On February 3-4, 2010 DDIFO Legislative Affairs Coordinator Rob Branca will be in Washington representing the DDIFO at the second annual CFA Day (Coalition of Franchisee Associations). “I’m really looking forward to getting together with other operators from other franchise systems and with our elected officials and their staffs to discuss important legislation,” said Branca. “It’s important that we bring our perspective to these folks and discuss how new laws and reforms will impact our businesses.”
Considering her personal and professional background, it is no wonder that Massachusetts State Representative Linda Dorcena Forry is a true friend and champion of small business owners. From her beginnings as the daughter of Haitian immigrants through her college career and into her decade-plus career in city and state government, Rep. Forry consistently has demonstrated a passion for education, community and public service.
Rajiv K. Trivedi writes an interesting article on Compliance in the September 2009 issue of Franchising World, which is a publication of the IFA (International Franchise Association), an association of franchisors.
Todd Owen, Qdoba’s vice president of franchise development, tells QSR about how the more-than-500-unit Mexican chain uses multi-concept franchisees to grow its business and what the chain’s strategy is to attract the best franchisees.
THE BENEFITS of owning a franchise are made clear in “Buying into a franchise can take uncertainty out of getting started’’ (Business, Oct. 11). But, based on our experience at Mediation Works Inc. with franchises, potential hazards inherent in these businesses should also be addressed.
Op-Ed by Matt Ellis, DDIFO’s Communication Director. Response to the Boston Globe’s recent article “Franchisees say Dunkin’s brewing trouble” illustrates the differing opinions franchise owners have about seeing their issues discussed in the press. Some lauded Jenn Abelson’s article as an important discussion of an issue of interest to the entire Dunkin’ Donuts franchise community; others saw it as an improper public airing of dirty laundry. In either case, any news related to Dunkin’ Donuts strikes a chord because of the popularity and positive perception people have for Dunkin’ Donuts and its products.
Don Sniegowski reports at Blue MauMau that Robert Purvin, chairman and CEO of the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD), has announced while with lawyers attending the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising event in Toronto, Ontario that he will be stepping down within the next six months.
Dunkin’ Donut franchise owners who attended the members’ meeting in Worcester, MA on September 22 learned about plans to double the size of the group’s membership, were exhorted to get involved with the government legislative process for their own benefit and heard a battle cry to fight against apparantly aggressive legal tactics by the brand against the franchise owners.
Some Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners remember the days of making the donuts. It’s harkens memories of days gone by and reflects the simplicity of the business in its early days. Today, technology has moved the business into the modern age—not just in baking but also in business operations. As an example, sophisticated Point-of-Service machines provide franchise owners with critical data to improve purchasing, sales and marketing. They also point out variances and help control shrinkage. This data is of tremendous benefit to both operators and the brand. As a result, the need has emerged for a policy to effectively manage the use of that data.
DDIFO is please to present Guest Commentary from time time from valued contributors. The following is an article written and submitted by Robert Zarco and Robert Salkowski attorneys at law, from Zarco Law, Bank of America Tower at International Place, 100 S.E. 2nd Street, Suite 2700, Miami, FL 33131, Telephone:(305) 374-5418.
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