For immediate release
Contact: Alisa Harrison, 202-628-8000
aharrison@franchise.org
www.twitter.com/IFADC
WASHINGTON, DC, June 29, 2009—The International Franchise Association today announced the addition of a new Director of Advocacy as part of its efforts to enhance grassroots and outreach activities.
Meredith Nethercutt has joined the IFA staff as director of advocacy, a newly created position, to manage the development and implementation of the IFA Franchise Congress, a new grassroots program designed to bolster the franchise industry’s advocacy efforts and ensure its voice is heard on key legislative and regulatory issues.
“We are pleased that Meredith has joined our government relations team,” said David
French, IFA vice president of Government Relations. “Her extensive experience in grassroots advocacy will help us achieve our aggressive goals for Franchise Congress and build local relationships one opportunity at a time.”
Before joining IFA, Nethercutt was manager of Political Affairs and Grassroots at the National Restaurant Association and worked previously as grassroots coordinator for the Associated Builders and Contractors.
IFA launched the Franchise Congress initiative in April to enhance its nationwide network of franchise business advocates who are tasked with the job of providing information about the importance of franchising to the nation’s economy and how certain laws and regulations impact local economies to targeted lawmakers.
IFA is actively recruiting participants in key states during the initial phase of Franchise Congress. The first meeting of the Franchise Congress delegates will occur during IFA’s Public Affairs Conference (formerly Franchise Appreciation Day) held in Washington DC, September 14-15. Registration is now open for the event, IFA’s annual member fly-in to meet face to face with members of Congress. Members interested in attending can find event information, schedule and registration here.
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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 nearly 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.
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