Franchising World articles from November 2005

Franchising World archives from November 2005

Building the future.(International Franchise Association's 46th Annual Convention )
November 1, 2005... As the franchising community prepares for the future, let's take a moment to commemorate the foundation of this thriving business method. Through franchising, enterprising men and women have built brands and services that are recognized and...

Franchisees lead the way.(International Franchise Association)(Column)
November 1, 2005... One of the most important years in IFA history has to be 1993 when the association decided to welcome franchisees. Since then, IFA's franchisee membership has steadily increased to include more than 8,000 franchisee members, which has...

Fabulous franchisees: fawn over franchising. What makes these achievers tick?(FABULOUS FRANCHISEE: FRANCHISING'S FRONT LINE)
November 1, 2005... When asked how they do it, successful franchise owners consistently say two things. First, franchising is the secret of their success; they couldn't--or just wouldn't--have gone into business without franchising. And, second, no bones about it,...

What makes a franchisee successful?
November 1, 2005... For 19 years, Margaret Kelly has been climbing the ladder at Re/Max, a franchised residential and commercial real estate firm with 112,000 agents in 57 countries. Since its founding in 1973, Re/Max has grown every month and during her term at...

The making of a fabulous franchisee: the strength of the franchising sector includes a number of factors, a well-structured system, a product or service that matches customers' wants, attractiveness to financial services and the ingredient, enthusiastic and savvy small-business owners.(FABULOUS FRANCHISEES: FRANCHISING'S FRONT LINE)(Cover Story)
November 1, 2005... This section presents just a glimpse what attracts enterprising individuals to franchising, and more importantly, what franchisees bring to the sector. The five people briefly profiled here come from around the nation, had different...

How to take care of top performing franchisees: the best thing that any franchisor can do to take care of its top franchisees is to help them make more money.(FABULOUS FRANCHISEES: FRANCHISING'S FRONT LINE)
November 1, 2005... McDonald's founder Ray Kroc once said of his franchisees, "My best ideas came from my franchisees. Why? Because my franchisees were talking to my customers every day and some of them were listening to what they have to say." Kroc knew...

Attracting and retaining those elusive multiple-unit operators: it comes down to creating an environment that encourages innovation, communication, and collaboration between the franchisor, suppliers and the franchisee and across the entire system.
November 1, 2005... Previously, franchise systems' successes have been due to their ability to attract individual franchisees and duplicate victories-over and over again. Many franchisees see purchasing a franchise as a great opportunity to take advantage off a...

IFA offers franchisees a way to stay in touch: Systemwide membership program now serves more than 8,000.(FABULOUS FRANCHISEES: FRANCHISING'S FRONT LINE)(International Franchise Association's System-Wide Membership Program)
November 1, 2005... Tame International Franchise Association took a monumental step in 2001 with the creation of new program to benefit all of franchising. The program, IFA's Systemwide Membership Program, gives franchisees from IFA-member companies the...

Largest-ever Franchise Appreciation Day crowd takes the Hill: momentum growing for IFA annual grassroots event.(SPECIAL REPORT: FRANCHISE APPRECIATION DAY 2005)
November 1, 2005... Breaking all previous Franchise Appreciation Day celebration turnout records, more than 300 franchisee, franchisor and supplier members of the International Franchise Association flocked to Capitol Hill Sept. 13, telling senators,...

Franchise Appreciation Day generates favorable impressions.(SPECIAL REPORT: FRANCHISE APPRECIATION DAY 2005)(International Franchise Association)
November 1, 2005... One highlight of Franchise Appreciation Day was being invited to observe a voting session of Congress. After meeting with three U.S. lawmakers and with the staffer in three other offices, it was "the icing on the cake" to be escorted up to the...

House of representatives: statement of Hon. Richard H. Baker of Louisiana.(SPECIAL REPORT: FRANCHISE APPRECIATION DAY 2005)(International Franchise Association)(Transcript)
November 1, 2005... Mr. Baker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome over 300 franchisee, franchisor, and franchise supplier members of the International Franchise Association who are visiting Washington on September 13 as part of "Franchise Appreciation Day," the...

