Franchising World articles from September 2005

Franchising World archives from September 2005

Franchise relations.(IN THIS ISSUE)
September 1, 2005... Enter in the term "Franchise Relations" in the search windows of the International Franchise Association Web site at Franchise.org and hundreds of results will appear. The beginning of any search on franchise relations starts at the...

The power of constructive communication.(IFA PRESIDENT'S COLUMN)
September 1, 2005... Many of us might agree with humorist and songwriter Tom Lehrer who said "I wish people who have trouble communicating would just shut up." Sometimes, that might be the best course of action. But Lehrer's statement also makes a...

No more sibling rivalry: franchise partners grow up.(FRANCHISE RELATIONS: TOGETHER TO THE FUTURE)(Cover Story)
September 1, 2005... Larry Tate has been involved in franchising long enough to have seen the system evolve through four "generations." "I see the evolution in terms of periods or eras that lasted about 10 years each," says the senior vice president of franchise...

Building blocks for an effective franchise relations program: trust must be earned on a regular basis ... over and over again.(FRANCHISE RELATIONS: TOGETHER TO THE FUTURE)
September 1, 2005... The relationship that a franchisor has with its franchisees is important to the long-term growth and success of a franchise system. Relatively new franchise systems as well as mature franchisors find that establishing and maintaining a quality...

Who needs a franchisee advisory council? IFA's Best Practices Series offers advice on a host of key franchising topics.(FRANCHISE RELATIONS: TOGETHER TO THE FUTURE)
September 1, 2005... The International Franchise Association's Franchise Relations Committee has published a number of handbooks in the past 10 years on subjects for improving relations between franchisees and franchisors. Several have been updated to reflect...

Information leads to incentive for franchisees: using an Internet portal as an effective tool helps shape a system-wide ethos of healthy competition.(FRANCHISE RELATIONS: TOGETHER TO THE FUTURE)
September 1, 2005... Spurring a competitive spirit among franchisees is a crucial thing for successful franchisors. It can also be a highly sensitive matter, depending on how you do it. Our company has come up with an Internet portal that, we think, successfully...

Intellectual capital: the hidden ingredient that drives franchise success: the recipe for your "secret sauce" can be found in all involved with a franchise system.(FRANCHISE RELATIONS: TOGETHER TO THE FUTURE)
September 1, 2005... What's in your "secret sauce?" Or, more directly asked, what's at the core of your franchise system's success? Posed with that burning question, most franchisors typically respond: "That's easy. It's our products or services. That's what's...

Mediation and arbitration myths: disagreements occur in even the best-managed franchise systems.(FRANCHISE RELATIONS: TOGETHER TO THE FUTURE)
September 1, 2005... Since no business relationship involving hundreds or thousands of participants is given immunity from human nature, there is a tendency for even well-meaning businesspeople to have differences, and sometime serious differences, of opinion....

IFA urges Supreme Court to protect businesses from unfair taxation.(FW FOCUS: LEGAL)(International Franchise Association)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The International Franchise Association has called on the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a state court decision that would unfairly expose businesses to state taxes. In a friend-of-the-court brief filed recently, the International...

Washington leaders to join Franchise Appreciation Day celebration! The International Franchise Association is pleased to announce that two of the nation's foremost friends of franchising and small business will feature attendees during September's Franchise Appreciation Day ceremonies in Washington, D.C.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)(Donald Manzullo, Hector V. Barreto)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... U.S. Representative Donald Manzullo of Illinois, who serves as chairman of the House Small Business Committee, will be honored as the International Franchise Association's Legislator of the Year on Monday evening, September 12. The award...

Q & A with U.S. Rep. Richard Baker: after establishing his own real estate company, Rep. Richard Baker began his public service at age 23. He was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1971 and served there for 15 years. During that time, he served as chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, Highways, and Public Works.(FW FOCUS: A FRANCHISING WORLD Q & A)(Interview)
September 1, 2005... In 1986, Baker was elected to the U.S. Congress to represent Louisiana's Sixth Congressional District. Today, he is the chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises....

Small business health plan facts: the U.S. Congress is considering legislation (H.R. 525 and S. 406, the "Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2005") to expand the availability of health coverage for employees of America's small businesses. This legislation would allow the formation of small-business health plans.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
September 1, 2005... Affordable health care is a problem for millions of Americans. * Of the 45 million Americans without health insurance, more than 60 percent work for a small business or are dependent upon someone who does. The current health care...

Beyond small business health plans: what else is Congress doing?(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
September 1, 2005... Providing affordable health care to employees is a challenge that many small business owners share. Too often, it is a challenge that they are not able to overcome. To help, the International Franchise Association has actively lobbied on...

Immigration moves up the Washington agenda: the movement to reform America's broken immigration system has been gaining steam in recent months. President Bush has told Congress he wants to see action this year and both Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) and House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) have publicly stated that they expect to consider legislation soon.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
September 1, 2005... As the co-chair of the Essential Worker Immigration Coalition, (EWIC.org), the International Franchise Association has been a leader on this issue in an attempt to ensure franchisees and franchisors have the workers they need to operate and...

