Unleash the Power of The Press

franchise opportunities

Tolland County Chamber of Commerce Honors Between Rounds with Beautification Award

Between Rounds Vernon interior renovation.

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café of Vernon, CT was recently presented with the “2016 Tolland County Chamber of Commerce Award” for “Beautification in Tolland County”.

In a ceremony, the Tolland County Chamber of Commerce presented Between Rounds Vernon founders, Jerry and Joe Puiia, with a beautification award for their extensive renovation of the shop, which is located in the Vernon Circle Shopping Center at 243 Hartford Turnpike.

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels (in 14 different flavors), a variety of baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware.

“We are absolutely delighted to receive this special recognition,” said Jerry Puiia. “The Vernon store redesign was so much more than a simple ‘refresh’ of flooring, lighting and equipment. It was a completely new and carefully considered design and renovation to improve the store’s layout so we could serve customers faster and also show off all of our products, including our unique giftware.”

A floor to ceiling interior renovation on Between Rounds’ Vernon location was completed earlier this year, resulting in a chic, upscale look with more comfortable seating, unique and artistic decorative lighting features, innovative flooring and carpet, dedicated giftware displays and a cozier atmosphere overall.

Exterior renovations on the shop included the addition of a vestibule as well as a new storefront, complete with low-e glazing windows, which are energy efficient to reduce sun penetration and glare. Even Between Rounds’ parking area was reconfigured to accommodate a new patio area surrounded by lush plantings.

Puiia continued, “We were able to create a modern, beautiful space where people can gather to relax and enjoy good food. We’ve had a very positive response from the community.”

Between Rounds has been in business for more than two decades and is the brainchild of brothers Jerry and Joe Puiia, who are Staten Island, NY natives. Between Rounds locations include corporate headquarters in South Windsor, Vernon Circle Shopping Center in Vernon, the Plaza at Buckland Hills in Manchester, the independently owned Tolland store adjacent to a Citgo Express Gas Station and a second independently owned Vernon store (slated to open next month) at 229 Talcottville Road, adjacent to a Citgo Gas Station.

For more information about Between Rounds, visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

About Between Rounds

Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window. Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. Between Rounds’ locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland, with a second franchise location opening soon at 229 Talcottville Road in Vernon. Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

Tolland County Chamber of Commerce Honors Between Rounds with Beautification AwardRead More

Lapels Strong. Lapels Dry Cleaning customers donate nearly three tons of clothing to Big Brother/Big Sister clothing drive in Massachusetts

Lapels Dry Cleaning CEO Kevin Dubois (far right) presents Big Brother/Big Sister Foundation’s Steven Beck (second from right) and Ken Higgins (far left) with a check representing $10,000 worth of clothes donated by Lapels customers nationwide to Big Brother Big Sister organizations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Arizona. Lapels of Fenway Triangle’s Kevin Dao is also pictured. Customers from the Lapels of Fenway Triangle/Trilogy store donated 1495, the most of any Lapels store participating.

HANOVER, MA…

Last year, Lapels Dry Cleaning customers in Massachusetts donating nearly three tons of clothing in Lapels annual drive to raise money for Big Brother/Big Sister (BBBS). This year, Lapels Dry Cleaning customers topped that figure by donating 5,744 pounds of clothing.

“We have a few more locations in Massachusetts this year, but even so that is a staggering amount of clothing,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning, an environmentally friendly dry cleaner with more than 50 locations nationwide. “I can’t really say I’m that surprised. Our customers have always been very generous and this year, with the recent bombings, I think the charitable side of people has really come out, both for the One Fund and other philanthropic endeavors. We’re delighted that Big Brother/Big Sister can be the beneficiary of that generosity.”

The estimated worth of the donated clothing to Big Brother/Big Sister is nearly $6,000 as the clothes will be resold at various thrift shops and other second hand clothing stores in the region. That brings the dollar amount from donations by Lapels Dry Cleaning customers to nearly $10,000 nationwide as Lapels conducted similar drives in Arizona, New Jersey and Rhode Island.

