FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Matthew Haller, 202-662-0770
Jenna Weisbord, 202-662-0766
mhaller@franchise.org
jweisbord@franchise.org
@franchising411
IFA STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF FRED DELUCA
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2015—International Franchise Association Chairwoman and Two Men And A Truck Chair Melanie Bergeron released the statement below following news that co-founder and CEO of Subway sandwich chain Fred DeLuca has passed away.
“The franchise community is saddened by the passing of Fred DeLuca. His success spans over 40 years, beginning in 1965 with one sandwich shop. His vision, which began as an inspiring 17-year-old, continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of franchising and the franchising community.
“DeLuca was an active member of the IFA and was generous with his knowledge of franchising, especially with young emerging franchise systems. He regularly attended IFA meetings and conventions, most recently the IFA Annual Convention this past February, specifically to network with young entrepreneurs to share his insight into successful businesses. Fred is a former IFA board member and recipient of IFA’s prestigious Hall of Fame award in 2004 and the IFA Entrepreneur of the Year award in 1988.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with DeLuca’s family and close friends along with the thousands of team members who make up the Subway brand. Today, we lost a great pioneer of franchising, but we, the franchise community, will benefit from his contributions for years to come.”
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About the International Franchise Association
Celebrating 55 years of excellence, education and advocacy, the International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the more than 780,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.9 million direct jobs, $890 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy and 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology and business development.
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