IFA Receives Commerce Department Peace through Commerce Award

U.S. Department of Commerce recognizes IFA’s efforts to help franchise companies grow in foreign markets.

Franchising World January 2012

By: Matt Haller

The International Franchise Association has received the Peace through Commerce Award from the International Trade Administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce, recognizing IFA’s work to help U.S. franchisors expand their brands to foreign markets, which results in new job creation and economic activity at home.

Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sánchez presented the award to IFA President and CEO Steve Caldeira, CFE, and IFA Chairman Jack Earle, a McDonald’s multi-unit franchisee, during a ceremony at the Department of Commerce headquarters this past December in Washington, D.C.

We are honored to receive this distinguished award,” said Caldeira. “Our partnership with the ITA and the U.S. Commercial Service has helped strengthen opportunities for U.S. franchisors seeking to grow internationally.”

More than 270 IFA members currently have franchisees in foreign markets, and those that do not have franchises there today are looking to foreign countries as part of their future development plans. A recent IFA survey showed nearly 85 percent of franchise brands plan to start or increase their international development efforts in the coming years.

The Peace through Commerce Award recognizes an individual, group, or organization, either domestic or abroad, whose actions have significantly promoted and developed U.S. export initiatives, encouraged innovative approaches and improved overall U.S. trade relations.

“The Peace through Commerce Medal winners have all played a crucial and proactive role in increasing trade and strengthening our countries overall relations. They also assist us in fully exercising President Obama’s National Export Initiative,” Sánchez said in presenting the award. “Their efforts have led to increased exports of U.S. manufactured goods and services, thus creating jobs at home and stimulating the economy.”

The Peace through Commerce Medal dates back to the first Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, who commissioned the medal in 1790. Jefferson gifted the medal, formerly known as the Diplomatic Medal, to foreign diplomats who aided the Continental Congress during the American Revolution. The medal is most renowned for its inscription, “To Peace and Commerce,” centered along the top.

IFA was one of five other organizations to receive the award. To learn more about the recipients, visit Commerce.gov.