| Although private employers in September added 64,000 workers, total payrolls fell a larger-than-forecast 95,000. In tough economic times, franchises are a relatively safe way of doing business. The drop in U.S. payrolls in September largely reflected local governments firing educators and other workers to make up for declining tax revenue. Struggles to keep state and local government budgets balanced likely will continue to weigh on job growth and sustain the level of weekly jobless claims. One dynamic star on the U.S. business scene is The ACFN ATM Franchise Business, headquartered in San Jose, California, where the company was ranked by the Business Journal as the 43rd Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley for 2007 - 2009. “ACFN is a North America company with operations in all 50 States and Canada, however by utilizing our franchise business model we maintain the operating efficiencies of a local company”, says Jeff Kerr, Founder and President of ACFN. Since launching the franchise division in 2003, ACFN (American Consumer Financial Network) has 165 Franchises operating over 1350 ATM's in the U.S. and Canada. The Washington, D.C.-based International Franchise Alliance, said the group estimates that in 2008 there were about 900,000 franchises with over 21 million workers providing $2.3 trillion in economic activity. These franchises “cross over about 100 different business categories,” The International Franchise Association suggests what the entrepreneur minded American has known for a while, that franchisees enjoy a significant competitive edge over the stand-alone business operators. They noted a study showing that 86% of franchise companies which opened in the previous five years were still in business under the same owner and only 3% of these businesses failed. Conversely, a US Small Business Administration (SBA) Survey in that same article showed 62.2% percent of all new businesses started over a 10 year period dissolved within their first six years. “ ACFN's ATM franchise equips you with the tools and the know how to manage the business". Avi Blankroth, Excecutive Vice President of ACFN says. "The process begins with each franchisee purchasing ATMs, while ACFN locates and contracts lucrative placement locations" Blankroth believes that "franchising offers crucial support, whilst still providing the scope for franchisees to make personal business decisions. In the same vein, people choose to go the franchising route owing to the security it offers". |
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Turning Tough Times Into Success
ACFN ATM Franchise Ranked in Top Silicon Valley Based Companies
| The Silicon Valley Business Journal honored the 60 fastest-growing private companies in the region at the Computer History Museum in San Jose, California. ACFN Franchise (ACFN) ATM franchise which is focused on providing ATM services to hotels and other travel and entertainment businesses across North America, was recognized as one of Silicon Valley’s fastest growing companies by the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal. After reviewing revenues of leading private companies in the area, the publication ranked ACFN #43 in this year’s list. This accolade is especially impressive given that approximately 80 percent of the 60 companies on the list had more than 50 percent revenue growth in the three-year period covered and about half more than doubled. “It’s an honor to be included in this year’s list. Silicon Valley is very competitive and we are committed to continue growing and producing extraordinary result for our franchise owners. ACFN is the only ATM Franchise in North America and one of the largest ATM ISOs in the US which helps us create a lot of value for our franchisees” Unlike other companies in the industry, ACFN owns and controls the ATMs and does not charge fees to the businesses hosting the machines. Franchisees receive training on how to develop, own, and operate onsite ATMs. ACFN also provides ATM processing, network, administrative, marketing, and other types of support. The recognition that ACFN has gained, is rightfully earned as the company expands its interests and continues to provide services at more than 1,350 locations with 165 Franchisees in North America. |
Earning High Marks – ACFN ATM Franchise – Amongst the Best Companies in America.
Recent independent studies have ranked the ACFN ATM Franchise amongst the top high performing companies in the U.S.You are staying in a hotel and need cash. The front desk clerk directs you to an automated teller machine in the hotel. Chances are it’s an American Consumer Financial Network ATM. The company provides financial services and transaction processing solutions, with a national network of onsite ATMs in hotels and other travel and entertainment-based businesses.The innovative ACFN (American Consumer Financial Network) announces its inclusion in the top 300 franchise opportunities for 2010 by AllStar AllBusiness. The honors include top ranking in three categories: growth, financial strength and general listing.Unlike other companies in the industry, ACFN owns and controls the ATMs and does not charge fees to the businesses hosting the machines. Franchisees receive training on how to construct, own, and operate onsite ATMs. ACFN also provides ATM processing, network, administrative, marketing, and other types of support.“These awards are a tremendous validation for a young, innovative company from Silicon Valley,” says Jeff Kerr, Founder and President of ACFN.The national recognition that ACFN has gained is rightfully earned as the company expands its interests to provide services at more than 1,200 locations in North America.According to Allstar, the company’s growth wasn’t meager — in 2009, one of the toughest years in recent history, ACFN increased its number of units by more than 20 percent and improved its financial health ranking from #124 to #97 this year.Inclusion on the Allstar Allbusiness list, a subsidiary of Dun & Bradstreet brand is not an easy task. After a daunting year of economic recession in 2009, many longstanding, established franchise companies have been unable to maintain their top 300 ranking.ACFN’s ability to secure a place on this elite list of companies is a testament to their innovation and prospective strength as a franchise company.ACFN is also ranked 64th on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009 and ranked 374th on the Inc. Magazine listing of Fastest Growing Private Companies and recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the “Fast 50” Franchise Companies”. Franchise amongst the top high performing companies in the U.S.American Consumer Financial Network
Public Sector Employees – ACFN ATM – Your Trusted Retirement Partner.
Public Sector employees have successfully maneuvered the recession, still many are concerned about the next step upon retirement. ATM business ACFN is offering a practical opportunity that promises real revenue and no nonsense.
As the recession appears to come to a close and some Americans are slowly coming out of financial hiding, the nation is beginning to notice which employment sectors truly are the last ones standing.
In addition to the intelligently invested, government employees are proving to be an excellent example of recession survivors.
“While private-sector employment fell sharply in the last two years,” the Manhattan Institute’s Josh Barro noted earlier this year, “the public-sector, civilian workforce continued growing until mid-2008. It has since remained essentially flat.
“While private-employment rolls are nearly 10 percent smaller than they were three years ago, public-employment rolls have grown by nearly 2 percent.”
Government employees have always kept our nation running smoothly, and have traditionally been paid reasonably well for it. From sanitation workers to public transportation operators, public sector employees have the backing of unions that work on their behalf to ensure they receive the best health care and pension plans available.
In terms of compensation, federal workers are rapidly pulling away from private employees. As USA Today’s Dennis Cauchon recently reported, “Federal workers earned an average salary of $67,691 in 2008 for occupations that exist both in government and the private sector, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The average pay for the same mix of jobs in the private sector was $60,046 in 2008, the most recent data available.”
And that’s only wages. Federal health, pension and other benefits are worth four times what private workers on average enjoy, Cauchon added.
However, health benefits and retirement plans weren’t the tools that allowed so many municipal workers to stay afloat. The real advantages are their high levels of job security, steadily increasing wages, and shockingly young retirement ages.
