Computer and Internet Services Franchise Industry News & Announcements

Battery Giant is excited to announce the opening of our 3rd store in the Chicago area, with our new retail battery store franchise location in Orland Park.
(PRWEB) May 23, 2013 - Battery Giant is excited to announce the opening of our 3rd store in the Chicago area, with our new retail battery store franchise location in Orland Park.
This franchise location is owned and operated by a father and son team, Brian Nolen and Brian Nolen II. “After over 20 years of working in sales and customer services for a major corporation, I felt that it was time to branch out on my own,” stated Brian Nolen I. “I looked for an industry that was continuously growing. I felt that Battery Giant was a company that provided a great opportunity to use my skills and experience to provide excellent products and services...

Leading Battery and Light Bulb Franchise Ranks among the Top Franchisors
May 23, 2013 // Franchising.com // Hartland, WI – For the fourth consecutive year, Batteries Plus Bulbs, the nation’s first, largest, and fastest growing battery and light bulb franchise, recently ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide and was named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise® by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs.
The award honors Batteries Plus Bulbs for its ongoing support of our nation’s heroes. With over 20 veteran franchise owners representing more than 47 stores nationwide, including a corporate store that is managed by a veteran, Batteries Plus Bulbs is a proud member of VetFran which helps military veterans achieve their dreams of opening their own business...

Leading Direct Marketing Company Named Best for Vets and Military Friendly Franchise
LARGO, Fla. - May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Valpak, a leader in local print and digital coupons, has been named to two prestigious lists recognizing franchises that go above and beyond in helping military servicemen and women achieve their goal of business ownership. Both Military Times EDGE and G.I. Jobs have awarded Valpak for its focus on veterans, placing the company at #5 on the Best for Vets: Franchises list and among the top 10 percent of franchise companies named to the 2013 Military Friendly Franchises® list, respectively.
"Valpak gives veterans like me the support structure we are accustomed to from our military experience while putting us in command to run our own business," said Michael Lambert , former Marine Sergeant and now Valpak of Lubbock franchisee...

The results are in for RESCUECOM’s 2013 Q1 Computer Reliability Report; Samsung shows significant lead at the top, while Sony falls out of the top rankings!
May 22, 2013 // Franchising.com // SYRACUSE, N.Y. – “As consumers change their computing preferences, RESCUECOM is changing our methodology of reporting computer reliability,” stated David Milman, CEO of RESCUECOM. “Much like the shift from PC desktops to laptops, a shift is happening from PCs to mobile computing, including tablets. Computer repair for these mobile devices is in high demand and reflect this new shift in the computer marketplace. Though in previous Rescuecom computer reliability reports, manufacturer reliability scores have not included tablets, both market share and computer repair calls for tablets are now included in our calculations...

May 17, 2013 - Computer Troubleshooters is proud to announce that Fred Gordon, franchise owner of Computer Troubleshooters Detroit NW, is being honored for his outstanding customer service. The award is presented by Installs, a company long acknowledged as the “gold standard” for in-home support services for consumer electronics, personal computers and home appliances. John Nettina, Install’s Chief Operating Office, selected Fred Gordon as a “Champion of Quality and Service” for his consistent dedication to the highest performance standards for in-home computer repairs.
Fred Gordon was chosen for the “Champion of Quality and Service” award from hundreds of technicians across the country. The award is based on a broad view of how well each technician is performing in terms of customer satisfaction ratings, technical standards, installation quality, and compliance with Installs’ policies and procedures...

SPRING GROVE, IL - (Marketwired - May 20, 2013) - According to a recent study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, nearly 1.8 million college graduates will enter the job market in 2013. To help the influx of recent grads land their first job, Cartridge World, the leading ink and toner retailer, is offering free resume printing services.
To receive free printing of 15-25 copies of a resume, new college graduates may stop by their local participating Cartridge World store in May or June with their resume on a USB flash drive (two-page maximum length, one-color printing).
"A successful job hunt starts with a great resume, and Cartridge World is here to help local grads get the job done right," said Tom McLaughlin, Marketing Director...

Liberty Tax Service, a subsidiary of JTH Holding, Inc. (NASDAQ: TAX), is offering free tax preparation along with distribution advice to the winner(s) of Saturday night's $590.5M Powerball jackpot.
Virginia Beach VA (PRWEB) May 20, 2013 - Liberty Tax Service, a subsidiary of JTH Holding, Inc. (NASDAQ: TAX), is offering free tax preparation along with distribution advice to the winner(s) of Saturday night's $590.5M Powerball jackpot. The winning numbers on the ticket, purchased at a supermarket in Zephyrhills, FL, are 10, 13, 14, 22, 52 and 11. With such an enormous influx of income, Liberty Tax is offering professional tax advice for the winner(s) at no cost.
Lottery winnings are considered “gambling earnings” by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and are therefore taxable income, regardless of whether the winner takes a lump sum or a series of annual payments...

