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Social media tops agenda at first-ever Franchise Operational Performance Summit (OPS) on December 6 & 7, in Atlanta, GA.

Evan Hackel
Evan Hackel

WOBURN, MA and ATLANTA, GEORGIA…

There’s a social element to every conference, usually involving structured or informal networking. At the first-ever Franchise Operational Performance Summit (OPS), to be held on December 6 and 7 in Atlanta, Georgia, the “social“ part of the agenda involves how franchises can use social media to improve operations.

“For a while now, Fortune 500 companies have been incorporated private social media tools into their operations to share knowledge, promote innovation and improve operational efficiencies, but franchises, for the most part, have not used social media, except for creating Facebook or Twitter pages for their customers“ said Evan Hackel, principal of Ingage Consulting and featured speaker at Franchise OPS.  “We will cover, as part of OPS, how there are a number of ways franchises can utilize social media to improve operations efficiency and improve communications throughout an organization overall.“

Franchise OPS will cover how to use social media to create:

  • Collaboration and engagement within a franchisee council and with the franchisor.
  • Think tanks for franchises to privately brainstorm new ideas among franchisees.
  • Training teams for new product launches.
  • Vehicles to find appropriate personnel with a certain skill set within a franchise organization.

“We’ve billed this as a one-of-a-kind event because very few, if any, franchise conferences are dedicated to franchise operations, particularly for C-level executives,“ said Hackel. “The added element of how social media can improve franchise operations gives Franchise OPS even more cache.“

In addition to the nuances of how social media and franchise operations, a sampling of workshops to be held includes: 

  • Real World Franchise Compliance
  • Turning a Survey into a Powerful Management Tool
  • Supercharge Operational Excellence with Web 2.0 Technology
  • Making the Most of Franchise System Buying Services

Beyond the educational benefits, roundtable discussions and networking opportunities with C-level franchise executives, Franchise OPS offers the added bonus of being approved for 300 CFE credits by the International Franchise Association.

Franchise OPS will be held on December 6 and 7 at the Twelve Hotel – Centenniel Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Interested parties can register for the Franchise OPS for $599 if you take the Franchise OPS survey within five days of registering, $699 if you do not. Five spots are still available. You can register online at http://www.franchiseoperationssummit.com. 

Franchise OPS is sponsored by Franchise Business Review, Kilpatrick Townsend, Actio Marketing, BizUnite, FranConnect and Ingage Consulting. For complete information on Franchise OPS, please visit http://www.franchiseoperationssummit.com. 

About Ingage Consulting

Ingage Consulting is a management consulting firm that works with cooperatives and cooperative councils and leadership to improve the organization’s culture which in turn increases sales and satisfaction; improves growth and retention and boosts loyalty and profits. 

Ingage Consulting provides solutions that drive the cooperation, commitment, passion and loyalty of cooperative members.  They offer unique services that help solve the problems of cooperatives in a number of ways.  Working closely with clients, the Ingage Consulting team quickly and thoughtfully assesses, understands and devises solutions to a cooperative organization’s challenges.  Leaders come away with ideas for improvement, including methods for maximizing collaboration among co-op members and a clear strategy and execution plan for change, customized to meet organizational objectives.  Ingage Consulting’s proven techniques to increase collaboration brings about greater productivity and success on many levels. In short, Ingage Consulting makes cooperatives more successful.

Ingage Consulting is located at 400 Trade Center, Suite 5900 in Woburn, MA.  For more information, contact (781) 569-5900 or visit the website www.ingage.net.

Social media tops agenda at first-ever Franchise Operational Performance Summit (OPS) on December 6 & 7, in Atlanta, GA.Read More

Great OPS for C-Level Franchise Execs…First-ever Franchise Operational Performance Summit (OPS) to be held December 6 & 7, in Atlanta, GA.

Evan Hackel
Evan Hackel

WOBURN, MA and ATLANTA, GEORGIA… 

Traditional franchise conferences provide networking opportunities, seminars, vendor presentations and meetings for franchisee councils. Very rarely is attention given to franchise operations. The first-ever Franchise Operational Performance Summit (OPS), to be held on December 6 and 7 in Atlanta, Georgia, focuses exclusively on how C-level franchise executives can improve their respective franchise operations.