Department of Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond of Georgia discussed the benefits of government employment, “Government has been a huge job creation engine for most of the 1990s and through the early part of this century. The communities that have been most successful [through the recession] have benefited from a huge government investment.”
With so many of these workers retiring between the ages of 40 – 55, several of them have gone on to explore new opportunities after servicing their government. Tending toward business ideas that supplement their pension, they generally prefer low commitment engagements with high levels of return.
In response to the interest of this community, The ACFN ATM Franchise, a Silicon Valley company is recruiting retired public sector workers into their ranks. With over 1200 locations across the nation, ACFN (American Consumer Financial Network) offers the option to purchase their own ATM franchise. Franchisees can turn one ATM into dozens, and enjoy an excellent profit based on ATM service charges, incurred whenever their machine is used.
ACFN President and Founder Jeff Kerr directed this comment to government and municipal employees interested in owning their own business, “ACFN is an excellent opportunity for people who are interested in a straightforward opportunity that prides itself on being uncomplicated. We provide training and have a strong support team in place to help franchise owners with all aspects of operating their business including ATM placement and business management. No prior experience is required or needed to join ACFN”.
Generous retirement packages aside, the twenty-first century was a good time to be publicly employed. And with the advantage of large payouts upon departure, retirees are outfitted with lump sums of money that would be perfectly invested in ACFN’s entrepreneurial opportunity.
The franchise fee for ACFN starts at $25,000.
The company provides a comprehensive training program at their headquarters in San Jose, California and the best ongoing customer service that is frequently described as second to none.
ACFN – ATM Franchise Business, Ranked #1 in category “Miscellaneous Financial
After almost six months of research and enough data entry to make any assistant’s fingers tingle with fright, Entrepreneur Magazine has just released their highly anticipated Franchise 500.
Jan 19, 2010 – After three decades of perfecting their system, Entrepreneur Magazine has become the most trusted name in franchise rankings around the world. Aspiring business owners rely on their objectivity when considering the prospect of buying a piece of the franchise pie.
Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 listing for 2010 ranks ACFN, the only ATM franchise business in the US, #1 in category “Miscellaneous Financial Services”.
ACFN the innovative ATM Franchise Business based in Silicon Valley, is North Americas only ATM franchise focused on providing ATM services to hotels and other travel and entertainment based businesses
Although they are only a small portion of the research needed to become a franchise entrepreneur, this ranking prides itself on being both strict and objective.
The leading judgment factors are stability, financial strength, growth rate, and size. Credibility is certainly not an issue.
Companies competing for the top spot face fierce competition from the two franchises that have held the #1 spot interchangeably for the last 15 years, Subway and McDonalds.
Most companies can only hope to be named #1 in their subcategory, usually a fairer competition.
Since debuting on the list in 2008, ACFN has been creeping up the charts over the last two years, finally reaching the ultimate spot in their category. A smaller business, ACFN is an everyman franchise.
With lower startup costs than most of their competitors on the list, they offer entrepreneurship to everyone able bodied enough to work a few hours a week managing machines and fixing the occasional technically difficulty.
Franchisees vary largely in age, race, location, and income, with their most successful machine belonging to a retired California schoolteacher who operates her business with the help of her only daughter.
President and Founder Jeff Kerr shared his elation over this year’s rankings, “Entrepreneur Magazine is the premier publication for business and being recognized by them is significant”.
“The ranking has already prompted many calls from qualified prospect inquiring about our business and we expect will result is many new franchisees joining”
“Being included in the Franchise 500 and earning the #1 rank in our category is a great achievement that we continue to work hard to protect and maintain in future years – we are just getting started” says Kerr
With ambitious and triumphant words from Kerr, ACFN looks to increase their franchisees steadily as they have in the past, targeting an increase in their 1200 locations by four to five hundred this year.
ACFN’s 30k startup fee includes 1 ATM, a 3 day training program, customer service, and product placement assistance.
A Financial Opportunity in a Down Economy – American Consumer Financial Network
San Jose based, ACFN is ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley, offering a proven method of business success and remains unshaken even in the grip of this recession, showing organic growth of 35%.
With the economy still struggling to get back on its feet, many people are still in search of more original means to financial security. Skyrocketing levels of unemployment have even pushed some to delve into the world of business ownership. Yet the rash of recent store closures has left many wondering what can be done to prevent loss and ultimately business failure.
Even tried and true business models like that of Blockbuster, with its 960 store closings, and Starbucks, with their 300 store closures, are reporting colossal loses with no sign of short term improvement.
Still, some are determined, and have launched headfirst into projects of many different shapes and sizes, from the exclusively online to the normal brick and mortar. While physical business locations might be more comfortable for some, this does not mean that the process is an easy one to arrange. For example, factors such as location, need, and profitability are all arenas that must to be intensely explored.
When investigating a location to launch a business, it is customary to employ research professionals to assess proposed locations to determine the likelihood of operating a thriving business in that area. Still, the predictions generated by these individuals are not without their drawbacks and are by no means absolute. Armed with innovation, ATM business, ACFN has overcome the brick and mortar disadvantage by granting their business owners the opportunity to relocate when profits do not meet set standards.
ACFN’s proven model of success lets franchisees reposition their products in the most important sense. The right to move an ATM from a contracted location is built into the franchisee’s agreement with every vendor.
President of ACFN Jeff Kerr notes, ”Our goal is to make every ATM placement a success and with ACFN’s experienced market research team and best-in-class marketing, we achieve that goal most of the time”. For those locations that fall short of expectations, in contrast to the typical retail franchise where there are little to no solutions for this problem, we have built in down-side protection by including the right to remove in our agreements” adds Kerr.
“This unique feature of our business has been particularly beneficial in today’s volatile market allowing franchise owners to protect their investment and maximize their profits”. says Avi Blankroth, Executive Vice President of ACFN
In a time of no guarantees, the chance for a ‘do-over’ can definitely be appreciated. ACFN’s ATM franchise is a recession proof way to prosper in any economy.
About American Consumer Financial Network (“ACFN”)
ACFN is ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley Business Journal for 2009 and the 64th Fastest Growing Private Company on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009 and recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the “Fast 50” franchise companies”.
Veterans Opt out of Corporate America and Into the ATM Franchise Business
They are among the nation’s elite when it comes to leadership, teamwork and getting the job done, so how do they work all of those skills into a stable, long-term career ?
Charlotte, NC – Of the approximately. 80 million small businesses in the U.S., four million are owned by US Veterans and 400,000 small businesses are owned by service-disabled veterans.
In the meantime, those veterans looking to get their feet into a small business are still having difficulty during this recession, as millions of Americans are.
Veterans are frequently overqualified for most entry-level jobs in terms of the technical expertise they have gained on the battlefield, yet they may not be quite experienced enough for mid-level jobs. They are among the nation’s elite when it comes to leadership, teamwork and getting the job done, so how do they work all of those skills into a stable, long-term career?
