For immediate release
Contact: Alisa Harrison, 202-628-8000
aharrison@franchise.org
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2007—International Franchise Association President and CEO Matthew Shay has been designated a top association executive by a leading Washington, D.C. publication.

CEO Update, a prestigious Washington, D.C. publication covering the association business, published its first list of Top CEOs. The list reviewed hundreds of association CEOs and included on the final list, which includes Shay, those CEO’s who have achieved significant legislative success, exhibited strong leadership ability, raised their organization’s profile, and has a history of building coalitions and reaching consensus and excellence in the areas of meetings, education and certification. 

“This first CEO Update list of Top CEOs is a broad sample of the good work and sound leadership in the association community,” the story stated. “The list includes an interesting mix. We hope it will spark discussion on the best association leadership practices.”

In naming Shay, CEO Update pointed out his leadership during “a tumultuous economy” since becoming CEO in 2005. “A vocal champion for the role that small businesses play in the economy, he has been calling on the government to make small business loans easier to obtain,” CEO Update said.

Other achievements since becoming CEO in 2005 include launching an association public awareness campaign, an enhanced grassroots initiative Franchise Congress, a new leadership conference for top leaders in the franchise industry and growing the association’s revenue 65 percent in the past five years. 

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About the International Franchise Association
The International Franchise Association, the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising, is the preeminent voice and acknowledged leader for the industry worldwide. Approaching a half-century of service with a growing membership of nearly 1,300 franchise systems, 10,000-plus franchisees and more than 500 firms that supply goods and services to the industry, IFA protects, enhances and promotes franchising by advancing the values of integrity, respect, trust, commitment to excellence, honesty and diversity. For more information, visit the IFA Web site at www.franchise.org.