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.