Franchising World articles from October 2004

Franchising World archives from October 2004

In this issue.
October 1, 2004... In building a franchise system, whether it's a new concept or a mature one, financing becomes a key issue. The maturity and familiarity of franchise brands eases the task of seeking financial backing because of the proven track record of...

Financing the acquisition of a franchise business.(Financing franchising's future: cash-to-go)(Cover Story)
October 1, 2004... When considering the purchase of a franchised business, potential acquirers often begin by targeting third-party funding sources, asking who would provide the debt or equity required to purchase the target company. There are two other potential...

Why lease when you can own? SBA 504 loans make it possible.(Financing franchising's future: cash-to-go)(U.S. Small Business Administration's 504 Loan Program)
October 1, 2004... When franchisees Brad and Risa May first began to explore the options available to them for their Goddard School franchises, they assumed they would be leasing their buildings. Instead, they were delighted to find out they could finance and...

Franchise financing challenges and opportunities.(Financing franchising's future: cash-to-go)
October 1, 2004... Franchising remains a leading force in the creation of the U.S. entrepreneurial marketplace which continues to fuel the economy producing new business owners and jobs. Although top economists have cut forecasts for U.S. economic growth next...

Why investors are drawn to franchising.(Financing franchising's future: cash-to-go)
October 1, 2004... One of the universal questions we all ask in the franchise business is, "Why are prospective franchisees attracted to a franchise." The obvious follow-up question is, "How can we attract more and better quality franchisees to our system." ...

In franchise financing, flexibility counts: when it comes to franchise financing, flexibility counts because flexible financing is the fuel to help your franchise business grow.(Financing franchising's future: cash-to-go)
October 1, 2004... Whether it's taking advantage of opportunities in the marketplace, boosting cash flow, increasing the number of locations, or refinancing, having the right financing approach to make it happen can be the key to long-term success. When choosing...

Retirement funds: a new path to the American dream: new franchisees open their doors with a retirement plan as the first order of business.(Financing franchising future: cash-to-go)
October 1, 2004... The choices for financing new franchises are as varied as the franchises themselves. Today, franchisors, especially those selling specific types of businesses, may benefit most from a relatively unknown type of product that allows individuals...

A golden opportunity for CDCs: franchising as a tool for economic development.(Financing franchising future: cash-to-go)(Community Development Corporation)
October 1, 2004... Over the course of the past two decades, many cities and towns--urban, suburban and rural--have made a concerted effort to revitalize the commercial districts that once were the center of retail activities in most of the residential...

Business-format franchising's significant lines of business.(FW Focus * Franchising and the Economy)
October 1, 2004... Business format franchising helps fuel the nation's economy. This sector was economically significant in 10 lines of business in 2001 as these excerpts from "The Economic Impact of Franchised Businesses" study reveal. The study was conducted...

A fundraising experience: does the idea of organizing a political fund-raiser sound daunting to you? If asked to arrange one, what would your response be, "Too busy" or "No experience?".(Legal/Legislative)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... I thought the same thing until recently when I arranged a fund-raiser for U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.). With the International Franchise Association's support, and sponsored by the Arizona Franchisor Association, setting up the event was...

Countdown to election 2004 underway.(Legal/Legislative)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... FranchisingVotes.com, a bi-partisan political Web site, provides complete details about 2004 election candidates. The site also lists legislators' Web sites so prospective voters can get more information about them and their positions on key...

Q & A with U.S. Representative Steve King.(A Franchising World Q & A)(Interview)
October 1, 2004... Steve King was elected to Iowa's new Fifth Congressional District in 2002. He brought his Iowa values with him to Washington, D.C. and works hard as a committed fiscal and social conservative. He is focused on agribusiness, tax issues,...

National Ombudsman helps small business owners and federal regulatory agencies find common ground.(Legal/Legislative)
October 1, 2004... U.S. Small Business Administration National Ombudsman Michael Barrera knows first hand the frustrations of small-business owners trying to comply with unfair regulatory enforcement actions by federal regulators. As an attorney in Kansas City,...

Legislative conferences dominate state government relations schedule.(Legal/Legislative)
October 1, 2004... The International Franchise Association Government Relations team spent much of the summer participating in state legislative conferences. These meetings, which afford IFA the opportunity to meet with state lawmakers and strategic business...

"No" vote Urged on California Prop. 72 on November 2: on Nov. 2, California voters will go to the polls with the opportunity to overturn a $7 billion health tax on employees and small businesses that passed as bill SB2 in late 2003, less than a week before former Gov. Gray David was recalled.(Legal/Legislative)
October 1, 2004... California Prop. 72, formerly bill SB2, if passed, would impose the following health-care mandates in California: starting in 2006, Proposition 72 would require employers with 200 or more California employees to pay for at least 80 percent of...

Franchisee relations is the key ingredient to success: like any relationship, that between a franchisor and its franchisees requires commitment and understanding from both parties.(Franchise Relations)
October 1, 2004... Two Carvel owners recently celebrated their 50th anniversary as franchisees, and it made me realize how fortunate I am to be involved with a brand with a 70-year heritage and passionate franchisees. It also caused me to reflect upon the hard...

