|
IFA CALENDAR
|
 |
|
|
Midyear economic outlook predicts franchise-sector improvement
A midyear revision of the 2012 economic outlook for the franchise sector shows slight improvement from the initial forecast released in December, according to IFA. The revised forecast, prepared by IHS Global Insight, projects that the number of U.S. franchise establishments will increase 1.7%, or 12,454 more units, down slightly from the December forecast of 1.9%. Employment is projected to increase 2.2%, or 177,000 new jobs, up slightly from the original forecast of 2.1%. Economic output is projected to increase 5.3%, or $39 billion, up from the 5% projected in December. Read more
Are you ready for private equity?
With growing interest in franchising, private-equity investors are signing up for the first "Private Equity and Franchise Finance Bonus Session" during IFA's International Franchise Expo, June 14, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Javits Center in New York City. The session will offer a preview of private capital opportunities and a networking session with investors. Investors from The Riverside Company and TZP Group, as well as experts from The McLean Group and DLA Piper will preview private equity opportunities and trends. Then, Franchise Times Publisher Mary Jo Larson gathers franchise leaders to review the latest trends and options in franchise finance from senior debt to SBA loans. Register here.
IFA calls for 2013 convention topics
IFA's 2013 Convention Committee is developing a slate of educational sessions to meet the diverse needs of our membership and to address current challenges and opportunities in the franchise business community. To do that, we need your help. Please submit your suggestions for educational sessions, moderators or potential speakers using the online submission form.
|
|
IFA Forms New Accounting, Finance and Tax Group
The IFA is pleased to announce the formation of the Accounting, Finance and Tax Working Group. This new group will serve as a forum for accounting, finance and tax professionals in the franchise industry to discuss with their peers such issues as best practices and developing trends. Further, it will provide an opportunity to share practical advice. The group will also serve as an excellent resource, providing valuable insights which will allow IFA to make sound policy decisions when the franchise industry is faced with complex legislative and regulatory activity.
The Accounting, Finance and Tax Working Group will hold its first conference call on June 11 at 3:00pm EDT. The topic of the group's first call is "Working with State Tax and Revenue Officials." For questions, please contact Dean Heyl at dheyl@franchise.org.
Proposal would ban sale of large sugary drinks in NYC
Reports indicate that New York City will propose to ban thousands of franchise establishments from selling sugar-sweetened beverages including sodas, coffees, teas, juice drinks, flavored waters, sports drinks, or energy drinks in sizes larger than 16 ounces. Read IFA's statement on the proposal here. Also see the New York Times coverage of the beverage ban here.
Making the case for franchising
Franchise industry representatives will make the case for franchising during the 2012 Public Affairs Conference Sept. 10 to 11 in Washington, D.C. IFA's annual fly-in will provide franchisees, franchisors and suppliers the opportunity to educate federal lawmakers about issues affecting franchise businesses, including access to capital, labor and health care. ADP is the founding sponsor of IFA's Public Affairs Conference and sponsor of the Franchisee of the Year Awards, which are presented during the conference to the industry's most innovative and best performing franchisees. Register here. |
|
|
VetFran | |
Last Chance! IFA Members to Benefit from VA Candidate Screening Service
Participants in IFA's Franchising Pavilion at the VA's National Veterans Small Business Conference & Expo in Detroit June 26-28 will be eligible to participate at no charge in the VA Veterans Franchise Clearinghouse, a program that promotes franchise ownership opportunities, identifies and pre-qualifies potential veteran candidates in partnership with qualifying IFA members. The deadline to register is COB today (June 5th). To register, contact Erica Davis at erica.davis@hafaker.com. | |
Recruiting revs up as troops return in historic numbers
According to Franchise Times, more than 450 franchisors are now offering discounts to veterans through VetFran and the centerpiece of the efforts is called Operation Enduring Opportunity, launched with a bang last November by the IFA in partnership with the White House-led Joining Forces Initiative. "Our goal was to increase the membership of franchisors offering discounts to veterans by 15 percent-we're way past that. We hit our goal in the first two weeks of this year," said Mary Kennedy Thompson, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing and chairwoman of VetFran. Read more
SIGNARAMA Salutes Our Veterans
SIGNARAMA's VetFran program helps returning service members access franchise opportunities through training, financial assistance and industry support. SIGNARAMA is making available up to $40,000, by waiving the franchise fee, for one qualified U.S. Military Veteran to help him or her open a new SIGNARAMA. Through the VetFran program (Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative) SIGNARAMA also offers discounts off the franchise fee based on years of service. For more information click here.
|
|  |
| | | |
|
| |
ICFE Annual Survey
Certified Franchise Executives (CFEs) and CFE candidates should watch their email for a personalized invitation to participate in the 2012 ICFE Annual Survey. ICFE Chairman, Mark Liston, CFE noted, "The Institute of Certified Franchise Executives is devoted to constantly improving this program to benefit franchise professionals and feedback and comments from survey respondents is critical." Conducted annually since 2006, these surveys have provided information essential to ensuring the continuing success of the CFE program. Survey responses will be treated confidentially and may be submitted anonymously.
Tools and solutions for hiring veterans
Join us Saturday the 16th from 10-11a.m. during International Franchise Expo for a special seminar on "Tools & Solutions for Hiring Veterans." Topics will include why veterans make good franchisees, making your company veteran friendly, targeting the right veterans and financing.
2012 Major Award Nominations
Each Year a group of individuals are honored by IFA with its highest awards during the annual convention. To nominate someone click here. For questions, contact Jenna Weisbord at jweisbord@franchise.org.
Using Simultaneous Messaging Across Mixed Media Channels
Join Ryan Vaspra, vice president, media services,
Aviatech, LLC, at the next WednesdayWise webinar, June 6, at 2 p.m. Eastern time. WednesdayWise webinars, which are sponsored by the IFA Supplier Forum, are approved for 50 CFE participation credits per webinar. Register Now. | |
|
| |
|
|
|
John Rotche, who has more than 20 years of experience in the franchising industry, has made a name for himself and is showing no signs of stopping. Rotche has paired up with former professional boxer Danny Campbell, business partners Tom Lyons and Rick Washburn, and TITLE Boxing Company to complete an executive "Dream Team" and introduce TITLE Boxing Club to entrepreneurs as an intense franchise opportunity in the thriving health and fitness segment. Together, the team has carved a niche in the fitness segment and created a concept that not only gives members a good workout, but changes their lives, emotionally and physically.
ADP Announces Partnership with Team national
ADP announced it has entered into an agreement to become the corporate provider of payroll, compliance and benefits solutions to Team National and its 350,000 members. Team National is a multi-million dollar direct selling company with a growing member and customer base throughout United States. ADP is the founding sponsor of IFA's Public Affairs Conference and sponsor of the Franchisee of the Year Awards. | |
| | | |
|
|
|
