IFA recognized for “contributions to economic growth”; IFA Hall of Fame recipient Cohen commended for lifetime of service

ATLANTA – The Georgia State Senate this week recognized the International Franchise Association (IFA), and IFA Past Chair and Great American Cookies franchisee Lawrence J. “Doc” Cohen, for their contributions to economic growth, small business development, and community and philanthropic works. Georgia State Sen. Jason Esteves (D-GA-35), a franchisee of the Flying Biscuit Café, introduced two separate resolutions:

• Georgia Senate Resolution 312: honoring IFA for “its contributions to economic growth and small business development; and for other purposes”
• George Senate Resolution  313: honoring Cohen for his “leadership, innovation, and dedication” to franchising that has left a lasting impact

The Georgia State Senate adopted both resolutions, which had eight original cosponsors, on Tuesday.

IFA President and CEO Matt Haller said:

“IFA is honored to join Doc in this tremendous recognition by the Georgia legislature. Georgia is the top state for franchise growth this year, and this honor cements the value of the business model to the state. Franchising is a key component of generating economic growth, providing opportunities for career advancement for people from all walks of life, and giving back to every community in the state. We look forward to supporting an environment where franchising – especially the people who comprise it – can continue to grow and thrive.”

“There are few people more fitting for this recognition than Doc Cohen. Doc has committed his career and his life to giving back – whether it’s advancing the careers of those who have been fortunate enough to work with him, growing his business to reach new people, and working to strengthen the franchise business model so the next generation can have these same opportunities, Doc always answers the call. The franchise business model is better because of his service – along with the countless lives he’s touched.”

Speaking on the Senate floor Tuesday after being presented with the resolution, Cohen said:

“Franchising enabled me to achieve my American Dream. What a lot of people don’t understand is that the Great American Cookies or the McDonald’s on the corner are not owned by some corporate entity in Chicago or in Atlanta or in Los Angeles. They are owned by your neighbors…Franchising really is about small business. So, when you vote for issues that are impacting franchising and small business, remember that it affects your neighbors, their children, and your family. Keep doing the right thing and let franchising help grow this great economy we have in this country. We are the engine that drives the economy of the United States.”

As one of the leading franchisees for Great American Cookies, Cohen was instrumental of the development of the brand and its franchisees – owning an operating 35 units across seven states and operating eight of the top ten highest-volume stores. He has been an active advocate for the entire franchise model, serving as IFA Chair and IFA Foundation Chair, as well as ultimately becoming the first franchisee to be inducted into the IFA Hall of Fame. Outside of franchising, Cohen has been involved in numerous philanthropic and charitable endeavors, including the Board of Trustees for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, among others.

Last month, IFA released the 2025 Franchising Economic Outlook, projecting Georgia to be the top state for franchise growth in 2025. In Georgia, there are approximately 34,156 franchise establishments, employing 361,000 people and generating over $37.4 billion in output.

[Photo attached: Georgia State Sen. Jason Esteves presents Doc Cohen and IFA with Senate resolutions on the Senate floor, joined by U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick, Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, State Sens. Sonya Halpern and Emanuel Jones, IFA members and staff.]

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About the International Franchise Association:

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) 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 approximately 830,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $896.9 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 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.