FASTSIGNS, the world’s premier business-to-business marketing solution, sign, and graphics franchise, announced today that it has been approved for a new franchisee lending program created by The Bancorp Bank (“Bancorp”), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Bancorp, Inc., and Franchise America Finance™.

Bancorp has agreed to provide up to $4 million to start-up and expanding franchisees for new center development. This capital allows FASTSIGNS to continue its franchise growth momentum and stimulate the economy by creating new permanent and sustainable jobs. FASTSIGNS is the second franchisor that has been approved by The Bancorp Bank for its new lending program thus far.

“With over 350 markets ready and approved for development, this program provides the necessary capital for franchise candidates that will allow us to continue building upon the strength of our brand,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “This is extremely positive news for potential franchisees who want to grow with the FASTSIGNS system.”

This national franchise lending program is the only one of its kind, founded on a collaborative effort between the lender and franchisor to provide a predictable model for franchise financing. Specifically created for start-up and expanding franchise businesses, the program is limited to top performing franchise systems. Funding is available nationally for new and existing franchisees (of approved franchisors) who meet predetermined standards set by The Bancorp Bank.

“We are thrilled to have FASTSIGNS as our second approved franchise system in our strategic alliance with The Bancorp Bank,” said Ronald Feldman, CEO of Franchise America Finance, the exclusive franchise program manager for Bancorp. “FASTSIGNS’s metrics, especially their strong unit economics, fit our goals in providing capital to franchisees to start their businesses.” He added; “We anticipate adding a number of additional franchise systems in the coming weeks.”

“The Bancorp Bank is pleased to offer a streamlined approach to franchise lending. We see our franchise program as a great source for job creation to stimulate the US economy,” said Diane Gallion, SVP of Government Guaranteed Lending for Bancorp.

About FASTSIGNS

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the worldwide franchisor for the more than 530 FASTSIGNS® sign and graphic centers located in the US, Canada, the UK, Brazil, Mexico and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®). FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centers leverage sign and marketing knowledge, state-of-the-art technology and innovative thinking to solve customers’ marketing and communications challenges—from the simple… to the simply impossible™. Centers provide consulting, project management, file transfer, design, production, delivery and installation for a full range of custom sign and graphic solutions. For information about the franchise opportunity, visit this page.

Tweet This Page/Story

“Tony brings to AAMCO a wealth of experience, plus the vision and strategic ability to lead our franchise development department into 2011 and beyond,” said Marc Graham, CEO. “We are thrilled to have Tony on board with us, and look forward to seeing how he applies his industry experience and proven results to our focused growth strategies.”

While remaining a leader in its segment, AAMCO has continued its system wide growth, with the opening of 32 new locations in 2009. Given our robust business model, coupled with strong operating and training support, we are poised to accelerate our 5 year development plan, as we plan to double our current growth rate by the end of 2011. As a crucial part of the team, Padulo, who holds a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) accreditation from the International Franchise Association, will lead AAMCO’s franchise development while bringing over 30 years of franchise, real estate, and automotive experience from several years with ARCO Oil, where he served as its Director of Franchise Development. During his tenure, he was responsible for developing a comprehensive franchise revitalization strategy and platform for the ARCO/ampm gas station/convenience store offering.

Prior to joining ARCO, Padulo spent 22 years working with Dunkin’ Brands, Inc., parent of Dunkin’ Donuts, and Baskin-Robbins. For nearly a decade, Padulo served as Vice President of New Business Development, International, where he responsible for launching the brands in over 30 new countries. He spent his final three years at the company as Vice President of New Business Development and Franchise Services, guiding franchising activities for the brands as well as overseeing development of non-traditional units inside chains. Padulo was also Senior VP of Franchise Development for Papa Gino’s Inc, holding company for both Papa Gino’s Pizzas, and D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches, and most recently worked with RE/MAX of New England, where he developed the industry’s first nontraditional development program with third party retailers.

