SINGAPORE FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION ADOPTS IFA PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

For immediate release
Contact: Alisa Harrison, 202-628-8000
aharrison@franchise.org
www.twitter.com/IFADC

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2009—The International Franchise Association today announced a joint agreement between the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives (ICFE)™ and the Franchising and Licensing Association of Singapore to launch the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE)™ program in Singapore.

“On behalf of the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives, we are delighted to be working together with the Franchising and Licensing Association to launch the CFE Program in Singapore,” said IFA Educational Foundation President John Reynolds during the FLAsia 2009, where the agreement was announced. “In these challenging economic times, it is even more important to provide franchise professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to grow their business.”

The Certified Franchise Executive program, launched by IFA in 1991, is the only professional development program designed for franchise executives by franchise executives. Its mission is to enhance the professionalism of franchising by certifying the highest standards of quality training and education. Through cooperative efforts, FLA and ICFE will offer educational programs throughout the year at reduced rates for FLA members. FLA members will also have access to the ifa-university.com website for a wide range of educational courses and resources.

“We encourage franchise professionals at every level to take advantage of the CFE Program to learn, grow professionally and reach a recognized standard of excellence,” Reynolds said.

The joint agreement with FLA is the latest joint agreement with franchise organizations around the world. Currently, ICFE has cooperative agreements with the Philippines Franchise Association, Franchising Association of India, Indonesia Franchise Association and the Ecuador Franchise Association.

In the United States, more than 1,400 franchise executives from 42 counties are currently participating in the CFE program, including 782 executives who have completed the program and received the Certified Franchise Executive designation. CFE qualifying educational programs are held throughout the year at IFA sponsored events and webinars and by a host of independent educational experts to provide franchise executives the latest in franchise business information.

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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.

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