Franchise Appreciation Day 2005 in review.(SPECIAL REPORT: FRANCHISE APPRECIATION DAY 2005)
November 1, 2005... SBA Administrator Hector Barreto Rep. Stephanie Herseth of South Dakota and IFA Chairman Dick Rennick share a light moment Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward, center, takes a break with his UPS Store/Mail Boxes Etc. sponsors, from...

FranPAC gains $24,000 during Franchise Appreciation Day: popular silent auction gearing up for IFA annual convention.(SPECIAL REPORT: FRANCHISE APPRECIATION DAY 2005)(International Franchise Association)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... During IFA's 2005 Franchise Appreciation Day, association members contributed an additional $24,000 for FranPAC, IFA's political action committee which supports pro-business, pro-franchising candidates for the House of Representatives and...

Big O Tires presents $65,000 to American Red Cross.(SPECIAL REPORT: FRANCHISE APPRECIATION DAY 2005)(hurricane relief aid)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Franchise Appreciation Day attendees from Big O Tires took a little side trip away from Capitol Hill during their visit to Washington, D.C. in September. They dropped by the bustling headquarters of the American Red Cross and presented a check...

Board of directors confirms strategic plan direction, elects new members: during the International Franchise Association's fall leadership meeting, the association's board of directors conducted its regular quarterly business session.(SPECIAL REPORT: FRANCHISE APPRECIATION DAY 2005)
November 1, 2005... Among the highlights of the meeting as the approval of the FY 2006 budget, which is the financial structure that supports the organization's strategic long-range plan. The plan, endorsed by the board in March, provides the goals and objectives...

2005 Distinguished Service Awardees named.(SPECIAL REPORT: FRANCHISE APPRECIATION DAY 2005)(International Franchise Association)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... One of the highlights of the International Franchise Association's recent Franchise Appreciation Day celebration was the presentation of the 2005 Distinguished Service Awards. The awards were established to recognize individuals who have...

2006 election cycle to feature ballot measures: state legislatures increasingly targeting the small business community.
November 1, 2005... Special interest groups that have failed to get state legislatures to enact their regulatory and tax agendas have adopted a new strategy take these proposals directly to the voters. In 2006 the franchising community will be faced with ballot...

Finding the "right people" just got easier: online career centers offer employers an array of benefits and options.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
November 1, 2005... To be successful as a franchisor, finding and choosing the right team is critical. Operating a franchise company is a challenge unlike any other in the business world. Every franchisor must continuously expand its system in order to increase...

Franchises and community development corporations: lessons learned: CDCs can play an integral role in bringing franchised businesses to under-developed communities.(FW FOCUS: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT)
November 1, 2005... The IFA Educational Foundation, with support from the ExxonMobil Foundation, conducted a study of eight franchised units around the country that were either owned or in some way assisted by a community development corporation. The goal of the...

Diversity Institute to advance coalition-building: a cross-section of International Franchise Association leaders and representatives from national organizations working in the diversity field met Sept. 12 for the initial meeting of the IFA Diversity Institute.(FW FOCUS: DIVERSITY OUTREACH)
November 1, 2005... "We are here to get the word out that diversity means business, so let's get down to business," said Ron Harrison, CFE, Diversity Institute chairman. The inaugural meeting included both the institute board members and members of the Diversity...

Eliminate the blame game when it comes time to open your store: the solution that allows franchise systems to focus on marketing, not build-out.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
November 1, 2005... If there's one message practically every franchisor has spoken it's that the success or failure of one's business is dependent on the marketing programs, support structures and other tools that are put into place prior to opening. No...

What makes an effective mentoring program? Is a mentoring program good for every franchised system?(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)(apprenticeship programs)
November 1, 2005... Whenever a discussion turns to my involvement in the Money Mailer Mentoring program, one of the first questions asked is, "Do you get paid for your time?" My response was "no". The follow up question, almost always was, "If you don't get paid,...

China franchise regulations still a concern.(FW FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL)(International Franchise Association and the franchise community)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The International Franchise Association and the franchise community remain concerned about China's franchise regulation issued by the Ministry of Commerce last February. As written, the new rules seem to impose new barriers to franchising in...

