Franchising World articles from November 2008

Franchising World archives from November 2008

Planning conventions that bring value to your systems.(IN THIS ISSUE)
November 1, 2008... As the warmer months have become a distant memory, many franchise systems are in the final stages of preparation for their annual conventions. In roughly three months, the IFA's storied annual convention will kick off in San Diego for an...

Historic economic bailout calls for extraordinary action.(IFA PRESIDENT AND CEO'S COLUMN)(Column)
November 1, 2008... America's financial markets have experienced significant turmoil in recent months. In fact, the nation's economy hasn't been hit this hard since the 1930s. The notorious upheaval on Wall Street and the failure of several large financial...

The IFA convention model: an intricate puzzle of people, planning and projections: planning ahead--many months ahead--is one component in the meticulous process of conducting an annual convention.(WINNING WAYS FOR YOUR ANNUAL FRANCHISE CONVENTION)
November 1, 2008... In the event-planning business, it pays to be prepared. From large systems to small and everything in between, many are conducting annual conventions to offer educational opportunities for their franchisees and create a favorable environment...

Better convention results with a better RFP.
November 1, 2008... Your annual convention is obviously a key opportunity to influence your franchisees and drive business results. Choosing the right production partner can likewise have a significant impact on the results you derive from your convention....

Location, location, location: picking the best convention site: successful conventions rely on selecting the best location for the event.(WINNING WAYS FOR YOUR ANNUAL FRANCHISE CONVENTION)(Conference news)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When selecting the perfect location for a franchise conference or convention, planners should consider several key elements, during the selection process. Those elements are theme, system needs, target audience,...

Building buzz: advertising and marketing strategies for a great annual convention.(WINNING WAYS FOR YOUR ANNUAL FRANCHISE CONVENTION)
November 1, 2008... "Whether it's your first annual convention or your 21st, "building buzz" for your convention can maximize attendance and provide a positive platform for franchisee growth. Of course it's going to take a great deal of planning, committee...

Crunshing the numbers: successful convention budgeting: a winning formula for successful convention budgeting combines equal parts number-crunching, key goals and objectives identification, and strategic planning.(WINNING WAYS FOR YOUR ANNUAL FRANCHISE CONVENTION)
November 1, 2008... What is successful convention budgeting? Simply put, a budget that not only reflects, in detail dollars to be spent but one that reflects accurately the goals and objectives of the event. And what might those goals and objectives be? For many...

It's the experience, stupid: how to create an event that drives business objectives and delivers bottom line results.(WINNING WAYS FOR YOUR ANNUAL FRANCHISE CONVENTION)
November 1, 2008... In 1992, James Carville focused like a laser on what was important to voters when he answered, "It's the economy, stupid!" In 2009, the same answer for franchise owners regarding their businesses might aptly be "It's the experience, stupid!"...

How may they help you? Tips for working with hotel staffs: building relationships and setting clear expectations with the convention service manager from the start is the key to stress-free event planning.(WINNING WAYS FOR YOUR ANNUAL FRANCHISE CONVENTION)
November 1, 2008... Having worked primarily in the non-profit sector for event planning, tapping into cost-saving tactics is a large part of my current corporate responsibilities. Service Brands International--the franchisor of Molly Maid, Mr. Handyman and...

Convention's over, now what? Do you want a packed convention next year? Start with these tips now.(WINNING WAYS FOR YOUR ANNUAL FRANCHISE CONVENTION)(Survey)
November 1, 2008... Asking franchisees for conference feedback is a standard practice, but what draws them back year after year? Franchise network attendance at conferences can range from 25 percent to more than 60 percent. What a range. Furthermore, reasons for...

IFA's grassroots lobbying campaign aids passage of historic bailout package: an intensive IFA grassroots lobbying campaign brought crucial momentum to the U.S. house of representatives' passage of a $700 billion economic stability package and paved the way for president bush's official signature.(FW FOCUS: LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE)
November 1, 2008... In the span of a couple weeks, a crisis on Wall Street triggered one of the most historic economic bailouts in United States history. Add to that the rising costs of energy, a credit crisis, a declining labor market and the franchising...

