(Law overview)
May 1, 2009... In Bencharsky v. Cottman Transmission Systems, LLC, (1) the court determined that an arbitration agreement was substantively unconscionable because it lacked mutuality. This lack of mutuality arose from the fact that the arbitration agreement...

Dispute resolution: a trial lawyer's perspective.(FRANCHISING'S LEGAL UPDATE)(International Franchise Association)(Conference news)
May 1, 2009... During this year's IFA Legal Symposium, I have the privilege of moderating a plenary session panel discussion entitled "Franchise Dispute Resolution: The Judge's, Arbitrator's and Mediator's Perspective." The three panelists are among the...

Franchise advertising: there's more to it than meets the eye: as competition for new franchisees becomes heated, advertising and promotional materials directed to prospective franchisees is likely to get more creative.(FRANCHISING'S LEGAL UPDATE)
May 1, 2009... Attracting new franchisees to heir brand is of critical importance to franchisors in these difficult economic times. Franchisors who previously relied on word-of-mouth, a few search engines, their own Web sites, and possibly some broker...

Ideas flow during CEO leadership roundtable brain-storming sessions: no time for worry say franchise leaders who seek solutions, ignore anxiety.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)(International Franchise Association)(Conference news)
May 1, 2009... If there's one thing leaders of the franchising community agree upon these days, it's a belief that the industry will survive this recession and emerge stronger than ever. That's not just wishful thinking or unwarranted optimism. It's a...

Understanding how capital access has changed financing.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
May 1, 2009... What a difference two years make. Remember referred lenders? Today most prefer not to. The preferred lenders of yesterday have either cut way back on small-business lending or stopped such lending programs altogether. Since debt capital is...

Attention management teams: what's beyond the recession?(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)(Dunkin' Brands Inc.)(Dwyer Group Inc.)(Discussion)
May 1, 2009... What will recent economic events mean in the long term? AlphaGraphics senior direct of franchise development posed that and other questions to several franchise leaders: Tasti D-Lite Chairman and CEO James H. Amos, CFE; The Dwyer Group...

Leveraging the crisis to upgrade your employment brand: get your frontline foot soldiers to win the war for your franchise.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)
May 1, 2009... The good news in a bad economy is that the balance of power has once again shifted to favor employers. To the average kid in America, that job at the drive-through paying minimum wage is no longer beneath them. Small businesses are suddenly...

Keeping good employees while trimming overhead: the part-time, flexible work model is quickly blossoming across all business sectors.(SPECIAL REPORT: SUCCEEDING IN CHALLENGING TIMES)(Survey)
May 1, 2009... You would never imagine at while watching the nightly news there are businesses out there that are experiencing continued and measurable growth in today's struggling economy. A major factor in the success of today's U.S. companies, both...

Notable quotes.(International Franchise Association)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... In its ongoing Special Report series, the International Franchise Association's Franchising World magazine provides the timely and useful advice of experts on effective strategies to operate within a uncertain economy. Now the series will...

Unlocking credit markets for franchise business development: take action, use IFA's Toolkit on Small Business Lending at www.franchise.org/capitalaccess.aspx.(GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)(Small Business Administration)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Since the start of 2009, the International Franchise Association has taken a leading role in advocating for an enhanced focus on the economic challenges and troubles facing the franchise business community. In the...

Time for franchised restaurants to get "LEAN": a national framework is the best way to convey restaurant nutritional information.(GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)(Labeling Education and Nutrition Act of 2009)(Law overview)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... In typical situations, businesses tend to be wary of new government regulation. History has shown that new proposals to "better monitor" or "reign in practices" by certain industries are often rooted in isolated examples of corporate...

Realizing the benefits of Webinars and mentorship programs: Web communication and mentorship programs are important to building a stronger, more cohesive organization.(TECHNOLOGY)
May 1, 2009... With the increasing dispersion of the U.S. work force, companies are always looking for new ways to connect with their employees, share information and continue working toward a common goal. This mentality is especially fitting for franchised...

World Franchise Council brings strategic planning into focus: IFA Chairman, president join international colleagues in vital discussions, strategic planning sessions. Forum of international bodies share different experiences and approaches to solving economic challenges.(INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)(International Franchise Association)(Conference news)
May 1, 2009... Since its founding in 1994 in Lisbon, Portugal, the World Franchise Council has steadfastly pursued its objectives to inform member countries about the rapidly-changing developments of franchising worldwide while, at the same time, representing...

U.S. Commercial Service aids franchising industry's expansions.(INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The franchising industry has an ally to help expand its brands across borders and oceans: the U.S. Commercial Service. The service-which comes under the authority of the U.S. Commerce Department's International Trade...

