Multi-cultural inclusion strengthens franchising.

Members of the franchising community are aggressively seeking solutions to maintain and expand their businesses in this tight economy and adjust for demographic shifts. Using new-found strategies and revamping existing ones to achieve better management operations are the topics of popular business seminars and publications. It's the kind of environment which drives companies to re-evaluate their inclusion activities and ensure that they are effective in identifying and attracting franchisees.

This issue of Franchising Worm is the Eight Annual Minorities in Franchising Special Edition, which is designed to help companies sustain and boost the entrance of more minorities into the industry. The articles presented here offer readers insights into the efforts of the IFA Educational Foundation's MinorityFran/Diversity Institute, the association's program charged with expanding diversity recruitment and multi-cultural marketing at all levels.

Describing the necessity of continuing to build connections with minorities in new markets is IFA's Miriam Brewer, who addresses business development opportunities in urban markets. Church's Chicken multi-unit franchisee and IFA board of directors' member Aslam Khan gives his perspective on things franchisors should keep in mind when offering financial assistance to franchisee candidates.

Each year, one of the highlights of the Minorities in Franchising Special Edition is the feature offering individual stories of achievement by minority franchisees. This issue includes profiles of six minority franchise-owners that will remind readers of the attraction that franchised brands command and present examples of the commitment and loyalty that these dedicated small-business people bring to the industry.

The magazine continues to aid franchising professionals with articles on surviving and advancing during times of recession. The Succeeding in Challenging Times Special Report offers readers valuable insights from industry experts. This month, the magazine will continue to follow the IFA Leadership Roundtable series, which is collecting ideas and suggestions from association leaders to share with lawmakers and policymakers. Siegel Financial's Ron Feldman describes what the franchising industry can expect from the government's stimulus package. The Entrepreneur's Source Brian Miller, CFE, shares his insights on today's entrepreneurial climate and beyond. Also consider reading the article by Mount Pleasant Capital's Robert Rodi about the paradigm shift of franchise lending.

These are times that demand critical information to make appropriate course corrections. Franchising World is committed to providing stories of strategic guidance to help the franchising industry sustain and excel during this recession.

Dina Dwyer-Owens, CFE

Chairwoman, IFA

Chairwoman and CEO, The Dwyer Group