“I was thrilled last year with the very generous amount of donations made. This year, with nearly 1500 more pounds of clothes, I’d have to say me I’m speechless,” said Steven Beck, an executive director of the Big Brother/Big Sister Foundation.

The drive, held from May 6 through May 19, included significant contributions from 22 Lapels Dry Cleaning stores and plants in Massachusetts.

Some of the larger contributors to the clothing drive included the following stores:

  • Lapels of Boston Trilogy(1495 pounds)
  • Lapels of Hanover (1380 pounds)
  • Lapels of Boston South End (736 pounds)

“Once again, we’re so grateful for the contribution by Lapels customers and Lapels for coordinating the effort,” said Ken Higgins, Big Brother Big Sister Dispatch supervisor. “Lapels has a great reputation for caring about its customers. The annual clothing drive shows how much Lapels customers care about people.”

Beyond the Massachusetts stores, Lapels lone Rhode Island location in Lincoln, Rhode Island, contributed 391 pounds to the drive to the Big Brother/Big Sister organization in the Ocean State.

“Our New England stores really stepped it up for this clothing drive,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning. “Lapels prides itself on being environmentally friendly. A part of that is giving back to the communities we serve. We’re grateful to have a customer base that shares that spirit of giving.”

Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners

Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in: Arizona (Gilbert, Phoenix, Chandler); California (Poway); Colorado (Littleton); Connecticut (Cromwell); Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe); Massachusetts (Abington, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Franklin, Hanover, Marshfield, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington); Missouri (Wildwood); New Jersey (Brick, Freehold and Verona); Ohio (Liberty Township); Oklahoma (Oklahoma City); Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg); Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Forest Village); and Texas (Arlington, Brownsville). Additional locations coming soon to Austin, TX, Cedar Park, TX, Natick, MA and Needham, MA.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

Lapels Strong. Lapels Dry Cleaning customers donate nearly three tons of clothing to Big Brother/Big Sister clothing drive in MassachusettsRead More

The future of dry cleaning arrives in North Cambridge. Lapels Dry Cleaning opens at Mass. Ave. location.

Maria and Egidio Barros are the owners of the new Lapels Dry Cleaning store at 2551 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge. The Randolph, MA residents also own Lapels Dry Cleaning stores in Newton and Brighton.

CAMBRIDGE, BRIGHTON, NEWTON AND HANOVER, MA…

Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company headquartered in Hanover, Massachusetts, recently opened a new location in Cambridge at 2551 Massachusetts Avenue.

The new Cambridge Lapels Dry Cleaning store is owned and operated by Randolph residents Maria and Egidio Barros. Store hours will be Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm; Saturday 8 am to 5 pm; and Sunday, 12 pm to 3 pm. The grand opening for the new Lapels will be held later this winter.

“We are delighted to bring Lapels’ standard of high quality dry cleaning and superior customer service to Cambridge and the people who reside and work in that area near the Alewife T station,” said Maria Barros.

In addition to the Lapels Dry Cleaning in Cambridge, the Barros’s own two other Lapels Dry Cleaning stores—462 Washington Street in Brighton and at 318 Walnut Street in Newton.

“What customers especially like about Lapels”, says Egidio Barros, “is how our ‘green’ process produces such a nice finished product.”

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience for the past 10 years.  Using the lastest technology in equipment and cleaning solution, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners in the greater Boston area able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Their environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes. At Lapels you can see, feel and smell the difference.

Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and a full service on-site tailor.

“There were so many reasons why we initially chose to buy a Lapels franchise. The environmental piece was certainly up there on our list, but it was an overall commitment to a high quality customer experience that truly sold us,” said Maria. “Customers have been very receptive to what Lapels has to offer at our other locations and we feel the residents of North Cambridge will appreciate it as well.”

Lapels offers it’s customers Automatic Rewards earning them credit towards free dry cleaning for every dollar they spend, Loyalty Programs, a VIP Program which eliminates the need to wait in line and the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

“We want to congratulate Egidio and Maria on their new store and we look forward to continuing our support at the corporate level to help ensure the success of Lapels Dry Cleaning in North Cambridge,” remarked Lapels Dry Cleaning CEO Kevin Dubois.

