The International Franchise Association (IFA) has received separate recognitions for its Operation Enduring Opportunity campaign.

Operation Enduring Opportunity is the IFA’s campaign to enable veterans, military spouses and wounded service men and women to start careers in franchising as business owners and team members.

The IFA has received the Power of A Gold Award by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), one of the highest industry awards that honour ‘associations that engage in activities and initiatives that are essential to a stronger America and world’.

Additionally, the IFA received the Public Affairs Campaign Award of 2012 in PR News’ Digital PR Awards ceremony.

The IFA’s Operation Enduring Opportunity campaign was launched last November as part of its VetFran initiative to recruit as franchise business owners and hire as team members 75,000 veterans and military spouses, plus 5,000 wounded service men and women, by 2014. Since last year, the campaign has enabled over 15,000 veterans to launch careers in franchising, including 4,200 new business owners.

Steve Caldeira, President and CEO of the IFA, said: “We encourage all franchise businesses, including franchisors and franchisees, to answer the call to offer jobs and career opportunities to veterans, wounded warriors and their families. Not only is this critical for the economic and social stability of veterans and their families, but it is an important component of the US economic recovery.”

“Operation Enduring Opportunity demonstrates how associations continue to make meaningful contributions to their communities and society,” said P. Allen Haney, chair of The Power of A Awards Judging Committee. “Through the dedication of association professionals and association members across the country and around the world, we can make a tangible impact in the lives of others.”

Published: 24 October 2012

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