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FranConnect Unveils a Suite of AI Agents, Empowering Franchises and Multi-Location Businesses with Generative AI Bots that Automate Critical Business Outcomes

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HERNDON, Va., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —  FranConnect, a leading provider of sales, operations, and marketing solutions for franchise and multi-location businesses, announces the launch of Frannie AI™, a suite of AI-powered agents embedded within FranConnect’s platform. These agents leverage multiple generative large language models to provide contextually specific insights, content and automation trained on FranConnect’s deep understanding of multi-location businesses.

Frannie AI acts as a smart, reliable partner for teams in sales, operations, finance, and training, including three types of agents—

Analyzer surfaces personalized insights by user roles and recommends additional prompts for the user to explore what will drive more actionable insights across the business.Builder autonomously generates content, such as tailored emails, targeted campaigns and workflows, and more salient visit summaries to be shared and distributed cross-functionally; and,Automator identifies prescriptive actions that brands can take to optimize performance outcomes, such as suggesting the optimal engagement method to close a new franchisee, recommending locations to be visited, and custom coaching plans for owners, among many other actions.

“Franchises and multi-location businesses manage hundreds of variables across development, operations, and complex ownership structures, that have consequential outcomes. Generative AI comes at a critical time for our customers who must navigate ever-changing markets and competing constraints while delivering growth to shareholders and exceptional products to consumers,” said Gabby Wong, CEO of FranConnect. “We have spent the better part of the last two years thinking through how we can leverage AI to help our customers fundamentally transform their businesses. Frannie AI simplifies the complexity of running a multi-location business by surfacing what truly matters—whether it’s pinpointing your next high-performing location or identifying unit-level challenges before they impact revenue and autonomously recommending actions that will improve business results.”

“We are lucky to have some of the best minds in the industry focused on AI. Last year, we carved out a team of analysts, engineers and AI specialists to focus on innovating with AI, both for our internal operations and for our end-market. Frannie AI is one of the successful projects arising out of this initiative and we are thrilled to announce its launch,” said Wong.

“General purpose generative AI models by themselves cannot replicate what FranConnect delivers,” said Jaffrey Ali, CPO and Head of Innovation at FranConnect. “Frannie AI is architected on a proprietary franchise data model refined through years of deep domain training and based on the breadth of our reach in the market. This enables a level of system-wide intelligence that we are uniquely positioned to provide.”

In the future, Frannie AI will have the capability to be a completely automatous set of agents that can analyze, build and execute key business actions to drive improved productivity and scale for multi-location businesses.

Frannie AI is now available as a subscription for any FranConnect customer. To learn more about this exciting solution and how it can revolutionize your business, visit frannieai.com or contact your account manager.

See Frannie AI in Action 

Experience Frannie AI firsthand at the International Franchise Association (IFA) Annual Convention in Las Vegas, February 10–13, 2025. Join FranConnect for a live demonstration and discover how Frannie AI is reshaping the future of franchise and multi-location management.

About FranConnect  

FranConnect is the leading enterprise software provider for franchise and multi-location businesses. For over 20 years, the FranConnect platform has served as the backbone for sales, operations, and marketing for over 1,500 brands and one million locations worldwide. Iconic brands such as SPARC/Authentic Brands (Forever 21), Tropical Smoothie Café, Authority Brands, and Papa John’s rely on FranConnect to expand locations, streamline unit operations, enhance collaboration, and improve profitability. Backed by private equity investor Serent Capital, FranConnect is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, with global offices in Australia, India, Colombia, and Canada. For more information, visit www.franconnect.com.

Media Contact:
Lorena Garcia
SVP of Marketing
Lorena.garcia@franconnect.com
571-659-3830

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SOURCE FranConnect

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Marine Biological Laboratory Appoints Nicole A. Theodosiou as Burroughs Wellcome Director of Education

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WOODS HOLE, Mass., July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) has appointed Nicole A. Theodosiou, Ph.D., as its next Burroughs Wellcome Director of Education at the Marine Biological Laboratory. She will join the MBL on September 8.

