The 100 Companies expanded into a fourth industry vertical and its 25th market with the launch of The Franchise 100. The new digital venture from BizCom Associates, based in Plano, Texas, is dedicated to being a monthly resource for those interested in the business of franchising – informing readers what they need to know as they research, evaluate and decide on becoming a franchise owner.

“When we were approached by The 100 Companies with this opportunity, we didn’t hesitate,” said BizCom co-founder and CEO Scott White. “For decades, franchising has offered one of the greatest ways to build personal wealth, but it is not for everyone. The Franchise 100 gives us an effective way to capitalize on emerging publishing platforms to serve as a resource for those interested in franchising.”

This morning, over 3,200 current franchise owners and people looking to buy in received the inaugural issue in their inboxes. Readers of the monthly publication can expect to enjoy 100-word stories and videos about entrepreneurs who have built successful franchise businesses, becoming their own bosses and contributing to their local economies, as well as stories about current industry trends to the changing legal landscape.

“We’ve been talking with Scott White and BizCom Associates for several months and are eager to see the impact of The Franchise 100 on this growing industry sector,” said Chris Schroder, founder and president of The 100 Companies. “For more than two decades, BizCom has represented many of the most well-known franchisors as well as hot young startups. Their team includes industry academic thought leaders, so they will offer highly qualified content. This newest brand joins our expanding family of digital content marketing brands, serving PR firms and their clients, municipal governments and industry experts.”

Members become voice to communities during global crisis 

As the coronavirus pandemic sweeps across the nation, shutting down businesses and changing the lives of Americans forever, many local newsrooms have been forced to lay off employees and suspend publishing at a time when people are looking to local news more than ever. The need for more information as local news outlets are cutting back on communication has presented a unique opportunity for The 100 Companies’ markets to be a source of information and inspiration for their communities.

Markets are responding by publishing special issues on the crisis, including The New Orleans 100, The Arizona 100, The Atlanta 100, The SWFL 100, The Oklahoma 100, The OJT 100, The Pittsburgh 100, The Ohio 100, The Houston 100, The Washington DC 100, The Boston 100 and The Memphis 100. Story topics range from tips for working and exercising at home, to supporting local breweries and businesses, to favorite acts of kindness during the crisis.

Thanks to the spike in eNewsletter readership happening around the country right now, the open rates have been higher than ever. The Oklahoma 100 and The Ohio 100 set geographic market records this past week, reaching 11,100+ opens each. Special issues sent late Friday by The Atlanta 100 and The Boston 100 have already been opened by more than 6,200 readers each, and The SWFL 100’s CV issue was opened by over 3,000 readers.