IFA launches brand standards task force

In a statement released to its members, Catherine Monson, chair of the International Franchise Association and CEO of Propelled Brands, detailed the launch of the organization’s new Brand Standards task force.

Led by Michael Seid, MD of MSA Worldwide as chair and Mary Thompson, COO of Neighborly as vice-chair and franchisor, franchisee, and supplier members, the task force will gather input from all IFA membership and provide feedback to the organization’s leadership later this year.

“As the leading advocate of the franchise business model, we believe that having a strong and proactive IFA is important,” wrote Monson. “As the primary association of franchisors, franchisees and suppliers, maintaining our historic leadership role in improving the performance of franchising for all of its stakeholders is essential. This bold initiative is another step in those continuing efforts.”

In addition, IFA leadership, including Matt Haller, senior vice president of government relations and public affairs, Jennifer Brandeen, chief revenue officer, Suzanne Beall, vice president of government relations and public policy and counsel, Charlie Chase, IFA’s vice chair, and Catherine Monson, IFA chair, will be participating in the task force as these initiatives are critical to IFA’s strategy to protect, promote and enhance franchising.

The IFA also intends to consult with Dale Cantone, assistant attorney general for the State of Maryland and the deputy securities commissioner for the Maryland Securities Division and chair of the franchise and business opportunity committee/project group of the North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc. (NASAA) and Theresa Leets, assistant chief counsel of the securities regulation unit of the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation’s legal division and the FTC as the process develops.