Franchising World July Edition
By: Meredith Nethercutt
September marks the International Franchise Association’s 12th Annual Public Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. ADP is the Founding and Franchisee of the Year Sponsor. Why should you participate in this premier event Sept. 13-14 at the JW Marriott?
More than 500 of IFA’s most engaged and active members will be here to witness this foremost advocacy event, and will be leaving their mark on Capitol Hill on issues that directly affect their franchise’s bottom line. The time is now for you to have a seat at the table when decisions critical to your business’s future are made. What will you miss if you don’t dedicate 36 hours to protecting your business?
Read how these conference highlights could make the difference to your franchise.
Let Washington, D.C. Know How You Make a Difference
What’s the best way to influence an undecided lawmaker? The number one way is for constituents to meet face to face with their members of Congress. The Public Affairs Conference offers a very unique opportunity to speak to your federal members of Congress about how your business is helping to move the U.S. economy forward. In fact, small-business owners, especially those from the franchise community, are some of the most respected voices within congressional offices.
Receive Education on Key Franchise Political Issues
By attending IFA’s Public Affairs Conference, you will leave town with a better understanding of how the legislative process truly functions and how individual voters really can make a difference. You will receive multiple political perspectives: from key members of Congress from both political parties, to “Inside the Beltway” pundits, to IFA team experts, the conference gives you access to the decision makers in this country. These experts from Capitol Hill, the Washington community and IFA will be discussing four key issues affecting your business today:
• Employer mandate repeal
• Access to credit
• Tax reform
• Veterans
When the area of government relations is not your full-time job, getting a handle on the issues is a daunting task. Make sure you make this trip to hear how you can be most effective in advocating on behalf of these issues.
Make a Wise Business Investment
Did you know that every year the federal government spends nearly one-third of the gross domestic product of the entire country? That’s a lot of power in the hands of the U.S. Congress. In a time where the economy is front and center on America’s radar, visiting your members of Congress and becoming more educated on issues that directly concern your small business is imperative.
Every day in Washington, Congress is bombarded with letters, phone calls and lobbyist visits from special interest groups opposed to small-business issues. Without your perspective as a franchise constituent, every member of Congress will be less informed when making decisions that influence your business. Your presence in Washington will provide you with the skills to positively impact your bottom line while sending a clear message to Congress that you don’t want the federal government raising the costs of running your business.
Everyone Else Will Be Here
Enjoying the camaraderie of friends pursuing a common goal in franchising is a major benefit of this particular IFA event. Network with your fellow politically-active and engaged franchisors, franchisees and suppliers to hear best advocacy practices while enjoying the hospitality of the nation’s capital. IFA is expecting to surpass last year’s record-setting attendance of more than 500 IFA members who will be in Washington, D.C. To help further bolster the event, be sure to bring a fellow franchisor or franchisee with you.
Enjoy Hospitality at Its Finest in the
Nation’s Capital
In addition to the serious work of lobbying elected officials, plan to enjoy two evenings of great hospitality during the conference. Here’s a sneak preview of three evening reception events:
• Leadership & Franchisee of the Year Awards Dinner (Sept. 13): The welcome reception at the JW Marriott is once again going to honor those who have made a difference in the franchise community this year. Come celebrate and gather with your friends and allies in the franchising world. Make sure you nominate a franchisee this year:
www.franchise.org/publicaffairs.aspx
.
• Congressional Reception (Sept. 14): Enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres and cocktails with members of Congress and staff, along with your fellow delegates. This not-to-be-missed event will be a highlight of this year’s conference.
• FranPAC Congressional Dinner (Sept. 14): As part of this year’s Public Affairs Conference, IFA will hold its annual FranPAC Congressional Dinner at Washington D.C.’s exclusive restaurant Central. The private dinner will offer cuisine from celebrated restaurateur Michel Richard, and will provide guests who donate to IFA’s political action committee, FranPAC, a unique view of Pennsylvania Avenue and the nation’s capital. For more information about the dinner or FranPAC in general, contact IFA Director of Political Affairs Victoria Adams at 202-662-0781.
Why Not Attend?
IFA knows you have other obligations keeping you occupied during these busy months. However, it you are not in Washington from Sept. 13-14, you’ll miss a valuable opportunity to educate your representatives in Congress about the issues affecting your bottom line. It’s not too late: visit
www.Franchise.org/publicaffairs.aspx
now to register.
While IFA understands that economic troubles are continuing to plague small businesses right now, there is no price tag on the future of your franchise if these bills are signed into law. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to participate in key decisions on the issues that matter.
REGISTER: Register online at
www.franchise.org/publicaffairs.aspx
Also, if you have yet to join the association’s social media sites online, please “friend” Franchise Congress on Facebook, and be sure to follow our updates on Twitter (@Franchising411 and @FranchiseCong). The latest Public Affairs Conference information will be posted on these sites as updates occur.
Meredith Nethercutt is director of advocacy for the International Franchise Association. She can be reached at 202-662-0760 or
mnethercutt@franchise.org
.