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.
Clendenin is a town in Kanawha County, West Virginia along the Elk River. The population was 1,116 at the 2000 census. Clendenin was incorporated in 1904 and named for the Clendenins, an early pioneer family in the Kanawha River Valley. Charleston, WV retains the namesake of George Clendenin's father, Charles Clendenin. George Clendenin owned a large portion of present-day Charleston and settled at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha rivers with several other families. The first petrochemical plant in the world was built in Clendenin in 1920. This plant was the original Union Carbide Corporation facility. Other chief economic staples included (and to some extent still include) timber, coal, gas, oil, and salt. In the 1960s, the hillside on the south side of town featured a sign reading, "Clendenin's Beauty is Everyone's Duty". The current mayor of Clendenin is Mayor Robert Ore. Town elections (including the office of mayor and city council) occur every two years. Recent efforts have been made by the Business and Industrial Development Corporation (headquartered in Charleston) to enhance economic and cultural development in the town.