Franchising community delivers messages of industry's economic importance to congress.(SPECIAL REPORT: FRANCHISE APPRECIATION DAY 2008)
November 1, 2008... As cooler fall temperatures rolled in to the nation's capital, so too did just over 500 members of the franchising community Sept. 15-16 to participate in the international franchise association's annual congressional fly-in hosted at the JW...

Carrying the ball for franchising: IFA suits up for super bowls of politics: Denver kicked off, Minnesota received. Rather than the Broncos lining up against the Vikings, it was the Donkeys versus the Elephants, grinding out three yards and a cloud of dust in their quadrennial struggle for the White House.(FW FOCUS: LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE)
November 1, 2008... As the presidential election neared, the International Franchise Association, energized and well-practiced, suited up for the Super Bowls of Politics--the Democratic and Republican National Conventions--where the world's attention was focused...

FranPAC report card: supporting Federal Candidates.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)(Statistical table)
November 1, 2008... The International Franchise Association's current financial support to candidates for federal office as of mid-October is reflected in the following "report card." IFA's political action committee, FranPAC, supports pro-franchise,...

Latest franchising awareness ad features Jani-King.(FW FOCUS: PUBLIC AWARENESS)
November 1, 2008... The third in a series of public-awareness advertisements highlighting the economic impact of franchising appeared in leading Washington, D.C. publications in September in conjunction with Franchise Appreciation Day. The advertisement...

IFA member survey provides important insights: rapid growth a sign of association's response to members' needs and interests.(FW FOCUS: MEMBER VALUE)(Survey)
November 1, 2008... Since the last survey of International Franchise Association members in 2004, our membership has grown in leaps and bounds. In four years, IFA's overall membership grew by 45 percent. Franchisor membership grew nearly 40 percent from 972...

Seeing green: environmental friendliness as a business strategy: a franchise business should determine whether greening will serve any of its goals, and should determine which ones matter.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS)
November 1, 2008... Recently, my son and I went to a all game. Before the first itch, the announcer introduced the "Green Team," which passes through the aisles between innings collecting recyclables. I paid for drinks served in recyclable, corn-based, "plastic"...

Franchisees: then and now: the business of franchising domestically and internationally is evolving.(FW FOCUS: DEVELOPMENT TRENDS)
November 1, 2008... Have you ever reminisced about the "good old days" in franchising: Those years before the Sarbanes-Oxley law when the sky seemed the limit? Do you remember when franchises were popping up all over the place and the economy was in good shape?...

Target audience in the crosshairs? Take care in aiming before firing out your marketing messages.(FW FOCUS: MARKETING)
November 1, 2008... "Selling focuses on the needs of the seller. Marketing focuses on the needs of the buyer." --Dr. Theodore Leavitt Professor of Marketing, Harvard Business School For anyone who markets a franchise concept, Ted Leavitt's words are...

Creating competition without rivalry: promoting friendly competition among franchisees and corporate stores.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Everyone loves to compete. It is an integral part of our nature. From little league fields to corporate boardrooms to Las Vegas casinos, everyone wants to win. Franchise systems like to win too. Ideally, competition...

Maximizing benefits: protecting customer data: data protection must be viewed as a tool to maximize the benefits of franchise-industry interactions.(FW FOCUS: LEGAL)
November 1, 2008... Asset protection has become one of the strategic priorities of most businesses and franchises are no exception. The personal information about employees, business contacts and, above all, customers collected during the operation of a franchise...

Franchising's appeal: market growth in Saudi Arabia.(FW FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISING)(Report)
November 1, 2008... What factors support franchising as an appealing introduction to business ownership in Saudi Arabia? First, Saudi Arabia is the largest oil producer in the world, its economy depends mainly on this industry and its population is more than...

Strategies for international development in uncertain times: too many franchisors examine international expansion only when domestic economic conditions are favorable or they otherwise have completed development in the U.S. market.(FW FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
November 1, 2008... The year 2008 has been challenging for many U.S.-based franchisors. Although the economic downturn or recession, depending on your perspective, in the United States has not uniformly affected franchisors, many sectors have been hard-hit. Few...