Five franchise experts—Evan Hackel of Ingage Consulting, Eric Stites of Franchise Business Review, Rupert M. Barkoff of Kilpatrick, Townsend and Stockton, Barth Getto of BizUnite and Bob Hutter of CCA Global Partners—will lead the two days of workshops at the Franchise OPS, which will be held at the Twelve Hotel – Centennial Park, adjacent to the site of the 1996 Olympic Games. 

“You won’t find another workshop like Franchise OPS. Each session has been uniquely designed for franchise CEOs, COOs and VPs of Operations and specifically addresses the critically important issues facing today’s franchise operations executive,” said Hackel. “Besides the team of franchise experts providing their insights, attendees will also be active participants in each session.”

 A sampling of the workshops to be held includes:

  • Real World Franchise Compliance
  • Turning a Survey into a Powerful Management Tool
  • Supercharge Operational Excellence with Web 2.0 Technology
  • Making the Most of Franchise System Buying Services

In addition to the educational benefits, roundtable discussions and networking opportunities with C-level franchise executives, the Franchise OPS offers the added bonus of being approved for 300 CFE credits by the International Franchise Association.

“With a lot of conferences, you come away with good ideas and make some good connections but because you get that information on the fly, it’s not as easy to implement when you get back to the home office,“ said Hackel. “With Franchise OPS, each attendee will be able to take actionable items back with them to help improve their franchise operations.”

Interested parties can register for the Franchise OPS before November 21 for as little as $499 (a $599 registration and a $100 discount for taking the Franchise OPS Survey within five days of registration). After November 21, the fee increases to $599 if you take the Franchise OPS survey within five days of registering, $699 if you do not. 

Franchise OPS is sponsored by Franchise Business Review, Kilpatrick Townsend, Actio Marketing, BizUnite and Ingage Consulting. For complete information on Franchise OPS, please visit http://www.franchiseoperationssummit.com. 

About Ingage Consulting

Ingage Consulting is a management consulting firm that works with cooperatives and cooperative councils and leadership to improve the organization’s culture which in turn increases sales and satisfaction; improves growth and retention and boosts loyalty and profits. 

Ingage Consulting provides solutions that drive the cooperation, commitment, passion and loyalty of cooperative members.  They offer unique services that help solve the problems of cooperatives in a number of ways.  Working closely with clients, the Ingage Consulting team quickly and thoughtfully assesses, understands and devises solutions to a cooperative organization’s challenges.  Leaders come away with ideas for improvement, including methods for maximizing collaboration among co-op members and a clear strategy and execution plan for change, customized to meet organizational objectives.  Ingage Consulting’s proven techniques to increase collaboration brings about greater productivity and success on many levels. In short, Ingage Consulting makes cooperatives more successful. 

Ingage Consulting is located at 400 Trade Center, Suite 5900 in Woburn, MA.  For more information, contact (781) 569-5900 or visit the website www.ingage.net.

Great OPS for C-Level Franchise Execs…First-ever Franchise Operational Performance Summit (OPS) to be held December 6 & 7, in Atlanta, GA.Read More

East meets west to make best…Resort Maps Franchise joins forces with Discovery Map International to form the world’s largest illustrated map publisher

WAITSFIELD, VERMONT AND LA CONNER, WASHINGTON… 

Waitsfield, Vermont-based Resort Maps®, creator of more than 100 hand-drawn travel maps across the United States, Canada, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently announced its acquisition of Discovery Map International of La Conner, Washington. The acquisition unites two of the leading publishers of illustrated maps in the United States. Both companies have published colorful hand-drawn free visitor maps of popular destinations for more than 25 years. 

“We are thrilled to be coming together with Discovery Map® for a number of reasons,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps Franchise, Inc. “Beyond being able to work with an innovator like Victoria Starr, her talented staff and map owners, it gives our company a coast-to-coast presence and opens the door to a number of expansion possibilities. We focus on the user experience; so having our maps available across the country will give travelers a consistent resource to find great places to eat, shop, stay and play.”

Combined, the new company will boast 90 independent owners in 150 markets, in 33 states and four countries. Annual circulation will top 25 million maps in the new entity’s first year of operation.

