Entrepreneurs, nonprofit executives invited to UT College of Business Franchise Summit

January 23, 2013 | Events, UToday, Business and Innovation
By Bob Mackowiak



The University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation will conduct a Franchise Summit Friday, Feb. 8, from 8 to 11 a.m. on Main Campus.

BA 1155 Franchise Summit Evite.FA2This free workshop is intended for area entrepreneurs considering this business structure as well as executives at nonprofit organizations who are exploring new options to fund their missions.

The featured speaker will be Dr. Ben Litalien, founder and principal of Franchise Well, a consulting practice dedicated to the enhancement of franchising. He is a author and frequent speaker on franchising, is a certified franchise executive as designated by the International Franchise Association, and he designed and oversees the Franchise Management Certificate Program at Georgetown University.

“Franchising is a powerful model for generating value,” Litalien said. “Entrepreneurs and nonprofit management should not miss this unique opportunity to learn how to harness franchising in new and beneficial ways, including growing business concepts, creating jobs, and achieving above market-rate returns.”

Litalien also will moderate a panel discussion that will include W. Rhett Linke, executive director of national business development, NISH; Jeannie Hylant, vice president, Hylant; Anthony Calamunci, attorney, franchise law group Roetzel & Andress; Kevin Lent, president, Sonic Drive-In; and Bryon Stephens, vice president, Marco’s Franchising.

“The University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation embraces its mission of presenting innovative ways to educate and assist the regional business community,” said Dr. Anand Kunnathur, executive associate dean of the college. “Franchising is an increasingly popular and viable format for many people to establish their own businesses, so we are pleased to work with experts in this field to develop this free educational program.

“We know that the more we can do to help area businesses and entrepreneurs, the better it is for the regional economy,” Kunnathur said.

The Franchise Summit is free, but seating is limited. Register here.

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