World Franchise Council considers current issues, its future.(FW FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS)(Brief article)(Conference notes)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] During the Aug. 2-3 meeting of the World Franchise Council in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, participants discussed a host of issues, including a South Africa consumer protection bill and Greek minimum price-fixing case...

A French Pavilion at Franchise Expo South 2009: why has the French government chosen franchising as a sector to promote in the USA this year?(FW FOCUS: A FRANCHISING WORLD INTERNATIONAL Q & A)(Interview)
November 1, 2008... A Franchising World Q & A with Michael Ehrlich, Trade Attache, and Cecile Delettre, Head of Marketing and Distribution of the French Embassy Trade Office. The French Embassy Trade Office's mission in the United States, along with...

Are you covering all your bases? Let franchise expos provide your lead solutions.(FW FOCUS: EVENTS)
November 1, 2008... Now, more than ever, lead generation often seems to be a hit-or-miss business. What worked for your franchise this week may not work next week, and what brought in the franchise leads last year may not deliver what you need today. If...

Certified franchise executives program expands to India.(FW FOCUS: EDUCATION)(Franchising Association of India)
November 1, 2008... The Institute of Certified Franchise Executives and the Franchising Association of India have jointly-launched a CFE program in India. Under the agreement, FM members will be able to enroll in the ICFE program at special rates and receive...

Helping veterans acquire a franchise isn't where the responsibility ends.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISING FOR VETERANS)
November 1, 2008... The International Franchise Association has done a wonderful job of building the awareness of the VetFran program, and knowing that there have been nearly 1,200 veterans joining the ranks of franchising by July, and another 200-plus in the...

October Franchising World marks digital debut.(FW FOCUS: PUBLISHING)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To improve the delivery of franchise news and reduce the impact on the environment, the International Franchise Association has invested member resources to launch digital versions of its flagship publication,...

VetFran garners major recognition: the International Franchise Association was honored earlier this year by the American Society of Association Executives as a winner of the organization's 2008 Summit Award in recognition of its Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, known as VetFran.(FW FOCUS: VETERAN'S TRANSITION FRANCHISE INITIATIVE)
November 1, 2008... As part of the ASAE's Center for the Association Leadership's Associations Advance America program, the Summit Award is given to the very best efforts engineered by associations across the country in areas like public education/information,...

So you want to franchise your business: new book presents guidance all business owners should heed if they're considering franchising their business.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISING RESOURCES)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Despite the challenging economic times, franchised small businesses continue to grow. As authors Harold Kestenbaum and Adina M. Genn report in their book So You Want to Franchise Your Business, the creativity and...

Recognizing excellence: IFA publications garner three awards: IFA's flagship publication, Franchising World, reaps more awards for its outstanding graphic design.(FW FOCUS: AWARDS)(Greenbaum Marketing Communications )
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Once again, the International Franchise Association's premiere magazine, Franchising World, stands out as a work of distinction as it netted awards for excellence from the 2008 American Graphic Design Awards. The...

Accor Worldwide.(PEOPLE)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Accor Worldwide appointed Accor North America and Motel 6/Studio 6 CEO Olivier Poirot to the worldwide Accor Executive Committee.

ColorTyme.(PEOPLE)(Mary Ann Hancook and Tim Hogan appointed)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... ColorTyme hired Mary Ann ("M.A.") Hancook to lead its corporate communications and public relations initiatives for the Color, me and RimTyme brands and named Tim Hogan vice president of operations. [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]

Country Place Living.(PEOPLE)
November 1, 2008... Country Place Living appointed Greg Akins as regional director of operations.

Davis Wright Tremaine.(PEOPLE)
November 1, 2008... Law firm Davis Wright Tremaine named Rochelle (Shelley) Spandorf as partner in its Los Angeles office.

The Dwyer Group.(PEOPLE)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Dwyer Group Chairwoman and CEO Dina Dwyer-Owens, CFE, was named to the board of directors for the non-profit organization Lead Like Jesus.

Express Services.(PEOPLE)
November 1, 2008... Linda C. Haneborg, CFE, has retired from Express Services after 20 years of service.