Organizational storytelling: are you missing an opportunity to distinguish your goods and services in a crowded marketplace?(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
November 1, 2005... In today's world where facts are so widely available and instantly accessible, each one becomes less valuable. What begins to matter more is the ability to take these facts and place them in context, then to deliver them with emotional impact....

The 10, 55, 35 rule of communication: it takes a lot more than technology to deliver a message.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)(business communication)
November 1, 2005... Franchising is a very local business and the most effective way to communicate with foreign franchises is to not act foreign. In other words, thinking global, but operating local increases the effectiveness of franchise relations,...

Super summits to engage IFA convention-goers this February: whatever the topic of interest, there's a convention session about it.(International Franchise Association's 46th annual convention)
November 1, 2005... All components are place for your firm to earn the rewards of more effective and efficient management and operations by attending the International Franchise Association's 46th annual convention in Palm Springs, Feb. 25-28. This...

"Yellow Ribbon" transforms healing period into one of renewal.(FW FOCUS: COMMUNITY OUTREACH)(The Yellow Ribbon Fund Inc.'s services to injured military personnel)
November 1, 2005... Many Americans watch daily news reports that chronicle those in military service as they complete their assignments in some of the most hazardous conditions imaginable. Often these courageous military service members return to the United States...

Successful franchisees investigate before they invest: why franchise shows are invaluable to the decision-making process.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISE EVENTS)(International Franchise Expo)
November 1, 2005... Ellen Radigan had chocolate on her mind when she first walked into the International Franchise Expo a little over a year ago. Never a fan of franchising, Radigan decided to attend the IFE simply to learn more about financing and support options...

Franchise player.(New York Times)(Bob Woodward at International Franchise Association's annual Franchise Appreciation Day)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... WHAT THE MEDIA IS SAYING Between his journalism, his books and his television punditry, he has more or less turned himself into something of a franchise, so who better to address the International Franchise Association's annual Franchise...

International franchise association programs and calendar of industry events.(FW FOCUS: IMPORTANT DATES IN FRANCHISING)
November 1, 2005... 2005 NOVEMBER 4-6 West Coast Franchise Expo Los Angeles Convention Center Los Angeles Contact: MFV 8-9 Franchise Sales Mastery Franchise Performance Group Hartford Contact: ICFE 10-11 ...

Cendant Hotel Group.(Marco A. Roca appointed)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Cendant Hotel Group appointed Marco A. Roca as senior vice president, development. He will be responsible for developing the company's Wingate Inn brand worldwide, Ramada, Days Inn, Howard Johnson and Super 8 brands in Latin America and its...

Proforma.(Nancy Ross promoted)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Proforma promoted Nancy Ross to director of vendor development.

RE/MAX International.(Kristi Graning, Mike Ryan and Geoff Lewis promoted)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... RE/MAX International promoted Kristi Graning to senior vice president, information technology and e-business, Mike Ryan to senior vice president to oversee the RE/MAX Satellite Network and corporate education, and Geoff Lewis to international...

AmericInn Lodge & Suites.(honors and Hall of Fame inductions)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The AmericInn Lodge & Suites of Ashland, Wise. was named Business of the Year by Ashland Area Development Corporation and honored by the city, state and legislature for significant contributions made towards the development of the community....

Proforma: Greg and Vera Muzzillo.(Innovation in Business Visionary Award)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Greg and Vera Muzzillo, co-CEOs of Proforma, have been honored with the Innovation in Business Visionary Award, sponsored by Smart Business and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio. The honor is given to business leaders who have...

GE Commercial Finance, Franchise Finance bought $203 million in assets from Orlando-based Trustreet Properties.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... GE Commercial Finance, Franchise Finance bought $203 million in assets from Orlando-based Trustreet Properties, a restaurant real estate and financial services company formed from the merger between CNL Restaurant Properties and U.S. Restaurant...

