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Contact: Alisa Harrison, 202-628-8000

IFA Urges President Bush to Keep the Pressure on Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 12, 2008—Government must act soon to ease the pressure of high energy costs so that franchised businesses can continue creating jobs and making significant contributions to the U.S. economy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) said today during a White House meeting with President Bush.

“The uncertainty of energy supplies is wreaking havoc on unit economics of our members,” said Matthew Shay, IFA president and CEO. “Rising energy and food prices are squeezing the entire industry from travel and tourism to foodservice and automotive. Every option should be on the table for expanded energy production, including offshore drilling. We support President Bush’s call for Congress to act immediately to set us on a course for sound energy policy.”

Shay attended the White House meeting, along with other business organizations and leaders including IFA board member Steve Joyce, president and CEO of Choice Hotels International, to share with President Bush how rising energy prices are squeezing U.S. businesses. 

“Rising energy prices are impacting every level of business, most dramatically on consumer spending,” said Shay. “This translates directly into slower franchise sales, meaning businesses won’t expand as quickly or create jobs at the rate we have seen recently.”

Noting the recent decline in gas prices resulting in part from the renewed discussion about offshore drilling, Shay urged President Bush to take advantage of all available measures at his disposal to help stabilize prices through environmentally sound development of domestic energy resources. “Imagine what prices could be if we actually developed a sound energy policy and didn’t just talk about it?” he asked. “Now is the time to act.”

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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.