“As a brand with a historically established household name, I sincerely look forward to leading AAMCO’s franchise and real estate development by initiating innovative franchise development strategies to the already established model. My main priority is to increase franchising activity through a focused growth strategy, while concurrently streamlining AAMCO’s center opening lead times.” Padulo said.

AAMCO has been the recognized leader in the transmission business for over forty years and in the past three years has expanded its services into the $200 billion general automotive repair aftermarket. With brand recognition in excess of 90 percent, almost 900 locations nationwide and the most highly skilled technicians in the industry, AAMCO is well positioned to become the market leader in brakes, tune-ups, air conditioning and other aftermarket services.

About AAMCO
AAMCO is the world’s largest chain of transmission specialists and one of the leaders in total car care services. The AAMCO brand has approximately 900 automotive centers throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Established in 1962, AAMCO is proud to have served more than 35 million drivers. Today, under the leadership of CEO and President Marc Graham, American Driveline Systems Inc., the parent company of AAMCO and Cottman Transmissions Systems, LLC, AAMCO has laid out a comprehensive strategy focused on strengthening current franchisee profitability and complemented by a growth plan through the next five years, which includes strengthening its brand footprint in existing markets and venturing into untapped territories through franchise development. For more information, visit this page.

###

Tweet This Page/Story

Mr. Cobb also oversaw affiliated businesses including StubHub, Shopping.com and Rent.com.  Prior to heading eBay U.S. Marketplaces, he was General Manager of eBay International, and before that served as head of global marketing for eBay.

Before joining eBay, Mr. Cobb held senior marketing positions with Pepsico/Tricon, now YUM! Brands. For more than 12 years, he held positions with senior marketing responsibilities for KFC International, Pizza Hut International and Taco Bell International. Mr. Cobb also held senior marketing positions for domestic operations of Pepsi-Cola earlier in his tenure.

In addition to H&R Block, Mr. Cobb is a director of Orbitz Worldwide (OWW), Pacific Sunware of California (PSUN) and Och-Ziff Capital Management Group (OZM).

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Bill Cobb to the H&R Block Board of Directors,” said Richard C. Breeden, Chairman of the Board. “Over an eight-year period Bill helped build eBay into one of the largest and most successful eCommerce businesses in the world. As we consider opportunities to enhance our digital businesses, such as online tax filing and prepaid debit cards, Bill’s experience will be extremely helpful to us. His extensive marketing experience for highly successful brands also will be an important addition to the board. Bill has a proven record of creating shareholder value in the digital arena, and also brings high-level executive leadership experience to our board,” added Mr. Breeden.

Mr. Cobb is a graduate from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s of science degree in economics. He also holds an MBA degree from Northwestern University. Mr. Cobb lives in Bay Harbor, Mich.

# # #

About H&R Block

H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is one of the world’s largest tax services provider, having prepared more than 550 million tax returns since 1955. In fiscal 2010, H&R Block had annual revenues of $3.9 billion and prepared more than 23 million tax returns worldwide, utilizing more than 100,000 highly trained tax professionals. The Company provides tax return preparation services in person, through H&R Block At Home™ online and desktop software products, and through other channels. The Company is also one of the leading providers of business services through McGladrey. For more information visit our Online Press Center at www.hrblock.com.

Tweet This Page/Story

These new owners demonstrated throughout our selection process that they will represent the Molly Maid brand well in their respective markets.”
The franchise agreements were signed in the following areas:
Frederick, MD
College Point, NY
Woodbine, NJ
Gwinnett County, GA
Waterford, MI
Sayville, NY
Nassau County, NY
Miami, FL

“We are excited to welcome all these new franchise owners to the Molly Maid family and they are thrilled to be affiliated with our trusted brand name,” Mailloux said. “In addition to opening their new business, these
franchisees will be backed with top-notch training and ongoing marketing support from our home office. It’s the best of both worlds.”