For complete information on the Lapels Dry Cleaning, please visit www.mylapels.com. Or, you can call the Cambridge store at 617-349-0006, the Brighton Lapels at 617-254-0811 or the Newton store at 617-527-6700.
Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners
Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Arizona (Gilbert, Phoenix), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe), Massachusetts (Abington, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Hanover, Marshfield, Newtonville, Norton, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick, Freehold and Verona), Ohio (Liberty Towns), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Forest); Texas (Arlington). Additional locations coming soon to Chandler, AZ, Boston, MA, Quincy, MA and Brownsville, TX.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

The future of dry cleaning arrives in North Cambridge. Lapels Dry Cleaning opens at Mass. Ave. location.Read More

Two tons of caring. Lapels Dry Cleaning stores contribute more than 4,000 pounds of clothing to Big Brother/Big Sister clothing drive

HANOVER, MA…

Lapels Dry Cleaning Clothing Drive
Some of the more than two tons of clothes Lapels Dry Cleaning stores in Mass. and RI collected and donated to the Big Brother/Big Sister Association of both RI and Mass.

Having a “ton” of laundry is an often-used figure of speech. This year’s Lapels Dry Cleaning Clothes Drive put a visual to this expression by collecting 4,073 pounds—more than TWO tons—for Big Brother and Big Sister of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The drive, held from May 5 through May 20, included significant contributions from 18 Lapels Dry Cleaning stores and plants in Massachusetts and one in Rhode Island.

“Our Massachusetts stores and our Lincoln, Rhode Island location really stepped it up for this clothing drive,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning. “Lapels prides itself on being environmentally friendly. A part of that is giving back to the communities we serve. We’re grateful to have a customer base that shares that spirit of giving.”

Some of the larger contributors to the clothing drive included the following stores:

  • Lapels of Norton (575 pounds)
  • Lapels of Hanover/Assinippi Corner (437 pounds)
  • Lapels of Walpole (345 pounds)

“With 18 Lapels stores participating in this drive it helped make this a huge success,” said Ken Higgins, Big Brother Big Sister Dispatch supervisor.

As impressive as those numbers are, the biggest individual store contributing came from the smallest state. The Lapels of Lincoln, Rhode Island collected 600 pounds of clothing.

“We’re so grateful for the contribution by Lapels customers and Lapels for coordinating the effort,” said Laura LoBreglio, customer service manager, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State. “Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the union, but this clothing drive shows how Lapels customers care about helping out fellow Ocean Staters.”

Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners
Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Arizona (Gilbert, Phoenix), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe), Massachusetts (Abington, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Hanover, Marshfield, Newtonville, Norton, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick, Freehold and Verona), Ohio (Liberty Towns), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Forest); Texas (Arlington). Additional locations coming soon to Chandler, AZ, Boston, MA, Quincy, MA and Brownsville, TX.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

Two tons of caring. Lapels Dry Cleaning stores contribute more than 4,000 pounds of clothing to Big Brother/Big Sister clothing driveRead More

Franchise Growth Group announces investment with MD Tech Pro

Evan Hackel

WOBURN, MA… 

Franchise Growth Group (“FGG”), a provider of consulting services and capital to the franchise industry, recently announced an investment in MD Tech Pro. With regional offices across the U.S., MD Tech Pro specializes in all phases of IT pertaining to medical practices, including network and system management, EHR transition, EHR support, and practice management.

 “MD Tech Pro represents the kind of franchise we’re looking to partner with on many levels,” said Evan Hackel, managing partner of FGG. “They have a very innovative and scale concept.  A strong management team, but they needed capital and expertise on how to get to the next level.”

MD Tech Pro provides services nationwide and has experience with major electronic medical record software solutions. The range of solutions MD Tech Pro offers includes:

  • Complete support and solutions for your practice
  • 24/7/365 remote monitoring and repair
  • Software management and upgrades
  • EHR selection, implementation and EHR support services
  • Cloud hosting
  • Security risk analysis
  • Virus, spyware and security protection for all computers and servers
  • On-site, remote and phone / help-desk support 24/7/365
  • Discount hardware and software

“We are thrilled to be working with FGG to help take our organization to a higher level,” said Michael Vanderslice , CEO of MD Tech Pro. “Our particular niche, IT for medical practices and clinics, is still relatively in its infancy. With FGG’s help, we’re looking to be able to grow our company and better serve clients and, indirectly, their patients.”