“Resort Maps is a top-flight company that shares our commitment to producing first-class, user-friendly maps,” said Victoria Starr, owner of Discovery Map International. “This unification is going to produce some unbelievable maps, both in print and online, and soon lead to Discovery Maps being available via handheld devices.”

In addition to printed maps, Resort Maps® has developed a mobile application for iPhone and iPad. The app is available for free at the App Store.

In terms of day-to-day operations, the new company will maintain offices on both coasts, with headquarters in Waitsfield, Vermont and Discovery’s current office in La Conner, Washington.  The company will also maintain websites at discoverymap.com and resortmaps.com.  

For more information on any of the 100+ Resort Maps destinations or if you interested in potentially owning a Resort Maps franchise, please visit www.resortmaps.com.  Alternatively, you can call 802-496-6277.

About Resort Maps®

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps® has been creating and publishing visitor maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps® expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. With its recent acquisition of Discovery Map International, Resort Maps’ network has grown to 150 markets in 33 states and four countries (US, UK, Canada, and Costa Rica). More than 25 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2012.

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey, San Diego), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Vail & Beaver Creek, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Glendale, Summit County), Delaware ( Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Boca Raton, Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Delray Beach, Key West, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Kentucky (Lexington) Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Mt. Desert Island, Portland, Wells, York-Ogunquit), Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Brewster/Harwich/Dennis, Chatham-Orleans, Eastham-Wellfleet, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Northern Michigan/Petoskey/Harbor Springs; Traverse City), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, New Brunswick, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York (The North Fork, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs, East Hampton), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Chrystal Coast, Hendersonville, Outer Banks, Sandhills, Wilmington), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, Lehigh Valley, The Main Line, Lancaster County), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head,), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) and Virginia (Alexandria, Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula) —as well as towns and cities in Canada (Charlotte Coastal Region), England (Chicester, Lewes), Puerto Rico (San Juan, Vieques, Culebra) and Costa Rica (Escazu-Santa Ana). 

New maps coming soon in North Lake Tahoe, CA; South Hampton, NY; Charlotte Harbor/Venice/Gulf Islands, FL; Orlando, FL; Tucson, AZ; South County and Block Island, RI and Georgetown, DC.

Discovery Map®:

Arizona (Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Sedona), California (Carlsbad, Los Gatos, Saratoga), Colorado (Durango, Steamboat Springs), Florida (Amelia Island, Destin), Georgia (St. Mary’s), Idaho (Coeur d’Alene, McCall, Sandpoint, Sun Valley), Montana (Bozeman & Big Sky, Butte, Kalispell, Missoula, West Yellowstone, Whitefish), New Mexico (Santa Fe, Taos), North Carolina (Charlotte), Oregon (Bend), Virginia (Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Norfolk, Richmond, Virginia Beach), Washington (Anacortes, Bellingham, La Conner) Wisconsin (Door County).

East meets west to make best…Resort Maps Franchise joins forces with Discovery Map International to form the world’s largest illustrated map publisherRead More

Franchise Growth Group retains Integrity Square LLC to seek acquisitions of franchise organizations

Evan Hackel
Evan Hackel

WOBURN, MA AND NEW YORK, NY…

Franchise Growth Group (“FGG”), a leading provider of consulting services and capital to the franchise industry, recently announced today it has retained Integrity Square LLC (“Integrity Square”) to conduct a search for franchise organizations in need of operational, management or financial improvements. The search will focus on growing franchise companies that have at least 50 franchises but are unable to realize their full potential due to management issues, franchisee relationship problems or lack of capital.

“We are excited to tap into Integrity Square’s network and build new relationships in the franchise space,” said FGG President Evan Hackel. “Integrity Square’s ability to raise capital and experience working with franchise operators will enable FGG to provide a full range of solutions for franchise operators looking to turnaround their businesses.”

FGG looks to acquire or invest in turnaround franchise opportunities that can benefit from its management talent and capital, turning them into highly successful organizations poised for significant growth with positive cash flow and earnings. Franchise Growth Group considers acquisitions that require full ownership or allow it to become a major investor.

