The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers' 16th Annual Conference has convened in Newport News, Virginia and its Total Quality Franchising awards were presented Monday night.

The State of Washington recently brought an action to shut Pigeon King down as an illegal security or business opportunity fraud. Elements of this fraud, which are crystal clear, pervade other frauds -such as franchise fraud.

In response to the Rhode Island franchise relationship legislation, Matt Shay of the IFA sent a letter to the legislators opposing the statute.

(The Editor of the BMM wanted me to write about ongoing ponzi schemes. This is part one of a five part series.)

Curves started with a big bang but many are now shutting down.

According to the Mar. 24 Nation's Rest. News, John Gay (formerly of the IFA) is now at the National Restaurant Assn, and is now supporting Rep. Conyers' bill (H.R.

WOW!!!  It has probably been two years since I first stumbled across BMM.  I remember the excitement I felt over this relatively new site with SO MUCH potential.  I remember reading BMM’s stated objectives:

Allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Chris Schmitz and I am the President of the Meineke Dealers Association.  I am also a member of the AAFD Standards committee.

I have read with increasing interest the issues regarding Cuppy’s, Elite, and the individuals who seem clearly entitled to refunds.  I have also read with great interest the responses from Doug Hibbing and Bob Purvin.  I would like to take this opportunity to make a few points. 

First let me say that I am thankful that the WSJ included their methodology. Most often we are left wondering how the publisher decided anything. However, I do wonder how many of the items listed in the methodology have anything to do with a prospective franchisee selecting a great franchise opportunity. Someone will have to explain to me what a “brand's average three-year return on equity” has to do with a prospect selecting a franchise?? [To help prospective franchisees trim their options to a manageable list and offer some points of comparison, WSJ.com and FRANdata…what?]

I have Tivo but I still stop the fast-forward scan and watch that commercial every time. DQ's creative has to be some of the best out there. But I digress...

I’m a self-admitted business junkie so I’m not sure that this post about Dairy Queen will interest many of you.