Franchise Growth Group looks to acquire or invest in franchise organizations that have tremendous potential but are unable to realize that potential due to management issues, franchisee relationship problems or lack of capital. Typically those organizations have at least 50 franchisees.

FGG considers acquisitions that require full ownership or allow FGG to become a major investor.

For more information on Franchise Growth Group, please visit www.franchisegrowthgroup.com. For more on MD Health Tech, visit www.mdtechpro.com.

About Franchise Growth Group (FGG):

Based in Woburn, MA, FGG looks to acquire or invest in franchise organizations that have tremendous potential but are unable to realize that potential due to management issues, franchisee relationship problems or lack of capital. By leveraging FGG’s investment fund and its team of Franchise experts, FGG helps small- to medium-sized franchisor (50 or more units) become successful, profitable and positioned for acquisition by private equity firms or others that specialize in long-term franchise investments.

For more information, visit www.franchisegrowthgroup.com or call 781—205-9501.

About MD Tech Pro:

MD Tech Pro is a Phoenix AZ-based healthcare IT company specializing in all phases of IT pertaining to medical practices, including network and system management, EHR transition, EHR support, and practice management. The company provides services nationwide and has experience with most major electronic medical record software solutions. MD Tech Pro currently has offices in Phoenix AZ, Denver CO, Boston MA, Atlanta and Savannah GA and Chattanooga TN and anticipates having offices in over 100 markets by the end of 2015.

Franchise Growth Group announces investment with MD Tech ProRead More

Encore, encore! Franchise Management Expert Evan Hackel of Ingage Consulting shines as keynote speaker at 2012 at Exciting Windows! National Conference

Evan Hackel

WOBURN, MA…

The goal of any good public speaker is to leave your audience wanting more. If that’s the case, Evan Hackel, franchise management expert and founder of Ingage Consulting of Woburn, MA, succeeded in his keynote at last year’s Exciting Windows! 7th Annual National Conference. Hackel again was invited back as the featured speaker at Exciting Windows! 2012 Annual National Conference, held on January 29 in Baltimore, MD. 

Hackel spoke to Exciting Windows! franchisees on the topic of ”Returning to Growth Together”. 

“Evan showed how franchisees grow stronger as the organization grows stronger, and how the organization grows stronger as franchisees grow stronger. That struck a credible nerve that everyone understood,“ said Steven C. Bursten, CEO and chairman of Exciting Windows! “We had more favorable comments than any convention speaker in our eight years of franchising. In fact, last year’s presentation was transformative.  Business owners who never appreciated what it means to pull together “got it”, and have been more supportive than ever this year.“

In his 25 years franchise experience, Hackel has helped develop, implement and managed  three successful new franchise systems. His experience includes overseeing four different business systems representing more than $5 billion in annual sales through 2,000 locations in four countries at CCA Global Partners, one of the largest privately held companies in the U.S. By way of direct consulting and his speaking engagement, Hackel helps franchise organization achieve their short- and long-term goals through franchisor and franchisee engagement.

In addition to the Exciting Windows!, Hackel is slated to speak at 18 other conferences in 2012, including multiple sessions for PSA and FEI. The range of topics he covers includes: 

  • The Need for Change
  • Reaching Hire Together – Why engaged franchses make all the difference.
  • The Franchise Covenant – The roles and responsibilities of the organization and the individual.
  • Making the Most of Your Research – Presenting analyzed data to the management team and franchisees.
  • Customer Excellence – The power of the person and the customer service chain.
  • Selling Strategies/Skills – The Four P’s of Selling and more.
  • Engagement:  A Key Driver of Franchise Success 

“It was great to be back at Exciting Windows! and I’m pleased to have such a full plate of speaking engagements for the New Year,” said Hackel. “Difficult times truly do put emphasis on franchise organizations and franchisees working together. The best practices I cover in my talks give franchisors and business owners the tools needed to create an engaged organization where all components complement each other.” 

