This issue of Franchising World magazine ushers in a new theme representing a look at the people and issues shaping the franchise industry in 2012. Welcome to the "State of Franchising" issue that provides you a first-hand look at the members of the 2012 International Franchise Association's Board of Directors. Find out their opinions about what challenges the industry faces, as well as learning the diversity of sectors, experience and viewpoints these executives bring to the IFA.
Next, three leading franchise executives highlight issues of importance to creating successful multi-unit franchisees, accessing capital and franchisor-franchisee communications in our guest editorials.
Additional insights on successfully navigating 2012 include sizing up the top U.S. Senate races that will shape the public policy environment for franchise businesses, as presented here by IFA Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy Jay Perron. DLA Piper's Philip F. Zeidman and The iFranchise Group's Dave Hood answer the question: What Do Troubled International Markets Mean to Franchise Expansion?
The journey into new markets for franchising include FranCounsel's Bachir Mihoubi with recommendations on franchising in the Middle East and IFA's Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Industry Relations Beth Solomon on the association's outreach to Tunisia and Asia. IFA's expertise at promoting franchising and opening new markets outside the United States was recognized by the U.S. Commerce Department where I had the honor of receiving the agency's Peace through Commerce Medal Award, along with IFA President and CEO Steve Caldeira, CFE, on behalf of the association. This past year's growing achievements in international development and forging new international alliances will continue and serve to position the industry for future growth.
Be sure to read about IFA's commitment to hire and recruit 75,000 veterans and 5,000 Wounded Warriors by the close of 2014. Amid the magazine's new updated look and format to provide a better reading experience, you'll find articles that spot what's new in conversion franchising, freeing up capital, seeing how "green" alternatives can benefit your franchise business and much more.
It has been a rewarding experience to guide the association as your 2011 chairman. I acknowledge with pride the strength, innovative and determined spirit which I've encountered as we've come together to achieve some dynamic successes, whether getting policymakers' attention on access to capital, building a relationship with lenders and boosting the reach of the VetFran program.
The association is in very capable hands as I prepare to step down as chairman and welcome 2012 IFA Chairman Jon L. Luther of Dunkin' Brands. Best regards for much continued success this year.
Sincerely,
Jack Earle
Chairman, IFA
Managing Partner, Earle Enterprises
