A Rose by any other name is still a… New England Franchise Association (NEFA) becomes the NEW name of the regional trade association.

The organization has been helping franchisors, franchisees and affiliated vendors learn and network since the late 1980's. The group has experienced a number of challenges along the way. The Board of Directors recently announced a new name for the resilient association to best reflect its current focus. New England Franchise Association (NEFA) becomes the new moniker and driving force for the industry in the region.

In the past year, the organization has attracted participation from over 400 professionals. Its annual meeting schedule of five networking and educational events met in convenient regional locations including Braintree, Waltham and Framingham.

The organization was initially started at a First Tuesday group which primarily brought together franchise attorneys to discuss recent and pending legislation. Later it became the Franchise Business Network, Boston Region and was supported by the International Franchise Association (IFA) based in Washington, D.C. and was seen a recruitment tool for the international, parent group.

Most recently the organization was known as the New England Franchise Business Network (NEFBN) - a mouthful and confusing string of words by almost anyone's standards.

Along with the name change, NEFA also crystallized their mission statement which now reads "Promoting the responsible growth of franchising throughout New England by fostering positive communication, learning and best practices."

"The name change and vigor of the organization was well received at our most recent event on September 19th," noted Interim President Attorney Kevin McCarthy, who maintains a Cohasset, Mass.-based law practice focused on franchise law. McCarthy added, "We are energized by a new sense of purpose and the growing numbers who are joining our membership ranks. We look forward to expanding participation among
regional franchisors, individual franchisees and service providers for the industry."

In addition to McCarthy, NEFA's Board of Directors includes Jim Coen of Franchise Perfection, a Chestnut Hill, Mass.-based franchise brokerage; Andrew Palmer of the Franchise Institute, a Norwell, Mass.-based franchise and franchisee consultancy; Nancy Connolly of Mediation Works Incorporated based in Boston, Mass. and providing
mediation services for franchises; Barbara Arena of CIT, based in Abington, Mass. and providing financing for franchises; Dan Scherer of Cartridge World based in Weymouth, Mass. and serving as the master franchisor for New England; and Steve Dubin of PR Works, a Kingston, Mass.-based public relations and advertising firm.

NEFA offers training, networking and other support to the franchise community. For information about membership and upcoming events, please contact NEFA via the organization's website www.NEFranchise.org or via email at info@ NEFranchise.org or by calling board member Jim Coen, (617) 469-3002.