ACFN. a California based ATM Franchise Business is offering returning veterans the opportunity to start their own business, and fast.
Brian G, a veteran of the US Marines, is one of the many veterans who found his future with ACFN. After considering a transition into the corporate world, Brian instead opted to take a chance on business ownership. Now he operates a number of ATMs in his home state.
Brian’s main objective in owning his own business was the possibility of rapid expansion. He mentions, “I wanted to grow my business as fast as possible to produce an annual income large enough to sustain myself and my family. ACFN offered that without any major challenges.”
President of ACFN Jeff Kerr built his business with those goals in mind. He intended to create a business that was extremely flexible and allowed franchisees to dictate the size of their business without any drawbacks. He comments, “An ACFN business is very flexible and in most cases can be molded and scaled to fit a franchise owner’s specific set of circumstances.
“By allowing franchisees to retain their jobs and other business activities they have the benefit of rolling their ACFN profits directly back into their business to grow their business at a faster pace.”
VP of Sales Robert Harris, adds “Many of our franchisees have enough profitable locations to support themselves and so they choose to use their extra income exclusively for business growth. It’s a proven system and continues to make many of our owners very happy.” Over ten percent of ACFN Franchisees are Veterans.
The Veterans Administration is collaborating with the Small Business Administration and the General Services Administration to certify Veteran owned small businesses and service disabled Veteran owned small businesses for listing on the Federal Supply Register, which enhances their visibility and competitiveness, creating jobs for Veterans.
The SBA also partners with micro-lenders and other financial institutions providing small loans of up to $35,000. The Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan exists in case the vet’s business suffers economic damage after he or she is activated for duty. Another program, the Patriot Express Loan, is available to veterans, disabled vets, Reserve and National Guard members and spouses.
ACFN is ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley Business Journal for 2009 and the 64th Fastest Growing Private Company on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009 and recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the “Fast 50” franchise companies”.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Earning High Marks - ACFN ATM Franchise - Amongst the Best Companies in America.
Recent independent studies have ranked the ACFN ATM Franchise amongst the top high performing companies in the U.S.
You are staying in a hotel and need cash. The front desk clerk directs you to an automated teller machine in the hotel. Chances are it’s an American Consumer Financial Network ATM. The company provides financial services and transaction processing solutions, with a national network of onsite ATMs in hotels and other travel and entertainment-
The innovative ACFN (American Consumer Financial Network) announces its inclusion in the top 300 franchise opportunities for 2010 by AllStar AllBusiness. The honors include top ranking in three categories: growth, financial strength and general listing.
Unlike other companies in the industry, ACFN owns and controls the ATMs and does not charge fees to the businesses hosting the machines. Franchisees receive training on how to construct, own, and operate onsite ATMs. ACFN also provides ATM processing, network, administrative, marketing, and other types of support.
“These awards are a tremendous validation for a young, innovative company from Silicon Valley,” says Jeff Kerr, Founder and President of ACFN.
The national recognition that ACFN has gained is rightfully earned as the company expands its interests to provide services at more than 1,200 locations in North America.
According to Allstar, the company’s growth wasn’t meager — in 2009, one of the toughest years in recent history, ACFN increased its number of units by more than 20 percent and improved its financial health ranking from #124 to #97 this year.
Inclusion on the Allstar Allbusiness list, a subsidiary of Dun & Bradstreet brand is not an easy task. After a daunting year of economic recession in 2009, many longstanding, established franchise companies have been unable to maintain their top 300 ranking.
ACFN’s ability to secure a place on this elite list of companies is a testament to their innovation and prospective strength as a franchise company.
ACFN is also ranked 64th on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009 and ranked 374th on the Inc. Magazine listing of Fastest Growing Private Companies and recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the “Fast 50” Franchise Companies”.
About ACFN
ACFN the ATM franchise business opportunity for individuals interested in developing a business with a recurring revenue stream within the financial services sector.
Find out how you can benefit from ACFN to help deliver return on investment, positive cash flow and improved revenue.
More information is available at
http://www.acfnfranchised.com/
American Consumer Financial Network (ACFN)
111 W. St. John St
Sixth Floor
San Jose, CA 95113
Tel 888-794-2236
You are staying in a hotel and need cash. The front desk clerk directs you to an automated teller machine in the hotel. Chances are it’s an American Consumer Financial Network ATM. The company provides financial services and transaction processing solutions, with a national network of onsite ATMs in hotels and other travel and entertainment-
The innovative ACFN (American Consumer Financial Network) announces its inclusion in the top 300 franchise opportunities for 2010 by AllStar AllBusiness. The honors include top ranking in three categories: growth, financial strength and general listing.
Unlike other companies in the industry, ACFN owns and controls the ATMs and does not charge fees to the businesses hosting the machines. Franchisees receive training on how to construct, own, and operate onsite ATMs. ACFN also provides ATM processing, network, administrative, marketing, and other types of support.
“These awards are a tremendous validation for a young, innovative company from Silicon Valley,” says Jeff Kerr, Founder and President of ACFN.
The national recognition that ACFN has gained is rightfully earned as the company expands its interests to provide services at more than 1,200 locations in North America.
According to Allstar, the company’s growth wasn’t meager — in 2009, one of the toughest years in recent history, ACFN increased its number of units by more than 20 percent and improved its financial health ranking from #124 to #97 this year.
Inclusion on the Allstar Allbusiness list, a subsidiary of Dun & Bradstreet brand is not an easy task. After a daunting year of economic recession in 2009, many longstanding, established franchise companies have been unable to maintain their top 300 ranking.
ACFN’s ability to secure a place on this elite list of companies is a testament to their innovation and prospective strength as a franchise company.
ACFN is also ranked 64th on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009 and ranked 374th on the Inc. Magazine listing of Fastest Growing Private Companies and recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the “Fast 50” Franchise Companies”.
About ACFN
ACFN the ATM franchise business opportunity for individuals interested in developing a business with a recurring revenue stream within the financial services sector.
Find out how you can benefit from ACFN to help deliver return on investment, positive cash flow and improved revenue.
More information is available at
http://www.acfnfranchised.com/
American Consumer Financial Network (ACFN)
111 W. St. John St
Sixth Floor
San Jose, CA 95113
Tel 888-794-2236
Public Sector Employees - ACFN ATM - Your Trusted Retirement Partner.
Public Sector employees have successfully maneuvered the recession, still many are concerned about the next step upon retirement. ATM business ACFN is offering a practical opportunity that promises real revenue and no nonsense.
As the recession appears to come to a close and some Americans are slowly coming out of financial hiding, the nation is beginning to notice which employment sectors truly are the last ones standing.
In addition to the intelligently invested, government employees are proving to be an excellent example of recession survivors.
