Quarterly News Letter       Volume 1 No. 3  

"Same-store growth has long been at the top of our priorities. We are now looking to new market development for the continued growth of the Car-X brand," Mr. Dunaway said. Initial states targeted include Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas as well as Kansas and Nebraska. "Our growth plan for national expansion is to concentrate on developing in adjacent states in order to maintain our high standards of support," Mr. Dunaway said.

Car-X Muffler & Brake performs nearly a million repair jobs per year in 183 stores located in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Car-X offers a wide range of auto repairs including brakes, exhaust, steering, ride control, tires, air conditioning and routine maintenance services for all makes of cars and light trucks.

For more information contact David Maltzman at Car-X Muffler & Brake, 

8430 W. Bryn Mawr, #400, Chicago, IL 60631. 800-359-2359 ext. 2422.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Laura Shea

(619)518-6250

Visit Their Web Site

http://www.carx.com

There's a lot of "Opportunity 
Ahead" for the person who wants to own their own business--whose commitment is to work hard, work smart and achieve their goals. Recognized by over 85 percent of all vehicle owners, the Meineke name is a powerful component of the brand equity and image so coveted by all 
businesses. It's a name recognized for service--quality discount service.

The proven, tested Meineke Business System has been perfected over nearly three decades of experience. And the momentum continues to build, finding ever more efficient methods and incorporating a comprehensive collection of 
demographic information about the consumer, the market and geographic considerations. All are designed to maximize the Opportunity which is presented to Meineke franchisees each day. Meineke entered the new century with more than 900 franchisees. "Our goal is 2,010 Meineke locations by the year 2010". There's a lot of "Opportunity Ahead" for the person who wants to own their own business--whose commitment is to work hard, work smart and achieve their goals.

Recognized by over 85 percent of all vehicle owners, the Meineke name is a powerful component of the brand equity and image so coveted by all businesses. It's a name recognized for service--quality discount service.

The proven, tested Meineke Business System has been perfected over nearly three decades of experience. And the momentum continues to build, finding ever more efficient methods and incorporating a comprehensive collection of demographic information about the consumer, the market and geographic considerations. All are designed to maximize the Opportunity which is presented to Meineke franchisees each day.

Visit Their Web Site

http://www.meineke.com

During 1995, Babla sold his top-producing franchise unit and acquired franchising rights to the western U.S. for Copy Club, ICED's newest holding.

As part of the commitment of acquiring access to a region, Copy Club West, Inc. purchased a Copy Club franchise in San Diego to become familiar with its operational systems. By doing so, Babla was able to dramatically improve the existing business systems.

'The Copy Club franchise concept is timely," said Rick Eggleton, president of FranNet of Southern California, Inc., a matchmaking service for professional individuals looking for franchise opportunities.

"Harish was a top performing franchisee and wants top-performing franchisees," continued Eggleton.

Other benefits Eggleton attributes to the success of the Copy Club franchise include:

• Outbound sales representatives
• Not price competitive
• No cap on growth potential
• Excellent service

And Copy Club West is never far from their franchisees.

"We have a terrific support system that keeps the franchisees on track," said Babla.

This includes a complete review of each franchise once a quarter, named QFOSIR, which stands for Quarterly, Financial, Operational, Sales, Image Review.

Once the review is conducted, a report detailing the areas for improvements, comments and recommendations are submitted to the owners, and then an in-person meeting is scheduled to discuss the items of importance directly.

Another unique support item provided by Copy Club West to their franchises is the Peer Leadership Council. This is a group of success-minded Copy Club franchise owners meeting regularly to review, strategize and brainstorm for the betterment of their businesses.

Other support strategies include:

• Annual strategic summit
• Training
• Mystery shoppers
• Discounts on equipment and supplies
• Quarterly marketing campaigns

About Copy Club

Copy Clubs are 24-hour a day, 7-day a week business copying and digital imaging solution centers serving the needs of a growing mobile and independent workforce. Copy Club has a network of 15 centers across the U.S. with plans to open 12 to 18 more units via Copy Club West in 2000. Modeled somewhat after corporate behemoth, Kinko's Copies, Copy Club is distinctively different, with each location owner-operated and employing an outbound sales-force to secure large corporate and retail business accounts. Each location offers state-of-the-art copy equipment, digital technology, computer rentals, faxing services and full-scale production capabilities. Services include Web­ordering and proofing, high-speed black and white and color copying, digital file output, oversized and poster-quality printing, self-service copying, PC and MAC rental stations with DSL connections and much more.

Visit Their Web Site

http://www.copyclubwest.com

business with merchants and not much has changed since then, except that the small boats are now Boeing 747s and the spices have been replaced by multi-billion dollar exports of oil, food, machinery, manufactured goods and more. Not bad for just a dot on the world map. Setting the scene for more business transactions is Global Franchising2000. Although fairly new to the franchise exhibition scene, the event which will only be held for the second time ever in September this year, established itself Asia’s largest and most international franchising fair when it debuted in 1997. Back after a two-year hiatus because of the non-conducive business climate of the last couple of years, the event will pick up from where it very successfully left off by featuring 250 companies from 22 countries. Six international groups from Australia, Canada, Europe, Malaysia, Singapore, and USA will also be present.

  Keen to establish Singapore as a franchise hub is the Singapore Trade Development Board (TDB). Taking the lead in coordinating the Singapore pavilion at Global Franchising2000, the TDB has received strong support from local companies keen to expand their businesses through regional and international investors. 31 firms have signed up to showcase their franchise offerings at the pavilion, with a truly diverse array of products and services ranging from food and beverage outlets to furniture to education to physical well-being.

Guaranteeing investment returns in under 2 years is Melandas Casa Mobili. One of the biggest brands in the South-East Asia, this award-winning total-home furnishings specialist is using Global Franchising2000 as a means of further expanding their franchise arm. Also taking advantage of the event is Expressions International, a highly successful health, beauty and spa service. Acknowledged as the pioneer of the “total wellness concept in Singapore, Expressions aims to build their name into a truly international lifestyle brand by expanding its business from franchising to brand licensing

  But Global Franchising2000 is not just an exhibition. Held concurrently with the exhibition is an international conference and a series of seminars and workshops. Successful professionals will share their strategies and experiences at the Global Franchising2000 International Conference as well as address the legalities and tax issues involved in franchising regionally,  while a workshop on the basics of franchising will also be conducted. Also slated is a Market Opportunities Seminar that will give a rundown of franchising potentials around the region and review the legal and business environments within these countries. 

  Recognizing the synergy between the two events, the second Licensing Asia Conference will also be held in conjunction with Global Franchising2000. First held in 1999, the Conference will bring together an international panel of experts from a wide range of industry licensing to address the following issues: “The Essentials of Licensing”; “Licensing in the Electronics, Consumer Products and Software Industries”; “Country Focus on Licensing Developments”; “Branding in Asia”; “E-commerce and Licensing” and “Technology Licensing”.

  Global Franchising2000 takes place from 20 – 22 September 2000 at the Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Center and is open to trade and business visitors only. For more information, please contact Singapore Exhibition Services at (65) 738 6776 or email info@sesmontnet.com .