While the economy spurts and sputters, hair continues to sprout and our recession-resistant business continues to grow. When we gather September 25-27 for our 2009 Great Clips Convention here in Minneapolis, we'll be celebrating another Great year.

Our Convention theme is It's Your Time: time to take advantage of our competitive strengths and to tighten our grip as North America's #1 hair salon brand franchise. 

This year's convention is a homecoming for our owners and a family reunion for the thousands of managers who run our 2700 salons. In fact, more than 75% of the attendees will be general managers and salon managers. Our owners invest in the business; our managers operate the salons-that's our franchise model-and managers benefit by attending and taking part in all the convention activities and events. And if pre-registration is any indication, we're expecting the largest gathering in our 27-year history.

We welcome everyone Friday afternoon at the Minneapolis Convention Center for an Opening General Session. That night we have a festive dinner and close the evening with our Great Clips Comedy Club entertainment.

We re-assemble Saturday first for breakfast followed by Breakout Sessions that cover a variety of topics to improve salon profitability, customer service, and operations. After an awards luncheon there are more Breakout Sessions. Saturday evening features our gala black-tie-optional Banquet and Awards Ceremony, with Dancing till midnight.

Sunday we adjourn around midday after our Closing General Session.

A Great year. Months of preparation. Three days of learning and sharing. If you can't be with us this year, contact us and we'll show you how a Great Clips franchise can be a rewarding investment of Your Time.