"While private-sector employment fell sharply in the last two years," the Manhattan Institute's Josh Barro noted earlier this year, "the public-sector, civilian workforce continued growing until mid-2008. It has since remained essentially flat.
"While private-employment rolls are nearly 10 percent smaller than they were three years ago, public-employment rolls have grown by nearly 2 percent."
Government employees have always kept our nation running smoothly, and have traditionally been paid reasonably well for it. From sanitation workers to public transportation operators, public sector employees have the backing of unions that work on their behalf to ensure they receive the best health care and pension plans available.
In terms of compensation, federal workers are rapidly pulling away from private employees. As USA Today's Dennis Cauchon recently reported, "Federal workers earned an average salary of $67,691 in 2008 for occupations that exist both in government and the private sector, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The average pay for the same mix of jobs in the private sector was $60,046 in 2008, the most recent data available."
And that's only wages. Federal health, pension and other benefits are worth four times what private workers on average enjoy, Cauchon added.
However, health benefits and retirement plans weren’t the tools that allowed so many municipal workers to stay afloat. The real advantages are their high levels of job security, steadily increasing wages, and shockingly young retirement ages.
Department of Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond of Georgia discussed the benefits of government employment, “Government has been a huge job creation engine for most of the 1990s and through the early part of this century. The communities that have been most successful [through the recession] have benefited from a huge government investment.”
With so many of these workers retiring between the ages of 40 – 55, several of them have gone on to explore new opportunities after servicing their government. Tending toward business ideas that supplement their pension, they generally prefer low commitment engagements with high levels of return.
In response to the interest of this community, The ACFN ATM Franchise, a Silicon Valley company is recruiting retired public sector workers into their ranks. With over 1200 locations across the nation, ACFN (American Consumer Financial Network) offers the option to purchase their own ATM franchise. Franchisees can turn one ATM into dozens, and enjoy an excellent profit based on ATM service charges, incurred whenever their machine is used.
ACFN President and Founder Jeff Kerr directed this comment to government and municipal employees interested in owning their own business, “ACFN is an excellent opportunity for people who are interested in a straightforward opportunity that prides itself on being uncomplicated. We provide training and have a strong support team in place to help franchise owners with all aspects of operating their business including ATM placement and business management. No prior experience is required or needed to join ACFN”.
Generous retirement packages aside, the twenty-first century was a good time to be publicly employed. And with the advantage of large payouts upon departure, retirees are outfitted with lump sums of money that would be perfectly invested in ACFN’s entrepreneurial opportunity.
The franchise fee for ACFN starts at $25,000.
The company provides a comprehensive training program at their headquarters in San Jose, California and the best ongoing customer service that is frequently described as second to none.
About ACFN
ACFN the ATM franchise business opportunity for individuals interested in developing a business with a recurring revenue stream within the financial services sector.
With over a decade of experience in ATM services and more than 150 Franchises and 1,200 locations in North America. ACFN is a leader in the ATM industry with a proven track record and an impressive client list.
Find out how you can benefit from ACFN to help deliver return on investment, positive cash flow and improved revenue.
More information is available at
http://www.acfnfranchised.com/
American Consumer Financial Network (ACFN)
111 W. St. John St
Sixth Floor
San Jose, CA 95113
Tel 888-794-2236
As the recession appears to come to a close and some Americans are slowly coming out of financial hiding, the nation is beginning to notice which employment sectors truly are the last ones standing.
In addition to the intelligently invested, government employees are proving to be an excellent example of recession survivors.
"While private-sector employment fell sharply in the last two years," the Manhattan Institute's Josh Barro noted earlier this year, "the public-sector, civilian workforce continued growing until mid-2008. It has since remained essentially flat.
"While private-employment rolls are nearly 10 percent smaller than they were three years ago, public-employment rolls have grown by nearly 2 percent."
Government employees have always kept our nation running smoothly, and have traditionally been paid reasonably well for it. From sanitation workers to public transportation operators, public sector employees have the backing of unions that work on their behalf to ensure they receive the best health care and pension plans available.
In terms of compensation, federal workers are rapidly pulling away from private employees. As USA Today's Dennis Cauchon recently reported, "Federal workers earned an average salary of $67,691 in 2008 for occupations that exist both in government and the private sector, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The average pay for the same mix of jobs in the private sector was $60,046 in 2008, the most recent data available."
And that's only wages. Federal health, pension and other benefits are worth four times what private workers on average enjoy, Cauchon added.
However, health benefits and retirement plans weren’t the tools that allowed so many municipal workers to stay afloat. The real advantages are their high levels of job security, steadily increasing wages, and shockingly young retirement ages.
Department of Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond of Georgia discussed the benefits of government employment, “Government has been a huge job creation engine for most of the 1990s and through the early part of this century. The communities that have been most successful [through the recession] have benefited from a huge government investment.”
With so many of these workers retiring between the ages of 40 – 55, several of them have gone on to explore new opportunities after servicing their government. Tending toward business ideas that supplement their pension, they generally prefer low commitment engagements with high levels of return.
In response to the interest of this community, The ACFN ATM Franchise, a Silicon Valley company is recruiting retired public sector workers into their ranks. With over 1200 locations across the nation, ACFN (American Consumer Financial Network) offers the option to purchase their own ATM franchise. Franchisees can turn one ATM into dozens, and enjoy an excellent profit based on ATM service charges, incurred whenever their machine is used.
ACFN President and Founder Jeff Kerr directed this comment to government and municipal employees interested in owning their own business, “ACFN is an excellent opportunity for people who are interested in a straightforward opportunity that prides itself on being uncomplicated. We provide training and have a strong support team in place to help franchise owners with all aspects of operating their business including ATM placement and business management. No prior experience is required or needed to join ACFN”.
Generous retirement packages aside, the twenty-first century was a good time to be publicly employed. And with the advantage of large payouts upon departure, retirees are outfitted with lump sums of money that would be perfectly invested in ACFN’s entrepreneurial opportunity.
The franchise fee for ACFN starts at $25,000.
The company provides a comprehensive training program at their headquarters in San Jose, California and the best ongoing customer service that is frequently described as second to none.
About ACFN
ACFN the ATM franchise business opportunity for individuals interested in developing a business with a recurring revenue stream within the financial services sector.
With over a decade of experience in ATM services and more than 150 Franchises and 1,200 locations in North America. ACFN is a leader in the ATM industry with a proven track record and an impressive client list.
Find out how you can benefit from ACFN to help deliver return on investment, positive cash flow and improved revenue.
More information is available at
http://www.acfnfranchised.com/
American Consumer Financial Network (ACFN)
111 W. St. John St
Sixth Floor
San Jose, CA 95113
Tel 888-794-2236
Unemployed Manufacturing Workers Find New Opportunities Off the Line
The U.S. manufacturing sector accounted for 23 % of all mass layoff events and 27% of initial unemployment benefit claims filed in March 2010. Nationally ranked, ACFN ATM Franchise offers the opportunity to get off the line and start a business.