Franchise and Finance Expos target new markets: MFV Expositions launches series of regional finance and franchising events in Atlanta, Boston and North Texas.(EVENTS)(International Franchise Association )
May 1, 2009... The popular franchise trade show trio of the International Franchise Expo, West Coast Franchise Expo and Franchise Expo South sponsored by the International Franchise Association continues to gain favor with the franchising industry, averaging...

A salute to IFA's convention video contest winner.(HONORS)(International Franchise Association)(Conference news)
May 1, 2009... Memories of the 49th Annual International Franchise Association will consist of some vivid ones for many. They might include memories of hearing reasons for optimism from former President Bill Clinton about the state of the economy, industry...

VetFran opens doors for Navy Vet.(VETFRAN PROFILE)(Veterans Transition Franchise)(Occupation overview)
May 1, 2009... Peter Turner retired this year as a commander in the U.S. Navy. A Navy pilot and 24-year veteran, Turner has traveled to 68 countries, lived in Japan, Italy and Hawaii, and been deployed to the Persian Gulf three times. With his military career...

Minority scholarship recipient says "thanks for the opportunity".(IFA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION)(International Franchise Association)(Personal account)
May 1, 2009... Dear IFA Educational Foundation: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] My name is Dung C. Dao, and I am one of the recipients of the Minority Entrepreneurs Scholarship Award. I would like to personally thank you for the difference and impact this...

International Franchise Association programs and calendar of industry events.(IMPORTANT DATES IN FRANCHISING CALENDAR)(Calendar)
May 1, 2009... 2009 MAY 4-5--How to Recruit Better Candidates And Close More Franchise Sales Management 2000 Tucson 7-9--Franchise Mini MBA Module I-Leading Innovation Organizational Change Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, Fla. ...

IHG.(PEOPLE)(InterContinental Hotels Group PLC appoints Janis Cannon and Robert Radomski )(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) appointed Janis Cannon as vice president, global brand management for Hotel Indigo and Robert Radomski to the newly-created role of vice president, global brand management of Extended-Stay Brands. ...

Signs Now.(PEOPLE)(Franchise Advisory Board appoints Mike Carson, Peter Lewis and Mike Whitten )(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Signs Now expanded its Franchise Advisory Board with the election of Mike Carson (Nanaimo, B.C.) and Peter Lewis (Tampa). The company also added Mike Whitten as franchise development manager. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION...

Wyndham Hotel Group.(PEOPLE)(Jim Alderman, Cary Broussard and Duane Elledge )(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Wyndham Hotel Group named Jim Alderman executive vice president of development, Cary Broussard as vice president of communications, Duane Elledge chief retention officer, Kathleen Chiechi Flores executive vice president of human resources, John...

Accor.(Marketing)(Accor S.A.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Accor launched in February what it said was the largest hotel sale ever staged in the Asia Pacific region, with one million rooms on sale throughout 13 countries. Rooms at more than 300 hotels were available with discounts of up to 75 percent.

AmericInn International.(Marketing)(AmericInn International L.L.C.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... AmericInn International kicked off "Sleep Better America," a new sleep advocacy and awareness campaign, with the launch of www.sleepbetteramerica.net, designed to educate consumers about sleep-related issues with timely information, tools,...

Dunkin' Donuts.(Marketing)(Dunkin' Donuts Inc.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Dunkin' Donuts launched the "Create Dunkin's Next Donut" online contest, offering Americans the opportunity to channel their imagination creating their own original donut for the chance to win a $12,000 grand prize.

El Pollo Loco.(Marketing)(El Pollo Loco Inc.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... El Pollo Loco, saying it is "turning up the heat on the economy," announced the formation of a new political party-The Dinner Party-to offer families menu item discounts.

Golden Corral sponsored Yates Racing driver Travis Kvapil in the Daytona 500.(Marketing)(Golden Corral Corp.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Golden Corral sponsored Yates Racing driver Travis Kvapil in the Daytona 500 with a pledge to offer every child in America a free buffet meal and a donation of $5,000 to the Disabled Veterans of America if he finished among the top 10.

RE/MAX International.(Marketing)(RE/MAX International Inc.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... RE/MAX International created an initiative to educate its sales associates and customers in "earth friendly" living. The program will help homebuyers and sellers find RE/MAX agents and offices with expertise in locating "eco-friendly" homes or...

Valpak.(Marketing)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Valpak launched a national ad campaign targeting beleaguered business owners, titled "The Original Consumer Stimulus Package," that coincided with the signing of the national stimulus plan in Denver.

VR Business Sales.(Marketing)(VR Business Brokers Inc.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... VR Business Sales' international expansion focused on Spanish-speaking peoples with its commitment to make all training forms and marketing materials bilingual. This culminated in the opening of locations in Panama City; Baja, Mexico; Santiago,...

