Does the text mention any venue for C12 Group contract disputes?
C12_Group Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Any franchisee may also appeal via their Regional Representative to bring matters of concern or dispute to the Chair Advisory Council which includes a delegate of the Franchisor's Board of Directors in addition to Franchisor's Officers.
Step Two: If the dispute remains unresolved, either Franchisor or Franchisee may bring the dispute to a panel of three of C12's Board Members, whom You will mutually select, that are not members of the Franchisor's senior staff.
Step Three: If Franchisee is still unwilling to abide by the decision of the panel of the three C12 non-executive Board Members, then Franchisee shall have the right to request binding Christian arbitration.
The parties agree for the arbitration process to be conducted in accordance with the Christian Conciliation Rules of Procedure contained in the ICC booklet Guidelines for Christian Conciliation.
In accordance with the Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation of the Institute for Christian Conciliation (complete text of the Rules is available at www.iccpeace.com/rules or by contacting ICC PEACE at info@iccpeace.com or calling 844-707-3223).
Consistent with these rules, each party to the agreement shall agree to the selection of the arbitrator.
The parties agree that if there is an impasse in the selection of the arbitrator, the Institute for Christian Conciliation (hereafter ICC), shall be asked to provide the name of a qualified person who will serve in that capacity.
Consistent with the Rules of Procedure, the arbitrator shall issue a written opinion within a reasonable time.
The parties acknowledge that the resolving of conflicts requires time and financial resources.
In an effort to fully encourage and implement a biblically faithful process, Franchisor agrees to pay all fees and expenses, which may be required by the mediator, case administrator, and/or arbitrator.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 C12 Group FDD, the document outlines a multi-step process for resolving disputes. Initially, a franchisee can appeal to their Regional Representative, potentially escalating the issue to the Chair Advisory Council, which includes a member of C12 Group's Board of Directors and officers. If the dispute persists, either C12 Group or the franchisee can present the matter to a panel of three mutually selected C12 Group Board Members who are not part of the senior staff.
Should the franchisee remain unsatisfied with the panel's decision, they have the right to request binding Christian arbitration. This arbitration is to be conducted following the Christian Conciliation Rules of Procedure, as detailed in the ICC booklet Guidelines for Christian Conciliation. The FDD specifies that the complete text of these rules is accessible online or through contact with ICC PEACE. Both parties must agree on the selection of the arbitrator, and if an agreement cannot be reached, the Institute for Christian Conciliation will provide a qualified individual to serve as the arbitrator.
Notably, C12 Group commits to covering all fees and expenses associated with the mediator, case administrator, and/or arbitrator, aiming to encourage a biblically faithful resolution process. However, the North Dakota Addendum stipulates that any arbitration or mediation must occur at a location agreeable to all parties and cannot be remote from the franchisee's place of business. It also states that franchisees in North Dakota are not required to consent to the jurisdiction of Texas courts and may fall under the jurisdiction of North Dakota courts, with the agreement governed by North Dakota law or another state agreed upon by all parties.