LEWISTON - When a softening economy leads corporations to trim their ranks, many experienced business professionals opt to pursue opportunities as franchisees. With that thought in mind, the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce and SCORE are offering "Franchising," a seminar to be held in the Community Conference Room at the Business Service Center at KeyBank Plaza, 415 Lisbon St., from 2-4 p.m. on March 20.

The seminar will appeal to those who want to work for themselves, but also appreciate how franchising can provide training and continued support while associating themselves with familiar names and logos.

Portland SCORE members Leonard Kovit and Alan Shaver will be the presenters for the session. Both men have had extensive experience operating franchised Meineke and Midas shops in Maine and New Hampshire. Shaver was also general counsel of a fast food franchiser, thereby having had experience on both sides of the franchise relationship.

To register, contact the chamber at 784-2249, or e-mail sschell@androscoggincounty.com. There is a nominal fee for participation.