NexCen Franchise Management will combine Pretzelmaker and Pretzel Time.(Mergers & Acquisitions)(NexCen Brands Inc.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... NexCen Franchise Management will combine Pretzelmaker and Pretzel Time, its two mall-based pretzel concepts, creating a single brand with more than 365 locations in 47 states and four countries.

Elements therapeutic massage.(Community Services)(The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... elements therapeutic massage of Whitefish Bay, Wis. joined the fight against leukemia and lymphoma-related illnesses by hosting "Massage for a Cause" to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through its Team in Training program....

Handyman Matters and franchise owner Rick Atkins, who serves the Lexington and Louisville, Ky. areas, have introduced the R.C. Atkins/Handyman Matters Trade Scholarship for deserving candidates who are committed to learning and practicing a skilled trade as a career objective.(Community Services)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Handyman Matters and franchise owner Rick Atkins, who serves the Lexington and Louisville, Ky. areas, have introduced the R.C. Atkins/Handyman Matters Trade Scholarship for deserving candidates who are committed to learning and practicing a...

Two men and a truck presented a check for $30,672 to the American Cancer Society, bringing the company's contributions to the organization to nearly $250,000 since 2000.(Community Services)(American Cancer Society)(Two Men and A Truck/International Inc.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... TWO MEN AND A TRUCK presented a check for $30,672 to the American Cancer Society, bringing the company's contributions to the organization to nearly $250,000 since 2000. In the company's first year, founder Mary Ellen Sheets made $1,000 profit,...

Antioch, Tenn. FASTSIGNS owner Scott Snoyer was awarded the franchise network's most important recognition in 2009.(Awards, Honors & Certifications)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Antioch, Tenn. FASTSIGNS owner Scott Snoyer was awarded the franchise network's most important recognition in 2009 as the center owner who most represents the concept and the spirit of the company.

Kitchen Tune-Up.(Awards, Honors & Certifications)(KTU Worldwide Inc.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Kitchen Tune-Up launched an advanced home-improvement and remodeling certification program for franchise owners, designed to ensure the highest level of professionalism and expertise in the minor home remodeling industry.

The Ann Arbor Ad Club honored re:group for its work for client La Petite Academy.(Awards, Honors & Certifications)(La Petite Academy Inc.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... The Ann Arbor Ad Club honored re:group for its work for client La Petite Academy, presenting the firm with a silver award for creating a new Web site supporting the experiential nature of the franchise system's programs.

Auntie Anne's Pretzels.(Growth & Milestones)(Auntie Anne's Inc.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Auntie Anne's Pretzels reports it hit a "triple milestone" with the first store opening in Mexico that also marked its 200th international store opening and brought the chain's worldwide presence to 20 countries.

The Entrepreneur's Source marked its 25th anniversary in March.(Growth & Milestones)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... The Entrepreneur's Source marked its 25th anniversary in March. Founded in 1984 by CEO Terry Powell, the business coaching company began franchising in 1998 and now has more than 230 offices in North America. Powell also launched four other...

Little Caesars Pizza.(Growth & Milestones)(Little Caesar Enterprises Inc. )(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... More than 50 Little Caesars Pizza corporate employees, ranging from field colleagues to executives, have transitioned to careers as Little Caesars' franchise owners, nearly half of whom have opened three or more stores.

Wingstop celebrated its 15th anniversary.(NEW BRIEFS)(Wingstop Restaurants Inc.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Wingstop celebrated its 15th anniversary. Today, the chain has more than 400 locations in 28 states and recently posted 22 consecutive quarters of comp store sales increases. From left, CFO Wes Jablonski;...

Orkin.(Growth & Milestones)(Rollins Inc.)
May 1, 2009... Rollins Inc., a North American consumer-services company, announced that the company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Orkin, has established a franchise in Kuwait, expanding Orkin's presence in the Middle East to five franchises, giving it a total of...

Goddard School.(Education)(Goddard College)(Yale University. Child Study Center)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... The Goddard School has been selected to participate in a pilot assessment program in partnership with the Yale University Child Study Center, Educational Records Bureau and Children's Progress. A select number of Goddard Schools will work with...

William Rosenberg International Center of Franchising.(Education)(University of New Hampshire)(E. Hachemi Aliouche )(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] E. Hachemi Aliouche has been named associate director of the William Rosenberg International Center of Franchising at the Univ. of New Hampshire. He has served as a senior research fellow at the center since its...

Franchising industry loses respected leader: the tribute below was written by DLA Piper US LLP's Dennis Wieczorek.(IN MEMORIAM)(International Franchise Association)(Obituary)
May 1, 2009... In Memoriam: Lewis G. Rudnick (1936-2009) Lew Rudnick's passing on January 24, 2009, was a great loss to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire world of franchising. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lew began practicing law in 1964...