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Executives representing franchise businesses in Atlanta and Orange Co., Calif. gathered to share insights on the state of franchising this fall during two separate events. The International Franchise Association's annual CEO Roundtables enable C-level executives to share viewpoints on policy and regulatory issues affecting their businesses and to share strategies that will foster the creation of a better climate in which franchise businesses operate.
Among the key topics discussed by these leading CEOs were credit access, the impact of the health care law, as well as tax reform and ongoing uncertainly generated by the current regulatory environment.
IFA President and CEO Steve Caldeira, CFE, gave attendees at both sessions--Oct. 25 in Atlanta and Nov. 1 in Orange Co., Calif.--a summary of the current political environment in which the focus for the 2012 elections is that politics trumps policy. Caldeira further explained how the association is working to ensure policymakers hear and better understand the need for pro-growth policies that will enable franchise small businesses to create jobs that will help further the nation's economic recovery.
Roark Capital Group Managing Director Steve Romaniello, CFE, served as host of the Atlanta session. Franchise Services, Inc. Executive Vice President, Franchise Support Dan Beck, CFO Dan Conger, Chairman and CEO Don Lowe and President and COO, Print Management Group Richard Lowe and TeamLogic IT President Chuck Lennon were hosts of the Orange Co. meeting.
A significant part of IFA participation in the nation's economic recovery is the association's stepped up activities to attract more military veterans to franchise business ownership through its VetFran program. Raising the program's level of activity and reach includes the recently launched "Operation Enduring Opportunity." This new campaign is designed to hire and recruit 75,000 veterans and 5,000 Wounded Warriors by 2014. Learn more about the recent announcement that included First Lady Michelle Obama on page 24.
Atlanta CEO Roundtable
Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc. Senior Vice President, Franchise Services Karen Shelledy and Franchisee Bill Perkins
The Coca-Cola Company Senior Vice President, Corporate Commercial Eric McCarthey
Firestorm Franchising, LLC Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer Jim Squire, CFE
Foot Solutions CEO and Founder Ray Margiano
Franchise Mac, LLC CEO Bob Campbell, President Susie Oddo and CFO Mike Rummel
Huddle House, Inc. Chief Development Officer Mark Whittle, CFE
IFA President and CEO Steve Caldeira, CFE, IFA Liaison
Jan-Pro Franchising International, Inc. CFO Eddie Curry and President and CEO Richard Kissane
PMTD Restaurants Chairman David Barr
Primrose School Franchising Company Vice President, Operations Robert Benowitz and COO Darin Harris
Roark Capital Group Managing Director Steve Romaniello, CFE
ShelfGenie President Barry Falcon
Stevi B's Pizza Senior Vice President, Finance Tim Walker
TSS Photography, Inc. President/COO Joe Lindenmayer
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Orange Co., Calif. CEO Roundtable
Annex Brands Franchise Owner Steve Collo and President and CFO Patrick Edd, CFE
Bottle & Bottega CEO/Co-Owner Nancy Bigley, CFE
Franchise Services, Inc. Executive Vice President, Franchise Support Dan Beck; CFO Dan Conger; Chairman and CEO don Lowe; and President and COO, Print Management Group Richard Lowe
IFA President and CEO Steve Caldeira, CFE, and Vice President, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Industry Relations Beth Solomon, IFA Liaisons
LivHOME Senior Vice President of Franchising Mimi Zeller
Mathnasium Learning Centers Senior Vice President, Franchise Marketing and Development Joe Novak
The Johnny Rockets Group, Inc. Senior Vice President, International Development Steven Devine and President and CEO John Fuller
Sizzler USA Franchise, Inc. President and CEO Kerry Kramp and Director, Franchise Business Development Mark Layso, CFE
