prospect Edition, Issue 13 The Power of Franchising in America- By the Numbers The importance of the American Franchise system cannot be overemphasized. Since the 1840s, when German brewers granted rights to taverns to craft their beer, the system made its way across the pond to gradually become the major force in American business that it is today. Franchise Facts There are 825,000 U.S. franchise businesses 40.9 percent of all retail businesses are franchises Franchising generated 8.2 million direct franchise jobs and 18 million indirect The business model contributes $2.1 trillion to the U.S. Gross National Product [GDP] annually Franchise Ownership Isaac Singer, who improved the sewing machine in the mid-1800s, is considered one of the first, if not the first, American franchisor. Now, the business models attract every type of individual seeking his/her slice of the enticing American Dream of business ownership. In franchising's case, this is a tried and true business formula. Current franchise ownership stats are: 20.5 percent are owned by women 24.4 percent are jointly owned by women Since 2011, more than 5,000 US veterans and their spouses have started franchises Minority ownership increased by 6.2% from 2002 — 2007 20.5 percent of franchises are minority owned. (Minorities make up 14.2% ownership of non-franchise businesses.) When considering a business opportunity, make sure you look at the power of a franchise. If you join one, you will be part of one of America's great economic engines. Fred has been in franchising since the 1970's working as an executive with McDonald's, Coldwell Banker Residential R.E., Mail Boxes Etc. (now The UPS Store). He is the Franchisor/Owner of Postal Connections and iSold It. Independence Day- What was at Stake While we learn all about the Declaration of Independence in school, it may be worth it to take a moment to realize what was actually at stake for those newly minted Americans. This document was intended to justify a revolt against the British. It became a moment of truth, especially for the signers. At the time, success was not guaranteed. Far from it. And if the severing of American ties from the British failed, the leaders (probably most of the signers) of the revolt would most likely be brought up on charges of treason and almost certainly face death. It took courage to sign that document not being sure of the outcome. Two future presidents signed it along with 54 others. Instead of death, they gave birth to a country and became heroes. Facts about Independence Day Many countries have used our Declaration of Independence as a guide in their own quest for freedom. They include France, Greece, Poland, Russia and several South American countries. The final editing of the Declaration of Independence was completed on July 4th. This date was put on the document (displayed in the Washington DC national archives) so it became the official date used as Independence Day. "Yankee Doodle," considered a very patriotic song, has some interesting origins. Originally, it was sung before the Revolution by British military officers. It made fun of the unorganized and buckskin-wearing 'Yankees' with whom they fought during the French and Indian War. Three Presidents died on July 4th. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson passed away within hours of each other on July 4, 1826. James Monroe died on July 4, 1831. Independence was celebrated during the summer of 1776 with some colonists holding mock funerals for King George III. This symbolized not only the end of a monarchy as part of the American way of life, but as a triumph of liberty. 1653 Lititz Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 200 E. Verona Ave. Verona WI 53593 9524 E. 81st. Street, Ste. B  Tulsa, Ok 74133 3053 W. Craig Rd. Suite E North Las Vegas, NV 89032 61149 South hwy 97 Bend, OR 97702 Postal Connections: Postal Connections, a store in your neighborhood, provides a wide variety of business and administrative services that support on-the-go consumers and business people. We provide the service you want with the technology we know. Services and products offered include a full spectrum of shipping choices, packaging, mailbox rental, copying/printing, office/shipping supplies, internet services, document preparation, notary services, passport photos, greeting cards and faxing. Quotes About Freedom May the sun in his course visit no land more free, more happy, more lovely, than this our own country! Daniel Webster America lives in the heart of every man everywhere who wishes to find a region where he will be free to work out his destiny as he chooses. Woodrow Wilson Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. Ronald Reagan