Hackel is a proven business entrepreneur and has run numerous businesses in the franchise area. He is well known for his ability to engage the hearts and minds of key employees and business partners, turn around ailing companies, and create new, successful startup ventures.  Hackel has extensive knowledge in the franchising arena, having worked with CCA Global Partners, a management company for 15 affiliated co-operatives, franchises and licensed businesses in the flooring, lighting, bicycle retailing, and mortgage lending industries.

“At Integrity Square, we have a deep investment banking background in the franchise segment and an extensive network of entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, seasoned executives and private equity clients from which to search for candidates for FGG,” commented Pete Moore, managing partner  of Integrity Square.  “We believe that FGG fills an important need in the franchise marketplace and struggling franchise firms would greatly benefit from Evan and his team’s expertise.” 

For more information on Franchise Growth Group, please visit www.franchisegrowthgroup.com

About Integrity Square, LLC:

 Integrity Square LLC is a result-driven financial and strategic advisory boutique that has expertise in providing capital raising and sell-side advisory services to companies operating in the consumer products, franchising, action/impact sports, digital media and software, direct selling/MLM, natural foods, vitamins and beverages, and health, and fitness and wellness industries. Integrity Square’s mission is to partner with passionate entrepreneurs and great companies, act as a trusted advisor and assist clients in finding the right sources of capital.  For more information on Integrity Square, please visit www.integritysq.com.

Franchise Growth Group retains Integrity Square LLC to seek acquisitions of franchise organizationsRead More

A nice reception. DirectBuy of DuPage County hires Megan Schlaiss.

NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS… 

DirectBuy of DuPage County, the leading home improvement and home furnishings club with direct insider prices, recently hired Warrenville resident Megan Schlaiss as its new receptionist.

In addition to greeting members and guests as they enter the Club, Schlaiss is the primary greeter by phone and provides support to sales, marketing, day-to-day customer service operations and follow up on delivery of member purchases.

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression. That’s why receptionist is a key role in our organization,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County. “Megan has a warm and friendly personality that makes members and visitors feel welcome.”

Prior to working for DirectBuy, Schlaiss worked in the food service industry. A graduate of Wheaton Warrenville South High School, she resides in Warrenville with her two sons, Andrew and Jordan.

“Everybody here has been so friendly, both staff and members,” said Schlaiss. “It’s also been a real eye opener for me as to what DirectBuy can do for consumers and how much people can save.”

DirectBuy of DuPage County offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers at direct insider prices. DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers who can help members create an outdoor kitchen that’s functional for the cook as well as guests.

Conveniently located at 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, Illinois, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuycares.com. 

About DirectBuy Club 

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 130 locations throughout North America. 

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuy.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area include: DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Northern Illinois, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy Club membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

A nice reception. DirectBuy of DuPage County hires Megan Schlaiss.Read More

Cooperative management expert Evan Hackel of Ingage Consulting to speak at national conference.

Evan Hackel
Evan Hackel

WOBURN, MA, MINNEAPOLIS, MN and WASHINGTON, DC… 

The National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) recently announced that Evan Hackel, a cooperative management expert and founder of Ingage Consulting of Woburn, MA, will be a keynote speaker at its upcoming annual meeting and conference, October 4-7, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The Power of Cooperative Principles– community, cooperation, democracy, education, independence, membershipand participation–is the theme for the 2011 NCBA conference. Hackel‘s presentation, entitled The Ultimate Business Model, will demonstrate that a cooperative is more than a business model but an organization founded on an action-oriented set of principles.

“With all the many virtues of a cooperative—and there are many–it’s just another business model without the essential ingredient of members actually cooperating,“ said Hackel. “Part of my talk will illustrate what happens when members of a cooperative are engaged in the process and how that can transform the entire organization.“

Hackel has more than a quarter of a century’s experience in the cooperative world. Prior to founding Ingage Consulting, Prior to being a consultant, he managed eight different cooperative, including Carpet One Floor & Home, a retail flooring cooperative with $3.5 billion in sales and more than 1,000 stores operating in four countries

“Evan brings a wealth of co-op experience on both sides of the table—member and advisor—that enable him to bring an invaluable perpsective to members attending the conference,“ said Adam Schwartz, NCBA’s vice president of public affairs and member services. “Not only does Evan provide a wealth of information, but does so in an interactive format that truly does engage people.“

The NCBA conference features 16 sessions over the course of three days. Some of the notable workshops and sessions include: 

  • Cooperative Financials & Plan It and Prove It
  • Cooperative Best Practice
  • Building a Young Professional Cooperative Community
  • Protecting Your Co-op in the Online World
  • Growing the Cooperative Economy 

“NCBA’s annual conference is an invaluable opportunity for cooperators from all sectors to get together, share challenges and opportunities, and envision a more cooperative economy together,“ said Erbin Crowell, Neighboring Food Cooperative Association.

