For immediate release

Contact: Alisa Harrison, 202-628-8000

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 18, 2008—The International Franchise Association (IFA) today urged Congress to take decisive, effective and immediate action to address the rising cost of energy in the United States.

In a joint letter with other leading business organizations to members of both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, IFA said that the skyrocketing cost of oil and gas is now impacting every industry sector, large and small businesses, and every American who relies on gasoline or diesel fuel for work and family needs.

 “Small business is greatly impacted by rising energy prices, and Congress should take quick and aggressive actions to mitigate the long term effects on franchised businesses,” said David French, IFA vice president of Government Relations. “It is imperative that Congress act now to help maintain the business opportunities in communities across that country that franchising helps to facilitate.”

 French said that franchised businesses are particularly impacted by rising energy costs.

 “Many franchised small businesses in the food and hospitality sectors are caught in a brutal fuel price squeeze,” French said.  “Sharply higher costs for energy, food and transportation are cutting into their bottom line while high gasoline costs are keeping customers home and driving down top line revenue.” 

In the letter, the groups said that continued escalation in the price of oil and gas threatens the U.S. economy and is having a devastating impact on the budgets of American households.  “While we support initiatives that encourage conservation and the development of alternative energy sources, these alternatives will not address the U.S. demand for oil and gas for the next quarter century at least,” the groups said.  “Congress needs to act now to increase domestic oil and natural gas production and to adopt policies which will reduce our Nation’s dependence on foreign sources of oil.”

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About The International Franchise Association
The International Franchise Association, the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising, is the preeminent voice and acknowledged leader for the industry worldwide. Approaching a half-century of service with a growing membership of more than 1,300 franchise systems, 10,000-plus franchisees and more than 500 firms that supply goods and services to the industry, IFA protects, enhances and promotes franchising by advancing the values of integrity, respect, trust, commitment to excellence, honesty and diversity. For more information, visit the IFA Web site at www.franchise.org .