Independent Joe Magazine – August 2012

Dunkin Franchisees Help Pass Mass. Health Cost Reform

Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick on Monday, August 6, signed a health care cost amendment into law that the Dunkin’ Donuts Independent Franchisee Association pushed for, along with the National Federation of Independent Business, the New England Convenience Store Association and the Restaurant and Business Alliance

Massachusetts Senate Rejects Tip Pooling Amendment

Last week the Massachusetts Senate a jobs bills that aims to promote economic development.  In total, Senators filed 126 amendments to modify Senate Bill 2350. One such amendment offered by Senator Rodrigues and Senator Tarr would bring clarity to the Massachusetts tip pooling law. Amendment #76 that we offered would replace Massachusetts’ vague tip pooling…

Robert Branca on the Jeff Katz Radio Show Discussing the Tip-Pooling Amendment in MA

This is a must listen! Robert Branca, a Dunkin’ Donut franchisee in Mass, NY, Ohio and Fla, spoke to Jeff Katz a radio talk show host in the Boston area on AM 1200 this morning (7/19/2012) at 8:30 am. They may have gotten his title wrong but he did a great job in explaining how all the good intentions legislators have and many times it is warranted, can lead to momumental problems for small business owners and in the case of the tip-pooling law in Mass. negatively impact lower wage workers and customers.

Dunkin’ Donuts Franchisee Deo Braga Earns Chamber Salute

Deo Braga, was honored as Gloucester’s Small Business Man of the Year. Deo left Portugal for the United States in 1981 and embarked upon the American Dream. Starting in the kitchen of a Dunkin’ Donuts in East Boston, the then-20-year-old immigrant quickly baked his way up to position of manager of the Dunkin’ Donuts in Essex, a move which introduced him to Cape Ann, and eventually to Gloucester, where, together with his wife Paula, he would build an entrepreneurial empire estimated today at approximately $20 million and growing.

Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (“DCJIS”) Launches iCORI Website and Publishes Model Forms for Employers

The Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (“DCJIS”) launched a new on-line system (“iCORI”) for employers to use when conducting criminal background checks in Massachusetts.

Dunkin’ Donuts Franchise Owners Applauds Joint Committee’s Efforts for Fair Franchising Legislation

DDIFO applauds the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business and its co-Chairs, Senator Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett) and Representative Linda Dorcena Forry (D-Dorchester), for their efforts on behalf of franchise owners throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Level Playing Field for Small Business Act of 2012 California Fair Franchising Act

On Tuesday, April 17th, the California Judiciary Committee approved AB 2305, the California Franchising Level Playing Field for Small Business Act of 2012, via a 6 to 3 vote. It now passes to the California Assembly Business, Professions and Consumer Protections Committee for a hearing on April 24. After its approval, it will then later go to the full California Assembly and later, to the State Senate for approval, and on to Gov. Jerry Brown for his approval.

Temporary 504 Loan Refinancing for Eligible Small Business Assets Under the Jobs Act Expires 9-27-2012

From time to time DDIFO is pleased to present Guest Commentary from valued contributors. Guest commentaries feature the views, and opinions of the contributor and are not necessarily the opinions of DDIFO and it’s Board of Directors. The following is information submitted by Barbara Arena, Vice President of Granite State Development Corporation (GSDC) 131 Whitman Street, Hanson, MA 781-294-2244, barbara@granitestatedev.com, www.granitestatedev.com, regarding refinancing opportunities thru the SBA’s Temporary 504 Loan Refinancing Progam.

Assemblyman Huffman on California’s Fair Franchising Bill

Assemblyman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) speaks with Don Sniegowski from Blue MauMau about the fair franchising bill he introduced a month ago to the state of California, AB 2305, the Level Playing Field for Small Businesses Act. The bill was introduced to various committees of the assembly on Tuesday.