Theodosiou brings more than two decades of experience in science education, academic leadership, and program development. She joins the MBL from Union College in Schenectady, New York, where she held a number of leadership roles focused on curriculum innovation, faculty development, and undergraduate STEM education. Most recently, she served as Special Projects Director for Initiatives in Pedagogy & Course Design. Previously, she directed the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Inclusive Excellence Initiative, led the Biochemistry Program, and served as a faculty member in the Department of Biology.

Throughout her career, Theodosiou has developed interdisciplinary educational programs, led faculty development initiatives, and advanced innovative approaches to teaching and learning. She is a member of the Society for Developmental Biology Academy and served on the Society’s Board of Directors as chair of its Professional Development and Education Committee, where she helped create professional development programs and educational resources for scientists nationwide.

At the MBL, Theodosiou will lead the institution’s educational programs, including its internationally renowned Advanced Research Training Courses (ARTCs), undergraduate and high school programs, and other educational initiatives that support the Laboratory’s mission of advancing biological discovery through research and education.

“Education has been central to the MBL’s mission since our founding in 1888,” said Nipam H. Patel, Director of the MBL. “Nicole brings a remarkable combination of scientific expertise, educational leadership, and strategic vision. Her commitment to experiential learning and developing innovative educational programs makes her an outstanding addition to our leadership team as we work to magnify the MBL’s educational impact for the next generation of scientists. “

Theodosiou has maintained a longstanding connection to the MBL throughout her career. She participated in the Laboratory’s Gene Regulatory Networks course in 2015, collaborated with the Marine Resource Center in support of her research, and has mentored students who have participated in MBL educational programs. She has described the MBL’s educational ecosystem as “unparalleled” and its tradition of learning by doing as closely aligned with her own philosophy of science education.

“The MBL has always been a place where scientific discovery and education go hand in hand,” said Theodosiou. “Its tradition of learning by doing and global community has inspired generations of researchers, including myself. I’m honored to join the MBL community and look forward to strengthening and building on its extraordinary legacy to inspire and train the next generation of scientists. “

Theodosiou earned a Ph.D. in Genetics from Yale University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Swarthmore College. Her research as a developmental biologist has focused on vertebrate evolution and development, while her educational leadership has emphasized creating accessible, research-driven learning environments that integrate science, education, and communication.

About the Marine Biological Laboratory

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is dedicated to scientific discovery—exploring fundamental biology, understanding biodiversity and the environment, and informing the human condition through research and education. Founded in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, in 1888, the MBL is a private, nonprofit institution.

Media Contact:
Samantha Cummis
Scummis@mbl.edu
973-800-4118

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/marine-biological-laboratory-appoints-nicole-a-theodosiou-as-burroughs-wellcome-director-of-education-302833514.html

SOURCE Marine Biological Laboratory

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Marine Biological Laboratory Appoints Nicole A. Theodosiou as Burroughs Wellcome Director of Education

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WOODS HOLE, Mass., July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) has appointed Nicole A. Theodosiou, Ph.D., as its next Burroughs Wellcome Director of Education at the Marine Biological Laboratory. She will join the MBL on September 8.

Theodosiou brings more than two decades of experience in science education, academic leadership, and program development. She joins the MBL from Union College in Schenectady, New York, where she held a number of leadership roles focused on curriculum innovation, faculty development, and undergraduate STEM education. Most recently, she served as Special Projects Director for Initiatives in Pedagogy & Course Design. Previously, she directed the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Inclusive Excellence Initiative, led the Biochemistry Program, and served as a faculty member in the Department of Biology.

Throughout her career, Theodosiou has developed interdisciplinary educational programs, led faculty development initiatives, and advanced innovative approaches to teaching and learning. She is a member of the Society for Developmental Biology Academy and served on the Society’s Board of Directors as chair of its Professional Development and Education Committee, where she helped create professional development programs and educational resources for scientists nationwide.

