Franchising law involves helping new business owners evaluate franchising opportunities, and assist in the purchase and operation of business franchises -- an alternative to starting a new, independent business from scratch. Franchising allows businesses owners to reduce their investment risk by associating with an established company, but may also require business owners to relinquish significant control over their business.
Southgate is a city in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 30,136 at the 2000 census. Southgate was the last city to incorporate from the former Ecorse Township, gaining city status in October 1958. The city is bounded by Brest Road to the north, M-85/Fort Street on the east, Pennsylvania Road to the south, and Allen Road to the west. Southgate currently houses the headquarters of The News-Herald, a local Downriver newspaper which covers over twenty surrounding communities. During the late 1950s and 1960s, The Southgate Sentinel, a Mellus newspaper, was published. The city of Southgate also features the Splash Park/Downriver YMCA (also called Southgate Fun & Fitness Centre), as well as the Michigan headquarters for the Sonic Drive-In fast food restaurant chain.