Lieutenant Governor Guadagno Confirmed for DDIFO Conference – DDIFO continues to add exciting components to our lineup for the 2013 National Conference. This week we confirmed that New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno will address DDIFO attendees on Tuesday, September 17 at 11:00 AM. Lt. Governor Guardano also serves the Garden State as its Secretary of State and leads…
As we comb the courts for examples of cases involving franchising, restaurants and labor law, we try to home in on those that could impact Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners. In this issue of Independent Joe, we want to bring you up to date on a series of cases argued before the U.S. Supreme Court which…
North Carolina’s Changing Environment – North Carolina takes a different view of environmental considerations when it comes to rezoning proposals and the jobs it can represent. Currently, in Charlotte, residents may protest rezoning issues and force a supermajority requirement on the Charlotte City Council. The legislature however is within one final vote of passing the Create…
The ins and outs of keeping your Dunkin’ Donuts afloat are enough to fill your days and maybe even your nights, but the government likes to add to your challenges. With laws and regulations involving paid sick leave, higher payroll taxes and added meals taxes, Uncle Sam is putting his two cents into your business.…
Obama Administration Delays Employer Mandate – Not only big news, but Good News! The big story of the week was the Obama Administration’s decision to delay the implementation of the Affordable Care Act’s employer mandate until 2015 – coincidentally after the 2014 mid-term congressional elections, but whatever their reasons . . . The delay in…
New Delaware Law Clarifies Franchisee/Franchisor Roles – Earlier this week,Delaware Governor Jake Markell signed into law, HB55, legislation that establishes that the franchisee and franchisor relationship is actually one where the franchisee is considered an independent contractor! The proposal passed both branches of the Delaware legislature unanimously and is similar to a bill that was passed into law in Georgia last…
A virtual cup of coffee with DDIFO Executive Director Ed Shanahan – May 18, 2013 Legislative Activity picking up all around the footprint! – As individual state legislatures dive into the meat of their new legislative sessions, there is much activity swirling around issues of concern to all franchise owners across the country. Leading that…
Last year with much fanfare, the City of New York, through its Board of Health, called for a ban on the sale of sugary drinks over 16 ounces, in restaurants, concessions and other eating establishments. Such sale was not banned in supermarkets. Advocates, led by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, claimed that the ban was necessary to…
Rising health care premiums. Minimum wage increases. Paid sick leave. Bans on large sugary drinks and Styrofoam containers. Running a business has plenty of challenges even before the government gets involved. And get involved they have: federal, state, and local governments are all looking for ways to squeeze more money out of businesses and individuals,…
From minimum wage to paid sick leave to health care reform, issues debated in legislative arenas this year stand to have a greater impact on small business owners than ever before. More and more small business owners are recognizing the importance of communicating their concerns directly with elected officials—at all levels. Since 2009, franchise owners…