IFA Launches Enhanced Compliance Education Program During 50th Annual Convention

For immediate release
Contact: Alisa Harrison, 202-628-8000
aharrison@franchise.org
www.twitter.com/franchising411

Jan. 12, 2010—The International Franchise Association will officially launch Fran-Guard™, an expanded franchise sales management and compliance program to help IFA members reduce risks, manage growth and build stronger, healthier franchise systems, during the IFA 50th Annual Convention in San Antonio, Feb. 5-8.

Fran-Guard™ is designed to educate franchisors about their obligations under federal and state laws governing the offer and sale of franchises and promotes sound compliance practices. The program was created as part of IFA’s ongoing work with the Federal Trade Commission to develop educational programs to help the franchise industry comply with regulations and to build strong, sustainable systems. An introduction to Fran-Guard™ will be held from 10 a.m. to Noon, Feb. 6 during the IFA 50th Annual Convention.

“Fran-Guard™ is an excellent way for IFA members to work together to protect and promote franchising by maintaining high ethical standards and good business practices,” said IFA Chairwoman Dina Dwyer-Owens, CFE, chairwoman and CEO, The Dwyer Group. “IFA members who participate in the program will be better prepared, will have a better understanding of compliance-related issues and will have a competitive advantage over those who do not.”

The IFA Board of Directors voted to place the development and management of the program under the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives. A committee of ICFE Board members and representatives of the Corporate Counsel Committee established the objectives of the expanded program, including to:

Expand the compliance program to more IFA members by making it more accessible, more convenient and more affordable.
Standardize the content and learning objectives of the compliance program for consistency.
Incorporate the compliance program as part of the continuing education requirements of the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program. Establish franchise sales compliance core competency and the test to measure it. This is a prerequisite for granting a CFE certificate for completing the course. Successful completion of the course by an individual leads to the granting of the IFA Fran-Guard ™ Certificate.

IFA Fran-Guard ™ seminars will be offered throughout the year at various venues including a full-day session Feb. 4 during the ICFE Special Sessions at IFA’s 50th Annual Convention, at the International Franchise Expo, April 9-11, in Washington, D.C., at the IFA Legal Symposium, May 16-18, in Washington, D.C. and in conjunction with IFA Legal Roundtables in Dallas, Chicago, Tampa, and Washington, D.C. A series of “Introducing Fran-Guard™” webinars will also be offered to all IFA members, and will be offered on a complimentary basis to all new IFA members—those who have joined IFA within the past year. Plans are underway to develop a series of IFA Fran-Guard ™ modules online via

www.ifa-university.com

.

Over the last 50 years, IFA has taken many steps to promote ethical business practices and to educate its members about best practices. One example is the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives (ICFE) established in 1985 “to enhance the professionalism of franchising by certifying the highest standards of quality training and education.” Today, with more than 1400 executives enrolled in the program, the ICFE offers franchising professionals the opportunity to learn, grow professionally and reach a recognized standard of excellence in the franchising community.

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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 more than 1,100 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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