July 2007 Franchising World 

Florida 13th Dist. U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan was honored with a fund-raising breakfast by the International Franchise Association earlier this year. Buchanan, a former IFA member, founded American Speedy Printing, which grew through franchising to open more than 700 stores in 44 states, serves on the House Small Business and Transportation Committees. 

Currently serving his first term, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan was sworn in to office on Jan. 4, 2007. A strong fiscal conservative, the congressman has also introduced the Buchanan Balanced Budget Amendment Act to require a balanced federal budget and the Earmark Accountability and Reform Act to reform the process through which federal funds are “earmarked” for pet projects.

The businessman is a respected leader in Florida’s business community. He chaired both the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of the board of directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, Buchanan has given both time and money to diverse community causes, including the Boys and Girls Club, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, the Walk to Cure Juvenile Diabetes, the American Heart Walk, the Mote Marine Laboratory and the Ringling Museum of Art.

Buchanan was elected on Nov. 7, 2006 to serve Florida’s 13th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure, Veterans and Small Business Committees.