IFA™s Franchise Relations Committee“Learning from Veterans

April 2008 Franchising World

Franchise Relations Committee’s Mission: To assist IFA members by developing information and programs that promote positive relations and encourage dialogue and cooperation between franchisees and franchisors.

By Troy Flanagan

Under the leadership of Chairwoman Barbara Moran, president of Moran Industries, the International Franchise Association’s Franchise Relations Committee continues to produce useful educational materials for the franchise community. They include:

Dispute Resolution Handbook for Franchisors and Franchisees

This publication is designed to show the latest and most effective ways to resolve disputes between franchisees and franchisors. Authored by Boston Market Senior Vice Pres. and Chief Development Officer Bruce Bloom, CFE, and Holmes & Lofstrom, LLP Partner David Holmes.

Improved Communications Means Improved Franchise Relations

Bloom and Chairman of the Board of Unishippers Global Logistics, LLC Steve Nelson discuss how to focus on individual relationships to promote excellent communication and enjoy successful Business Relationships.

The Network Expansion Conflict Handbook: Developing a Successful Solution

COO Foot Solutions, Inc. John Hellriegel, DLA Piper US LLP Senior Partner Lewis G. Rudnick, and Lecturer of Management and Business Law Mercer University Prof. William Slater Vincent explore issues causing conflict as a result of network expansion. Traditional versus non-traditional outlets, as well as alternate distribution systems, such as the Internet, are explored.

The Franchise Cooperative Handbook

Compiled under the direction of NCB Vice Pres. Stanley Dryer, this tool describes how cooperatives are formed and used in franchise organizations. This document includes a discussion of cooperative financing methods and legal issues associated with franchise cooperatives.

Advisory Councils: Effective Two-Way Communications for Franchise Systems

DLA Piper US LLP Partner Erik B. Wulff outlines the need for franchise advisory councils including the creation, structure and function of these organizations.

Franchise Relations Handbook

This publication focuses on the importance of franchisee inclusion in all aspects of the franchise relationship.

These resources and more are available at the IFA Web site, www.franchise.org, under Publications/Franchise Relations Documents.

Troy Flanagan is director of government relations of the International Franchise Association. He can be reached at 202-662-0792 or tflanagan@franchise.org.