To arrange a speaking engagement with Evan Hackel, contact (781) 569-5900. 

About Ingage Consulting

Ingage Consulting is a management consulting firm that works with franchisors and franchisees to improve the franchise 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 franchisors and franchisees.  They offer unique services that help solve the problems of franchises in a number of ways.  Working closely with clients, the Ingage Consulting team quickly and thoughtfully assesses, understands and devises solutions to a franchise organization’s challenges.  Leaders come away with ideas for improvement, including methods for maximizing collaboration among franchisees/licensees 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 franchises 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.

Encore, encore! Franchise Management Expert Evan Hackel of Ingage Consulting shines as keynote speaker at 2012 at Exciting Windows! National ConferenceRead More

Resort Maps to sponsor “road trip” for two Plymouth grannies.

PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Beth Sobiloff and Virginia Just never saw themselves as “traditional” grandmothers spending their reclining years, well, reclining. To prove that point and to achieve a lifelong dream of traveling the U.S., the two small business owners have literally decided to take their show (lives and businesses) on the road in a cross country journey to begin in March 2010.

Resort Maps, creator of more than 90 customized travel maps across the United States, England and Puerto Rico, has signed on as one of the first sponsors of the “Two Grannies on the Road” trip.

“At Resort Maps we believe that every trip is about the journey, not just the destination. Two Grannies on the Road epitomizes that philosophy and takes it one step further as Beth and Ginny will also be running their businesses while they see the country—and that’s something we want to support,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps Franchise.

Just, a 62 year-old grandmother of two boys and freelance graphic designer and Sobiloff, a 59-year-old grandmother of two girls and Web designer/search engine optimization specialist, plan to start their journey in March 2010, traveling in an RV down the coast and across the country to California over a two-month period. During that time, the two grannies will continue to run their businesses. Part of that will be stopping off at local chambers of commerce and Business Networking International (BNI) for meetings along the way.

“Both Ginny and I have been huge networkers, particularly with BNI. So, we’re looking forward to attending networking meetings on our trip and meeting other small business owners, including Resort Maps franchise owners in the cities and towns we travel through,” said Sobiloff. It will also be a big help to have the maps provided by Resort Maps in navigating our trip.

Resort Maps franchises operate in cities and towns in 20 states, including: California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Vermont—as well as towns and cities in England and Puerto Rico.

“Many Resort Maps franchise owners bought into the business because they didn’t want to be confined to the 12 months a year, 9-to-5 grind. Much like the Two Grannies, our franchise owners want to run their businesses on their own terms. Again, that’s what makes Resort Maps’ sponsorship with the Two Grannies a perfect match,” added Hans.

To find out more about the Two Grannies on the Road, including the progress of preparation for this great journey, please visit their blog at www.twogranniesontheroad.com. Businesses looking to sponsor the Two Grannies can contact Beth Sobiloff or Virginia Just by calling 617-851-6337.

For more information on Resort Maps or to inquire about ownership of a Resort Maps franchise, please visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising 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 grown to nearly 90 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. Nearly 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009.

For more information on Resort Maps the company 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), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Eagle River, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), , Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City, Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Chatham-Orleans, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (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, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York ( The Hamptons, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, The Main Line), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), and Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra).

Resort Maps to sponsor “road trip” for two Plymouth grannies.Read More

On a map quest…Resort Maps to produce “Best of Delray Beach” map, advertising opportunities available.

DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 90 customized travel maps across the United States, England and Puerto Rico, recently began work on the first edition of a map of Delray Beach, Florida.  Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities, free to area visitors. 

The creation of the Best of Delray Beach Resort Map will show what the area has to offer by highlighting local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services in the greater Delray Beach area. Each advertiser on the map is represented with a display ad surrounding the perimeter of the map, including a color-coded grid locator and their actual building drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate. 

These same colorful maps can be found on-line at www.resortmaps.com. Here you will find interactive maps of all 90+ resort areas to choose from. These interactive maps allow the viewer to read a description of each business as they scroll over each building and to connect to the website of the business for further information. 