For complete information on the NCBA Annual Meeting and Co-op Conference, please visit www.powerofprinciples.coop.

To arrange a speaking engagement with Evan Hackel, contact (781) 569-5900. For further information on Ingage Consulting, visit www.ingageconsulting.com. 

About Ingage Consulting

Ingage Consulting is a management consulting firm that works with cooperatives and cooperative councils and leadership to improve the organization’s culture which in turn increases sales and satisfaction; improves growth and retention and boosts loyalty and profits. 

Ingage Consulting provides solutions that drive the cooperation, commitment, passion and loyalty of cooperative members.  They offer unique services that help solve the problems of cooperatives in a number of ways.  Working closely with clients, the Ingage Consulting team quickly and thoughtfully assesses, understands and devises solutions to a cooperative organization’s challenges.  Leaders come away with ideas for improvement, including methods for maximizing collaboration among co-op members and a clear strategy and execution plan for change, customized to meet organizational objectives.  Ingage Consulting’s proven techniques to increase collaboration brings about greater productivity and success on many levels. In short, Ingage Consulting makes cooperatives more successful.

Ingage Consulting is located at 400 Trade Center, Suite 5900 in Woburn, MA.  For more information, contact (781) 569-5900 or visit the website www.ingage.net. 

About NCBA

Founded in 1916, the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) was known as the Cooperative League of the USA (CLUSA) until 1985. It was the first, and remains the only national organization for all types of co-ops in the United States. NCBA’s mission is to develop, advance and protecting cooperatives. NCBA is been the national voice for U.S. cooperatives, helping them compete in a changing economic environment. 

For information on NCBA, please visit www.ncba.coop. For information on NCBA’s national conference, please visit www.powerofprinciples.coop.

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Cooperative management expert Evan Hackel of Ingage Consulting to speak at national conference.Read More

Resort Maps gives tourists and locals a hand. New iPhone/iPad app delivers easy access to info on local attractions and venues.

WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Usually, if you’re terribly familiar with a location, it’s said “you know it like the back of your hand”. Resort Maps, creator of more than 100 customized travel maps across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently launched an application for the other side of your hand (for iPhones and iPads) that will help residents and tourists discover and get to local attractions just as efficiently.

Resort Maps made its name with colorful, hand-drawn maps of towns and cities, featuring its advertisers–restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services. Those same hard copy maps are also available online. The new application enables users to download each Resort Map to a handheld device and then navigate to highlighted locations where they can get a brief description of a given business and have the option of going to that business’s website or calling for more information.

“The beauty of the app is that you’re only accessing the map from our server once. After you download it, you can surf from location to location very quickly. That can save a lot of time if you are looking for a place to eat or place to stay and have several options,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps. “The app also utilizes the phone’s GPS qualities so you can easily see how to get from where you are to whatever destination you select.”

The application can be downloaded for free at the Apple store or itunes.com. A search for “Resort Maps Franchise” is the fastest way to access the application.

Besides the convenience, the Resort Maps also makes it easy to update on Facebook where you end up for dinner, for the afternoon, for the evening.

“We’ve really just scratched the surface with this application. Down the road, users can expect to not only post on Facebook, but also on other outlets. Perhaps even leaving a review of the particular advertiser on our site, similar to a Yelp or other review sites,” said Hans.

For more information on any of the 100+ Resort Maps destinations, please visit www.resortmaps.com. If you interested in potentially owning a Resort Maps franchise, please call 802-496-6277.

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing visitor maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to more than 100 Resort Maps in publication in the US, Canada the UK, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, with several more in the process of being published. More than 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2011.

