ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Valpak, a leader in local print and digital coupons, announced yesterday it is seeking to make a return to New Orleans, since its departure following Hurricane Katrina.
Valpak reps say as next week marks the 10-year anniversary of the storm’s landfall, New Orleans is continuing its steady rise back to a thriving economic state. According to the Greater N.O. Community Data Center, they say the rate of entrepreneurship in the New Orleans metro has increased 129 percent since Hurricane Katrina and has recovered all its recession-era losses and reached 1 percent above its 2008 employment level.
On the heels of this economic rebound, Valpak is looking to re-enter the New Orleans territory and is currently scouting entrepreneurs to invest in new franchise territories in the market. Valpak currently has successful franchised territories in other Louisiana markets, including Acadiana, Baton Rouge and Lake Charles.
“We are eager to bring Valpak back to New Orleans after having to close the franchise as a result of Hurricane Katrina’s effects on the economy,” said Greg Courchane, Valpak’s director of franchise sales. “Given the success we’ve seen in other parts of Louisiana, we are actively seeking qualified entrepreneurs to build a presence within the New Orleans territory, specifically Jefferson, Orleans, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes, and provide businesses with a great tool to market their products and services and residents with great ways to save through Valpak.”
Earlier this year, Valpak announced the company’s official rebranding by not only revamping the logo and brand positioning, but also implementing engaging programs to deliver even more savings through the signature blue envelope and portfolio of digital offerings. With an updated business model to stay relevant among a changing technological demographic, Valpak has provided franchisees with tools to successfully operate in territories across the country. Additionally, the brand has officially been named a Google AdWords Premier SBM Partner, allowing franchisees to connect Google’s trusted and experienced AdWords partners with small- and medium-sized businesses that want expert help in creating, managing and optimizing their online advertising campaigns.
A leader in cooperative direct mail, Valpak mails over 20 billion coupons to nearly 40 million demographically targeted households per month in more than 100 markets in 45 states and four Canadian provinces. Today, in addition to its flagship blue envelope, the brand offers its business customers an impressive portfolio of digital advertising products including Smartphone apps, which are also integrated into the Samsung Wallet, Apple Passbook, Google Wallet and online coupons to reach consumers at home, and on-the-go.
Valpak reps say ideal candidates for franchise ownership should possess a desire to join a trusted, industry-leading brand, work within a proven franchise system, develop relationships with local businesses and have a comfort level with selling new, digital technologies. Franchisees should also possess a minimum liquidity of $75,000, and a minimum net worth of $150,000.
