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.

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“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.”

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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.

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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

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“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.”

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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.

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“I am concerned about the tremendous upheaval in the retail income tax preparation industry.  The Bloch family was instrumental in creating the concept and I would like to see what they think about the current landscape,” said Hewitt today from his corporate headquarters in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

“I’ve been thinking about this, and it seems like an opportune time for the Blochs and Hewitts to convene.  My father Dan, my son Danny and I would be honored to meet with them,” commented John Hewitt, CEO and Founder of Liberty Tax Service. “My dad and I reached out to Tom Bloch in March of 1982 to bring our unique software to H & R Block. It will be interesting to see if we can align our interests 28 years later.”

“Ultimately, we share the same goal: to navigate a steady and successful future course for the major tax companies in challenging times.  Anyone who has been as dedicated and involved in the retail tax preparation business like the Blochs and the Hewitts must be feeling a touch of sadness watching market share erode,” added Hewitt.

The Hewitts also founded Jackson Hewitt Tax Service in 1982.  “From personal experience I know what it feels like to have a company that bears your last name teeter on the brink of failure, as Jackson Hewitt is doing today,” said Hewitt.

Of the top three tax service companies, Liberty Tax Service is the only one to demonstrate overall system growth during the challenging economic climate of 2010.

Throughout this decade, Liberty Tax Service has demonstrated solid gains in an industry formerly dominated by tax giant H&R Block (NYSE:HRB) and, for eight straight years, has grown by more returns than both Jackson Hewitt (NYSE:JTX) and H&R Block combined.

John Hewitt’s entry point into the tax industry was an H&R Block tax course he took in 1969.  Hewitt started as a tax preparer, then began his climb up the H&R Block management ranks.

Hewitt advanced to a position as regional director, the youngest ever in the Block operating system.  Hewitt managed over 2,000 preparers in 250 offices in one of Block’s largest districts.

About Liberty Tax Service:

Liberty Tax Service, is the fastest-growing retail tax preparation company in the industry’s history. Founded in 1997 by CEO John T. Hewitt, a pioneer in the tax industry, Liberty Tax Service has prepared over 8,000,000 individual income tax returns.

With 41 years of tax industry experience, Hewitt is the most experienced CEO ever in the tax preparation business, having also founded Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (NYSE:JTX).

Liberty Tax Service provides computerized income tax preparation, electronic filing, and online filing through eSmart Tax.  The Liberty Tax Service franchise opportunity is #9 on the fastest-growing franchises list of the 2010 Entrepreneur “Franchise 500”, and was selected as one of the top 26 Franchises for Hispanics by PODER magazine in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010.

The company is a member of the International Franchise Association, and an active member of its MinorityFran and VetFran programs.

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“Making the consumer experience a great one is a goal of Zippy Shell Mobile Self Storage. This experience begins the day a potential customer comes into contact with us and doesn’t end until their valued goods are safely returned to them”, said Rick Del Sontro, President of Zippy Shell USA. “We believe that our new website and those of our franchisees have positioned us perfectly to interface with the consumer public”.

Zippy Shell USA, LLC is now offering franchise and license opportunities in markets throughout the US, and is looking to change the way consumers’ store, move and declutter. Zippy Shell mobile self storage is a unique offering for entrepreneurs looking to get into mobile self-storage, the fastest growing segments of the storage industry. The Zippy Shell model is unlike anything offered in the market, and can provide investors multiple income streams.”

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Nearly 25% of U.S. consumers — 43.4 million Americans — have credit scores below 600. That places one-quarter of Americans in the highest risk credit category. Without expert help from a credit restoration professional, these people may never again be able to quality for a new credit card, much less a car or home loan. There is an acute need for knowledgeable credit restoration experts who can help U.S. consumers dig out from under debt and rebuild their credit ratings.

What’s particularly interesting about today’s credit market is that even consumers with what would seem to be impeccable credit histories are having a hard time obtaining credit. In the wake of new federal regulations designed to rein in bank and credit card abuses, consumer advocates charge that credit card companies are limiting their pursuit to revenue-producing consumers; i.e., the people most likely to carry credit balances and incur interest and penalty fees.

A case in point is the recent experience of outdoor outfitter Gander Mountain. The retailer recently sued World Financial Network National Bank which issues the store’s co-branded MasterCard credit cards. The brouhaha started when World Financial announced that it would automatically deny credit cards to Gander Mountain customers with credit scores of 800 or higher. Since that’s about 25% of Gander customers, the company and its customers were incensed. World Financial’s reason for snubbing customers with excellent credit ratings? It can’t make money on people who manage their credit responsibly!

While credit experts say this seems to be a first in the credit industry — creditors are usually more willing to extend credit to consumers with high credit scores – it’s caused some disquieting rumblings in the credit industry. Credit requirements have become so restrictive in the post recession economy that even consumers with good credit ratings have found it difficult to secure loans. Professionals in the credit restoration business could eventually find themselves not merely repairing credit ratings but providing consumers with an avenue to credit.

Click here for more information on how to open a credit repair business.

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The IFA page lists current news, upcoming events, explains association programs, and is also connected to IFA’s YouTube postings.

Select the “Like” button at the top of the page to access the IFA Facebook community and post comments on current association activities.

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