IFA Launches Nationwide ‘Open for Opportunity’ Roadshow from San Diego

“Franchising is the best economic business model to promote prosperity and opportunity for people from all walks of life, and that’s what Open for Opportunity is all about,” said IFA President & CEO Matt Haller. “The power of franchising can easily be found in the stories of local owners and workers, who invest in their communities by giving their time, knowledge, and resources back to those around them. This roadshow will take us around the country to share these stories and lift up the people working to find their own opportunity in franchising.”

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Tali Burton, who owns and operates 12 Dunkin’ locations in Southern California, was featured as part of the Open for Opportunity launch. Burton hosted Open for Opportunity media events at two of his San Diego locations to talk about the impact he is making on his community and fellow veterans:

> “When I was looking for a post-military career, I wanted to do something that enabled me to give back to my community and to local veterans,” said Burton. “The franchise business model affords me the opportunity to create good-paying jobs and promote career advancement opportunities for employees. And to honor and memorialize those fighting for our freedom, each one of my stores has a plaque with the name of a local fallen servicemember. It’s just one way we can remember those risking their lives and not lose sight of their sacrifice. I am so glad the Open for Opportunity roadshow kicked off here in San Diego so that we can not only share the stories of local franchise owners, but also recognize the collective impact on our community.”

Carolyn Thurston owns Wisdom Senior Care in Raleigh, North Carolina and hosted an Open for Opportunity Facebook Live conversation with San Diego City Council President pro Temp Monica Montgomery Steppe:

> “The Open for Opportunity roadshow is going to let people know that the franchising community has a place for them, no matter their background,” said Thurston. “The franchise business model affords opportunities to veterans, minorities, women, immigrants, and anyone who wants to be their own boss, that no other business model can in the form of access to capital, leadership training, and career development mentorship. At Wisdom Senior Care, we truly are open for opportunity.”

Through the Open for Opportunity initiative, IFA will be partnering with local organizations to expand franchise education content and share the positive impacts of franchising in communities across the country.

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 775,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.2 million direct jobs, $787.

7 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.