| November 4, 2009 | News for the franchise sector |
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- Franchise association prepares for big 50th birthday
Franchise Times' Nancy Weingartner delves into the history of the International Franchise Association, which originated in Chicago in 1959 with Bill Rosenberg, founder of Dunkin' Donuts. Early on, the organization sought to establish an ethics code and educate state and federal governments about how franchises work. Since then, the group has expanded beyond lobbying. It offers certifications, focuses on diversity in the industry and sparked the franchisee inclusion movement. Franchise Times (Minneapolis)
(November/December 2009)      
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IFA's president evolves from lobbyist to key D.C. player: International Franchise Association President and CEO Matt Shay talked to Franchise Times about how he began working at IFA -- as a lobbyist -- and the evolution of his career there. He also discussed the organization's long-term plan, the effect it has on legislators and the challenges of leading a diverse group of entrepreneurs. Franchise Times (Minneapolis)
(November/December 2009)
- Small businesses grapple with CIT Group's bankruptcy filing
A year of difficulty for CIT Group, the once-dominant lender to small businesses, has culminated with a bankruptcy protection filing. "In the past, CIT has been an important lender to the franchise businesses," said Alisa Harrison, an IFA spokeswoman. "However, earlier this year they dramatically reduced their lending to the industry as a result of their financial problems, prompting franchise companies to seek alternative capital sources to replace CIT." CNNMoney.com
(11/3)
- Carlson's brand chief discusses repositioning Radisson
 Gordon McKinnon, executive vice president and chief branding officer for Carlson Hotels Worldwide, said the company is focused on redeveloping its Radisson brand while strengthening other parts of the Carlson hotel portfolio. "We are looking for consistency, pooling benefits across the global theater, and want to compete better in the sectors we are in," he said. Hotels
(11/2009)
- Tasti D-Lite goes West
Restaurant chain Tasti D-Lite is preparing to expand out West, with plans to open 22 stores in Arizona and possibly 100 stores in Southern California. Nikki Sells, vice president of franchise development for Tasti D-Lite, explains how the business is able to grow during a recession. Western Real Estate Business
(10/2009)
- Bailed-out banks gave few loans to small firms
IHS Global Insight analyst Brian Bethune says banks have used economic-stimulus funds to pay down bank debt instead of offering credit to small businesses. Bank of America received $45 billion in federal stimulus funding and made 11 Massachusetts Small Business Administration 7(a) loans from September 2008 to September 2009 while Citibank received $50 billion and made eight 7(a) loans. Central Bankcorp accepted $10 million and OneUnited of Boston received $12 million, but neither made any 7(a) loans in the last year. The Boston Globe (free registration)
(11/2)
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| News from IFA | | |
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Election 2009 results: Republican rebound
Republicans claimed victory in the New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races Nov. 3, scoring decisive wins in states that trended Democratic over a year ago. Republican candidate Chris Christie defeated Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine in New Jersey. In Virginia, Republican Bob McDonnell won by a huge margin over Democrat Creigh Deeds, heading a successful GOP ticket. Democrats prevented a shut-out with a narrow victory in a congressional election in upstate New York, with Democrat Bill Owens beating Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman. Republican victories nevertheless marked a potential turnaround after two consecutive cycles of midterm losses. The victories could spell trouble for Democrats' legislative agenda in Washington and indicate GOP gains in the 2010 midterm elections. Visit FranchisingVotes for your election needs.
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Profit from your IFA membership
A series of webinars to assist supplier members in maximizing their International Franchise Association membership is being hosted by IFA's Supplier Forum Advisory Board. The second webinar in the series is scheduled for 2 p.m. (EDT), Nov. 17. Register now for this one-hour presentation. The webinar is designed for both new and longtime IFA Supplier Forum members. For more information, contact IFA Dir. of Development and Member Services Paul Rocchio at 202-662-0790 or procchio@franchise.org.
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Marriott International is slated to open its 10th hotel in India by the end of November. The Courtyard by Marriott in Gurgaon will have 199 rooms. 
