HomeExecutive EducationFranchise EducationEmerging Franchisor Conference Sponsors

Emerging Franchisor Conference Sponsors

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of this dynamic program, please contact Cheryl R. Babcock, CFE at 800-672-7223, ext. 5071.

Click on the sponsor logo below to find out further information about these companies and the services they provide.

Platinum Sponsor

Cheng Cohen LLC

Cheng Cohen is a full service boutique law firm providing franchisors with regulatory, corporate and litigation solutions. We combine decades of experience with uncompromising standards to deliver innovative legal services helping franchisors – from industry leaders to pioneering start-ups – to build their brands and grow their systems throughout the world.

Cheng Cohen’s services include:

• Structure programs and develop documents that meet Franchisor’s unique and specific needs
• Strategize with franchisors to find the right development strategy for optimal growth
• Prepare disclosure documents and file state registration materials
• Develop alternative methods of licensing and distribution programs to avoid state and federal franchise laws
• Partner with franchisors to develop an international growth strategy, including preparing disclosure document where required and resolving issues under international agreements
• Counsel clients with management of relationships with franchisees, licensees, vendors, suppliers and competitors
• Anticipate and resolve disputes
• Represent clients in litigation, arbitration and mediation in state and federal courts across the country and in alternative dispute resolution forums

Cheng Cohen LLC is the complimentary and innovative partner our clients need to grow and protect their franchise system.

http://www.chengcohen.com/

Gold Sponsors

Faegre & Benson, LLP

Franchising is one of the most dynamic and exciting growth vehicles in our global economy. To achieve its objectives in the challenging, yet rewarding, franchise world, a franchisor must partner with a legal team that not only knows franchising - but also takes the time to understand the franchisor’s business and its unique objectives and needs.

Few law firms embrace this approach with more passion and commitment than Faegre & Benson. We know the franchise business top to bottom, including the complexities created by the overlap of state and federal law. We also understand the challenges of building and operating a franchise system. It’s your business. You need answers, and we’ll provide unparalleled legal support. Franchising requires legal experience and capabilities crossing traditional practice disciplines. Our lawyers can address the broad range of issues that you may face involving:

• Franchise structure, compliance and counseling
• Brand positioning and protection, intellectual property, Internet and e-commerce
• Franchise relationships
• Enforcing system standards
• Franchise litigation and alternative dispute resolution
• Advice regarding franchise advisory councils and associations
• Compliance with federal and state advertising regulations
• International franchising
• Raising capital and financing
• Franchise reorganization and bankruptcy
• Supply chain issues and antitrust compliance
• Drafting and evaluating earnings claims
• Litigation prevention and best practices
• Media and entertainment
• Contests, promotions and gift cards
• Privacy and data protection
• Franchise system compliance audits

Our approach is to identify a small group of lawyers that will work closely with you as part of your team. That team will have tremendous resources available to them. Drawing on the firm’s strong domestic and international practices, we assist our clients in structuring dynamic franchise systems and anticipating potentially difficult legal issues before they arise.

We also defend you and your system when disputes arise. Dispute resolution, for the Faegre & Benson franchise litigator, does not begin with a demand for arbitration or a summons and complaint - it begins with the franchise agreement. No one better understands how the franchise agreement can help win a dispute than the lawyer who has experienced how the agreement plays out in a courtroom. Our litigators therefore have hands-on involvement in crafting commitments to arbitrate, choice of law provisions, contractual limitations of action, restraints on the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and the like. We also frequently turn to our trial lawyers to help develop facts that will increase the chances of a favorable outcome. Our lawyers know how to settle cases that need to be settled, but also know how to try cases that need to be tried.