The manufacturing sector continues to take it on the chin with layoffs in that industry accounting for more than a quarter of the men and women applying for unemployment benefits for the first time.
The Department of Labor’s May 11th report of industry specific statistics stated 128,000 manufacturing jobs were lost in March 2010.
Economic forecasters do not expect the one million jobs lost in the recession, in the auto, steel, furniture and other manufacturing industries, to return.
More than 450 jobs are being eliminated as Whirlpool Corp. ends a production shift at an Evansville factory that is being shut down in June. Whirlpool announced last year that it would shut down the 1,100-worker refrigerator factory and move production to Mexico.
Angry participants of the www.manufacturing.net website’s “talk back” section offered “Appliances made in Asia and Mexico come with far less crushing tax burden, abusive union contracts, and high operating expenses". Check the labels at your local appliance store. Americans do not buy "Made in America", they buy what they can afford. The more jobs exported, the less they can afford.
Like an umbrella in this rain of manufacturing pink slips, a San Jose, CA business is offering the hope of the bright future off the assembly line. The American Consumer Financial Network (ACFN) is an ATM business that extends an opportunity to individuals from all walks of life, the ability to own and operate their own business.
For a reasonable fee, new business owners receive training, and the backing of an experienced group of marketing and sales people to get a boost into the business world.
ACFN is the only ATM Franchise in North America and appeals to people from every walk of life. In fact, the highest grossing machine in the ACFN ATM network belongs to a retired California public school teacher.
With the economic downturn, ACFN has kept their franchise fees cost effective, to accommodate those who are in search of a way to increase their nest egg as they plan for the future.
President and Founder Jeff Kerr says that his business offers laid off manufacturing employees countrywide the opportunity to weather the storm, “As a business owner since 1986, I am very aware of how effected the manufacturing industry has been by this recent recession. The unemployment numbers are terrible and have forced many people to re-think how they plan for a better future.”
Kerr urges anyone with a desire to develop an independent income to stabilize their future to explore the options ACFN has to offer. They might find a long term answer to their problem, and with it, the tools to build a successful business.
Franchise Fees are reasonably priced and start at $25,000
The Company also provides a comprehensive training program at their headquarters in San Jose, California and the best ongoing customer service that can only be described as second to none
The manufacturing sector continues to take it on the chin with layoffs in that industry accounting for more than a quarter of the men and women applying for unemployment benefits for the first time.
The Department of Labor’s May 11th report of industry specific statistics stated 128,000 manufacturing jobs were lost in March 2010.
Economic forecasters do not expect the one million jobs lost in the recession, in the auto, steel, furniture and other manufacturing industries, to return.
More than 450 jobs are being eliminated as Whirlpool Corp. ends a production shift at an Evansville factory that is being shut down in June. Whirlpool announced last year that it would shut down the 1,100-worker refrigerator factory and move production to Mexico.
Angry participants of the www.manufacturing.net website’s “talk back” section offered “Appliances made in Asia and Mexico come with far less crushing tax burden, abusive union contracts, and high operating expenses". Check the labels at your local appliance store. Americans do not buy "Made in America", they buy what they can afford. The more jobs exported, the less they can afford.
Like an umbrella in this rain of manufacturing pink slips, a San Jose, CA business is offering the hope of the bright future off the assembly line. The American Consumer Financial Network (ACFN) is an ATM business that extends an opportunity to individuals from all walks of life, the ability to own and operate their own business.
For a reasonable fee, new business owners receive training, and the backing of an experienced group of marketing and sales people to get a boost into the business world.
ACFN is the only ATM Franchise in North America and appeals to people from every walk of life. In fact, the highest grossing machine in the ACFN ATM network belongs to a retired California public school teacher.
With the economic downturn, ACFN has kept their franchise fees cost effective, to accommodate those who are in search of a way to increase their nest egg as they plan for the future.
President and Founder Jeff Kerr says that his business offers laid off manufacturing employees countrywide the opportunity to weather the storm, “As a business owner since 1986, I am very aware of how effected the manufacturing industry has been by this recent recession. The unemployment numbers are terrible and have forced many people to re-think how they plan for a better future.”
Kerr urges anyone with a desire to develop an independent income to stabilize their future to explore the options ACFN has to offer. They might find a long term answer to their problem, and with it, the tools to build a successful business.
Franchise Fees are reasonably priced and start at $25,000
The Company also provides a comprehensive training program at their headquarters in San Jose, California and the best ongoing customer service that can only be described as second to none
Baby Boomers Face Retirement Age Happy, Healthy, Wealthy and Not Ready to Embrace Full Retirement
| The biggest demographic segment in the US, the Baby Boomers are now retirement age, or very close. This group is not embracing retirement like generations before them. Many are seeking part-time employment and opening small businesses. According to University of Montré "They are usually well educated and have great financial means," says Légaré. "They benefited from generous pensions and have contributed to retirement for decades." In an effort to fend off boredom, keep a nimble mind and body, maintain community relationships and remain confident in their abilities, this legion of retirees are taking control of their retirement and their destiny by becoming small business owners. Jeff Kerr, the President and Founder of ACFN, the San Jose based ATM Franchise Business agrees that baby boomers make the perfect small business owner. “When you have the benefit of 30 years of experience in the business world, no matter what the industry was, you possess assets that can’t be taught in any MBA classroom. Sharp retirees who have no desire to sit back and ease into old age have a huge leg up when developing a small business. Time, Money and experience" Business coach, mentor and author Karen Newman is a firm believer in the new trend of retirement careers. “Building a home-based business is undoubtedly one of the most viable, lucrative, and personally satisfying career options out there for baby boomers. With the Internet as your consummate leverage, becoming a successful entrepreneur beyond your wildest dreams can quite suddenly become a reality,” Newman said. The wisdom Henry Emerson Fosdick offered when the first baby boomers were still in diapers seems to be their anthem “Don’t simply retire from something. Have something to retire to.” Retiring to the “working smart, not hard” methodology of franchises these boomers are working part time running their own business via ACFN and like companies to maintain an income stream fund travel, spoil grandchildren and indulge in uniquely baby boomer activities like nights at the casino and light cosmetic surgery. ACFN identifies and provides their franchisees with high traffic locations through the use of a state of the art technology. Once a location is identified, ACFN handles all the heavy lifting, even adding a clause to each agreement that states if profits aren’t acceptable, business can and will be taken elsewhere. A guarantee that solid is impossible with other brick and mortar franchises, but the ACFN difference offers unparalleled protection. Anyone can purchase the tools necessary to start their own network of working ACFN ATMs. The package includes training, marketing and sales assistance, and award winning customer service that guides franchisees through the ATM servicing process one step at a time. Even Jeff Kerr has operated his own network of ATMs for more than a decade. He comments, “My personal experience from owning and operating a network of ATMs has been very valuable. I know the many benefits that can be achieved and have done the work required to secure them. The Return on Investment (ROI) ATMs generate is the highest I have seen in my 24 years of business ownership”. "When you add to that the transparency provided by our franchise documents ACFN offers an attractive path to join the ranks of entrepreneurs” The ACFN system requires no more than a few hours a week. With over 1,250 locations across North America, and more than 150 happy franchisees, ACFN is the right opportunity at the right time. The franchise fee for ACFN starts at $25,000. The company also provides a comprehensive training program at their headquarters in San Jose, California and the best ongoing customer service that can only be described as second to none. CFN the ATM franchise business opportunity is for individuals interested in developing a business with a recurring revenue stream within the financial services sector. With over a decade of experience in ATM services and more than 150 Franchises and 1,250 locations in North America ACFN is a leader in the ATM industry with a proven track record and an impressive client list. Find out how you can benefit from ACFN to help deliver return on investment, positive cash flow and improved revenue. American Consumer Financial Network (ACFN) Sixth Floor, Community Towers 111 W. St John Street San Jose, CA 95113 Tel 888-794-2236 Visit their webpage http://www.acfnfranchised.com/ # # # ACFN is North Americas only ATM franchise focused on providing ATM services to hotels and other travel and entertainment based businesses. Providing ATM services since 1996, franchised in 2003 with 150 franchises, 1200 ATM Machines in the US and Canada. |
ACFN moves to new HQ – 12,000 SQFT in Community Towers Downtown San Jose, CA
On the heels of double digit growth in 2009, Silicon Valley Based, American Consumer Financial Network (“ACFN”) continues to see the recessionary economy as an indicator that business can survive, and thrive, if it is malleable.
