Support a cause and get an effect: charitable team-building exercises are important not only for the immediate experience of the activities performed by the participants, but also for the community's perception of the franchise's commitment to making a positive difference.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS)

Franchising World, January, 2008 by Kiser-Block, Lori

Renowned physicist Albert Einstein once said, "The value of a man should be seen in what he gives."

If the mission of an upcoming annual franchisee event is to create a meaningful, memorable and heartwarming experience for each attendee, then consider a team-building activity built around an altruistic goal. A franchise system, as well as the franchising industry as a whole, is at a great advantage when it comes to the number of people available to unite for a common cause. Annual meetings are perfect opportunities to build strong relationships while contributing toward a charitable organization.

For example, during the annual FranChoice convention in September, 250 members of the franchising community gathered to bundle more than 500 "care packages"...