To date, Molly Maid has cleaned 17 million households around the world and performed 1.4 million cleaning jobs in 2009 alone. Molly Maid franchise owners don’t actually clean homes, rather they receive training and support from the home office to recruit, train, motivate and manage employees to clean customers’ homes in the utmost professional and thorough manner.

Employees are screened and properly insured. The Molly Maid franchise opportunity, ideal for entrepreneurs with a sales or management background, provides franchise owners with unlimited room for growth without working nights and weekends.

The average cost to open a Molly Maid franchise is approximately $165,000 with a franchise fee of $ 14,900.

About Molly Maid

Molly Maid, based in Ann Arbor, MI, is one of three service companies under Service Brands International. The residential cleaning franchise, ranked number one in the United States, was founded in 1979 and began franchising in 1984.

Currently, more than 450 Molly Maid units are operating in the United States alone, with an additional 300 operating throughout Puerto Rico, Canada, Japan, England and Portugal. Molly Maid has consistently ranked well in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 rankings, currently at number 81.

Molly Maid has also been the recipient of numerous awards for entrepreneurialism, software innovation and humanitarian causes, including the Ms. Molly Foundation, which collects money and goods for safe houses and shelters for victims of domestic violence.

Molly Maid is currently seeking franchise partners in strategic markets across the country. For more information, go to www.mollymaidfranchise.com.

###

Tweet This Page/Story

The $10 off coupon offer from Old Navy is only available for Great Clips customers, all of them, not just school-age kids.

Great Clips will feature the offer in print ads, radio and TV.  They’ll also promote the offer in more than 2,800 salons throughout North America with posters and station banners.

That’s the marketing power of the world’s largest hair salon brand.

###

Tweet This Page/Story

“IFA strongly opposes S. 3628, the Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections Act (DISCLOSE),” IFA Vice President of Government Relations David French said in a letter to all Senators.  “This legislation directly threatens the First Amendment rights of hundreds of thousands of small franchised business owners by placing onerous restrictions on the free speech of small businesses, corporations and trade associations while ignoring the political influence and spending of labor unions.”

The legislation would require significant new reporting requirements for corporations or trade associations that engage in various forms of express advocacy as well as issue-based voter education campaigns.

“The sponsors of the bill admit that the bill’s purpose is to deter businesses and trade associations from participating in the political process,” French said.  “Small franchised businesses would be at a tremendous disadvantage since they do not have the resources that larger corporations or labor unions enjoy so they often coalesce together through trade associations to amplify their voice.  The Supreme Court has repeatedly recognized that voluntary associations are vital participants in our public debate, and that government attempts to curb participation in associations to stifle their voice violate the First Amendment.”

French noted that the legislation imposes no comparable restrictions on labor unions even though unions and their political action committees are the single largest contributor to political campaigns and claim to have spent nearly $450 million in the 2008 presidential race.

“The discriminatory treatment of corporations and small businesses is a significant departure from prior campaign finance legislation, such as McCain-Feingold, in which Congress treated corporations and unions equally under the law,” French said.  “Attempting to silence the voice of small businesses in the political process while enabling unions to retain their enormous influence is an unconstitutional threat to the election process.”

###

Tweet This Page/Story

The podcasts, featuring interviews with business representatives from Uganda, Cameroon and Bahrain, are part of a comprehensive effort by SBA to promote and support the President’s National Export Initiative. The interviews focus on what U.S. companies can expect when exporting to those countries and provide information relevant to their respective business and import environments.

“U.S. small businesses looking to increase sales and profit should look beyond the U.S. borders. Nearly 96 percent of the world’s consumers live outside the U.S. and small businesses need to factor that in to their strategic planning,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “We’re hoping these tools will help them do that, so they can grow and create jobs here at home.”

The podcasts on Uganda and Cameroon include interviews with two women business owners who are members of the African Women’s Business Network, an organization that supports a network of businesswomen’s organizations in Africa. The podcast on Bahrain features an interview with an official of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce.

