Northern Illinois Franchise Association Hosts Summer Luncheon
August 18, 2015
The Northern Illinois Franchise Association (NIFA), founded by All Points PR’s executive leadership Jamie and Lauren Izaks alongside friend and colleague Andrew Bleiman, managing attorney with Marks & Klein, one of America’s leading law firms focused on the franchise industry with a Chicago office, recently hosted its Summer Luncheon.
Sponsored by BDO and held at Summer House in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, the Summer Luncheon was a fun and informative look into “Athletes in Franchise Ownership.”
Three special panelists were in attendance as well – Michael Stone, founder of the Professional Athlete Franchise Initiative (PAFI) and former NFL Star; Rob Kurz, Notre Dame basketball alum and former Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors player; and Peter Silverman from Shucker, Loop & Kendrick and speaker on Athletes in Franchising.
Each panelist offered a unique perspective on athletes in franchising. As retired pro athletes who found success in franchising, both Stone and Kurz discussed the pitfalls many athletes can experience following the end of their careers, including bankruptcy. Silverman, a trusted financial advisor who has worked with many pro athletes, discussed the importance of athletes surrounding themselves with a team of ethical professionals who can help guide them to the next step following their retirement.
Following the panel, guests mixed and mingled in the light, airy and intimate indoor-outdoor space at Summer House, enjoying a delicious, summery lunch menu including a fudge cake that was truly the icing on top of an incredible event.
Panelists and guests alike agreed that the luncheon was informative and an excellent networking opportunity, holding true to NIFA’s mission to promoting, enhancing and fostering the success of franchisors and franchisees in Illinois through communication, political advocacy, networking, support services and educational programs.
The NIFA Fall Luncheon will be held in November. Click here to visit the site to learn more about membership with the Northern Illinois Franchise Association.
