Georgetown Franchise Management faculty member and program advisor Ben Litalien was the 2011 recipient of the Arthur S. Karp Foundation Award for the "Best Applied Research Paper on Franchising" from the Educational Foundation of the International Franchise Association.  Ben was presented his award for his research on "social franchise" (nonprofit organizations engaging the franchise model in support of their mission) at the 52nd Annual IFA Convention in Orlando, Florida in February.  "I am honored to have my work acknowledged by the IFA and the Karp Foundation", Ben stated, "it holds great promise for helping nonprofit organizations become more self-sufficient in both generating much needed income and creating job opportunities for their clients." John Reynolds, present of the IFA Education Foundation said "the Foundation's annual research award to Ben Litalien is well deserved for his work to bridge the gap between the franchising industry and the world of social enterprise.  Many economic and social issues can be addressed through joining forces."  Ben is finishing his Doctor of Management degree this year at the University of Maryland University College.