West Coast Franchise Expo Boasts Job Opportunities, Hot Concepts In 2010

West Coast Franchise Expo
Published: September 22nd, 2010

September 22, 2010 // Franchising.com // (Los Angeles, CA) — The economic recovery is inching along but franchising continues to grow at a quicker pace. According to the Franchise Business Economic Outlook*, franchising is responsible for 18 million jobs and this is estimated to increase by .4 percent with 36,000 jobs in 2010. Overall franchise output will increase by 2.8 percent with a net gain of $23.6 billion in 2010.

Big brands are targeting the West for expansion—creating countless career opportunities on a national level. The West Coast Franchise Expo (WCFE), hosted by Paramus, N.J.-based MFV Expositions, is the largest franchise event on the West Coast and will take place Nov. 5-7, 2010 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The WCFE is the prime place to explore viable business investments and speak with top level executives about turning your career around—even in recessionary times.

"From automotive brands such as Meineke Car Care Centers to privately held staffing firms like Express Employment Professionals, attendees can visit a range of exhibitors that suit their career backgrounds, interests and lifestyles. Not to mention, attendees can speak with top executives at big brands and take advantage of free informational seminars, as well as participate in great giveaways," MFV Expositions President Tom Portesy said.

The estimated increase in franchised jobs and establishments this year bodes well for investors looking to start a business for themselves. Even those without deep pockets can take advantage of the discounts offered by many of this year's exhibitors. Here are a few of WCFE 2010's highlights:

• Art Smarts: In a time when schools are forced to cut on creative programming, KidzArt / Art Innovators brings art directly to classrooms. This year, the company will give away five free franchises during the exhibition. As part of a larger national giveaway, attendees can register to win one of the three franchises when they stop by booth #720 during the expo. The winners will be announced at the L.A. Convention Center on Sunday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m.
• Piece of the Pie: Organic ingredients and LEED-certified construction are just two of the eco-friendly finds served up by Pizza Fusion (booth #230). The company also uses hybrid vehicles and donates money to environmental causes in and around the community. And for pie lovers who are thinking big, Papa Murphy's (booth #616) ranked as the highest pizza chain on the Zagat's Annual Fast Food Survey while being named one of the fastest growing franchises in 2010 in Nation's Restaurant News Top 100.
• Serve and Protect: More than 14 percent of businesses in America are veteran-owned, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. As a way of saying thank-you, all veterans will receive free admission to WCFE this year with a military ID. Additionally, many of the exhibitors at the WCFE are members of VetFran, a program sponsored by the International Franchise Association that gives U.S. military veterans a discount towards the purchase of a franchise. One example is Express Employment Professionals (booth #100), the nation's largest privately held staffing company, which offers a 25 percent reduction in its franchisee fee to military veterans who qualify for an Express franchise.

Because veterans have remained a pillar of the franchise community, MFV Expositions will also donate 10 percent of all admissions to California's Welcome Home—an initiative through the state's Department of Veterans Affairs that helps veterans obtain employment, education and housing benefits when they return home.

Attending a franchise exposition is a great place to view and compare a variety of franchise possibilities that best suit your background and interests. In addition to hundreds of exhibitors, there will be more than 30 information-packed seminars and symposia available—and most of the sessions are free. On-site registration is also available, but pre-registration is recommended.