North America’s Leading Career and Franchise Business Coaching Company, The Entrepreneur’s Source®, Reveals the Power of Business Ownership at “Start a Business Weekend”
Virtual Franchise Expo May 16-18
May 14, 2013 // Franchising.com // SOUTHBURY, Conn. - The nation’s leading career and franchise business coaching network, The Entrepreneur’s Source® is hosting its virtual Start a Business Weekend® expo May 16-18, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT. The virtual expo offers current and aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to explore business opportunities and gain advice from experts – all from the comfort of their home or office.
The Start a Business Weekend expo allows attendees to “walk” into a digital Exhibit Hall and visit the booths of more than 60 of the nation’s hottest franchise concepts where they can chat live with representatives from a variety of different franchise brands, learn how to finance their new business, attend keynote presentations, and download informational resources with relevant information about franchising and specific opportunities throughout the nation...

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA - (Marketwired - May 9, 2013) - JTH Holding, Inc. (NASDAQ: TAX), parent company of Liberty Tax Service, announced today that it prepared 1.74 million U.S. tax returns in its offices during the 2013 tax season through April 17, versus 1.72 million during the same period in the 2012 tax season. Additionally, the company processed 151,000 returns online, a 43.8% increase over the 2012 tax season. Overall, the Company served 3.3% more customers this tax season than last tax season.
The 2013 tax season was challenging for both consumers and companies in the tax industry. A number of one-time events contributed to the extraordinary amount of change and confusion experienced this year. These events included the impact from the fiscal cliff legislation, which not only delayed the start of the tax season, but also resulted in an inability to file a number of forms even later into the season, the majority of states converting to modernized efiling for the first time, and changes the IRS implemented with regard to the Earned Income Tax Credit...

May 06, 2013 // Franchising.com // Cartridge World opened its first North American franchise in 2003. Today, the company has 600 stores across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and continues to grow around the globe. The company launched retail stores in Africa last year. Celebrating its anniversary in North America, Cartridge World unveiled a new car wrap design to promote its expanded line of home and office printing products and recycling.
Complementing Cartridge World’s line of eco-friendly ink and toner printer cartridges, the car uses the 3M® Envision™ Wrap Films, new graphic materials that are friendly to the environment.
“Cartridge World is meeting an enormous demand for cost-effective and sustainable printing products,” said William Swanson, North American CEO...

Cranberry Twp, PA (PRWEB) April 23, 2013 - Battery Giant is excited to announce the opening of its first store in the Pittsburgh area at 10 St. Francis Way, Suite 9 in Cranberry Township, PA.
Jim Logan, the franchise owner, celebrated the grand opening with a charity battery recycling drive that collected over 3,000 pounds of used batteries. The proceeds helped raised funds to aid in the construction of the Kids Castle Playground, a larger, safer replacement of the over 20-year-old, much loved and heavily used Playtime Palace community playground. This recycling event coincides with Battery Giant’s corporate model to support the community and the environment.
Battery Giant is a one-stop shop for all of the local consumer’s battery needs, carrying thousands of battery products that range from hearing aid batteries to cell phone batteries, motorcycle batteries and fork lift batteries...

In the wake of the explosions at the Boston Marathon, safety experts from Signal 88 Security offer a reminder that there are steps that can be taken to protect yourself and your family in a crowd.
Omaha, NE (PRWEB) April 18, 2013 - In the wake of the explosions at the Boston Marathon, safety experts offer a reminder that there are steps that can be taken to protect yourself and your family in a crowd. Signal 88 draws on its experience overseeing security services for events such as concerts, athletic events, NASCAR and Tough Mudder runs to provide personal security recommendations.
For those who find themselves in crowded areas, Signal 88 Security Vice President of Franchise Standards Tim Conahan points to three keys to safety: be prepared, follow directions and stay aware...

Husband and Wife Bring The Blue Envelope® into Local Community for the First Time
LARGO, Fla. - April 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Valpak, a leader in local print and digital coupons, announced today that it has signed a franchise agreement to bring The Blue Envelope® to residents and businesses in Tri County, Pa. Husband and wife team, Ralph "Ted" and Yvonne Rosselli , have over 30 years of retail experience and are eager to bring Valpak into their community. Their first blue envelope will be mailed to residents in Clearfield, Jefferson, and Elk counties, which include the areas of DuBois, Clearfield, Brookville, Punxsutawney, St. Mary's and Ridgway, beginning in June 2013.
"It is time for the Tri County area to experience the benefits of Valpak," said Yvonne, Valpak of Tri County, Pa...