Fitness Together Holdings.(PEOPLE)(Kevin Betts has been appointed)(Scott Wendrych has been appointed)(Samuel F. Hirschberg has been appointed)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Fitness Together Holdings promoted Kevin Betts to chief operations officer; Scott Wendrych to chief sales and marketing officer; Samuel F. Hirschberg to vice president of sales marketing; and named Tom DeLosa senior...

Garner Doc.(PEOPLE)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Garner Doc hired Brian Seligman as the area developer for Northern Virginia and Atlanta.

Gray Plant Mooty.(PEOPLE)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Law firm Gray Plant Mooty appointed Carl E. Zwisler principal in its franchise and distribution practice group in its Washington, D.C. office.

Interstate Battery Franchising & Development.(PEOPLE)
November 1, 2008... Interstate Battery Franchising & Development hired Jim Eades as director of franchise operations.

Just Junk.(PEOPLE)
November 1, 2008... Just Junk named Richard Dixon director of international franchise sales and development.

The Maids International.(PEOPLE)
November 1, 2008... The Maids International named Paid Andersen chief financial officer.

Signs Now.(PEOPLE)(Bryan Kay has benn named)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Signs Now named Bryan Kay regional operations director for the company's southeast region; Mike Miller franchise development coordinator; and Sarah Malpeli public relations manager. [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]

Sport Clips.(PEOPLE)
November 1, 2008... Sport Clips hired Gayle Longmore as director of franchise support services. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Spot Runner.(PEOPLE)
November 1, 2008... Spot Runner picked Jon Rosen as vice president of sales and business development and Elizabeth Carrasco as vice president of online engineering.

TeamLogic IT.(PEOPLE)
November 1, 2008... TeamLogic IT President Chuck Lennon was selected to serve on the board of directors for information technology industry association CompTIA.

Two Men And A Truck.(PEOPLE)
November 1, 2008... Two Men And A Truck hired Jeff Wesley as chief financial officer and named Pare Bolt training and development manager. [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED]

Wyndham Hotel Group International.(PEOPLE)
November 1, 2008... Wyndham Hotel Group International appointed Andrew Dufty as vice president of international marketing.

The Marshall Group.(PEOPLE)(Douglas Keane has been appointed)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Douglas Keane, a franchise industry veteran of more than 40 years, has assumed the position of partner and CEO of The Marshall Group. In honor of The Marshall Group's founder and icon within the IFA, the company...

Saxby's Coffee Worldwide.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)(Bucks County Coffee Co.)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Saxby's Coffee Worldwide has completed a private transaction to acquire the assets of Bucks County Coffee Co., including its 15 retail locations and a distribution channel to approximately 400 grocery outlets.

Sopra Capital.(Mergers, Acquisitions and Transactions)
November 1, 2008... Sopra Capital acquired HouseMaster.

1-800-DryClean.(Awards & Honors)
November 1, 2008... 1-800-DryClean named Wouter Verkerk as the first company employee of the year.

10 til 2.(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... 10 til 2 received the top honor at the 2008 American Staffing Association VOICE Awards, a Crystal Award in the Direct Mail, National Class category for its "bull's eye"-themed direct mail pieces, toy dart boards and caramels.

Bonus Building Care.(Awards & Honors)
November 1, 2008... Bonus Building Care was named one of the top 25 franchises for recruiting and supporting minority franchisees by Hispanic Enterprise magazine.

Gray Plant Mooty.(Awards & Honors)
November 1, 2008... Working Mother magazine and Flex-Time Lawyers named Gray Plant Mooty a 2008 Working Mother & Flex-Time Lawyers Best Law Firm for Women.

Labor Finders International.(Awards & Honors)
November 1, 2008... Labor Finders International has received two American Staffing Association VOICE Awards, which recognize outstanding communications strategies in the staffing industry.

Papa Murphy.(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Papa Murphy's was voted the best pizza chain for the sixth year in a row by Restaurants and Institutions magazine in its Consumers' Choice in Chains survey.

Proforma's.(Awards & Honors)
November 1, 2008... Proforma's "It's Only Natural" campaign was named the Grand Award Winner in the Complex Self-Promotion category for the 2008 PEAK Awards.

Spherion.(Awards & Honors)
November 1, 2008... Spherion was recognized as a world-class franchisor by the Franchise Research Institute based on survey results which evaluated the relationship between franchisees and franchisors.