Franchisee membership tops 7,000 enrollees.(FW Focus * Membership Services)
October 1, 2004... Carvel Corporation, Figaro's Pizza and Pak Mail Centers bring to 59 the number of IFA member companies that are participating in the International Franchise Association's System-Wide Membership Program, which is especially designed for...

Establishing an effective diversity plan: if you've lived in the United States for any length of time, you've heard the word "diversity.".(FW Focus * Diversity)
October 1, 2004... According to Webster, diversity is defined as "the condition of being diverse: variety."... "unlike: composed of distinct forms or qualities." However, in the workplace, in our schools and universities, in politics and in the arts, the word...

Attracting franchisees by better lead management: sure it's a challenge, but a well-planned lead management system can produce great results.
October 1, 2004... One of the greatest challenges to franchisors is obtaining quality franchisee prospects. Internet franchise lead generation Web sites have proliferated and compounded this problem and have created virtual nightmares for many franchise...

Advantages and challenges of developing in-house information technology solutions.(FW Focus * Technology)
October 1, 2004... Over the last five-to-10 years, the pace of development of technological solutions applicable to all franchised businesses has increased dramatically. Hardware is smaller, lighter, faster and more durable. Software has become easier to use,...

Community involvement: a "way of life": we always tell new franchisees that we are not just selling them a business, we are creating a new way of life for them.(FW Focus * Franchise Relations)
October 1, 2004... Whether your franchise concept is food, retail products or services, every franchisor in America faces a single, common challenge--maintaining consistency of their brand as they expand into new markets. While advertising, signage and other...

Protecting trade secrets and confidential information: a quick reference.(FW Focus * Legal)
October 1, 2004... Some of the most valuable assets that franchise systems own are their trade secrets and confidential information. If a franchisor is not diligent, its products and proven method of doing business can be copied by employees or franchisees who...

The franchise expo: the personal marketing tool: franchise expos are as relevant in the age of the Internet as they were years ago, especially for franchisors and prospective franchisees who prefer face-to-face interaction.(FW Focus * Marketing)
October 1, 2004... "There's nothing more valuable than personal interaction," explains Sandee Devine, vice president of franchise sales for SaladWorks. "We can send as many letters as we like and interact on our Web site, but nothing ever replaces the good...

How to identify foreign markets for Export.(FW Focus * International Development)
October 1, 2004... To succeed in exporting, a company must first identify viable international markets for its products or services. It is particularly important to succeed in the first international market because this success will lay the foundation to sell the...

Italy adopts new franchise disclosure law.(FW Focus * International Development)
October 1, 2004... Italy has become the latest European country, joining Spain and France, to specifically regulate franchise sales activity. The new Italian law became effective on May 25, 2004, upon its publication in Italy's Official Bulletin, the Gazetta...

Institute of Certified Franchise Executives--a professional development program for franchise executives by franchise executives.(FW Focus * Education & Training)
October 1, 2004... Growing numbers of franchisors are using the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives program to better prepare their executives and managers for improved performance. "The CFE program is the only one of its kind entirely devoted to...

VetFran premium participants can now access free business development tool.(FW Focus * Veterans Outreach)
October 1, 2004... The International Franchise Association's alliance with The Destiny Group as part of the association's Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative or VetFran now entitles those franchisors with premium sponsorship a tool to identify business...

Franchising World magazine nets second design award.(FW Focus * Awards)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The International Franchise Association's flagship publication Franchising World, read by thousands of franchise watchers for the latest news on the sector, was recently recognized for outstanding design. For the second time the publication has...

The Asian American Hotel Owners Association.(People)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) held its 2004 election for 11 open seats on its board of directors in August. Three incumbents won re-election while the remaining eight seats were filled by newcomers. Re-elected to one-year...

Burger King Corp.(People)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Burger King Corp. recently made the following personnel changes: appointed Betty Ann Blandon to vice president, audit and risk management; expanded the role of Andy Bonaparte, senior director, advertising and multi-cultural marketing, which...

Coverall Cleaning Concepts.(People)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Coverall Cleaning Concepts promoted Angela Bethge to marketing coordinator.

Cruise Holidays.(People)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Cruise Holidays hired Dan Chappelle as director of operations and franchise relations.

Independent Glass Association.(People)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Tim Smale, former CEO of the Independent Glass Association, has been hired as director of business development for Glass Doctor.

Hilton Hotels.(People)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Hilton Hotels named Julie Brandon as area director of sales and marketing Boston.

The Leisure Group.(People)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The Leisure Group has named Carl Knopp as director of facilities for Leisure Construction LLC.

The Melting Pot Restaurants.(People)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The Melting Pot Restaurants named Kelvin Johnson director of training and Justin Chamoun as operations training support; Mark Creasy and Brian Shelton have joined the company as field consultants; Mandy Gibson and Lisa Groth have signed on as...

