FRAMINGHAM, MA AND WOBURN, MA…

The New England Franchise Association (NEFA), the trade organization for franchisors and franchisees in the region, has announced its new board of directors. Among those chosen for the new board include Evan Hackel, founder of Ingage Consulting of Woburn, MA.

“Having been a member of NEFA for several years, I’m thrilled and honored to be appointed to its board of directors,” said Hackel.  We have some impressive individuals on the new board who have experience as franchisors, franchisees and consultants in the industry. I’m looking forward to working with the board and NEFA members to develop programs and events that engage and benefit our Association.”

In addition to Hackel, the new board includes both franchisors and those who serve the franchise community.  Board members include Bruce Wildes, Acadia Business Advisors, LLC, Cumberland, ME; Chuck Lynch, MaidPro, Boston, MA; Donato Dandreo, Compete Now, Boston, MA; Gina Weinstock, G. T. Reilly & Company, Milton, MA; Kevin Dubois, Lapels Dry Cleaning, Hanover, MA; Kim Woods, Franchise Solutions, Portsmouth, NH; Murray Vetstein, Source4, Brockton, MA; Steve Dubin, PR Works, Kingston, MA; and Suzanne Cummings, Cummings Franchise Law, P.C., Stoneham, MA.

“Evan’s a great addition to our board of directors and a great example of the high caliber of members we have in NEFA,” said NEFA President Steve Dubin.

Hackel’s consulting firm, Ingage Consulting, focuses on improving the performance of franchises by enhancing the relationship of individual franchisees and the franchisor. By creating a culture of partnership and common purpose, Ingage Consulting is able to help franchisees and franchisors dramatically improve their performance.

Before founding Ingage Consulting, Hackel was president at CCA Global Partners for 20 years. At CCA, he was responsible for four business divisions with more than 2,000 units, more than $5 billion in sales, and operating in four countries. While at CCA, Mr. Hackel founded its marketing department, national programs department, and its award-winning training department.

About NEFA

New England Franchise Association (NEFA) is the trade organization for franchisors and franchisees in the region, with over 150 members. The mission of NEFA is to bring franchise executives, franchisees and vendors together to share ideas for success.

Franchising more than ever before, has an unprecedented opportunity to make a major positive impact on the future New England economy. In a 2001-05 study conducted by  PriceWaterhouseCoopers on behalf of the International Franchise Association (IFA) found that in New England over 875,000 jobs are a result of franchising, the total output is over 100 Billion dollars a year, and there are over 35,000 franchise establishments in the six New England States.

For more information, please visit the New England Franchise Association via the organization’s website www.NEFranchise.org or email to info@NEFranchise.org.

About Ingage Consulting

Ingage Consulting is a management consulting firm that works with franchisors and franchisees to improve the franchise organization’s culture which in turn increases sales and satisfaction; improves growth and retention and boosts loyalty and profits.

Ingage Consulting provides solutions that drive the cooperation, commitment, passion and loyalty of both franchisors and franchisees.  The company helps solve the problems of franchise organizations by offering services that range from partnership creation and vibrant intranet community creation to trust building, improved communication and strategic planning.  After a thorough assessment, Ingage Consulting devises solutions to a franchise organization’s challenges. These solutions may include the development of methods that maximize collaboration among franchisees/licensees or the development of a clear strategy and execution plan for change which is customized to meet organizational objectives.

Evan Hackel, Ingage founder and management expert has more than two decades of experience in best practices, turnaround strategies and team dynamics.  He is often engaged to analyze franchise businesses, provide recommendations and facilitate strategic planning.  Hackel is a  a member of the National Speakers Association. As a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA), he holds a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and is a member of the IFA Supply Forum. Hackel is a member and serves on the board of director os the New England Franchise Association (NEFA).

Ingage Consulting is located at 400 Trade Center, Suite 5900 in Woburn, MA.  For more information, contact (781) 569-5900 or visit the website www.ingage.net.