SearchPath International, a Cleveland-based franchisor of talent acquisition professional services firms, opened 60 offices in its first two and a half years and reported significant increases in office revenue during the first quarter of 2008.

The average monthly billing activity of active SPI franchises increased 84% between October 2007 and March 2008. "In a down economy, when budgets are tighter, it becomes more critical for companies to have the right people in place," said Thomas Johnston, CEO of SearchPath. "Having top talent is essential."