The International Franchise Association has just named Catherine Monson, CEO of Fastsigns International, as the advocacy group’s new chair. The appointment was announced at this year’s convention in Orlando, US.

Monson has headed up Fastsigns, which operates in Australia as Signwave, for the past 12 years. She is a strong advocate for small business enterprise and franchising, has served on the board of directors for the IFA, and has been a panellist or speaker at every IFA convention since 2006.

In 2020 Monson’s work as chair will focus on education and promotion of best practice franchising, increasing association membership, and continuing with the IFA’s Government Relations (GR) outreach.

Monson said her election to the role of IFC chair was a huge honour.

IFA chair a strong franchise advocate

“I love franchising; franchising enables people to own their own business and benefit from the power of a brand along with the brand’s marketing, advertising, training and support. I look forward to serving the franchising community through my appointment and doing my part to protect, promote and enhance franchising.”

Past committees she has worked on include the Women’s Franchise Committee, the Educational Foundation Research Committee, the Franchise Relations Committee, the Benchmarking Task Force and the Franchise Relations Best Practices Task Force.

In 2009, Monson received the Bonny LeVine Award for her work supporting women in franchising.

Signwave part of Fastsigns group

This year the Fastsigns business celebrates 35 years of trading. The business that began in North America has now spread worldwide with more than 725 independently owned and operated outlets across nine countries including the US.

The franchisor has found success in Canada, Chile, the UK, Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, the UAE, Malta, France, and Australia (where the franchises operate as Signwave.

The business model provides comprehensive signage and visual graphic solutions to businesses of all sizes.