Join an AAFD Action Task Force to Make a Real Difference in Franchising!
At the AAFD’s 25th Anniversary Franchisee Leadership Summit last May, the AAFD Leadership Council created Six Task Forces focused on what AAFD Members consider to be the primary challenges/opportunities facing franchise owners.
Join The AAFD For A Franchisee Leadership Council Conference Call
The AAFD recently announced its 2018 Franchisee Leadership Summit and Conference, which will take place Oct. 21 - 24 at the Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis, Missouri. In order to prepare for that event, we invite all Chapter Leaders to attend a Franchisee Leadership Council conference call. (All AAFD Members are also welcome to join the Conference Call)
SAVE THE DATE – AAFD Franchisee Leadership Summit Dates Announced for 2018
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2018 AAFD FRANCHISEE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT AND ANNUAL CONFERENCE: “EMBRACING OUR TASKS” Last year’s AAFD Franchisee Leadership Summit and Annual Conference was a rousing success. Franchisee association leaders gathered from all over the country to learn, network, and forge a coalition to support Total Quality Franchising initiatives. We achieved a lot in 2017, but the fight for fair franchising is far from over!
Important Changes to the SBA Process that Franchisees Need to Know About
Many new and current franchisees depend on loans and financing from the Small Business Administration to get their franchises up and running or to expand their existing operations. The SBA recently updated its loan procedure for franchisors and franchisees, and every franchisee should be aware of these changes.
7-Eleven Franchisees Accuse Franchisor of Having “Total Dominion”
7-Eleven franchisees in California are bringing their franchisor to court claiming that the popular convenience store holds absolute control over every aspect of how its franchisees operate their locations. The suit, filed in the Central District of California, claims that the company has “most powers of an employer and all of the harshest, most overreaching rights of a commercial lender, landlord, and personal property lessor.”
Will My Franchisor Retaliate If I Join a Franchisee Association?
The AAFD hears frequent concerns from franchisees as they contemplate creating or joining a franchisee association. One of the most common fears is franchisor retribution. While these concerns are understandable, franchisees need to know that the law of the United States is on their side and that their franchisor cannot legally retaliate against members of a franchisee association. Additionally, the AAFD has developed and helped implement successful strategies to address and protect against attempts at franchisor coercion or punishment.
Collaborative Franchising in Action – Griswold Home Care Invites Its Franchisee Association to 2017 Conference
Griswold Home Care, a company that provides non-medical at-home care services, continues to be a model of the AAFD’s Total Quality Franchising ethos. In September, the company held its Griswold 2017 Conference, and, for the second year in a row, invited its franchisee association to participate.
The AAFD Welcomes Two New Franchisee Chapters
The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) announced the formation of two new franchise associations as chapters of the AAFD. Both chapters will leverage the combined voices of all its members to establish an environment of collaboration between franchisees and franchisors. The two new chapters are the Engineering for Kids Franchisee Association (EFKFA) and the Independent Which Wich Franchisee Association (IWWFA).
Thinking of Buying a Franchise? Take Some Advice from a Past Franchisee!
In a new article for the Houston Business Journal, past franchisee Tarek Hassan offers useful advice for anyone considering purchasing a franchise. These no-nonsense tips include things like: • Make sure you have enough saved to cover your living expenses for at least 18 months as you build your franchise. • Carefully review your Franchise Disclosure Form. • Contact current franchisees and ask them as many questions as possible.
Change Happens With You – AAFD Recruiting for Leadership Task Forces on High Priority Franchisee Issues
At the AAFD, we have spent over 25 years pursuing Total Quality Franchising, but change doesn’t happen without people stepping up to define and implement that change. If you have been looking for a way to “step up,” and bring positive change to the field on franchising, here is your chance. The AAFD is developing six unique task forces that focus on major issues that often divide franchisees and franchisors. We need leaders to join these taskforces to help us define the problem and develop collaborative solutions for the entire franchising community. Interested?
