IFA also announces the promotion of Matt Haller to senior communications position.  

Franchising World October 2011       

Beth Solomon joined the International Franchise Association as vice president of strategic initiatives and industry relations on Nov. 1, President and CEO Steve Caldeira, CFE, announced this month. 

“Beth Solomon brings a wealth of trade association, private-sector and Capitol Hill experience to the IFA, which will help us to further develop and enhance new and existing programs integral to the successful execution of IFA’s Strategic Plan,” Caldeira said. “As franchise businesses continue to struggle to access credit and face other public policy challenges, this new department will focus on initiatives to help members recover from a sluggish economy.” 

Since November of 2010, Solomon has served as a strategic communications consultant to the IFA where she has focused her efforts on organizing and executing the first-ever Small Business Lending Summit in April, while also developing new relationships with the lending community to improve their understanding of franchising. 

In this newly-created position, Solomon will report directly to Caldeira and continue the association’s proactive efforts to increase access to credit for IFA members. She will also continue her efforts to enhance the organization’s VetFran program that connects member company discounts and incentives with honorably discharged veterans who are interested in buying a franchise. Additionally, she will assume responsibility for the IFA education and outreach efforts in the rapidly-growing International arena.    

Prior to her consulting work with the IFA, she served as the senior vice president of strategic communications for the National Restaurant Association, communications director for the National Association of Manufacturers, speechwriter for former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn, researcher and columnist for Cox Newspapers and as a freelance journalist for the Voice of America and ABC News. Solomon holds a B.A. in History from Yale University. 

In addition, Caldeira announced that Matthew Haller has been promoted to senior director of Communications in the IFA Communications and Marketing Department. Haller joined IFA in October 2010 as director of communications overseeing IFA publications and supporting internal and external media outreach and communications efforts. 

 “Matt’s contributions to the IFA communications activities have greatly enhanced our external and internal communications with members and opinion leaders, including the news media,” said IFA Vice President of Communications and Marketing Alisa Harrison. “Matt is a critical component to our ongoing efforts to promote franchising and its importance to the U.S. economy. This promotion is richly deserved.” 

Before joining IFA last year, Haller served as director of industry relations and development for the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association. Previously, he served as a manager of political affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and held positions with Levick Strategic Communications and United Parcel Service.