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey, San Diego), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Vail & Beaver Creek, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Glendale, Summit County), Delaware ( Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Boca Raton, Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Delray Beach, Key West, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Kentucky (Lexington) Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Mt. Desert Island, Portland, Wells, York-Ogunquit), Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Brewster/Harwich/Dennis, Chatham-Orleans, Eastham-Wellfleet, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Northern Michigan/Petoskey/Harbor Springs; Traverse City), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, New Brunswick, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York (The North Fork, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs, East Hampton), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Chrystal Coast, Hendersonville, Outer Banks, Sandhills, Wilmington), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, Lehigh Valley, The Main Line, Lancaster County), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head,), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) and Virginia (Alexandria, Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula) —as well as towns and cities in Canada (Charlotte Coastal Region), England (Chicester, Lewes), Puerto Rico (San Juan, Vieques, Culebra) and Costa Rica (Escazu-Santa Ana). 

See our new maps coming soon in North Lake Tahoe, CA; South Hampton, NY; and Charlotte Harbor/Venice/Gulf Islands, FL.

Resort Maps gives tourists and locals a hand. New iPhone/iPad app delivers easy access to info on local attractions and venues.Read More

Bringing the indoors out… DirectBuy of Northern Illinois offers tips on setting up the perfect ‘outdoor kitchen’.

GURNEE, ILLINOIS…

An “outdoor kitchen” used to mean roughing it over an open fire and sleeping on the ground. Nowadays, items that used to be considered indoor-only are making their debut outside, especially when it comes to outdoor kitchens—a trend that’s taken cooking on the grill from a summer activity to a year-round thing. DirectBuy of Northern Illinois, the leading members-only home improvement and home furnishings club with direct insider prices, not only sells “outdoor kitchen” units and other accessories at manufacturer’s low prices, but offers some helpful pointers on selecting the right equipment and setup for your home.

For starters, when it comes to selecting a grill, DirectBuy Club recommends considering:

  • Stainless steel gas or charcoal grills – outdoor kitchen means just that: sun, rain, wind and in some markets, snow. Even covered, your grill will be exposed to the elements to a certain degree and you want a grill made of materials that will withstand bad weather and corrosion.
  • Free-standing or under-the-counter refrigeration units – help minimize trips to the “other” kitchen and gives you a place to store leftovers for the next cookout.
  • Infra-red burners – make sure the grill you do select uses infra-red burners, which heat up faster.
  • Storage – choose a grill with plenty of shelving and cabinets

“The beauty of the outdoor kitchen is it reduces trips to the real kitchen to get supplies. This means you can actually spend time with your guests while preparing your meal. That’s why it’s just as important when selecting your outdoor kitchen to not forget the comfort of your guests,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Northern Illinois. “DirectBuy also gives members the opportunity to save a lot of money by buying outdoor furniture for their outdoor kitchen, directly from the manufacturer.”

When it comes to selecting furniture for your outdoor “dining room,” there are a number of options in terms of style – sling, metal, cushioned, and strapped to name a few – and materials – aluminum, iron, resin, teak, wood, wicker, fabric, and vinyl. More choices mean more decisions on materials, fabrics, and colors. DirectBuy not only has great outdoor furniture at manufacturer-direct prices, but also designers who can help you make some of those decisions.

“One rule of thumb is unless you’re planning to buy an entire set of outdoor furniture at once, stick with neutral colors like white, taupe or sandstone,” said Kushner. “Even if the shades aren’t a perfect match, it won’t matter if there’s a little distance between items.”

DirectBuy of Northern Illinois carries a large selection of brand-name appliances and furniture for your outdoor kitchen at direct insider prices from manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy of Northern Illinois also employs product specialists and designers who can help members create an outdoor kitchen that’s functional for the cook as well as guests.

Conveniently located at 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, Illinois, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 130 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuy.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area include: DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Northern Illinois, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy Club membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Bringing the indoors out… DirectBuy of Northern Illinois offers tips on setting up the perfect ‘outdoor kitchen’.Read More

Why reinvent the wheel? Opportunity seekers looking to franchise opportunities instead of start-ups.

HIALEAH, FLORIDA…

With the uncertainty of the economy and the lack of job stability in Corporate America, many workers are strongly considering starting their own business. That’s hardly breaking news. Entrepreneur-minded workers forever have dreamed of running their own business instead of being slave to the daily grind. What’s become more than a trend however are entrepreneurs turning toward owning a franchise versus a starting their own business.

