Computer and Internet Services Franchise Industry News & Announcements

CARROLLTON, Texas - Feb. 6, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of more than 530 FASTSIGNS® locations worldwide, recently held its annual convention in Dallas where 49 centers were recognized for sales achievements exceeding $1 million in annual sales, two centers were recognized for exceeding $2 million, one center was recognized for exceeding $3 million and another for exceeding a record-breaking $6 million.
“FASTSIGNS had a banner year in 2012, setting growth milestones across all categories, including number of locations and sales volumes for center locations,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International. “Our FASTSIGNS franchise partners have embraced our expanded 'More Than' branding philosophy and are providing more visual communications and marketing products and services to customers including selling full-service digital sign solutions, corporate branding and interior decor graphics...

Más Dinero – Su Guía Fiscal de Liberty Tax Service
Partnership brings tax education and information to Hispanic consumers in 11 US markets!
(PRWEB) February 06, 2013 - Virginia Beach, VA – Liberty Tax Service and Los Angeles-based EC Hispanic Media are expanding their partnership to bring Hispanic consumers, high-value educational content. Through the partnership, Liberty Tax Service ~ Una Familia Sin Fronteras, will utilize El Clasificado's award-winning distribution to reach Hispanic families in 11 different US markets. Liberty Tax Service’s Hispanic Initiative will provide the latest vital fiscal and financial information to the growing Hispanic community. The content will be distributed in Spanish via a value-packed custom publication entitled "Más Dinero" (More Money) and inserted in leading newspapers in Phoenix, San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Miami, Albuquerque, Boston, Austin, Virginia, Portland and Washington State...

The vast majority of American workers are feeling the sting of the expiration of the Social Security Payroll Tax Holiday, that returned the Social Security Tax withholding rate to 6.2 percent.
Virginia Beach, VA (PRWEB) February 04, 2013 - American Workers Can Change Their W-4 Forms to Offset Tax Hikes - Liberty Tax Assists Taxpayers on Stretching Their Income
The vast majority of American workers are feeling the sting of the expiration of the Social Security Payroll Tax Holiday, that returned the Social Security Tax withholding rate to 6.2 percent. Liberty Tax Service has some advice for people trying to get the most out of their paycheck.
By increasing the number of exemptions claimed on the W-4 form, taxpayers can essentially increase their paycheck amount by having less money withheld...

LARGO, Fla. - Feb. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Valpak, a leader in local print and digital coupons will expand its print circulation and footprint in Canada, beginning immediately. In collaboration with Valpak of Toronto East, 360,000 additional homes in the greater Toronto area will begin mailing each month starting in April, in addition to the current 80,000 household circulation.
"This is the first step in embarking in our collective effort to expand our position in Canada as a leader in print and digital marketing solutions," said Michael Vivio , president of Cox Target Media, provider of Valpak. "Having a strong presence in Toronto is a key component to expanding our circulation throughout the rest of Canada."
Currently, Valpak has eight franchises in Canada, with a circulation of 7 million households...

WSI Milton is thrilled to announce the growth of their internet marketing team. Effective immediately, new employees Michele Christmas and Lee Scott will contribute to greater success for the firm’s dozens of clients.
Milton, ON (PRWEB) January 31, 2013 - Digital marketing firm WSI Milton is excited to announce the introduction of two new senior employees to the team. These additions expand their labour force to ten full-time staff members, with combined experience of many decades.
Both new additions are WSI veterans, possessing experience on a franchise and at the head office level. Michele Christmas, experienced project manager and past WSI franchise owner has joined the team in the roll of VP of Operations, and WSI Corporate alumni and online marketing expert Lee Scott has taken on the roll of Project Manager...

The IRS began e-filing this morning at 9:00 sharp after a lengthy delay to the start of tax season. Liberty Tax offices nationwide are busy filing tax returns on behalf of their clients.
Virginia Beach, VA (PRWEB) January 30, 2013 - The IRS began e-filing this morning at 9:00 sharp after a lengthy delay to the start of tax season. Liberty Tax offices nationwide are busy filing tax returns on behalf of their clients.
“The wait is finally over,” said CEO and founder of Liberty Tax Service, John Hewitt. “This has been an epic beginning to tax season 2013.” Hewitt, starting his 44th tax season, stated this season was “the worst delays in filing I have ever seen.”
In 2012, e-filing began on January 17 with over 80 percent of taxpayers using this filing method...

Firebird CrossFit, of Mesa, Arizona, wins $10,000 to build business muscle and create jobs.
Largo, Fla. (PRWEB) January 30, 2013 - Valpak, a leader in print and digital coupons, has named Firebird CrossFit, of Mesa, Arizona, the winner of its inaugural Dough to Grow Award. The company will receive a $10,000 grand prize to be used to keep their business growing.
The Dough to Grow contest - an online contest for small businesses across North America - employed the power of social media in search of North America’s favorite small business and showed the power of customer loyalty in helping chose the winner.
Chuck Markos is the owner of the successful fitness training business Firebird CrossFit, and a member of a rapidly growing international CrossFit movement...