Papa Gino's.(People)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Papa Gino's has picked Merrill S. Johnson to fill the new position of vice president of construction and facilities and appointed F. Paul Tobin as director of franchise operations.

PepsiCo's.(People)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... PepsiCo's new senior vice president and general counsel is Larry D. Thompson.

RE/MAX International.(People)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... At RE/MAX International Bruce Benhatn has been promoted to COO, Peter Gilmour rises to senior vice president of international franchise sales and brokerage.

Wendy's International.(People)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Wendy's International announced that Executive Vice President of Marketing Don Calhoon, a 26-year veteran, will move into a semi-retirement role and assume new responsibilities.

Allegra Network.(Community Service)(FootPRINT Fund)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... In less than a year, the Allegra Network FootPRINT Fund for nonprofit organizations has awarded more than $400,000 in free printing services to a wide variety of associations, charities and institutions. Allegra Network LLC launched the fund...

Blimpie International.(Community Service)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Blimpie International has presented its 2004 scholarships to Samantha Blasbalg of Barrington, R.I., Kellie J. Melvin of Cheyenne, Wy. and Vinesh J. Patel of Spartanburg, S.C. Each recipient earned a $2,000 scholarship award that will be applied...

Burger King.(Community Service)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... As students nationwide geared up to go back to school, the Burger King/ McLamore Foundation's Burger King Scholars Program planned to award 1,600 scholarships nationwide. To date, the program has awarded more than $7 million in scholarships to...

Friendly Ice Cream Corp.(Community Service)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Friendly Ice Cream Corp. raised $870,000 to benefit local Easter Seals, an increase of $200,000 over last year's fundraising efforts.

Skyline Spa & Health Club.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Skyline Spa & Health Club, the full-service spa located on the 23rd floor of the Hilton Americas-Houston hotel, got Star of Hope families one step closer to a new school year with manicures and massages for over-stressed "back-to-school" moms...

Blimpie International.(Marketing)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Blimpie International announced plans to re-invigorate its brand by using a consumer-focused approach by everyone in the system including all franchisees, area representatives and corporate employees to maintain the highest standards of quality...

Cendant Corp.'s Wingate Inn.(Honors)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Cendant Corp.'s Wingate Inn hotel chain has been ranked top in its class and third among all hotel brands in North America by the J.D. Power and Associates annual consumer satisfaction study.

The Chicago Bar Foundation and the Chicago Bar Association has recognized the professional achievements and contributions to pro bono work.(Honors)(Maurice Weigle Exceptional Young Lawyer Award)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The Chicago Bar Foundation and the Chicago Bar Association has recognized the professional achievements and contributions to pro bono work of Piper Rudnick attorney Catherine M. Burkhardt by presenting her the Maurice Weigle Exceptional Young...

Don Dwyer Jr., director of international operations for The Dwyer Group.(Transactions)(Worldwide Supply)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Don Dwyer Jr., director of international operations for The Dwyer Group, has purchased Worldwide Supply, the Waco-based apparel, promotional products and specialty supply company which is a preferred vendor that services all of The Dwyer...

Marble Slab Creamery.(Growth)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The Marble Slab Creamery has opened its 400th store.

Piper Rudnick.(Growth)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Piper Rudnick has opened its first overseas office, in France.

RE/MAX International has now begun.(Growth)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... RE/MAX International has now begun operations in Croatia, its 52nd country.

Valpak.(Growth)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Valpak has announced plans to build a 500,000-square-foot production facility in St. Petersburg, Fla., which is expected to be fully operational in early 2007 and occupy an area equivalent to 10 football fields.

High school scholars triumph in franchising competition.(FW Focus * Education)(Entrepreneurship Participating Event-Organizing A Franchise Business)(International Franchise Association Educational Foundation)(Sylvan Learning Centers Foundation)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Three high school students received trophies and cash awards as national winners of the "Entrepreneurship Participating Event-Organizing A Franchise Business" contest sponsored by the International Franchise Association Educational Foundation...

Welcome new IFA members.(FW Focus * Welcome)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... IFA Franchise Systems AVALAR, Rohnert Park, Calif., Contact Chuck Scoble FastTrain, Miami, Contact Alex Amor Instant Tax Services Corp., Dayton, Contact Chuck Lovelace Chanticlear Franchise System, Fridley, Minn., Contact...

International Franchise Association programs and calendar of industry events.(Important Dates in Franchising)(Calendar)
October 1, 2004... 2004 OCTOBER 6-7 International Symposium on Franchising London, England Contact: IFA 12 Franchise Business Network Meeting: "Improving the Financial Performance of Your Franchise System at the Franchisee Level and System-wide"...

Veterans Franchise program offers increased visibility.(VetFran)(Destiny Group)
October 1, 2004... Franchise systems that support America's veterans can tap additional resources in their efforts to offer opportunities to former military personnel. Through an alliance with the Destiny Group, the International Franchise Association has taken...