State Labor Commissioner Jeanne Paquette released November workforce estimates for Maine. Seasonally Adjusted Statewide Data Survey of Households – The preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate estimate for Maine was 6.4 percent in November—the lowest figure since November 2008—down from 6.7 percent in October and 7.2 percent one year ago. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics […]
Governor Welcomes Blue Ribbon Commission Report on Unemployment System
AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage is pleased with the final report of The Unemployment Reform Blue Ribbon Commission, which was delivered this week. An Executive Order signed by the Governor in May established the Commission and tasked it with reviewing various complaints and concerns raised by Maine citizens about the consistency and objectivity of […]
What Franchisees Could Lose If the Minimum Wage Is Raised
Fast-food workers in about 100 cities will strike on Thursday, leaving franchisees caught between a rock and a hard place. Protesters are calling for $15 an hour — a huge increase from the current federal minimum wage of $7.25, or a full-time salary of about $15,000 a year. The upcoming strikes follow the protests that […]
GAO Report of SBA Franchise Lending Reveals Program Failures
GOA Report Findings: The Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report identifying that loans to certain franchise companies failed at a higher rate. From 2003 to 2012, the SBA guaranteed loans for more than $10.6 billion to franchise businesses and was forced to make payments on about 28 percent of those loans. Analysis of guaranteed […]
Maine’s Small Business Administration Wants To Help You
The Small Business Administration (SBA) believes “giving small employers a voice early in the process is key to reducing the negative impact of regulations on small businesses, increasing the level of regulatory compliance, and passing on cost savings to state economies. Regional Advocates help identify regulatory concerns of small business by monitoring the impact of […]
Maine Franchise Owners Association Holds Open House in Portland
On Wednesday, November 6th, 2013 at the offices of the Maine Franchise Owners Association (MFOA), various franchise owners, vendors, and government officials attended the MFOA open house in Portland. MFOA is an independent organization of franchise owners in Maine that is committed to helping franchise owners grow, expand, and create more jobs for the citizens […]
Dunkin’ Donuts Franchise Owner Opens New Shop in Farmingdale, Maine
Normand and Joline Boulay, the owners of Farmindale’s newest business, Dunkin Donuts, welcomed friends and neighbors to celebrate with them and win some fabulous prizes. The Farmingdale Dunkin Donuts is the fourth one for the Boulays — two others located in Lewiston and one in Gardiner. Normand and Joline Boulay, expressed their excitement and satisfaction […]
American Bar “Wizards” Wish for Franchise Law Reform
Janet Sparks at Blue MauMau attended the American Bar Association’s 36th Forum on Franchising, she writes: Not all wizards are known for their magical powers. Some are identified by their skill and knowledge about a particular topic, said Joseph J Fittante, Jr., moderator of this year’s American Bar Association’s 36th Forum on Franchising plenary session, in introducing this year’s […]
Caribou Maine is Open for Business!
What does a Certified Business Friendly Community that happens to be the second largest city in Aroostook County,with a population of a little more than 8,000 people have to offer you? A chance to expand your business. Caribou, Maine already has a number of franchise brands including Burger King, McDonald’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Tim Horton’s, Subway, […]
Avis Lawsuit Represents What’s Bad in Franchising
Edward Kushell writes on BlueMauMau that he was an expert witness for Robert Halcro and Alaska Rent A Car in the recent case that awarded $19 million to the Avis franchise owner in Alaska. Edward Kushell is president and founder of The Franchise Consulting Group. He has been a franchisor with 400 units, a multiunit franchise […]