25 LC 112 3097
Senate Resolution 313
By: Senators Esteves of the 35th, Halpern of the 39th, Orrock of the 36th, McLaurin of the
14th, Kemp of the 38th and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending Lawrence J. "Doc" Cohen; and for other purposes.
1
WHEREAS, Lawrence J. "Doc" Cohen is a pioneering entrepreneur and franchise leader who2
founded Deblan Corporation and Cookie Associates, developing 35 Great American Cookie3
Company (GACC) units across seven states and operating eight of the top ten4
highest-volume stores in the chain; and5
WHEREAS, he played a key role in the growth and success of the Great American Cookie6
Company franchise system, serving as the founding president of its Franchise Advisory7
Council and co-founding the Independent Association of Great American Cookie8
Franchisees, where he serves as a permanent member of the Executive Committee; and9
WHEREAS, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership within the International Franchise10
Association (IFA), serving as its treasurer for five years and earning distinction as the second11
franchisee in history to serve as chairman of its Board of Directors; and12
WHEREAS, he was the first franchisee in the world to earn the designation of Certified13
Franchise Executive from the IFA Educational Foundation and has served as a trustee, chair14
S. R. 313
- 1 - 25 LC 112 3097
of the Board of Trustees, and recipient of the foundation's highest honor, the William
15
Rosenberg Leadership Award; and16
WHEREAS, he has further worked to advocate for the needs of small businesses and17
franchising, serving as a delegate representing the State of Texas at the Third White House18
Conference on Small Business, testifying before committees of the United States Senate and19
House of Representatives, and actively participating in IFA's legislative and advocacy20
efforts; and21
WHEREAS, he has contributed significantly to philanthropic and community initiatives,22
serving on the Board of Trustees for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, supporting23
educational initiatives such as the Hakeem Olajuwon BEST Campaign, and serving on24
numerous advisory and nonprofit boards; and25
WHEREAS, his leadership, innovation, and dedication to the franchise industry have left a26
lasting impact, making it abundantly fitting and proper that he be appropriately honored.27
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body28
recognize and commend Lawrence J. "Doc" Cohen for his many outstanding career29
contributions to the franchise industry as well as extend best wishes for future health and30
happiness.31
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed32
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Lawrence J. "Doc"33
Cohen.34
S. R. 313
- 2 -