New Zealand Feature Articles

The IMPI is an agency of the Federal government created in 1993 which has its own assets, personality and budget. IMPI has over a 1,000 employees in Mexico, most of them are concentrated in our headquarters in Mexico City, but we also have regional offices in Guadalajara, Mérida, Monterrey and León. In terms of our human resources, around 63% of our employees have a bachelor degree, 25% have technical education, and 2% masters or PHD degrees which allows us to provide high-quality services to users.

Steven Rogers has set his company apart from the crowd with a winning formula on acquiring franchise systems in the residential services field. As president and chief executive officer of the Franchise Company, Rogers has amassed 9 franchise operations that provide services to more than 400,000 customers through a network of more than 2,000 franchisees employing 8,500 workers.

Despite recent economic turmoil, franchising in Argentina has rebounded at a surprising rate. In the 1990s, many foreign franchisors (particularly from the U.S.) expanded to Argentina. At the height of the economic turmoil in 2002, the sector shrunk by 4% and the expectations for 2003 were very low. However, contrary to expectations, in 2003, the sector grew by 70%, generating approximately US$1.9 billion in sales in 2003, and adding twenty-nine (29) new franchises. Today, franchising in Argentina represents 20% of the total retailer sector, accounts for more than 13,000 retail stores, and employs more than 100,000 employees. Furthermore, the national franchising association (Asociacion Argentina de Franchising), an organization affiliated with the International Franchise Association, estimates that the sector will continue to enjoy strong growth, projecting sales volume to reach US$2.35 billion in 2005 and for the sector to account for 30% of the retail sector in the next decade.

When doing business in The Philippines, it is advisable to be aware of the Filipino sense of lifelong obligation. A foreign businessperson frequently becomes involved in giving and receiving favors and, therefore, owes obligations to local people and acquires obligations from them. This process of give and take is a normal part of business in all countries, however, in the Philippines, important personal obligations have a very serious, nearly sacred importance. Keeping this cultural value in mind, successful international businesspeople are cautious and conscious in their personal and professional relationships (which are often mixed) with Filipino government officials, business leaders, partners, employees, clients, suppliers and service providers.

In 2000, Lou Brown, one of the more successful high-tech entrepreneurs of the 1990's, decided to exchange silicon for a grease gun, and took over struggling Precision Tune.

Franchised businesses generate jobs for more than 18 million Americans and account for 9.5 percent of the private-sector economic output, a study released today by International Franchise Association Educational Foundation reported.

Julia Stewart is a very persuasive woman. As president, CEO, COO and director of IHOP Corp., she is, she says, using all her skills as a communicator, persuader, and collaborator, to revitalize one of the oldest and best-known foodservice brands.

Historically, a business plan is mostly a financial plan and analysis, specifically focusing on: "Why I need your money, what I will do with your money, how and when you will get your money back, and what a great guy I am and what a great business this is; or, why you should give me the money." It is usually a highly stylized presentation with numerous spreadsheets and exhibits.

Franchisors in search of new concepts have discovered a rich market in small businesses that could benefit from the perks that larger companies enjoy, but cannot justify or afford them. Having access to these professional services can have a profound impact on the success of small businesses.

Franchise companies do change hands; sometimes often. New ownership is not always sympathetic to the goals of franchisees, and that can cost a system badly. Some franchisees are taking a more aggressive approach to that situation-or the threat of it. They've become owners themselves. And there are good reasons why that strategy might work.

The draft Franchise Regulations ("Draft Regulations") anticipated to replace the 1997 Measures concerning administrative of commercial franchising (the "1997 version") were expected to be out by end of this year. However, reliable sources at the China Chain Store Franchise Association reveal that the draft is pending further amendment at the Ministry of Commerce. To-date, no one knows when the new law will be promulgated.

Franchisors in search of new concepts have discovered a rich market in small businesses that could benefit from the perks that larger companies enjoy, but cannot justify or afford them. Having access to these professional services can have a profound impact on the success of small businesses.

Rich Kissane's son was a good athlete, but "kind of clumsy," says the 25-year franchising veteran. The family was living near Atlanta, and friends told him about Velocity Sports Performance, a small company that offered the same kind of sports training that large professional sports organizations provided their players. Kissane enrolled his son, and "The next year, he was defensive player of the year for his football team."