The CEO of FASTSIGNS International Inc. will continue to lead this international-focused association.
In a first in the International Franchise Association’s history, Catherine Monson, CEO of signage franchisor FASTSIGNS International, Inc., will begin her second year as chair of the IFA.
She was first appointed as chair back in February 2020, right before a global pandemic shook up every aspect of the franchise industry. During the beginning of her tenure, Monson oversaw the creation of a FASTSIGNS preparedness site, as well as running weekly Connect with Catherine meetings to keep her franchise network informed of current goings-on.
Alongside this, she created weekly motivational videos for both FASTSIGNS and the IFA, and supported the network of 740 FASTSIGN locations, as well as suppliers, her corporate team, the newly-acquired NerdstoGo brand, and IFA members.
“I’m honored to be elected to serve in a second year as chair of the IFA and help lead the franchising industry through various seasons of uncertainty and recovery,” said Catherine Monson. “The IFA continues to provide franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers with resources to successfully achieve their goals as business owners and develop a positive outlook, so they, in turn, can successfully lead through these challenging times.”
Monson has served on the board of directors for the IFA since 2008, and has worked to further the association’s mission of protecting, enhancing, and promoting franchising through government relations, public relations, educational programs, and enhancing member value.
In 2009 she was honored by the IFA with the prestigious Bonny LeVine Award, which is bestowed on female franchisors or franchisees who demonstrate ability in franchising through contribution to the growth of the business, contributions to her community through board positions, volunteer work and activities that promote the professional advancement of women, and contributions as a mentor to women in franchising.
Monson has also been a panelist or facilitator in breakout sessions at every IFA Convention since 2006 and has served as keynote speaker for the 2016 IFA Convention, the Australian Franchise Convention in 2016, the Brazilian Franchise Association in 2016, the Canadian Franchise Association Convention in 2017 and the New Zealand Franchise Association in 2018.
“I love franchising; franchising enables people to own their own business, build wealth for their families, create jobs in the local market, and create economic growth by benefiting from the power of a brand along with the brand’s marketing, advertising, training, and support,” said Monson. “I look forward to serving the franchising community through my appointment and doing my part to protect, promote and enhance franchising.”