Now occupying their new 12,000 SQFT Head Quarters, the entire sixth floor of the Community Towers building in downtown San Jose, as well as a nice position on “Inc. Magazine’
Lauded locally as the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley, President and Founder Jeff Kerr must know something that others don’t: How to leverage competitive advantages as spring boards to business growth. “ACFN is growing through the recession by watching costs, serving core customers, and aggressively pursuing new business.
Completing the move to our new HQ more than doubles our office space, achieves better compartmentalization to increase productivity and provides the added capacity needed to support current and future growth”
Kerr credits their achievements to the unique innovation of ACFN’s business model boasting the lowest cost of operation in his industry.
ACFN Executive Vice-President, Avi Blankroth believes "ACFN’s rapid growth isn’t in spite of the recession, but indicative of the changing needs of businesses hoping to survive. He mentions, “We provide a means to fulfill a need at a time when every business is vying for a tactical edge to outlast and outshine their competition. Our services allow our clients to alleviate an obstacle for their customers.”
The prediction for ACFN to double in size over the next three years may seem bold, but could be an underestimated forecast when the numbers are all in.
Since its conception in 1968, ATM usage has evolved into a widely accepted and trusted convenience. With global ATM use on the rise, there are 2 million ATM machines waiting to help you around the world and ATM acceptance is growing steadily among average Americans. The American Bankers Association reports half of the US adult populations use an ATM every month, and more join that group comfortable with that technology every day.
"ATMs are becoming more like super ATMs with more intelligent software and technology,"
When you combined the statistical numbers for ATM business with the increase in automated functions that many businesses now offer, like airline check-ins and grocery store checkouts – you come out understanding that people are happy to automate many of their in-person transactions, Kitten says.
ACFN has placed over 1,250 ATMs in the US and Canada at travel and entertainment based businesses since 1996.
Franchise Fees are reasonably priced and start at $25,000
The Company also provides a comprehensive training program at their headquarters in San Jose, California and the best ongoing customer service that can only be described as second to none
About ACFN
ACFN the ATM franchise business opportunity for individuals interested in developing a business with a recurring revenue stream within the financial services sector.
Find out how you can benefit from ACFN to help deliver return on investment, positive cash flow and improved revenue.
More information is available at
http://www.acfnfranchised.com/
American Consumer Financial Network (ACFN)
111 W. St. John St
Sixth Floor
San Jose, CA 95113
Tel 888-794-2236
Now occupying their new 12,000 SQFT Head Quarters, the entire sixth floor of the Community Towers building in downtown San Jose, as well as a nice position on “Inc. Magazine’
Lauded locally as the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley, President and Founder Jeff Kerr must know something that others don’t: How to leverage competitive advantages as spring boards to business growth. “ACFN is growing through the recession by watching costs, serving core customers, and aggressively pursuing new business.
Completing the move to our new HQ more than doubles our office space, achieves better compartmentalization to increase productivity and provides the added capacity needed to support current and future growth”
Kerr credits their achievements to the unique innovation of ACFN’s business model boasting the lowest cost of operation in his industry.
ACFN Executive Vice-President, Avi Blankroth believes "ACFN’s rapid growth isn’t in spite of the recession, but indicative of the changing needs of businesses hoping to survive. He mentions, “We provide a means to fulfill a need at a time when every business is vying for a tactical edge to outlast and outshine their competition. Our services allow our clients to alleviate an obstacle for their customers.”
The prediction for ACFN to double in size over the next three years may seem bold, but could be an underestimated forecast when the numbers are all in.
Since its conception in 1968, ATM usage has evolved into a widely accepted and trusted convenience. With global ATM use on the rise, there are 2 million ATM machines waiting to help you around the world and ATM acceptance is growing steadily among average Americans. The American Bankers Association reports half of the US adult populations use an ATM every month, and more join that group comfortable with that technology every day.
"ATMs are becoming more like super ATMs with more intelligent software and technology,"
When you combined the statistical numbers for ATM business with the increase in automated functions that many businesses now offer, like airline check-ins and grocery store checkouts – you come out understanding that people are happy to automate many of their in-person transactions, Kitten says.
ACFN has placed over 1,250 ATMs in the US and Canada at travel and entertainment based businesses since 1996.
Franchise Fees are reasonably priced and start at $25,000
The Company also provides a comprehensive training program at their headquarters in San Jose, California and the best ongoing customer service that can only be described as second to none
About ACFN
ACFN the ATM franchise business opportunity for individuals interested in developing a business with a recurring revenue stream within the financial services sector.
Find out how you can benefit from ACFN to help deliver return on investment, positive cash flow and improved revenue.
