Where in the Bee Organized Franchise Agreement can I find the definition of 'Advertising Cooperative'?
Bee_Organized Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
"Advertising Contributions" means any and all obligations of Franchisee to contribute to and/or pay fees to Franchisor or Franchisor's affiliate or designees as set forth in this Agreement including, but not limited to, the Brand Development Fund Fees set forth in Article 9.A. of this Agreement and Advertising Cooperative contributions and contributions set forth in Article 9.C. of this Agreement.
"Advertising Cooperative" shall have the meaning defined and set forth in Article 9.C. of this Agreement.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 54–218)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bee Organized's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the definition of "Advertising Cooperative" is found in Article 9.C of the Franchise Agreement. The document states that Advertising Contributions include Advertising Cooperative contributions as set forth in Article 9.C of the agreement.
Article 9.C further elaborates on Advertising Cooperatives, stating that Bee Organized has the right to authorize, establish, designate, and de-authorize local or regional advertising cooperatives within designated markets. If a franchisee's Bee Organized Business or Operating Territory is located within the geographic area of an Advertising Cooperative, the franchisee must participate in and contribute to it.
This means that as a Bee Organized franchisee, you may be required to participate in a regional advertising co-op if one is established in your area. You'll need to contribute financially to the co-op, and the amount will count toward your minimum local marketing obligations. However, all marketing materials and plans used by the co-op must be approved by Bee Organized, and the co-op must comply with rules in the Operations Manual.