SR312: SR312 International Franchise Association; recognize

25 LC 112 3098 Senate Resolution 312 By: Senators Esteves of the 35th, Halpern of the 39th, Orrock of the 36th, McLaurin of the 14th, Kemp of the 38th and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending the International Franchise Association for its contributions1 to economic growth and small business development; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is a lea ding advocate for3 responsible franchising practices, working to protect, promote, and enhance the franchise4 business model in Georgia and throughout the United States; and5 WHEREAS, franchising is a significant driver of economic growth, accounting for more than6 830,800 establishments nationwide, supporting nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, and generating7 $896 billion in economic output, representing almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic8 Product of the United States; and9 WHEREAS, Georgia has more than 32,000 franchise establishments that provide10 employment to over 340,600 individuals and contribute more than $34.6 billion in annual11 economic activity; and12 WHEREAS, the franchise business model has been particularly ben eficial to groups13 traditionally underrepresented in business ownership, including veterans, minorities, and14 women, by providing opportunities for entrepreneurship and financial independence; and15 S. R. 312 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3098 WHEREAS, Georgia was recently named the No. 1 state for franchi se growth by the16 International Franchise Association, and some of the nation's m ost well-known franchise17 brands, including Chick-fil-A, Inspire Brands, Zaxby's, Waffle House, Flying Biscuit Café,18 Holiday Inn, Primrose Schools, and many others, are headquartered in Georgia; and19 WHEREAS, franchising operates across more than 300 industry sec tors, ranging from20 hospitality and automotive services to healthcare and retail, e nabling individuals to build21 successful businesses while benefiting from established brands, operational systems, and22 ongoing support; and23 WHEREAS, the franchise business model supports both franchisers and franchisees by24 allowing franchisees to manage the day-to-day affairs of their businesses independently25 while maintaining brand standards and customer expectations; and26 WHEREAS, the International Franchise Association remains a stea dfast champion for27 franchising, advocating for policies that support business grow th, job creation, and the28 long-term success of franchise enterprises across the country.29 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body30 recognize and commend the International Franchise Association f or its contributions to31 economic growth, small business development, and entrepreneurial opportunity in Georgia32 and beyond as well as extend best wishes for continued success.33 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed34 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the International35 Franchise Association.36 S. R. 312 - 2 -