At the MBL, Theodosiou will lead the institution’s educational programs, including its internationally renowned Advanced Research Training Courses (ARTCs), undergraduate and high school programs, and other educational initiatives that support the Laboratory’s mission of advancing biological discovery through research and education.

“Education has been central to the MBL’s mission since our founding in 1888,” said Nipam H. Patel, Director of the MBL. “Nicole brings a remarkable combination of scientific expertise, educational leadership, and strategic vision. Her commitment to experiential learning and developing innovative educational programs makes her an outstanding addition to our leadership team as we work to magnify the MBL’s educational impact for the next generation of scientists. “

Theodosiou has maintained a longstanding connection to the MBL throughout her career. She participated in the Laboratory’s Gene Regulatory Networks course in 2015, collaborated with the Marine Resource Center in support of her research, and has mentored students who have participated in MBL educational programs. She has described the MBL’s educational ecosystem as “unparalleled” and its tradition of learning by doing as closely aligned with her own philosophy of science education.

“The MBL has always been a place where scientific discovery and education go hand in hand,” said Theodosiou. “Its tradition of learning by doing and global community has inspired generations of researchers, including myself. I’m honored to join the MBL community and look forward to strengthening and building on its extraordinary legacy to inspire and train the next generation of scientists. “

Theodosiou earned a Ph.D. in Genetics from Yale University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Swarthmore College. Her research as a developmental biologist has focused on vertebrate evolution and development, while her educational leadership has emphasized creating accessible, research-driven learning environments that integrate science, education, and communication.

About the Marine Biological Laboratory

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is dedicated to scientific discovery—exploring fundamental biology, understanding biodiversity and the environment, and informing the human condition through research and education. Founded in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, in 1888, the MBL is a private, nonprofit institution.

Media Contact:
Samantha Cummis
Scummis@mbl.edu
973-800-4118

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/marine-biological-laboratory-appoints-nicole-a-theodosiou-as-burroughs-wellcome-director-of-education-302833514.html

SOURCE Marine Biological Laboratory

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Canada’s investment industry and business community welcome Ontario’s commitment to join regulatory passport system

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Industry, business, and professional associations voice strong support for greater regulatory harmonization and a more competitive Canadian economy

TORONTO, July 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Canada’s investment industry and business community welcome Ontario’s commitment to join the country’s securities regulatory passport system, marking a significant step toward greater regulatory harmonization and a more efficient and competitive Canadian capital market.

A coalition of associations representing firms and professionals from across Canada’s capital markets sector, together with a broad cross-section of the business community, strongly supports the announcement by Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy at the recent meeting of Canada’s finance ministers, convened by Federal Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, and supported by their provincial and territorial counterparts.

Ontario’s participation in the passport system will make it easier for firms to operate and raise capital across Canada, while reducing unnecessary regulatory duplication and costs. More broadly, it advances the national effort to remove internal trade barriers, boost productivity and strengthen Canada’s economic competitiveness.

The passport system has already demonstrated that greater regulatory coordination can be achieved while respecting provincial jurisdiction. Participating regulators retain their authority and distinct roles, while firms benefit from a system in which decisions made by a principal regulator are generally recognized across participating jurisdictions.

Ontario’s participation creates an opportunity not only to reduce duplication but also to strengthen the system as a whole. A more integrated model can better leverage the expertise and capabilities of regulators across the country, creating opportunities for greater regulatory specialization and leadership in areas where individual jurisdictions have particular strengths.

For firms, greater harmonization means more predictable regulation, less duplication, and a more efficient regulatory environment. For investors, it supports a framework that maintains strong investor protection while responding more effectively to an increasingly complex and competitive global marketplace. For Canada, it helps create a more attractive environment in which to invest, launch new products and raise capital.

This coalition stands ready to work with governments and securities regulators across Canada to support Ontario’s timely and successful implementation of the passport system and build on the progress already made. We encourage all parties to move quickly to bring Ontario into the existing framework, while preserving the features that have made the passport system work so effectively.

