MarketSphere Client Applebee's International to Speak at Premier CFO Event

Session features MarketSphere's framework for defining, articulating and
aligning strategy

KANSAS CITY, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- MarketSphere Consulting, LLC, the
premier business advisor and technology services firm, today announced they
will join their client, Applebee's International, Inc.
(http://www.applebees.com/) (NYSE: IHOP) and Senior Vice President of Finance,
Beverly Elving, at the third annual CFO Conference, CFO Rising West
(http://www.cfoconferences.com/risingw2008/index.shtml) at the JW Marriott Las
Vegas Resort on October 16, 2008. The conference theme, "The Way Forward:
Driving performance and profits in a changing world," features answers and
insights from top executives and distinguished thought leaders.
After being acquired by IHOP, Applebee's worked hard to align the unit's
goals and strategies with the parent company's and to build functional
objectives and measurement into its operating plan. To support these efforts,
Applebee's turned to MarketSphere and leveraged their framework for OGSM
(Objectives, Goals, Strategy, Measurements). Now 100% in alignment, Applebee's
is growing again, recording improved operating margins, and opening new
restaurants.
Beverly Elving, who has been employed by Applebee's since June of 1998,
will discuss how the company has accomplished their initial goals and how the
framework continues to provide alignment across the organization.
Furthermore, in her session, "Integrated Business Planning Success: Defining,
Articulating and Aligning Strategy," Carl Yost, Senior Vice President and
Managing Partner of MarketSphere, will join her to discuss his role at
Applebee's today. After providing the advisory services necessary to
implement the OGSM framework, Carl transitioned to an interim role as Senior
Vice President of Marketing for Applebee's. Carl will discuss a day in the
life of the framework and how the OGSM provided direction and alignment of key
marketing activities and forced accountability throughout the organization.
The session will be held on October 16, 2008 at 4:20pm GMT.
About MarketSphere Consulting, LLC
MarketSphere was founded with a simple vision: To be the most respected
business advisor in the markets we serve. They help their clients improve
business performance, leverage technology and improve their market share
through advisory, technology and marketing and customer services. Learn more
at http://www.marketsphere.com.
Media Contact
Anne Stein
MarketSphere Consulting, LLC
864.244.9126
anne.stein@marketsphere.com

SOURCE MarketSphere Consulting, LLC

Anne Stein of MarketSphere Consulting, LLC, +1-864-244-9126,
anne.stein@marketsphere.com