By Tom McClimon
February 23, 2009

Following up on his participation in last year’s International Franchise Association (IFA) annual convention, Conference of Mayors Past President Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer addressed the IFA Board of Directors during the IFA’s 49th Annual Conference held in San Diego on February 14'17th. Mayor Palmer also participated in a Diversity Building workshop where he was joined by Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory.

In addressing the IFA Board of Directors, Mayor Palmer discussed the importance that franchise businesses mean to communities. “Mayors are on the front line, just like you,” stated Mayor Palmer. “Starting franchise businesses in our cities will make cities stronger.” The IFA Board and Mayor Palmer discussed some ways the Conference of Mayors and IFA could better work together including having mayors meet with potential franchise businesses at future IFA meetings to discuss local business opportunities.

The Diversity Summit focused on “How Does Building Stronger Public and Private Partnerships Impact Diversity”. “We want to help you do business, so that you can help us do our business of providing jobs for our citizens,” stated Mayor Palmer. The Mayor addressed ways that the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act might provide businesses opportunities for minority franchise businesses, such as the new Energy Efficiency Block Grant which will assist cities become more energy efficient. The Mayor will be hosting on April 28th in his city a diversity training session for potential minority business franchises in cooperation with the IFA.

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory described his city’s Shop 52 program which targets businesses opportunities in 52 neighborhoods in his city. “Our object is to bring business into these neighborhoods,” stated Mayor Mallory. “We’ve partnered with lending institutions and banks to assist women and veterans owned businesses.” The city has documented over $6 million in unreported purchasing power in the neighborhoods.

The Opening Session Keynote Address was given by former President Bill Clinton. In his remarks, he recognized the two mayors for their work in their cities.