Sea, sand and strategy: franchising's leaders plot future course: IFA summer board of director's meeting attracts largest-ever attendance, sets new FranPAC fund-raising record.

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From the gentle rush of the ocean's waves to the squeals of seagulls surfing the brisk New England breeze, the sounds of early summer over Cape Cod's Chatham Bars Inn echoed moments from the distant past, but also resonated with promise for times yet to come.

Gathered near the ancient shore were not the seasoned seafarers of old seeking their fortunes among the pods of "right" whales once abundant in the bay, but business-savvy franchise-entrepreneurs joined in charting the future of an industry rich with opportunity and, at the same time, challenged by the current economic undertow.

Instead of harpoons, they wielded sharp PowerPoint presentations and spoke of horizons unseen, shared visions of growth and job creation, and grappled with imminent threats and challenges.

These women and men of ideas, experienced in the marketplace, tested by the world of commerce, had come to this quiet spot not for its beauty and serene nature, but to remove themselves from the frantic, day-to-day pressures of business so they could focus intently on a set of guidelines that, over time, have contributed significantly to the growth and development of the franchising industry: the International Franchise Association's Strategic Long-Range Plan.

Whether debating the meaning of a single word or broadening the scope of the entire blueprint, the leaders brought their combined experience and skills to bear on the overall goal: to advance franchising. And they did so with the knowledge that this document will never be finished, but will remain a flexible, yet resilient "living" document that must adapt to the constantly-changing influences facing global business.

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Also to be discussed were a wide range of issues including IFA's Economic Recovery Plan, structure of committees, the new government-relations Public Affairs Conference and the association's upcoming 50th anniversary.

To gather such talent during prime vacation time. IFA offers a little fun and frolic to offset the arduous planning process. Yes, there were lighter moments and times for fellowship and the exchange of information that makes such gatherings vital to the flow of information that keeps the gears of industry humming. Setting a new attendance record, the event drew nearly 150 attendees who took advantage of the locale to engage in activities ranging from kayaking to tours to shopping for art and antiques. Special appreciation to Dunkin' Brands, which is represented by Jon Luther, who serves as the company's executive chairman and as secretary of the IFA Executive Committee, for sponsoring the board dinner.

These business activists also expressed their determination to help direct the course of governments by setting yet another fund-raising record of more than $60,000 for IFA's political action committee, FranPAC.

The Sixth Annual FranPAC Wine Auction was the place to be for wine connoisseurs. Coordinated by IFA's Official Sommelier Lawrence "Doc" Cohen, CFE, and 2006 IFA chairman, and DLA Piper attorney Dennis Wieczorek, the event helped raise $40,000 for the PAC. Another $10,000 flowed into the PAC's coffers via the salesmanship of wine raffle arm-twister Michael Seid, CFE, of Michael Seid & Associates and not to be outdone, the FranPAC silent auction garnered a similar amount through bids on three different vacation packages donated by IFA Chairwoman Dina Dwyer-Owens, CFE, (chairwoman and CEO of The Dwyer Group), Choice Hotels International and the InterContinental Hotels Group.

IFA's board of directors will next gather Sept. 13-16 for its Fall Leadership Meetings and the Public Affairs Conference. Details are available at Franchise.org.

Strategic Long-Range Planning

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IFA First Vice Chairman and Driven Brands CEO Kenneth Walker.

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Roark Capital Group Managing Dir. and FOCUS Brands Chairman Steve Romaniello.

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IFA Secretary and Dunkin' Brands Exec. Chairman Jon Luther.

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IFA Chairwoman and The Dwyer Group Chairwoman and CEO Dina Dwyer-Owens.

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IFA Second Vice Chairman and Earle Enterprises (McDonald's) Managing Partner Jack Earle.

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FRANdata Pres. & CEO Darrell Johnson and Siegel Financial Group CEO Ron Feldman.

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International Center for Entrepreneurial Development Pres. & CEO Steve Hammerstein.

FOOD, FRIENDS AND FRANCHISING

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From left, Choice Hotels Pres. & CEO Stephen Joyce, Bankers One Capital Pres. & CEO Reginald Heard, UPS Store Pres. Stuart Mathis and Mary Mathis.

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Dani Owens (The Dwyer Group) and friend Jessica Mauppin.

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FASTSIGNS CEO Catherine Monson hugs her wine raffle winner, a 2001 Screaming Eagle valued at $2,500, which she immediately offered for bidding to raise additional FranPAC funds.

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Clam-lobster bake.

Eagle Tax Group Pres. and CEO Rocco Fiorentino and Tina Fiorentino.

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WINE AUCTION

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DLA Piper Partner Dennis Wieczorek describes a 2006 Mollydooker shiraz-cabernet as IFA "Official Uncertified Sommelier" Lawrence "Doc" Cohen readies the next offering.

$60,000: A NEW FranPAC Record!

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Mr. Handyman franchisee Michael Gornet practices bidding technique.

Wine Raffle Winners

* Rick Anderson, Franchise Finance Gen. Manager

* Catherine Monson, FASTSIGNS International CEO

* Jania Bailey, FranNet Pres. and CEO

Vacation Package Winners

Seven Days and Six Nights at "Coral Reef" on Seven-Mile Beach, Cayman Islands Courtesy of Dina Dwyer-Owens, CFE, The Dwyer Group Chairwoman and CEO

* Steve Romanieilo, CFE, Roark Capital Group Managing Director and FOCUS Brands Chairman

80,000 Priority Club Points Courtesy of InterContinental Hotels Group

* Dina Dwyer-Owens, CFE, The Dwyer Group Chairwoman and CEO

Five-Night Hotel Stay (two packages) Courtesy of Choice Hotels International

* Dina Dwyer-Owens, CFE, The Dwyer Group Chairwoman and CEO

* Jack Earle, Earle Enterprises LP Managing Partner (McDonald's franchisee)