Cartridge World Provides Eco-Friendly Ink and Toner Products & Recycling
April 16, 2013 // Franchising.com // Spring Grove, IL – The amount of money spent on printer cartridges and the amount of time and space they use in landfills to decompose is shocking. Commemorating April 22, Earth Day, Cartridge World is reminding businesses, schools and customers that printer cartridges don’t have to damage the environment or break the bank.
“People don’t realize the impact that printer cartridges have on the environment,” said Tom McLaughlin, Marketing Director of Cartridge World. “In North America alone, more than 350 million cartridges are discarded in landfills per year. Cartridge World offers an alternative that is earth-friendly and cost-effective...

Sign & Graphics Franchise Receives Top Ratings from Franchisees, Earns Multiple Accolades
CARROLLTON, Texas (April 15, 2013) – FASTSIGNS®, the worldwide franchisor for the more than 540 FASTSIGNS sign, graphic and visual communications centers in eight countries that has consistently received high accolades in the United States for achieving high levels of franchisee satisfaction, has duplicated that success in Canada.
The franchisor was recently recognized as the Gold winner of the 2013 Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) Award of Excellence in Franchising in the Traditional – Mature Category. FASTSIGNS was also honored as a recipient of the Franchisees’ Choice designation for the second time. Both awards were presented on April 8, 2013 during a Gala Awards Presentation at the 22nd annual CFA National Convention in Montréal, Québec...

North America’s leading career and franchise business coaching company offers guidance on riding the wave of the economy’s recovery through entrepreneurship.
April 11, 2013 // Franchising.com // Southbury, CT – While job reports are looking better due to increased part-time employment, it’s no doubt that a new set of rules have been created in this New Career Economy® for those looking to build a professional future for themselves. An oversaturated workforce and lower paying job positions are pushing many to ride the wave of the economy’s recovery by becoming self-sufficient.
“Today’s career economy is plagued with uncertainty, forcing many to pave a new path for their professional career,” said Terry Powell, CEO and founder of The Entrepreneur’s Source, North America’s leading career and franchise business coaching company...

FASTSIGNS® Continually Earns High Marks from Franchisees; Receives Validation by Third Party
April 09, 2013 // Franchising.com // CARROLLTON, Texas – FASTSIGNS, the worldwide franchisor for the more than 540 FASTSIGNS sign, graphic and visual communications centers in eight countries, continually proves that open, transparent communication and thorough, ongoing training and support lead to satisfied franchise partners.
As a result of ongoing initiatives to maintain and continually improve franchisee satisfaction, FASTSIGNS was among a select group of companies to be certified as a 2013 World-Class Franchise by the Franchise Research Institute. This marks FASTSIGNS second straight year to earn the recognition for high franchisee satisfaction ratings...

HOUSTON, TX - (Marketwire - Apr 1, 2013) - Computer Explorers awarded their highest honor to Debra Moorer of New Jersey this month at their annual convention in Houston. Moorer started her business in 1994 when searching for curriculum to teach senior citizens. With close to twenty years of experience, Moorer contributes energy and passion to her success.
Computer Explorers is a franchise turnkey program that provides technology education to afterschool programs and childcare centers throughout the world. Over 33,000 students are instructed by Computer Explorers each week. Classes include Lego robotics, digital photography, programming, and app building among many others. Children of all ages gain skills that apply to daily life and will help them be successful in the future...

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - March 19, 2013 – Data continues to show that Android security threats increase every year. Google’s operating system has proven to be one of the biggest targets for malware and cyber criminals. Android security attacks accounted for 79% of all mobile malware last year according to a recent study. This has caused for increased need in Android support services. Rescuecom’s Android security specialists have compiled a list of Android support tips:

Avoid Rooting - It is popular for Android users to “root” their phone, a process that allows users to bypass Android security and unlock their phones, gaining access to settings and features often blocked. Do not do this. It reduces the Android security on your phone and ends your Android support warranty, preventing you from getting Android support from Google or the manufacturer...

March 28, 2013 // Franchising.com // Janet Irven is a single mother and former oil and gas executive who was looking for a way to strike a balance between work and being there for her 10-year-old son when she discovered the magic of being a part-time entrepreneur.
Last year she started a DVDNow Kiosks (www.DVDNowKiosks.com) business – a self-serve movie rental business that allows her to earn passive income as people rent or buy movies and games from her kiosks.
This year, she launched her TapSnap (www.tapsnap.net) business – a special event phototainment system that has revolutionized the photo booth for the social media era.
“I think work should be fun. I spent years working all hours as an oil and gas executive...