Northern Illinois Franchise Association to Spotlight Professional Athletes who Pursue Franchise Ownership
July 28, 2015
Northern Illinois Franchise Association to Spotlight Professional Athletes who Pursue Franchise Ownership
Former NFL and NBA Stars Offer Inspirational Look at Journey from Playing Field to Franchising
DEERFIELD, Ill. – The Northern Illinois Franchise Association (NIFA) today announced that it is partnering with the Professional Athlete Franchise Initiative (PAFI) for a spirited panel on “Athletes in Franchise Ownership – the Winning Drive and Determination” during its Summer Luncheon.
The gathering, sponsored by BDO, will take place on Thursday, August 6 at Summer House (1954 N. Halsted St., Chicago) from noon – 2 p.m. Amid a rising trend in current and former professional athletes investing in franchises, life after the limelight is a timely topic for the collection of franchise professionals in Northern Illinois.
“Every day you hear about pro stars who get hurt and never return to sports, or who used to play and now have lost their entire fortunes,” said Michael Stone, PAFI co-founder and a former NFL star who will be on the panel at the Summer Luncheon. “Franchising is a playbook for athletes to follow. Athletes have a game plan with franchising that serves them well.”
PAFI is a group of franchising industry professionals who have created an organization to help athletes plan for their future by investing in franchising as franchisees. Noted for their involvement in the franchising community, professional athletes often possess a drive, determination and overall winning attitude that contributes to the success of anything they set their mind to – including their business opportunities in franchising.
The Summer Luncheon comes on the heels of a blowout spring event that featured International Franchise Association President Steve Calderia. It will include several professional athletes such as Stone and Notre Dame alum and former Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors player Rob Kurz.
“Michael and Rob may be incredible athletes – but they are also model franchise owners who possess the motivation and determination to succeed,” said Jamie Izaks, NIFA co-founding member and president of All Points Public Relations, a nationally renowned PR agency specializing in working with franchisors. “We invite all professionals in the franchise industry to attend this event to discover what we can learn from the business successes of these athletes, and how we can apply their ambition and drive to our own companies.”
More information about NIFA is available at www.northernilfranchise.org where individuals and companies interested in joining can find more details on the Summer Luncheon, research membership benefits and access links to franchising information and resources. The site includes event and existing member contact links, along with photos from past gatherings.
About the Northern Illinois Franchise Association
The Northern Illinois Franchise Association (NIFA) dedicates itself to supporting the individuals and businesses in franchising at the franchisor, franchisee and supplier levels.
Founded by Jamie and Lauren Izaks, co-founders of All Points Public Relations, and Andrew Bleiman, managing attorney with Marks & Klein, NIFA is committed to promoting, enhancing and fostering the success of franchisors and franchisees in Illinois through communication, political advocacy, networking, support services and educational programs.
NIFA centers its attention on the growth of franchising through executive development, and encouraging best practices in franchising through regular programs and networking.
For more information visit www.northernilfranchise.org.