More information is available at
http://www.acfnfranchised.com/
American Consumer Financial Network (ACFN)
111 W. St. John St
Sixth Floor
San Jose, CA 95113
Tel 888-794-2236
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
ACFN - ATM Franchise Business, Ranked #1 in category “Miscellaneous Financial Services” in 2010
| After almost six months of research and enough data entry to make any assistant’s fingers tingle with fright, Entrepreneur Magazine has just released their highly anticipated Franchise 500. Jan 19, 2010 – After three decades of perfecting their system, Entrepreneur Magazine has become the most trusted name in franchise rankings around the world. Aspiring business owners rely on their objectivity when considering the prospect of buying a piece of the franchise pie. Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 listing for 2010 ranks ACFN, the only ATM franchise business in the US, #1 in category “Miscellaneous Financial Services”. ACFN the innovative ATM Franchise Business based in Silicon Valley, is North Americas only ATM franchise focused on providing ATM services to hotels and other travel and entertainment based businesses Although they are only a small portion of the research needed to become a franchise entrepreneur, this ranking prides itself on being both strict and objective. The leading judgment factors are stability, financial strength, growth rate, and size. Credibility is certainly not an issue. Companies competing for the top spot face fierce competition from the two franchises that have held the #1 spot interchangeably for the last 15 years, Subway and McDonalds. Most companies can only hope to be named #1 in their subcategory, usually a fairer competition. Since debuting on the list in 2008, ACFN has been creeping up the charts over the last two years, finally reaching the ultimate spot in their category. A smaller business, ACFN is an everyman franchise. With lower startup costs than most of their competitors on the list, they offer entrepreneurship to everyone able bodied enough to work a few hours a week managing machines and fixing the occasional technically difficulty. Franchisees vary largely in age, race, location, and income, with their most successful machine belonging to a retired California schoolteacher who operates her business with the help of her only daughter. President and Founder Jeff Kerr shared his elation over this year’s rankings, “Entrepreneur Magazine is the premier publication for business and being recognized by them is significant" "The ranking has already prompted many calls from qualified prospect inquiring about our business and we expect will result is many new franchisees joining" "Being included in the Franchise 500 and earning the #1 rank in our category is a great achievement that we continue to work hard to protect and maintain in future years – we are just getting started" says Kerr With ambitious and triumphant words from Kerr, ACFN looks to increase their franchisees steadily as they have in the past, targeting an increase in their 1200 locations by four to five hundred this year. ACFN’s 30k startup fee includes 1 ATM, a 3 day training program, customer service, and product placement assistance. About American Consumer Financial Network ("ACFN") ACFN is ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley Business Journal for 2009 and the 64th Fastest Growing Private Company on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009 and recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the “Fast 50” franchise companies”. Video at: http://www.youtube.com/ 96 N. Third Street Suite 600 San Jose, CA 95112 888-794-2236 http://www.acfnfranchised.com |
ACFN is North America's only ATM franchise and are ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley and the 64th Fastest Growing Private Company on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009
Monday, January 4, 2010
Former Wall Street Broker chooses new career with ACFN ATM Franchise Business
A casualty of the Wall Street Meltdown, Ron M, a veteran stock broker, discovers a new way to support his family when the company he has worked for goes bust after 27 years.
Jan 04, 2010 – New York – Former Wall Street brokers and mid-level executives from investment firms are searching for employment. Some are leveraging their business experience and savings to start small businesses or buy into franchises that are still growing through these tough times.
“If you’re looking for a job right now, your prospects are terrible. There are six times as many Americans seeking work as there are job openings, and the average duration of unemployment — the time the average job-seeker has spent looking for work — is more than six months, the highest level since the 1930s” says New York Times OP-ED Columnist, Paul Krugman in a recent article.
The story of former stock broker Ron M is familiar, after 27 years as a broker on Wall Street at the same firm, building a life for his wife and children, he lost his job when the firm closed shop as a result of the financial meltdown on Wall Street.
Ron realized that there was little chance of finding a similar position, so he took to the internet applying himself to search for a home based businesses that included a low investment, a lucrative return, requiring little time and with operational simplicity.
His research led him to an innovative Silicon Valley based company called ACFN and the ATM Franchise business.
American Consumer Financial Network has a successful track record of equipping entrepreneurs from all walks of life with the training and materials they need to start their own ATM franchise.
With his expertise in the financial services sector which included understanding research and due diligence on companies, Ron set out to thoroughly investigate this potential investment and change in lifestyle.
He acquired an ATM Franchise in the New York City Borough where he lives.
Jeff Kerr, President of ACFN says “Our three day training session provided Ron with a wealth of information. It gave him the full gamut of tools for success and prepared him to start his business in new York right away".
"Ron is an example, one of many who’ve discovered how simple it is to own your own business working with ACFN’s experienced team of professionals.”
In a highly competitive market like NYC, Ron believes his success will come from identifying key locations and ACFN finds their franchisees great locations for placement.
About American Consumer Financial Network ("ACFN")
ACFN is ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley Business Journal for 2009 and the 64th Fastest Growing Private Company on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009 and recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the “Fast 50” franchise companies”.
Video at: http://www.youtube.com/
ACFN is North America's only ATM franchise focused on providing ATM services to hotels and other travel and entertainment based businesses. With over a decade of experience in ATM business services and more than 135 Franchisees with 1,200 locations in North America.
96 N. Third Street Suite 600
San Jose, CA 95112
888-794-2236
http://www.acfnfranchised.com
ACFN is North America's only ATM franchise and are ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley and the 64th Fastest Growing Private Company on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009
http://www.prlog.org/10449387-former-wall-street-broker-chooses-new-career-with-acfn-atm-franchise-business.html
Jan 04, 2010 – New York – Former Wall Street brokers and mid-level executives from investment firms are searching for employment. Some are leveraging their business experience and savings to start small businesses or buy into franchises that are still growing through these tough times.
“If you’re looking for a job right now, your prospects are terrible. There are six times as many Americans seeking work as there are job openings, and the average duration of unemployment — the time the average job-seeker has spent looking for work — is more than six months, the highest level since the 1930s” says New York Times OP-ED Columnist, Paul Krugman in a recent article.
The story of former stock broker Ron M is familiar, after 27 years as a broker on Wall Street at the same firm, building a life for his wife and children, he lost his job when the firm closed shop as a result of the financial meltdown on Wall Street.
Ron realized that there was little chance of finding a similar position, so he took to the internet applying himself to search for a home based businesses that included a low investment, a lucrative return, requiring little time and with operational simplicity.
His research led him to an innovative Silicon Valley based company called ACFN and the ATM Franchise business.
American Consumer Financial Network has a successful track record of equipping entrepreneurs from all walks of life with the training and materials they need to start their own ATM franchise.
With his expertise in the financial services sector which included understanding research and due diligence on companies, Ron set out to thoroughly investigate this potential investment and change in lifestyle.
He acquired an ATM Franchise in the New York City Borough where he lives.
Jeff Kerr, President of ACFN says “Our three day training session provided Ron with a wealth of information. It gave him the full gamut of tools for success and prepared him to start his business in new York right away".
