EDITOR'S NOTE: News Bytes reports on topics of interest to everyone involved in franchising. Short items are invited for submission but cannot be acknowledged nor returned.

LaVida Massage Announces Grand Opening of First Colorado Center in Fort Collins	COMMERCE, Mich., February 24, 2010 —LaVida Massage, a Commerce, Mich.-based massage and wellness center, has announced the grand opening of a new LaVida location in Fort Collins, Colo., marking the first LaVida to open in Colorado. LaVida Founder John Hoose made the announcement. The new center, located at 2733 Council Tree Avenue in Fort Collins, Colo. will open this Wednesday, February 17th. Founded in 2007, LaVida has locations that span the United States, with several more centers slated to open in 2010. The company has doubled in size in the past year, and is positioned for substantive growth as franchisees and clients continue to find unmatchable value in the benefits of owning and frequenting a cost-effective, high quality massage center. The Fort Collins center is owned and managed by husband and wife franchisees Andy and Sherry Buersmeyer. Mr. Buersmeyer, currently an engineer, joins his wife, a former horticulturist, who will serve as the full-time onsite manager overseeing business operations. The couple, inspired by LaVida’s client-focused mantra and emphasis on health and wellness, entered into franchising with optimism and an expectation to positively impact Colorado’s health offerings.
Franchise Executive Honored As Diversity Award Recipient	WASHINGTON, D.C. - Steve Romaniello, CFE, managing director of Roark Capital Group and chairman of FOCUS Brands, was named by the International Franchise Association to receive the Ronald E. Harrison Award during the association’s 50th annual convention, conducted in San Antonio. The Ronald E. Harrison Award recognizes organizations or individuals who have made significant contributions to minorities in franchising. Ronald E. Harrison, CFE, retired PepsiCo senior vice president, IFA past chairman and former chairman of the IFA Diversity Institute board of directors, was the first recipient of this award, which was named in his honor. Romaniello helps lead the franchise practice for Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private-equity firm specializing in the franchise sector. Roark has acquired 15 franchise/multi-unit brands that collectively have more than 45,000 points of distribution, 2,600 franchisees, and $3.7 billion in system-wide revenues across 50 states and 36 countries.
Dawn of New Decade Signals Fresh Start for Franchise Lead Generation	Southbury, CT – February 11, 2010 –The Entrepreneur’s Source is giving the franchise industry an innovative, trendsetting way to grow. Franchising’s leading career and business coaching company today launched an innovative online virtual coaching experience at www.EntrepreneursSource.com. Through advanced internet technology, The Entrepreneur’s Source is changing how people will discover new business opportunities, taking them from employment to empowerment™, while simultaneously breaking down barriers that typically take individuals out of the franchise exploration process. “People from all walks of life are making career transitions, and many are now choosing to take control of their own destiny, by considering becoming self sufficient. Our new online virtual coach provides aspiring entrepreneurs with a private planning session to create a roadmap to financial freedom,” says Brian Miller, COO and President of The Entrepreneur’s Source, which has helped tens of thousands of people find new business opportunities throughout its 25-plus years. “The interactive experience takes visitors on a guided tour towards finding a business opportunity that meets their goals, needs and expectations.”
International Franchise Association Names Kevin Walker Chairman During The IFA 50th Annual Convention	SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 8, 2010—Kenneth D. Walker, CFE, chairman & CEO of Driven Brands in Charlotte, N.C. is the 2010 Chairman of the International Franchise Association. Walker will assume the chairmanship at the conclusion of the IFA 50th Annual Convention here after serving several years in the leadership chairs at the IFA, including most recently as first vice chair. Ken has been a strong advocate for IFA and franchising serving the association in various capacities. He has been a member of the IFA Board of Directors since 2002 and the IFA Executive Committee since 2007. He is a member of the IFA Franchisor Forum, the IFA Research Committee and the IFA Finance, Audit and Budget Committee. He also serves on the IFA Educational Foundation Executive Committee and served as Chairman of the foundation in 2008. He currently chairs the IFA Convention Committee and the IFA political action committee, FranPAC, Advisory Committee, where he as set records in fundraising. Walker also served on the IFA Strategic Planning Working Group, which recently completed a 2010-2012 strategic plan for the organization. He became a Certified Franchise Executive in 2007. Walker is currently a member of the World President’s Organization, a global organization of more than 4,600 business leaders who are or have been chief executive officers of major companies.

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