TeamLogic IT presented three sales achievement awards to Larry Wetsch of Sioux Falls, S.D.(Awards & Honors)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... TeamLogic IT presented three sales achievement awards to Larry Wetsch of Sioux Falls, S.D. (Top Volume-Services); Roger Noakes and Mark Jones of Long Island, N.Y. (Top Volume-SystemWatch IT); and Keith and Taco Cowan of Mission Viejo, Calif....

Three Proforma owners were ranked in the top 5,000 fastest growing private businesses by Inc. magazine as part of its annual Inc. 5000 list.(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Three Proforma owners were ranked in the top 5,000 fastest growing private businesses by Inc. magazine as part of its annual Inc. 5000 list. From left, Proforma Co-CEO Vera Muzillo; Suzette and Fred Albrecht; Connie...

1-800-DryClean honored Driver Bill Frothingham.(Awards & Honors)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1-800-DryClean honored Driver Bill Frothingham from Steve and Carmen Nashland's organization in Apex, N.C. with its inaugural Franchise Employee of the Year award.

Where can I find guidance on the new FTC Franchise Rule?(Franchise.Org Q&A)
November 1, 2008... In addition to consulting attorneys knowledgeable on franchise law and attending IFA seminars on compliance, available at IFA's Web site is the FTC Compliance Guide, which includes frequently asked questions and staff opinions on the revised...

Two Men And A Truck.(Awards & Honors)
November 1, 2008... Two Men And A Truck was ranked the highest in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Full-Service Moving Company Customer Satisfaction Study.

Fitness Together Holdings sold its 600th franchise.(Milestones)
November 1, 2008... Fitness Together Holdings sold its 600th franchise which Matt Goldmark will open in New York.

Homewatch CareGivers sold the Georgia territory.(Milestones)
November 1, 2008... Homewatch CareGivers sold the Georgia territory to its 100th franchisees Jeff and Amy Whitehouse.

Moe's Southwest Grill.(Milestones)
November 1, 2008... Moe's Southwest Grill opened its 400th restaurant at a location in Plant City, Fla.

Schlotzsky's.(Growth)
November 1, 2008... Schlotzsky's opened its first location in Jordan.

Wyndham Hotel Group.(Growth)(Green Hospitality Management Co. LTD )(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Wyndham Hotel Group signed a non-exclusive agreement with Green Hospitality Management Co. LTD of Tokyo to open nine hotels in Japan during the next five years under the Ramada and Days Inn brands. The company also signed an exclusive agreement...

Carvel.(Marketing)(Customer Appreciation Day )(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Carvel celebrated Customer Appreciation Day in September giving a free Lil' Rounder novelty item to every guest and offering small soft serve cones for 59 cents.

Cold Stone Creamery.(Marketing)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Cold Stone Creamery launched its iMix America contest to engage Generation Y through facebook and MySpace social networks by asking them to develop an ice cream creation.

Country Place Living.(Marketing)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Country Place Living signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Labor to be the first company to participate on a nationwide basis in the Health Support Specialist Federal Apprenticeship Program.

F.C. Dadson.(Marketing)
November 1, 2008... F.C. Dadson developed an incentive program that offers discounts on product orders placed by franchise owners who are military veterans.

FranNet.(Marketing)
November 1, 2008... FranNet has partnered with SCORE to provide the Road Map to Success booklet to guide prospective investors in their quest for franchise ownership.

Home Helpers.(Marketing)
November 1, 2008... Home Helpers has offered Certified Senior Care Advisor training to its entire operations staff and franchisees.

HomeVestors of America.(Marketing)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... HomeVestors of America announced its Associate Franchise Program that will award franchises to people interested in residential real estate investing on a smaller scale and a part-time basis.

California Tortilla donated 4,000 Kids' Meals valued at $20,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic as part of its celebration for winning the "Best Casual Restaurant For Kids" Readers' Choice Poll win in July's Washingtonian magazine.(Comunity Service)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] California Tortilla donated 4,000 Kids' Meals valued at $20,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic as part of its celebration for winning the "Best Casual Restaurant For Kids" Readers' Choice Poll win...