IFA's @OurFranchise Tour Stops in Virginia to Showcase Franchise Opportunities for Local Communities

From August 29 to August 30, the International Franchise Association President and CEO Robert Cresanti, led a “Franchise Forum” in Norfolk and a “Franchise Crawl” of local businesses at Virginia Beach Town Center in Virginia. Both events, part of the International Franchise Association’s nationwide @OurFranchise Tour, highlighted how local franchise business owners and their employees are supporting America’s veterans by creating jobs and business ownership opportunities at their franchises.

While in Virginia, Cresanti spoke to government officials, media and dozens of local franchisors and franchisees. In doing so, his goal was simple—to highlight exactly how franchising provides an attractive opportunity for our service men and women who want to realize the American Dream of owning their own business.

Cresanti, along with Marc Steiner, owner of FranNet, co-hosted a “Franchise Forum” in Norfolk highlighting initiatives for veterans to become small business owners. Additional panel participants included John Hewitt, president, CEO and chairman of Liberty Tax Service; Chris Grandpre, chairman and CEO of Outdoor Living Brands; and, Tommy Crisler, franchise owner of Liberty Tax Service.

The second leg of the @OurFranchise tour in Virginia included a three-stop “franchise crawl” through the Virginia Beach Town Center. Cresanti visited Jimmy Johns, Cold Stone Creamery and Mosquito Squad to learn more about how these local businesses provide opportunities to members of their community.