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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, In a fitting tribute to an outstanding career, |
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Lawrence J. Cohen is the first franchisee to be inducted into the |
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International Franchise Association Hall of Fame, receiving the |
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honor at the IFA Convention in February 2011; and |
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WHEREAS, Before entering the franchise field, "Doc" Cohen |
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worked in the retail pharmaceutical industry for 15 years; he |
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opened a Great American Cookies store in Lafayette, Louisiana, in |
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the late 1970s, and that initial business grew into a network of |
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more than 35 Great American Cookies units in seven states; Cookie |
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Associates, the Houston-based company founded and run by Mr. Cohen, |
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now operates multiple franchise brands, including Pretzelmaker, |
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Coffee Beanery, and TCBY, in addition to Great American Cookies; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, A strong advocate for the franchising business |
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model, Mr. Cohen has served in multiple leadership positions with |
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IFA, holding the office of treasurer and chairing the board of |
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directors, the franchise advisory council, and the convention |
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planning committee; moreover, he has served as a trustee for the IFA |
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Educational Foundation and was the first franchisee ever to earn |
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the designation of "Certified Franchise Executive" from the |
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foundation; and |
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WHEREAS, Mr. Cohen has spoken in behalf of the industry in |
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Washington, D.C., on several occasions, including representing |
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Texas at the third White House Conference on Small Business in 1995 |
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and testifying before the House of Representatives Small Business |
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Committee in 2009; and |
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WHEREAS, Mr. Cohen is the recipient of numerous accolades, |
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including multiple Franchisee of the Year awards, and he has twice |
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been named Franchisee of the Decade by Great American Cookies; and |
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WHEREAS, Entry into the IFA Hall of Fame represents yet |
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another milestone in his career; Mr. Cohen is joining such |
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illustrious past inductees as Ray Kroc of McDonald's, Frank Carney |
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of Pizza Hut, Dave Thomas of Wendy's, and Harland Sanders of |
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Kentucky Fried Chicken, and this achievement reflects his immense |
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stature in the industry and the deep respect he has earned from his |
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peers; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas |
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Legislature hereby congratulate Lawrence J. "Doc" Cohen on his |
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induction into the International Franchise Association Hall of Fame |
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and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be |
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it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Mr. Cohen as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
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House of Representatives. |
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Riddle |
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______________________________ |
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Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.R. No. 1804 was adopted by the House on May |
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19, 2011, by a non-record vote. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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