What separates Faegre & Benson from other franchise law firms is our unwavering commitment to you. We will address your unique business needs and objectives and draft your documents accordingly. We pride ourselves on helping clients execute creative ways of succeeding in their industry. Truly listening to you and responding to your particular legal needs is our forte. We are always available and return phone calls and e-mails promptly, and we will not surprise you with unanticipated legal fees. Finally, we enjoy what we do and we want to be part of your team.

http://www.faegre.com/

Silver Sponsors

Kutak Rock LLP

Kutak Rock’s Franchising and Distribution practice represents local and national clients in a broad range of issues including franchise registration, disclosure and regulation, franchise relationship and business opportunity laws, franchise sales compliance, franchise litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution, dealerships, trademarks and branding, intellectual property, finance, tax, bankruptcy, succession planning, employment, corporate, corporate finance, real estate, real estate finance, and mergers and acquisitions. The Franchising and Distribution team includes lawyers from multiple disciplines allowing us to effectively represent our clients at all phases of growth.

Our Areas of Expertise

Our areas of expertise include:

• Structuring franchise, distribution and licensing programs;
• Preparing Uniform Franchise Offering Circulars and state registrations;
• Counseling clients on registration, renewals, sales compliance, relationship laws and business opportunity laws;
• Advising clients on franchise terminations, transfers and renewals;
• Representing franchise companies in litigation, arbitration, mediation and dispute resolution;
• Representing dealers on terminations and bankruptcy issues;
• Assisting in establishing and maintaining franchise compliance programs;
• Brand protection, including trademark registration, assignments, acquisitions, licensing and enforcement;
• State and local tax issues;
• Financing;
• Corporate structure; and
• Mergers and acquisitions.

Our Team Approach

We believe in providing practical business solutions and full-service support. We do not take the one-size-fits all approach. We believe that the best results are had by putting together legal teams that understand a client’s industry and have the relevant legal expertise to obtain the desired goal. With more than 375 lawyers in 15 offices nationwide, we have the breadth and depth of expertise to create the right legal team for you.

www.kutakrock.com

MFV Expositions

Domestic and international franchise expansion and the talent to get it done! That's what MFV Expositions provides for your franchise company.

MFV's products and services generate thousands of qualified leads for franchise expansion. Whether you seek face-to-face interaction with investors attending industry leading trade shows or a year-round connection to prospective franchisees actively researching franchise and business opportunities on the web, rely on MFV to deliver results.

Our family of companies includes the International Franchise Expo, the West Coast Franchise Expo, Franchise Expo South, BeTheBoss.com with sites around the world, three annual franchise expositions in Mexico, MyBruno.com, the automated sales manager and BigHoller, the leading online ordering solution.

MFV Expositions is the first family in lead generation for franchisors interested in expanding business regionally, nationally and internationally. Contact us by email or phone and we'll go to work for you!

http://www.mfvexpo.com/

Special Ops LLC

Since 2003, Special Ops LLC has worked with both emerging and established franchisors to develop comprehensive, clearly written and well-designed operations and training manuals and collateral. Clients receive customized documents, which serve their needs, elevate their brand and convey attention to detail. They set the agenda and budget, and we provide the expertise and guidance. Our clientele includes franchisors in foodservice, personal care retail, luxury furniture retail, child care, home repair, nutritional supplementation, athletic training, and family entertainment.

http://www.specialopsllc.com/

Synergy Franchise Group LLC

Synergy Franchise Group, LLC was started by Christopher Simnick, CFE who together with his business partner David Gould have over 30 years of business experience as independent business owners, franchisees and franchisors. Chris, Dave and their team of experts have the passion and expertise to help franchise systems from many industries, segments, ages and sizes maximize their potential.

Synergy Franchise Group will assist with the formulation and implementation of realistic growth, development and expansion strategies tailored to specific needs and market segments. Areas of specialization include; Franchise System & Corporate Infrastructure Evaluation, Franchise Development & Recruitment (In House and 3rd Party Franchisee Recruitment Teams™), Initial & Ongoing Training & Support, Operations Review, Budgeting, Profit & Loss Analysis, Site Selection, Lease Negotiation Assistance, Coaching and more.

http://www.sfgnow.com/