Target Marketing Solutions, Inc. to Bring the Blue Envelope® to Dane, Columbia, Jefferson, Rock and Sauk Counties
LARGO, Fla. - Jan. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Valpak, a leader in local print and digital coupons, announced today that it has signed a franchise agreement with Target Marketing Solutions, Inc., to assume local ownership of the Madison, Wis., market. Target Marketing Solutions, Inc., plans to grow the previously existing territory to include the counties of Dane, Columbia, Jefferson, Rock and Sauk, and mailed their first Valpak Blue Envelope® in November.
"As I was researching franchise opportunities, I saw how rewarding owning a Valpak franchise was for my brother and his wife who have been Valpak franchisees for over 10 years," said Tammy Sullivan , President of Target Marketing Solutions, Inc...

Beginning January 28th, Liberty Tax Service will extend operating hours to 6:00 a.m. until midnight seven days a week.
Virginia Beach, VA (PRWEB) January 22, 2013 - Liberty Tax Service extends hours for taxpayers beating the rush; taxpayers can get their taxes prepared now.
Beginning January 28th, Liberty Tax Service will extend operating hours to 6:00 a.m. until midnight seven days a week. Some Liberty Tax locations will be open 24 hours, providing round-the-clock service for taxpayers. These accommodating hours will continue through February 5, 2013.
Since the IRS moved the date to begin processing individual income tax returns, the vast majority of tax filers -- more than 120 million households -- should be able to start filing tax returns starting January 30th...

(LARGO, FL – Jan. 8, 2013) – Valpak Direct Marketing Systems, Inc., a leader in local print and digital coupons, today announced that it will partner with YaSabe.com to enter the expanding US Hispanic market. YaSabe, the leading provider of local information for US Hispanics, will enable users to find and discover Valpak coupons and special offers online and from their mobile phones.
“We are pleased to be able to reach out to the Hispanic community and offer values and savings,” said Michael Vivio, President of Valpak/Cox Target Media. “Valpak is dedicated to helping families save money anywhere@anytime, and we’re happy to be able to do just that and now serve the Hispanic community in a meaningful way through online and mobile searches,” said Vivio...

Mathnasium’s program is for students in Pre K through Twelfth Grade who may need to boost their math skills or need an extra challenge. In addition to math tutoring, homework help and test prep are available. Mathnasium’s approach is to determine what a student knows and does not know, then tailor a personalized and prescriptive learning program.
Stamford, CT, January 21, 2013 - (PR.com) - Mathnasium + Stamford = Success
Math Focused Learning Center Arrives in Stamford, CT
Mathnasium, a math-focused learning center for kids, has opened its newest location in Stamford at 2109 Summer Street in Ridgeway Shopping Center.
“It is very exciting to be a part of helping the kids of our community succeed by offering them an opportunity to develop a better understanding of math concepts,” said Andy Verma, Director/Owner with Mathnasium of Stamford...

“This has been an epic beginning to tax season 2013,” said CEO and founder of Liberty Tax Service, John Hewitt. “I’m starting my 44th tax season looking at the worst delays in filing I have ever seen.
(PRWEB) January 18, 2013 - Liberty Tax, a Grand Junction tax preparer in Colorado, is alerting consumers of yet another delay to the official beginning of the 2013 filing season. The Internal Revenue Service has announced that it now plans to begin processing individual income tax returns on January 30th, eight days later than originally targeted. The announcement means that the vast majority of national and Grand Junction tax filers -- more than 120 million households -- should be able to start filing tax returns starting January 30th...

Valpak Opens New Circulation to Bring the Blue Envelope® to Fayette, Bourbon, Clark, Jessamin, Madison, Scott and Woodford Counties 
LARGO, Fla. - Jan. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Valpak, a leader in local print and digital coupons, announced today that it will once again be mailing to residents in Lexington, Ky. beginning in March. Valpak had previously mailed to residents in the area, but has been dormant since 2005.
"As we were researching franchise opportunities, we saw how beneficial the Valpak products, including their print, digital and mobile solutions, are to help local businesses in our area become more successful," said Peter St. Germain , general manager of the Valpak of Lexington franchise. "We are excited to bring Valpak back to the Lexington business community, as well as consumers who are seeking local savings...