Franchise Business Networks host elected officials.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
September 1, 2005... This year, the summer Franchise Business Network of the International Franchise Association featured a new twist as many brought in federal and state lawmakers to hear about franchising directly from their constituents. Spearheaded by IFA...

State roundup: health care, security and tax issues gain legislators' attention.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
September 1, 2005... IFA Participates in Eastern Regional Retail Conference As state legislative sessions wind down over the summer, the state legislative conference season gears up. Between July and September, the International Franchise Association will...

How to find & keep the best talent: train & motivate: making sure the brand is respected and that people are treated well is the bottom line.(FW FOCUS: EDUCATION & TRAINING)
September 1, 2005... Franchise operations have changed for the better. Today, it falls to both franchisors and franchisees to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for hiring, training and retaining the "best of the best" to achieve business success. This not...

Six ways to revitalize your operations manual: by applying these methods to your operations manual, you will also revitalize your business, your franchisees and their employees. You may even improve franchise sales.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)
September 1, 2005... Experienced franchisors insist that well--written, thorough operations manuals and training materials are their best sales tools. When a prospective franchisee must choose between several franchises, he will select the franchisor that provides...

Back to the basics of press release writing: "just the facts, Ma'am.".(FW FOCUS: PUBLIC RELATIONS)
September 1, 2005... Dum-de-dum-dum. Detective Sergeant Joe Friday was onto something when he uttered that now-famous phrase on "Dragnet" in the 1950s. As a cop on the beat in Los Angeles, getting the right information was the only way he could solve a tough case....

What's missing from your franchise tool chest? West Coast Franchise Expo features business building "Super Session" seminars.(FW FOCUS: FRANCHISE EXPO)
September 1, 2005... Do you have the latest tools you need to build your business? Two "Super Session" seminars prior to the West Coast Franchise Expo, Nov. 4-6 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, will feature the latest tools and technology needed to grow...

Franchise Diversity Institute names first board of directors.(FW FOCUS: DIVERSITY OUTREACH)
September 1, 2005... International Franchise Association Educational Foundation Chairman Steve Greenbaum, CFE, CEO and president of PostNet International Franchise Corp., recently announced the appointment of the Diversity Institute's board of directors. Directors...

Scholarship encourages minority students to study franchise law.(FW FOCUS: DIVERSITY OUTREACH)(International Franchise Association Educational Foundation)
September 1, 2005... The International Franchise Association Educational Foundation and DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary recently announced plans to establish a franchise law diversity scholarship award. The program will recognize academic achievement among minority law...

Arby's.(appointment of Darin Harris )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Darin Harris has joined Arby's as vice president of franchise sales.

Cookies by Design.(Gwen Willhite joined)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Cookies by Design founder Gwen Willhite has returned to the company's CEO post.

Cardsmart Retail Corp.(appointment of Frank Crivello)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Cardsmart Retail Corp. announced the appointment of franchise industry expert and veteran Frank Crivello, to the newly created post of senior vice president of retail sales and operations.

EmbroidMe.(Steve Kaye appointed)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... EmbroidMe hired Steve Kaye as vice president of communications and support.

Glass Doctor.(promotion of Mark Dawson)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Glass Doctor announced the promotion to company president for Mark Dawson, former vice president of operations.

Maui Wowi.(Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends hired Donald Scheer)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Maui Wowi announced the appointment of Donald Scheer as the company's chief financial officer.

Old Chicago.(John Hyduke appointed)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Rock Bottom Restaurants, the franchisor for Old Chicago, which specializes in serving imported beer and pizza, appointed John Hyduke as vice president of franchise development.

Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza.(John Barr appointed)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza appointed John Barr as CEO and as chief strategic officer.

RE/MAX Relocation Inc.(Stacie L. Groce appointed)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Stacie L. Groce has been named regional sales executive for RE/MAX Relocation, Inc.

Roark Capital Group.(Lawrence J. DeAngelo joined as partner)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm, announced today that Lawrence J. DeAngelo joined the firm as a partner.

Cinnabon Inc.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Cinnabon Inc. has opened its first unit in Turkey, located at the Maltepe Mall in Istanbul.

Comfort Keepers.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Comfort Keepers opened its first U.K. office near London.

Handyman Matters.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Handyman Matters announced the opening of its 100th franchise location, this in Elmhurst, Ill.

Subway.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Subway has opened its first location in Republic of Uzbekistan and its 200th location in Germany.

AmeriHost Franchise Systems.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... AmeriHost Franchise Systems will sponsor the 2005 Freedom of Rock Tour by offering free room nights to the event's team members. The tour was created by J&J Entertainment, a booking agency that manages bands and other forms of entertainment, to...

