On November 18, 2019, Keith Miller testified at an information hearing at the Oregon Capitol on the franchise industry, held by the House Interim Committee On Business and Labor. The entire hearing can be seen here. Mr. Miller’s section starts at 6:00. This is an example of testimony and education needed in every state, including […]
2019 Dickey’s BBQ Update
Despite Churn, Franchises Continue to Sell Once again, I am reporting on the very high churn rate for Dickey’s BBQ, yet the brand continues to sell a high number of franchises. Why? Do prospective franchisees not understand the numbers in the Franchise Disclosure Document? And, why is the government continuing to guarantee loans to a […]
Keith Miller Testifies at United States Senate Banking Subcommittee Hearing
On March 17, 2019, Keith Miller, Principal, Franchisee Advocacy Consulting, testified at the United States Senate Banking, Subcommittee on Economic Policy hearing titled, “Economic Mobility: Is the American Dream in Crisis?” Mr. Miller discussed some of the obstacles in franchising that hamper the efforts to realize the American Dream, concentrating on the lack of financial […]
NLRB Chairman Proposes Overhaul of Current Joint Employer Standard
Blue MauMau, by Janet Sparks, September 17th, 2018 Following the National Labor Relations Board administrative judge’s recent decision to reject McDonald’s proposed settlement to resolve all cases that called it a joint employer with its franchisees on labor law violations, the NLRB announced Thursday that it will overhaul the current joint-employer definition. Continue reading on […]
Making small-business owners’ concerns heard in the political process
Franchise owners are small business owners and they can have a big political impact, which is our experience in Maine. Franchise owners in Maine will continue to have the opportunity to educate their lawmakers, which we have learned do not know much about franchising, but we have shown them the importance of franchisees in Maine, to invest and create […]
Governor Pleased With Unempoyment Commission Findings
In May an Executive Order signed by Governor Paul LePage established The Blue Ribbon Commission and tasked it with reviewing various complaints and concerns raised by Maine citizens about the consistency and objectivity of the unemployment insurance system. After countless grueling hours of research, testimonies, and collaboration, the commission confirmed that Maine’s appeals system has […]
Calling All Maine Franchise Owners The Maine House Vote is Today!
The time for action has come. The Maine Small Business Investment Protection Act (LD1458) is scheduled to be voted on by the Maine House of Representatives this morning! We support the Minority Report, Senator Patrick’s amendment to LD1458 to strengthen franchising, not harm or limit it. We all make our living in franchising; damaging it […]
Well Attended Maine Franchise Owners Business Day and Legislative Meet
On Wednesday, January 29th, over 40 franchise owners met at The Senator Inn in Augusta to share best practices, and learn about various resources for Maine franchise owners. Four impressive and informative speakers headlined the afternoon. Jim Coen, Executive Director of Maine Franchise Owners Association (MFOA) spoke about the importance of organizing franchise owners in […]
William Whipple of Kittery Reads the Franchisee Bill of Rights
A lively William Whipple joined Maine franchise Owners, and legislators from all across the state to read the Universal Franchisee Bill of Rights (UFBOR) on Wednesday, January 29th at the Senator Inn in Augusta. Whipple was born January 14, 1730 in Kittery, Maine. By the late 1750’s, he was heavily involved in the Patriot movement, […]
Maine Bill Aims to Protect Franchise Owners
By J. Craig Anderson, Portland Press Herald, Staff Writer L.D. 1458 seeks to offer added protections to franchisees of many companies. Franchise owners in Maine are supporting a bill going before a legislative committee Tuesday in Augusta that they say would prevent companies from terminating agreements with their franchise owners without warning, among other provisions. […]