"Ron is an example, one of many who’ve discovered how simple it is to own your own business working with ACFN’s experienced team of professionals.”
In a highly competitive market like NYC, Ron believes his success will come from identifying key locations and ACFN finds their franchisees great locations for placement.
About American Consumer Financial Network ("ACFN")
ACFN is ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley Business Journal for 2009 and the 64th Fastest Growing Private Company on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009 and recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the “Fast 50” franchise companies”.
Video at: http://www.youtube.com/
ACFN is North America's only ATM franchise focused on providing ATM services to hotels and other travel and entertainment based businesses. With over a decade of experience in ATM business services and more than 135 Franchisees with 1,200 locations in North America.
96 N. Third Street Suite 600
San Jose, CA 95112
888-794-2236
http://www.acfnfranchised.com
ACFN is North America's only ATM franchise and are ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley and the 64th Fastest Growing Private Company on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009
http://www.prlog.org/10449387-former-wall-street-broker-chooses-new-career-with-acfn-atm-franchise-business.html
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Some Small Businesses That Grew in 2009
Air Tractor, which manufactures crop dusters and other agricultural aircraft in rural Olney, Tex., has been able to duck much of the current economic turbulence because it sells its specialized planes around the globe.
While selling in foreign markets has risks, small businesses like Air Tractor have been able to establish footholds abroad by relying on the Export-Import Bank of the United States to ensure they are paid for the goods and services they sell outside the United States.
“Without the Ex-Im Bank’s guarantee, there would be a significant difference in the deals we can make,” said David A. Ickert, the company’s vice president for finance. “We have been surviving and thriving because of exports.”
Air Tractor has been exporting its planes for agricultural seeding, fertilizing and spraying since 1995, when it sold its first two aircraft in Spain. Since then, overseas sales have been a boon to a company that employs 200 people in a town with 3,400 residents.
The company has tapped into the little-known services that the federal government provides to American exporters by compiling research and information about markets in foreign countries and by helping companies with financing. The Export-Import Bank, which is the official American export credit agency, guarantees loans and provides insurance and direct loans. The Commerce Department and all 50 states also offer help.
The bank, which has seven regional offices to help small businesses export their goods and services, authorized $4.36 billion in 2,540 transactions to support small business exports in fiscal year 2009. And the bank, which turned 75 this year, is ready to do more, said Diane Farrell, a member of the bank’s board.
“We have the capacity to do direct lending, and in these changing times, we will be looking to do more of it,” she said.
Congress is urging the federal government to take a larger role in helping small businesses with exports. The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship this month approved legislation to bolster small business trade opportunities, and asked the Small Business Administration to appoint an official to focus on international trade programs. Federal lawmakers have also asked Ronald Kirk, the United States trade representative, to appoint a top-level official to open overseas markets to more American small businesses.
Less than 1 percent of the nation’s nearly 26 million small businesses are exporters, said Mary L. Landrieu, the Louisiana Democrat who heads the Senate small business committee. Those 240,000 businesses, she said, account for only 29 percent of the United States’ export volume, a number that that has decreased in the last 10 years, according to a letter Senator Landrieu and the committee’s ranking Republican, Senator Olympia J. Snowe of Maine, wrote to Mr. Kirk this year.
Even so, some small businesses said that in the current economic slump — federal statistics show overall exports by the United States fell 11.2 percent from October 2008 to October 2009 — their sales abroad remained strong and that they had been able to add jobs. Mr. Ickert of Air Tractor said the company had hired 30 people in the last year.
Engineered Systems and Equipment, a manufacturer of animal feed processing equipment in Caney, Kan., has more than doubled its work force recently, said its owner, Josef W. Barbi. He said the 26-year-old company now had 50 employees, an increase from the 20 in the last 18 months. “We are one of the few companies in our area who are still hiring,” Mr. Barbi said. Caney is in an economically depressed part of southeastern Kansas.
Last year, the Export-Import Bank insured a $500,000 deal for Engineered Systems to sell specialized pellet systems to a Honduran company, Proteina, which makes animal feed.
That was one of about $7 million in export deals in the last couple of years that Engineered Systems has made in Latin America. Backing from the Export-Import Bank has been crucial, he said, allowing his company to compete with European rivals.
While American exporters like Air Tractor are small enterprises, the business they do abroad can be large. Another Export-Import Bank client, Weldy-Lamont Associates, an engineering firm in Mount Prospect, Ill., relied on the bank’s financial support to win a $350 million rural electrification contract from the government of Ghana, said Patrick Hennelly, the company’s president.
The firm, with only 13 employees, used to design projects like paper mills in the Midwest, but has branched out to win contracts in Thailand, China and Yemen, Mr. Hennelly said.
Aided by an Export-Import Bank loan, Weldy-Lamont has taken a five-year electrification project in Ghana where, Mr. Hennelly said, “we’re putting in the wooden poles and stringing the wires to electrify villages across the whole country.”
The international projects are particularly timely, he said, because “the current economic crisis has stopped a couple of U.S. projects,” for his firm including coal and natural gas plants, from going forward.
Foreign projects can also lead to increased business orders inside the United States, said Kusum Kavia, co-owner and vice president of Combustion Associates, of Corona, Calif. Backed by Export-Import Bank insurance, her company won a multimillion-dollar contract to provide electric power generation systems to Benin. Ghana and Benin are in West Africa.
Parts for Benin’s 80-megawatt power plant power, Ms. Kavia said, come from suppliers in various regions of the United States. The gear boxes, for example, are made in Texas and the gear switchers in Pennsylvania. The generators are made in Ohio.
The portion of the Export-Import Bank’s financing for small business has increased in recent years, with prodding from Congress. In 2002, federal lawmakers told the bank to double small-business financing, from 10 to 20 percent, of the bank’s overall authorizations. The bank has met the goal every year since 2006.
Still, some lawmakers have said that the bank has cumbersome regulations and has not done enough to help small American businesses compete with heavily subsidized foreign competitors.
A 2006 report by the Government Accountability Office criticized the bank’s data and systems for tracking financing for small businesses. The bank has introduced Ex-Im Online, an automated transaction processing system to help small businesses and financial institutions speed through its paperwork. The same site, www.exim.gov, also has a small business portal for first-time applicants.
Small businesses can increase their chances of cracking the export market by doing their homework first, said Alan D. Andrews, vice president of PNC Bank’s global trade and equipment finance group, which works with the Export-Import Bank. That includes checking online state resources, too; each has an export assistance center, he said.
Companies can also turn to the United States Commercial Service (part of the Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration), which has market research and information about legal and other issues for each country. Its site is www.export.gov.
By ELIZABETH OLSON New York Times
ACFN is North America's only ATM franchise and are ranked the 37th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley and the 64th Fastest Growing Private Company on the Inc. Magazine listing of Top 100 Business Products & Services for 2009
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