Caribou Coffee Co.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The Caribou Coffee Co. presented a check for more than $147,000 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation during a ceremony in Minneapolis. Half of the proceeds came from sales of "Amy's Blend", a special coffee Caribou offers each year in honor...

Coverall Cleaning Concepts.(Coverall Foundation Scholarship Program)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Coverall Cleaning Concepts has launched the Coverall Foundation Scholarship Program that will grant up to 10 $2,500 scholarships to eligible children of the system's janitorial franchise owners. The grants will be paid directly to the students'...

HomeVestors of America.(Ken D'Angelo Foundation formed in honor of the founder)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... HomeVestors of America has created the Ken D'Angelo Foundation to honor the company's late founder, who passed away in early 2005 following a brief battle with bile duct cancer. The foundation initiated its fundraising efforts with a special...

Veterans turning to franchising in increasing numbers.(FW FOCUS: VETFRAN)
September 1, 2005... More than 350 veterans own franchised small businesses today because of the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, an International Franchise Association program known as VetFran, which offers discounted franchise fees to veterans seeking to...

The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc.(awarded 2005 Corporate Partner of the Year for community service)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc. was named 2005 Corporate Partner of the Year by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. St. Jude selected the Melting Pot in recognition of the company's passion, enthusiasm and commitment across each of its...

RE/MAX International.(collecting used cell phones to benefit Coalition to Salute America's Heroes)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... RE/MAX International earlier this year began a campaign to collect cell phones for the benefit of the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes. Over a three-month period RE/MAX asked associates to donate used cell phones to assist the cause. Upon...

Caribou Coffee Co.(partners with Rainforest Alliance )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Caribou Coffee Co. has entered into a partnership with the Rainforest Alliance to provide third party certification of the sustainable coffees served by Caribou.

FranNet.(Marketing)(partnered with U.S. Small Business Association and SCORE to distribute iEdition, a small-business resource guide)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... FranNet has joined the U.S. Small Business Association and SCORE in partnering with Easi Media Inc. to distribute iEdition, a small-business resource guide to prospective entrepreneurs. The software contains comprehensive information designed...

TCBY.(Marketing)(Yovana, quick-service concept)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Yovana, a new quick-service concept designed to meet consumers' demand for fresh, healthy and convenient foods, was launched by TCBY. Yovana's first prototype store opened in Phoenix.

Kory Kogon, executive vice president of operations for AlphaGraphics.(honored as one of Utah's most dynamic businesswomen )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Kory Kogon, executive vice president of operations for AlphaGraphies, was honored as one of Utah's most dynamic businesswomen by Utah Business magazine.

Batteries Plus.(Honors)(Best Supply Chain/Logistics Solution)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Batteries Plus was named the Best Supply Chain/Logistics Solution by a small- to midsize-retailer at the Retail Systems Expo in Chicago. The award was in recognition of the franchise's newly-implemented distribution model that supports market...

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide.(vice president Juanita Nanez honored by Texas Diversity Council )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Vice Pres. of Diversity Juanita Nanez was recently recognized by the Texas Diversity Council for outstanding service and commitment in her role as president of the organization's North Texas Chapter. TDC is an...

Express Personnel Services.(founder Bob Funk won Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year 2005 award)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Bob Funk, founder and chairman of Express Personnel Services, has been named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year 2005 award winner in the Business and Financial Services category. The award recognizes entrepreneurs whose ingenuity, hard...

Friendly Ice Cream Corp. awarded LBJ Restaurant Group Inc. of Ocean Pine, Md. its Franchisee of the Year Award.(Honors)
September 1, 2005... Friendly Ice Cream Corp. awarded LBJ Restaurant Group Inc. of Ocean Pine, Md. its Franchisee of the Year Award. The franchise is owned by Mark Spangler Also honored as Franchise General Manager and Area General Manager of the Year was Jason...

FBN: Franchise Business Network or Fairway Blasters Notorious?
September 1, 2005... Caption: Who's to say IFA Franchise Business Network meetings must restrict themselves to agendas, speeches and presentations? It's hard to resist a glorious summer day, especially with the Rocky Mountains shimmering in the background. Question...

Choice Hotels International Inc.(mnority fanchise dvelopment initiatives)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Choice Hotels International Inc. has reinforced it's commitment to increasing minority hotel ownership with the launch of the Choice Hotels African American Owners Alliance and the Choice Hotels Hispanic Owners and Managers Alliance, which were...

Heard and seen at IFA.(Lee Hsien Loong to attend International Franchise Association sessions)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Washington, D.C. is an international crossroads, a perfect spot for contributing to the international development of franchising and a place where leaders of nations come to share their ideas and concerns. Earlier this summer, Singapore Prime...

Web site offers course in franchising basics.(International Franchise Association's service)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Orange County Register (Santa Ana, Calif.) To help individuals who might be considering the purchase of a franchise, the International Franchise Association is offering a free online course called "Franchising Basics." The 300-minute...