The podcasts are available online at http://www.sba.gov/tools/audiovideo/Podcasts/index.html and include transcripts. They provide valuable information on country infrastructure, types of U.S. products and services in demand, cultural tips on how to do business, and other relevant issues.

In his State of the Union Address on Jan. 27, 2010, President Obama announced the National Export Initiative, as part of an effort to promote and achieve long-term, sustainable economic growth for the United States. The president has a goal of doubling exports over the next five years, an increase that will support 2 million American jobs.

The SBA is committed to supporting NEI by offering American small businesses the resources they need to break into and succeed in the global market.

In addition to the new online tools, SBA resource partners – Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers and SCORE – as well as U.S. Export Assistance Centers are available to assist small businesses who are interested in exporting in every U.S. state and territory.

These resource partners can help entrepreneurs identify potential export markets, facilitate export transactions, develop links between United States small business and prescreened foreign buyers, advise on participation in international trade shows, assist in obtaining export financing and developing or reorienting marketing and production strategies.

In addition to counseling resources in every state and territory there are export specialists available at the eight International Trade Export Assistance Centers and SCORE online international trade advisers.

There are 19 U.S. Export Assistance Centers located in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States. USEACs are one-stop shops ready to provide small- or medium-sized businesses with personalized local export assistance by professionals from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Export-Import Bank and other public and private organizations.

For more information on USEACs, please visit http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/internationaltrade/useac/index.html.

To find your local counseling resources please visit www.sba.gov.

###

Tweet This Page/Story

Throughout the month of June 2010, more than 550 Rita’s locations encouraged guests to purchase paper lemons for $1 each to raise money for the charity. Each Rita’s guest was able to personalize his/her lemon and then post it on a “Wall of Hope” to demonstrate the local community’s collective support for ALSF’s mission.

The response was overwhelming and during the month of June, Rita’s was able to raise $575,000 – the largest amount the company has raised since partnering with ALSF in July 2006. Since Rita’s and the foundation first teamed up, Rita’s has raised more than $2.5 million toward the foundation’s cause and is ALSF’s top-contributing corporate fundraiser.

ALSF was humbly established in the summer of 2000, when four-year-old cancer patient, Alexandra “Alex” Scott, began a quest with her front yard lemonade stand to raise money for pediatric cancer research. Despite her deteriorating health, Alex continued to hold annual lemonade stands until her passing in 2004.  Alex’s spirit and determination gave birth to a nationwide fundraising movement, which has generated more than $30 million toward finding a cure for pediatric cancer.

“We greatly appreciate our guests’, franchise partners’ and treat team members’ participation in what has become an annual tradition of giving at Rita’s,” said Jim Rudolph, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Rita’s Italian Ice. “We are so proud and honored to be able to support Alex’s Lemonade Stand in such a meaningful way, and we genuinely share in the organization’s drive to find a cure for pediatric cancer.”

In addition to the paper lemon fundraiser, Rita’s has continued to honor the late Alex Scott since 2006 when it officially and permanently renamed its lemon ice flavor, “Alex’s Lemonade.” Lemon, one of Rita’s two original flavor offerings when it opened in 1984, is one of the company’s most popular flavors.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have a committed partner like Rita’s Italian Ice,” said Jay Scott, Alex’s father and executive director of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. “On behalf of our foundation, I want to thank the thousands of Rita’s employees and customers for canvassing the walls with paper lemons again this year.”

About Rita’s Franchise Company

Rita’s Franchise Company, headquartered in Trevose, PA, is the largest Italian Ice concept in the nation, currently operating in 18 states with more than 550 stores. Rita’s brand promise is Ice, Custard and Happiness. The chain offers a variety of frozen treats including its famous Italian Ice, Old Fashioned Frozen Custard, and layered Gelati, healthy Light Line treat options as well as its signature Misto and Blendini creations. Rita’s was named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal’s ‘Startup Journal.’ In a 2009 Zagat survey of over 6,000 fast-food fans, Rita’s was ranked #2 in the Top Ice Cream/Custard category. For more information about Rita’s, please call 1-800-677-RITA or visit www.ritasice.com. The world needs more Rita’s!