“South Florida has always been a popular destination for tourists and it’s become an even greater draw as people stay closer to home during their vacations,” said Chuck Roegge, Resort Maps franchise owner. “The new Delray Beach map offers a real treasure trove of things to do for people vacationing in the area or just down for a day or two. Our free ‘souvenir style’ maps can be found not only at the local advertisers’ shops but also at many non-advertiser locations throughout the area.”

For information on how to advertise on the upcoming Delray Beach map, you can call franchise owner Chuck Roegge at 561-212-6582 or e-mail at chuckr@resortmaps.com.

Resort Maps began creating and publishing maps in the northeastern U.S. back in 1986. In an effort to continue the company’s growth and simultaneously maintain the quality of the product, Resort Maps became a franchisor in 1993. Since adopting the franchise model, Resort Maps has grown steadily to more than 90 maps distributed across 20 states as well as towns and cities in England and Puerto Rico.

“We publish over 20 million maps per year in more than 90 cities and towns for a good reason. Our maps are fun, easy-to-read and they really do make you want to stop and see some of the local attractions before heading to the next part of your trip. Our advertisers like them for that very same reason,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps.

For more information on Resort Maps or to inquire about ownership of a Resort Maps franchise, please visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising 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 over 90 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. More than 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009.

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), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Eagle River, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), , Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Chatham-Orleans, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (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, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York ( The Hamptons, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, The Main Line), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), and Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra). 

On a map quest…Resort Maps to produce “Best of Delray Beach” map, advertising opportunities available.Read More

AAFD partners with Mace Security to offer AAFD members discounted rate on state-of-the-art security products

SAN DIEGO, CA…

The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) today announced a new partnership with Mace Security International, manufacturer of personal defense and electronic surveillance products marketed under the famous brand name, Mace®. Under this new agreement, the more than 50,000 franchised outlets owned by AAFD members have access to Mace’s broad security line at partnership pricing.

“Security is a huge issue with many of our franchisee members and certainly an area where you don’t want to spare quality due to expense. This new partnership gives our members access to state-of-the art security equipment at a reduced rate from a company, Mace, that’s literally a household name in the world of security,” said Robert Purvin, chairman of AAFD.

While Mace is a household name for its personal defense sprays, the company boasts an extensive product line of security equipment. Mace’s security products include: security systems, cameras and accessories, monitors and accessories, digital video recorders and other security products (e.g. mirrors, domes, and signage).

John O’Leary, president of Mace Security Products, expressed his excitement about the new partnership. “Our association with AAFD is a classic win-win, relationship,” said O’Leary.  “Mace wins because we now are associated with the industry’s most respected franchisee advocate, AAFD, many of whose members need our products. AAFD wins by enabling its members to save on state-of-the-art security equipment.”

About the AAFD
The AAFD is a national non-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers throughout the United States. Formed in 1992, the AAFD is focused on market driven reform to achieve its mission to define and promote collaborative franchise cultures that the AAFD describes as Total Quality Franchising. Since its formation the AAFD has grown to represent more than 50,000 franchised locations throughout the United States. The AAFD has members in all 50 states and represents more than 100 different franchise systems.
The AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards, Fair Franchising Seal, Trademark

Chapters, and emphasis on Marketplace Solutions led to the Association’s recognition as a growing force in franchising. The AAFD’s Branded Partner programs add a new dimension to the value of AAFD membership. The AAFD provides a broad range of member services designed to help franchisees build market power, create legislative support of interest to franchisees, provide legal and financial support, and provide a wide range of general member benefits.
For more information about the conference or the AAFD, please call toll free – 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

About Mace

Mace Security International, Inc. is a manufacturer of personal defense and electronic surveillance products marketed under the famous brand name, Mace®, and is an owner and operator of a wholesale central monitoring station.  The Company also operates a Digital Media Marketing and e-commerce business.  In addition, Mace owns and operates car washes, and has previously announced that it is exiting this segment of its business.  The Company’s remaining car washes are located in Texas.  Mace’s web site is www.mace.com.

AAFD partners with Mace Security to offer AAFD members discounted rate on state-of-the-art security productsRead More