Cresanti’s Corner: Get the Recognition You Deserve for Hiring Veterans

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Like all of you, I’m incredibly proud of the franchise community’s commitment to hiring military veterans. Again and again, our members show that we are committed to providing meaningful opportunities to those who have served. Across this country, hundreds of thousands of military personnel separate from the armed forces each year and are looking for their next step. Franchising can provide a path forward, whether it is as an owner or as an employee.

Now, franchisees and franchisors alike have a new opportunity to highlight their efforts to hire and retain veterans in meaningful, long-term careers. The IFA Foundation’s VetFran program has partnered with the U.S. Department of Labor’s HIRE Vets Medallion Program. This program, signed into law in by President Trump in 2017, is the only veterans hiring award at the federal level. It is without a doubt one of the best ways for employers to demonstrate their commitment to hiring veterans, while also receiving national recognition.

The best part about this program is how friendly it is to franchisees. Each franchisee can apply on their own for the Medallion Award. Multi-unit franchisees who receive an award may display their award in each of their locations and digitally, and even franchisors can participate based on their hiring of veterans at the corporate level.

Seeing as the franchise industry has a long-standing commitment to veterans, and that franchisees across the country can qualify for a Medallion, I would like to propose a challenge. I challenge each of you to reflect on your company’s workforce to see if you may be eligible for a HIRE Vets Medallion Award. Applications for 2019 awards close April 30, so spread the word to your franchisees and apply today. 

I believe that with strong participation from each franchise brand, the franchise sector could comprise a plurality of award recipients at the national level—earning our entire community this well-deserved accolade. I look forward to seeing many franchisors and franchisees alike among this year’s award recipients!

Sincerely,

Robert Cresanti, CFE
President & CEO
International Franchise Association

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