Cheer amidst hardship.(thousands of Cookie Cakes donated to disaster victims)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Though it didn't solve all their problems, it did bring smiles to the faces of children--and adults--who fled the effects of Hurricane Katrina when Houston-area Great American Cookies and Mrs. Fields franchisees teamed up to donate thousands of...

HomeVestors of America.(established The Ken D'Angelo Foundation to raise funds for cancer research)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... HomeVestors of America and several of its franchisees have established The Ken D'Angelo Foundation to raise funds for cancer research and academic scholarships. The foundation honors the company's late founder, who passed away in January. The...

Subway Development Corp.(presented a check for $85,000 to the American Cancer Society)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Subway Development Corp. of Washington (D.C.) presented a check for $85,000 to the American Cancer Society, and recently added an additional $11,000. Funds were raised through the 8th Annual Subway Charity Golf Tournament, as well as through...

Subway.(conducted a food drive to benefit the Connecticut Food Bank)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Subway headquarters employees celebrated the company's 40th anniversary by conducting a food drive to benefit the Connecticut Food Bank.

Choice Hotels International.(opens new hotel in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Choice Hotels International celebrated the opening its 5,000th franchised hotel, a Comfort Suites brand hotel in Lake Geneva, WI.

The Maids Home Services.(opened franchise)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Mark Taylor of St. Charles, Mo. recently opened the 800th franchise of The Maids Home Services.

Philly Connection.(opens new restaurant in texas)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Philly Connection has opened its 50th restaurant in Texas.

Sign-A-Rama, EmbroidMe and Billboard Connection have relocated to a larger corporate facility at 2121 Vista Parkway, West Palm Beach.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Sign-A-Rama, EmbroidMe and Billboard Connection have relocated to a larger corporate facility at 2121 Vista Parkway, West Palm Beach.

Wireless Toyz.(opened its new store)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Wireless Toyz opened its 100th store with its first location in Anaheim, Calif.

Earl of Sandwich.(contracts with Round Rock Sandwich Company)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Earl of Sandwich announced a development deal with a newly-formed entity, The Round Rock Sandwich Company, whose group includes Baseball Hall of Fame member Nolan Ryan and Houston Astros pitcher Roger Clemens.

AlphaGraphics.(established relief fund for those affected by Hurricane Katrina )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... AlphaGraphics established a relief fund, which, as this issue of Franchising World went to press, had raised more than $50,000. The fund was created to help New Orleans owner Ayaz Korejo, his family and staff recover from the storm....

Church's Chicken.(planned to donate food assistance to aid hurricane victims)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Church's Chicken planned to donate 10 truckloads of chicken to America's Second Harvest and make the five truckloads product available for franchisees in the affected areas for local initiatives to aid hurricane victims.

Cox Enterprises.(donations to Hurricane Katrina Relief fund)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Cox Enterprises, parent of Valpak, will donate a $10 million gift of cash and in-kind donations to hurricane victims. The company collected $425,000 from employees and will match employee contributions dollar-for-dollar for an employee disaster...

Express Personnel.(collacted relief fund for Hurricane Katrina victims)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Express Personnel collected more than $5,000 in relief funds in just 12 hours following a plea to its franchisees.

Figaro's Italian Pizza.(donation for Hurricane Katrina Relief fund)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Figaro's Italian Pizza stores are staging fund raising days in which a percentage of gross revenues for the day will be sent to leading relief groups. The corporate entity will waive royalities on revenues during those days.

Focus Brands.(donations for Hurricane Katrina Relief fund)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Focus Brands' associates, franchisees, corporate employees and vendors have donated more than $34,000 to aid Hurricane Katrina victims. In addition to monetary donations, corporate and franchise field associates have conducted spare change...

Glass Doctor.(worked to support employmnet services for Hurricane Katrina victims)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Glass Doctor worked to support the Texas Workforce Commission, which is conducting a coordinated effort for employers across the country to list available job openings. Franchisees are encouraged to provide information about available openings,...

Rocksolid Granit USA.(donations for Hurricane Katrina Relief fund to the American Red Cross )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Rocksolid Granit USA is seeking $100 contributions from its franchisees to the American Red Cross and pledging to match the total