Chevy Chase, Maryland – January 10, 2013 — Arborview Capital announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Energy Automation Systems, Inc. (“EASI”), a leader in providing energy efficiency solutions for large industrial and commercial facilities. Arborview completed the transaction in partnership with Paul Bleiweis, CEO of EASI.
EASI’s primary customers are large, multi-site manufacturing and commercial companies, who often engage EASI over a period of years to implement projects at multiple facilities. The Company provides unique energy saving solutions which are well suited to the needs of corporate customers. EASI designs and implements systems with a full range of energy conservation measures (ECMs), which address all major load areas in facilities (motors, HVAC, refrigeration, lighting), and also address power quality issues...

CARROLLTON, Texas - Jan 11, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - FASTSIGNS®, the sign, graphics and marketing franchise with more than 530 locations worldwide, is launching its #visualconnections photo sharing campaign on Instagram this week.
Users are encouraged to take photos of interesting visual concepts or signs and graphics that inspire them via Instagram using the hashtag #visualconnections. Using the hashtag, they can post their photo directly to Instagram or tweet the image with the hashtag (or both). FASTSIGNS will post and share its favorite submissions in social media, and one entrant’s photo will be featured each week on the www.fastsigns.com homepage.
“There are so many fun and unique ways a business or organization can express themselves through visual communications, from the sign in front of their business or the logo that represents their brand to the profile picture chosen for their social media presence,” said Drue Townsend, FASTSIGNS® Senior VP of Marketing...

Liberty Tax Service prepares Taxpayers for Further Refund Delays
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Jan. 0, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Liberty Tax Service is alerting consumers today of yet another delay to the official beginning of the 2013 filing season. The Internal Revenue Service has announced it now plans to begin processing individual income tax returns on January 30th, eight days later than originally targeted. The announcement means that the vast majority of tax filers -- more than 120 million households -- should be able to start filing tax returns starting January 30th. To further frustrate the situation, refunds could be delayed to mid to late February.
“This has been an epic beginning to tax season 2013,” said CEO and founder of Liberty Tax Service, John Hewitt...

Seasoned World Travelers Assume Ownership of Existing Valpak Territory in Daytona Beach & Volusia County
LARGO, Fla., Jan. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Valpak, a leader in local print and digital coupons, announced today that it has signed a new franchise agreement with Andrew Pritchard and Mia Brenc to assume local ownership of the Volusia County, Fla. market, which includes Daytona Beach. Valpak of Volusia has served businesses and residents since 2009. The team plans to mail their first Valpak Blue Envelope® in January.
"Mia and I were ready to take on a new business venture that would also benefit the community and Valpak has helped us achieve this," said Andrew Pritchard, Valpak of Volusia franchisee. "Valpak's business model and their innovative suite of print, digital and mobile solutions are the ideal way to help support small business owners and assist them in reaching new customers...

Global Expat Network Adds 26 New Websites During 2012
January 09, 2013 // Franchising.com // AngloINFO, the global expat network, announced today that it has ended 2012 with 105 expatriate websites globally, of which 26 were launched in the last 12 months, demonstrating its commitment to expanding its strong network of websites which provide clear, reliable and trustworthy information for expatriate communities all around the world.
AngloINFO currently has 75 regional and 31 national websites, in 36 countries, making its coverage truly global.
Launches in 2012 include websites in the world’s leading expatriate locations such as:

Americas - Buenos Aires (Argentina), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Panama City (Panama), USA
Asia - Perth (Australia), Tokyo (Japan), Jakarta (Indonesia), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Seoul (South Korea), China
Europe - Copenhagen (Denmark), Istanbul (Turkey), Hamburg, Frankfurt, North Rhine Westphalia and Munich (Germany)

Over the past 12 years, AngloINFO has built the world's largest network of websites for English-speaking expats...

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. - Jan. 8, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - TeamLogic IT, a national provider of comprehensive computer-based services for small and medium-sized businesses, announces the appointment of Frank Picarello as Chief Operating Officer.
Picarello will be responsible for TeamLogic IT’s technology roadmap while also playing an integral role in supporting and directing TeamLogic IT’s strategic programs and initiatives in support of its nationwide network.
“To add a person of Frank’s caliber and expertise to our executive management team adds strength to our franchisee support infrastructure,” said company president Chuck Lennon. “As the IT Support and Managed Services industry continues to evolve, it is imperative for us to have the right go-to-market product offering and solution set to meet current and future customer demand...

Federal tax forms and those of many states may be delayed due to fiscal cliff legislation.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Jan. 4, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Liberty Tax Service, a subsidiary of JTH Holding, Inc. (NASDAQ:TAX), alerted consumers today of possible delays in the filing of tax returns due in part to the late Congressional approval of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. Many of the changes to tax law affect the forms to be used for 2012 tax returns, and the IRS will need to work at an unprecedented pace in order to get the needed tax forms released to the various tax preparation firms and software companies, as well as to taxpayers.
The IRS had previously announced that it would not begin to officially process any tax returns until January 22, which is approximately one week later than has historically been the case...