Georgia General Assembly · Full text

SR 313: Cohen, Lawrence J. "Doc"; recognize

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Senate Resolution 313

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 Lawrence J. "Doc" Cohen; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Lawrence J. "Doc" Cohen is a pioneering entrepreneur and franchise leader who founded Deblan Corporation and Cookie Associates, developing 35 Great American Cookie Company (GACC) units across seven states and operating eight of the top ten highest-volume stores in the chain; and

WHEREAS, he played a key role in the growth and success of the Great American Cookie Company franchise system, serving as the founding president of its Franchise Advisory Council and co-founding the Independent Association of Great American Cookie Franchisees, where he serves as a permanent member of the Executive Committee; and

WHEREAS, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership within the International Franchise Association (IFA), serving as its treasurer for five years and earning distinction as the second franchisee in history to serve as chairman of its Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, he was the first franchisee in the world to earn the designation of Certified Franchise Executive from the IFA Educational Foundation and has served as a trustee, chair of the Board of Trustees, and recipient of the foundation's highest honor, the William Rosenberg Leadership Award; and

WHEREAS, he has further worked to advocate for the needs of small businesses and franchising, serving as a delegate representing the State of Texas at the Third White House Conference on Small Business, testifying before committees of the United States Senate and House of Representatives, and actively participating in IFA's legislative and advocacy efforts; and

WHEREAS, he has contributed significantly to philanthropic and community initiatives, serving on the Board of Trustees for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, supporting educational initiatives such as the Hakeem Olajuwon BEST Campaign, and serving on numerous advisory and nonprofit boards; and

WHEREAS, his leadership, innovation, and dedication to the franchise industry have left a lasting impact, making it abundantly fitting and proper that he be appropriately honored.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize and commend Lawrence J. "Doc" Cohen for his many outstanding career contributions to the franchise industry as well as extend best wishes for future health and happiness.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Lawrence J. "Doc" Cohen.