IFA’s @OurFranchise Tour Highlights Technology in Franchising in Austin, TX

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Jenna Weisbord, 310-995-0839

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IFA’s @OurFranchise Tour Highlights Technology in Franchising in Austin, TX

Cresanti Highlights Franchising’s Agenda for Growth and Opportunity in Nationwide Tour

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 – International Franchise Association President and CEO Robert Cresanti highlighted the importance of technology and innovation in franchise businesses during a roundtable discussion with local franchise business owners in Austin, TX this week. Cresanti delivered remarks as part of the nationwide @OurFranchise Tour highlighting how local franchise business owners and their employees are supporting local communities and creating jobs and business ownership opportunities at their franchise.

“Franchisees are using cutting-edge tools and creative solutions to grow their businesses in their local communities. Technology is allowing local business owners to be more innovative when connecting with their consumers and community,” said IFA President and CEO Robert Cresanti. “More importantly, Americans from all walks of life turn to franchising to find first jobs, start new businesses and learn skills that lead to successful careers. The @OurFranchise campaign captures the real, positive impact of the franchise model as told by local owners in their own voice and speaks to the level of economic contribution franchise owners continue to give to the American economy.”

Cresanti also called on elected officials to recognize the importance of franchising during the upcoming election, and encouraged the franchise community in Texas to make their voices heard at the polls next month.

While in Austin, Cresanti met with Texas elected officials and staff, specifically highlighting how franchising provides an engine for growth and an attractive opportunity for people who want to realize the American Dream of owning their own business.

“Franchise businesses create jobs, support communities and provide anyone who is willing to work hard with an opportunity to own their own business,” Cresanti said, noting that franchising contributes $674.3 billion to the United States economy and supports 7.6 million jobs. He further pointed out that, according to newly released IFA data, Texas has over 62,000 franchises across the state supporting 635.5K jobs.

As part of the 2016 @OurFranchise Tour, Cresanti will continue meeting with local franchisees, franchisors, employees, business and community leaders, and elected officials across the country to discuss the impact of the franchise business model as a driver of economic growth, job creation and individual opportunity. For more information, visit www.AtOurFranchise.org.

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About the International Franchise Association

Celebrating 56 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 733,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 7.6 million direct jobs, $674.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy and 2.5 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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