Inspiring stories from four successful franchisees meant to encourage more entrepreneurs to realize their goals through franchising was the focal point of “How Franchising Works For You: A Franchisee Forum” featured at the recently-concluded Franchise 2010 Conference at the SMX Convention Center.  The Conference, an integral part of the four-in-one event of Franchise 2010: the 18th Philippine International Franchise Conference and Expo (PIFCE), gathered experts – both from the Philippines and abroad – who shared their expertise and vast experiences on bringing the franchise sector to greater heights.  The franchisees featured as resource speakers in the panel discussion  included (in photo, third to sixth from left respectively) Anthony Brendan Yu (Jollibee); Bim Mercado (Cartridge World); Jojo Macua (The Generics Pharmacy); and, Waldo Theodore Logan Abad-Santos (7-Eleven).

Delving into today’s tried-and-tested marketing approaches that impact positively on business growth, strengthen brand equity, and help improve the lives of consumers, some of the country’s leading marketers graced the recently-concluded Franchise 2010 Conference. The forum on the “Best Marketing Practices” saw Goldilocks Bakeshop marketing director Pinky Yee; MKS Consulting and Brand Edge Communications chief brand strategist Dr. Karen de Asis; and Alaska Milk Corporation vice president for marketing Ma. Belen Fernando sharing successful strategies on product innovation, advertising campaign and brand awareness development. The forum was moderated by noted marketing guru and educator Prof. Jose Faustino, who also made a presentation on relevant marketing practices.

With a view to encourage more franchisors, franchisees and entrepreneurs to progressively advocate environmental protection relative to climate change and ecological degradation concerns, a forum on “How to Incorporate ‘Green’ Environment Practices into Your Business” was featured in the recent Franchise 2010 Conference. Industry experts Howard Belton, President of the Philippine Business for the Environment; Chona  Ponce, Head of the Planning Unit and a Partner at Palafox Associates; and June  Alvarez, President and Executive Director of the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc. (PCEPSDI), delved into the positive effects of mainstreaming earth-friendly policies and processes on a franchise brand’s productivity and profitability. The resource persons expressed hope that the entire franchising sector would incorporate and adhere to excellent environmental standards in its systems and operations.