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The DDIFO which represents the largest association of Dunkin' Donuts franchise owners in the U.S., has increased its membership by 55% in the last year and now represents over 2300 shops.
According to DDIFO President Jim Coen, the increase brings DDIFO closer to its goal of being a nationally recognized organization.
The boost in membership was officially announced at a meeting in Chicago where over 400 Dunkin' Donuts stores signed on as DDIFO members.
"With the addition of members from the Chicago area, DDIFO is on the right track to becoming a truly national association and one that has a significant voice with regard to protecting franchise owners' interests," said Asheesh Seth, a Chicago-based DDIFO board member.
"We are extremely pleased that so many shops in the Midwest market have chosen to join the DDIFO. The obvious enthusiasm exhibited by these franchise owners at our members' meeting is a strong and welcome endorsement of the successful strategy and effectiveness of our organization," said DDIFO Chairman Kevin McCarthy.
In addition to its ongoing membership efforts, DDIFO is also becoming more active in franchise organizations like the Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) and the International Association of Franchisees and Dealers (IAFD). Jim Coen is attended the IAFD's 2010 National Convention in Indianapolis.
"Organizations like IAFD and CFA provide us and other independent franchise groups the opportunity to learn from one another's experiences, collaborate on issues and share best practices," said Coen. As a result of our connection with IAFD and CFA, we are able to offer more industry knowledge to our members."
DDIFO also hosted a meeting of Mid-Atlantic franchise owners on June 3 in Newark, NJ.
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Speaking of DD, you guys and gals are awful quiet about the IFA's new leader.
Do you have a post in the hopper, Michael?
JL
Joel, I do have a post in the works but it is a big picture view about private equity and the purchase of franchise systems. It is based in part on the book, the Buyout of America. My read on the IFA is that their top people are very interested in pursuing the private equity agenda - cashing out early.