About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004).  At the age of 4, Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of volunteers across the country carrying on her legacy of hope. To date, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $30 million toward fulfilling Alex’s dream of finding a cure, funding over 150 research projects nationally.  For more information visit www.AlexsLemonade.org

Tweet This Page/Story

“McDonald’s second quarter reflects strong top-line and bottom-line results with each area of the world generating higher comparable sales, traffic and profits,” said Chief Executive Officer Jim Skinner. “This performance demonstrates the popular appeal of McDonald’s relevant menu choices. We’re delivering great tasting food to our 60 million customers around the world every day with the outstanding value and unmatched convenience they expect from McDonald’s.”

The Company reported the following highlights for the quarter:

In addition, the Company announced the following:

McDonald’s U.S. continued to deliver results by maintaining its commitment to high-quality food at a great value – a top priority for today’s consumer. For the second quarter, U.S. operating income rose 7% as sales were driven by the beverage line-up, featuring the popular new Frappes and value-based beverages, as well as classic core menu favorites and the everyday affordability of the Dollar Menu.

McDonald’s Europe generated strong comparable sales for the second quarter against robust prior year results. France, Russia and the U.K. fueled Europe’s 9% (14% in constant currencies) operating income increase.

Upgrading the customer experience with contemporary and inviting decors, signature menu options and unique marketing promotions contributed to Europe’s second quarter performance.

Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa’s (APMEA) second quarter results reflect broad-based strength across the segment. Australia and China led the segment’s 19% (9% in constant currencies) quarterly operating income increase as everyday affordability, daypart expansion and core menu extensions continue to give customers even more reasons to visit McDonald’s in APMEA.

Jim Skinner concluded, “What makes McDonald’s unique is the distinctive experience we’re creating for our customers through menu innovation, restaurant reimaging and operations excellence.

I am pleased with our second quarter performance and confident in our ability to continue to deliver solid results. As we begin the third quarter, our momentum continues with July global comparable sales trending in-line with or better than second quarter sales.”

Tweet This Page/Story

The WFN developed the list based on a rigorous analysis of several factors, including historical performance, brand identification, franchisee satisfaction, training, on-going support and financial stability. Another important determinant is the percentage of existing franchises that are Hispanic-owned, as well as the number of Hispanics in the franchisor’s top levels of management.

“Based on the results of this year’s survey, we are extremely pleased to notice both the increase in the number of Hispanic-owned franchisees, as well as the increased Hispanic representation among the top management. There is no question that the franchising community is increasingly aware of the economic power and underlying talents within the Latino community.

Over time, Latinos will realize their full potential and the playing field will indeed be level. Hopefully, that day is not far off,” notes WFN Founder Rob Bond.

For a more complete list of franchise systems that wish to increase their Hispanic and other minority representation, please go to www.MinorityFranchising.com. The site lists over 500 companies committed to recruiting and supporting minorities, as well as resources that are essential to the evaluation process.

The WFN also publishes an annual list of the 50 Top Franchises for Minorities for USA Today – Franchising Today using a similar analysis. (That questionnaire can be found here.) The questionnaire notes, among other things, the number of minority franchisees currently in the system, the proportion of minority executives in senior management and whether the franchisor makes efforts to actively recruit minority franchisees.

This year’s survey will be initiated in July 2010 and the article will be published in October. Franchisors will be contacted in July to see if they wish to participate. There is no cost to participate; the only requirement is the submission of the completed questionnaire and the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document.

The Top Franchises for Hispanics list was initially compiled by the National Minority Franchising Initiative (NMFI), a program launched by World Franchising Network (WFN) in 2000 to level the playing field and meet the needs of a largely under-represented market.

The WFN, which manages the www.MinorityFranchising.com website, the Minority Franchise Guide publication and franchise-related events throughout the country, represents an effective and cost-efficient tool for franchisors to increase minority representation within their systems.

Tweet This Page/Story