For immediate release





Contact:
Alisa Harrison, 202-628-8000
Matthew Haller, 202-662-0770



aharrison@franchise.org


mhaller@franchise.org


twitter.com/franchising411

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2011- Political analyst Stuart Rothenberg will provide his perspective on the state of American politics and a preview of the 2012 elections to hundreds of small business leaders at the International Franchise Association’s 12
^thannual Public Affairs Conference Sept. 13-14 in Washington. 

“We are thrilled to have Stu Rothenberg speak at the IFA Public Affairs Conference,” said IFA President & CEO Steve Caldeira. “His objective and widely-respected analysis of current political issues will serve our members well as they prepare to meet with their elected officials to discuss issues of interest to franchise small businesses.” 

Publisher of the biweekly newsletter
The Rothenberg Political Report, Rothenberg is known for his honest reporting on current issues in American politics and his unbiased clarity in discussions of elections and the nature of politics itself. A regular columnist for Capitol Hill’s
Roll Call, Rothenberg has also contributed op-ed pieces to the
Wall Street Journal, Washington Post,
New York Timesand
Orlando Sentinel. 

A former professor of political science at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania and Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., Rothenberg served as a political analyst for CNN for more than ten years. In 2006, he served as a political analyst for CBS News, followed by a stint as a regular contributor to PBS
NewsHour. His experience as a journalist and analyst has made him a frequent guest on network television news shows such as NBC’s
Meet the Pressand
Todayand ABC’s
This Weekand
Nightline. 

IFA’s annual Public Affairs Conference gathers franchise business leaders in Washington to inform Congress how public policy impacts the economic health of the franchise industry. IFA recently outlined its “

Solutions for the Economy

,” the franchise business community’s public policy goals that encourage economic recovery and job growth. Attendees at the conference will be communicating these goals to lawmakers throughout the conference.
“IFA supports pro-growth public policies that encourage economic recovery and job growth in the franchise business community,” said Caldeira. “These include initiatives that increase small business access to credit, eliminate tax uncertainties, reduce the cost of health insurance and support veterans and minorities as small franchise business owners.”
Over 825,000 franchise businesses contribute $2.1 trillion in economic activity and provide for nearly 18 million jobs.  During the conference, IFA will name two Legislators of the Year, one member of Congress each sides of the aisle who has supported a pro small business agenda, as well as host the Franchisee of Year Awards to recognize outstanding franchisees who have helped to move the industry forward.
IFA’s Public Affairs Conference is supported by Founding and Franchisee of the Year Awards Sponsor ADP. Additional sponsors include Dunkin’ Brands, The UPS Store, HaynesBooone, LLP, Valpak, BeneTrends, Inc. Guidant Financial Group, BrightStar LifeCare, Coverall and Franchise Finance America. 
For more information about the 12th Annual IFA Public Affairs Conference,

click here

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About the International Franchise Association

The International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. Celebrating 50 years of excellence, education and advocacy, IFA protects, enhances and promotes franchising through government relations, public relations and educational programs. Through its awareness campaign highlighting the theme,
Franchising: Building Local Businesses, One Opportunity at a Time,IFA promotes the nearly 18 million jobs and $2.1 trillion of economic activity generated by franchising. IFA members include franchise companies in over 90 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law and business development.