Ontario’s commitment is a milestone and an important step toward a more integrated, efficient and competitive capital market that will strengthen the Canadian economy and better serve Canadian investors and businesses.

About the coalition

The Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) is the voice of more than 60 domestic and foreign banks that help drive Canada’s economic growth and prosperity. The CBA advocates for public policies that contribute to a sound, thriving banking system to ensure Canadians can succeed in their financial goals. 

The Canadian ETF Association (CETFA) is the national voice of Canada’s ETF industry, representing approximately 96 per cent of exchange traded fund (ETF) assets in Canada. CETFA promotes the growth, sustainability and integrity of Canada’s ETF industry. It keeps investment professionals informed about ETF developments, educates investors about ETFs and their benefits, and debunks ETF myths.

CFA Societies Canada is a collaboration of the 12 Canadian CFA Institute member societies, representing over 21,000 CFA charter holders in Canada. Its mission is to lead the investment profession in Canada by advancing the highest professional standards, integrity, and ethics for the ultimate benefit of Canadian society.

Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) is one of the most influential accounting organizations in the world. As a non-regulatory body comprised of individual CPA members, CPA Canada supports the profession and represents Canadian CPAs at the national and international levels. Nationally, CPA Canada acts in the public interest to promote transparency in financial markets, prepares CPAs for a rapidly evolving business environment through extensive guidance and programming and contributes to standard setting and policy making. Globally, CPA Canada works together with international bodies to build a stronger accounting profession worldwide. Its dedicated efforts help shape public policy, influence regulatory frameworks and establish high professional standards that reflect the evolving needs of the accounting industry.

The Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) is the global representative of the alternative investment industry, with around 2,100 corporate members in over 60 countries. AIMA’s fund manager members collectively manage more than US$4 trillion in hedge fund and private credit assets. AIMA draws upon the expertise and diversity of its membership to provide leadership in industry initiatives such as advocacy, policy and regulatory engagement, educational programs and sound practice guides. AIMA works to raise media and public awareness of the value of the industry. AIMA set up the Alternative Credit Council (ACC) to help firms focused in the private credit and direct lending space. The ACC currently represents over 250 members that manage US$2 trillion of private credit assets globally. AIMA is committed to developing skills and education standards and is a co-founder of the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designation (CAIA) – the first and only specialized educational standard for alternative investment specialists. AIMA is governed by its Council (Board of Directors). AIMA was founded in 1990, with the AIMA Canada subsidiary formed in 2003.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC convenes, mobilizes and empowers business and local chambers in pursuit of its purpose: to bring inclusive and sustainable prosperity to Ontario’s businesses, workers, and communities.

The Pension Investment Association of Canada (PIAC) has been the foremost voice for Canadian pension funds in matters related to pension investment and governance since 1977. PIAC is composed of over 130 of the largest pension plans in the country who manage over $3.5 trillion of assets on behalf of millions of Canadians. Its mission is to promote sound investment practices and good governance for the benefit of plan sponsors and beneficiaries.

The Portfolio Management Association of Canada (PMAC) represents over 300 asset management firms that manage more than $4 trillion in assets. Members are all fiduciaries managing investments in the best interests of their clients, which include private individuals, foundations, universities and pension plans. PMAC employs a collaborative information-sharing business model and advocates on behalf of its members on securities regulation and government policy matters. The association’s mission is to advocate the highest standards of unbiased portfolio management in the interest of investors served by members.

The Securities and Investment Management Association (SIMA) empowers Canada’s investment industry. The association, formerly The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC), is the leading voice for the securities and investment management industry, which oversees approximately $4.5 trillion in assets for over 20 million investors and the Canadian capital markets. Our members–including investment fund managers, investment and mutual fund dealers, capital markets participants, and professional service providers–are committed to creating a resilient, innovative investment sector that fuels long-term economic growth and creates opportunities for all Canadians.

SOURCE Securities and Investment Management Association

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