FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Matthew Haller, 202-662-0770
Jenna Weisbord, 202-662-0766
mhaller@franchise.org
jweisbord@franchise.org
IFA NAMES NEW INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2013—Josh Merin has been named Director of International Affairs for the International Franchise Association, a new position where he will help IFA members explore growth for their franchise brands in the global market.
In his new role, Merin will work closely with the U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Service division to organize and execute trade missions to markets around the world, coordinate educational webinars and develop other relevant content for IFA members with support and guidance from the IFA International Committee.
“We are thrilled that Josh has agreed to continue his focus on helping IFA members explore global franchising opportunities as they work to expand outside the United States,” said IFA President & CEO Steve Caldeira. “His commitment and passion for the franchise industry, coupled with the contributions he has made to the IFA in other areas, will serve the industry well in the increasingly-important global market.”
“Josh Merin is a great addition to our international initiatives,” said Michael Isakson, former IFA chairman and current chairman of the IFA International Committee. “His experience with the IFA International Committee and the development of the 5-year strategic plan for international activities will serve the association well.”
Prior to his new position, Josh was IFA Senior Manager, Research & Strategic Initiatives. Since November 2011, Josh has focused on executing IFA’s VetFran program and has increased the profile and exposure of this important initiative among IFA members, the veteran community and the media. He also supported the IFA international programs by helping to develop a 5-year strategic plan, which was approved by the IFA Board of Directors in September. Merin will report to Scott Lehr, CFE, senior vice president, US & International Development.
With a background on Capitol Hill in the office of former Rep. William Delahunt (D-MA), Merin also worked for a public affairs firm developing coalitions. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from the Corcoran College of Art + Design and attended George Washington University.
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About the International Franchise Association
The International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. Celebrating over 50 years of excellence, education and advocacy, IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising. Through its media awareness campaign highlighting the theme, Franchising: Building Local Businesses, One Opportunity at a Time, IFA promotes the economic impact of the more than 825,000 franchise establishments, which support nearly 18 million jobs and $2.1 trillion of economic output for the U.S. economy. IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law and business development.
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