“Many people starting their own business need that business to replace an income from their previous job and also take care of the cost of running business. That’s a tall order for a startup,” said Susan Morris, senior vice president of Natural Fruit Corporation. “A franchise with a quality product and existing operating and training manuals, as well as a marketing plan and an established brand provide a much safer and faster road to that objective in most cases.”

As the makers of 100% natural Chunks O’ Fruti® frozen fruit bars, Natural Fruit Corporation recently revised its franchise opportunity through its sister company Natural Franchise Group to be even more attractive to opportunity seekers. Franchisees purchase a territory to sell Chunks O’ Fruti® frozen fruit bars wholesale to high traffic locations like local convenience stores, hospital cafeterias, schools, independent grocery stores, deli’s, and family style restaurants, and swim clubs. The opportunity also enables franchisees to also sell the enormously popular full line of Mars ice cream products—like Twix, Snickers, M&Ms and Dove bars—on a wholesale basis to those same retail locations as a Mars distributor. 

Each franchisee territory has a capacity for 1,000 freezers. Franchisees are then responsible for negotiating with merchants to place a Chunks O Fruti® freezer at the location, stocking those locations and acquiring new locations.  While the opportunity does require an initial investment for the freezers and product, storage space for product and the refrigerated truck for delivery can be leased. The typical Fruti franchisee can start their business for around $100,000 and run the business entirely from a home office.

“There is some training involved and you do need the truck and storage space to run your business,” said Morris. “But we help our franchisees with that process and provide training and materials to get them running. That usually takes about a week or so, depending on the person.”

The full Chunks O’ Fruti® franchisee package includes:

  • Franchise Fee $25,000
  • Minimum of 72 freezers
  • Truck with freezer body Leased space in freezer warehouse
  • Computer hardware and software
  • Initial Fruti® and Mars products inventory
  • Initial training and freezer placement  for the first 72.
  • Sales and marketing materials
  • Mobile route management equipment and software

Jamie Linn recently purchased a Chunks O’ Fruti franchise in Albuquerque, New Mexico. An IT consultant to the legal industry and a member of a stage hands union in Las Vegas, she chose a franchise as a way to set her own schedule so she and her husband could settle on their ranch in New Mexico and eventually start a family.

“The Fruti franchise opportunity was appealing on so many levels, the first and foremost being it’s a great product that’s good for you and one we believe in,” said Linn. “The other appealing thing was being able to set my own hours. I’ve run my own IT consulting business and even though it was my own business, I was always at the mercy of my clients. With the materials and systems we’re given as Fruti franchise owners, we really do have the power to set our own schedule and also be successful.”

Chunks O’Fruti® frozen fruit bars are 100% natural and contain real fruit with no artificial coloring or flavoring–the fruit is spread evenly throughout each bar by a proprietary manufacturing process. It’s also low calorie and there are more than 20 natural flavors to choose from.

Fruti franchises are available across the U.S. For complete information on Fruti ‘s franchise offering, please visit www.frutifranchise.com or contact Bruce Wildes, Acadia Business Advisors, LLC at 207 370 8210 or info@acadiabiz.com.

About Natural Fruit Corporation
Brothers Simon and Jorge Bravo Sr. founded Natural Fruit Corporation in 1985. Equipped with their vast backgrounds in food processing and production, the brothers set out to produce the highest quality, 100 percent natural, frozen fruit bars. Nearly three decades later, the company is still going strong, manufacturing more than 20 flavors of the Chunks O’ Fruti brand products—100 percent natural with no added colors or flavoring. All flavors and color come directly from the fruit! Chunks O’ Fruti brand products are Kosher-certified and gluten-free.

In 2009, Natural Fruit Corporation entered into an agreement for its distributors to offer the full line of Mars Ice Cream products, including Twix, Snickers, Dove bars and M&M brands. Natural Fruit Corporation began offering a revised franchise opportunity in 2010.

Fruti franchises are available across the U.S… For complete information on Fruti’s franchise offering, please contact Bruce Wildes, Acadia Business Advisors, LLC at 207 370 8210 or info@acadiabiz.com or visit www.frutifranchise.com.

For information on Fruti products, please visit www.nfc-fruti.com.

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