The DD Independent Franchise Owners Group, which represents the largest association of Dunkin' Donuts franchise owners in the United States, has announced that it has increased its membership by 55 percent in the last year. DDIFO now represents more than 2,300 shops.
According to DDIFO President Jim Coen, the increase brings DDIFO closer to its goal of being a nationally recognized organization. The boost in membership was officially announced at a meeting in Chicago where more than 400 Dunkin' Donuts stores signed on as DDIFO members.
"We are extremely pleased that so many shops in the Midwest market have chosen to join the DDIFO," said DDIFO chairman Kevin McCarthy in a press release. "The obvious enthusiasm exhibited by these franchise owners at our members' meeting is a strong and welcome endorsement of the successful strategy and effectiveness of our organization."
In addition to its ongoing membership efforts, DDIFO is also becoming more active in franchise organizations such as the Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) and the International Association of Franchisees and Dealers (IAFD). This week, Coen is attending the IAFD's 2010 National Convention in Indianapolis.
"Organizations like IAFD and CFA provide us and other independent franchise groups the opportunity to learn from one another's experiences, collaborate on issues and share best practices," Coen said. As a result of our connection with IAFD and CFA, we are able to offer more industry knowledge to our members."
DDIFO will host a meeting of Mid-Atlantic franchise owners on June 3 in Newark, N.J.
Created in 1989, the DDIFO is the largest, independent organization dedicated to protecting the business interests of its member Dunkin' Donuts franchisees. The DDIFO seeks to communicate, educate and advocate on behalf of its members.
Dunkin' Donuts has an official advisory council made up of its franchisees. Its members represent the company's franchisees at large in work with company executives.
