FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jenna Weisbord, 310-995-0839
jweisbord@franchise.org
@franchising411
IFA REACTS TO ELECTION RESULTS: NOW THE REAL WORK BEGINS
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9—After a fiercely-contested campaign season, America’s 733,000 franchise businesses who support 8 million jobs and 3.5 percent of U.S. GDP, stand ready to work with congressional leaders and the new administration to bring the country back together by developing a pro-growth economic platform that balances growth in wages for employees and reduces the regulatory burdens placed on small business franchises.
IFA President & CEO Robert Cresanti released the statement below:
“This was truly a historic election, however now that the votes are almost fully counted, the real work begins. The IFA congratulates President-elect Trump on his victory and Congressional Republicans for retaining their majorities and looks forward to working with members of both parties to put the country on a long-term pathway to economic growth.
“The American middle class, upward mobility and opportunity have suffered from the years of political gridlock and business as usual. This election marks a sea change in how the American people expect their elected officials to conduct themselves. We have to find the third way, not the Republican way, not the Democrat way, but the American way.
“Franchising is a uniquely accessible business model that allows Americans to go into business for themselves, but not by themselves. It creates jobs at all levels and upward mobility for those who need it most. In this election, voters clearly rejected candidates who pledged to continue governing by regulatory fiat or impose policies that would destroy jobs and crush small businesses, which are the engine of our economy. We urge the President to strike the massive regulatory state created by the practice of legislation through executive order and for Congressional leaders to repeal these unnecessary, harmful, and overly burdensome regulations, beginning with the newly-broadened joint employer standard and the Department of Labor’s overtime rule.”
The IFA, along with over 1,100 members of the business community, presented a letter of unity to the next president, expressing a desire to work constructively and respectfully. The letter, which was signed by IFA’s Chairman and Managing Partner of NRD Capital Aziz Hashim, demonstrates the commitment the business community has to bring the country together and restore faith in our vital economic and government institutions.
“We must never forget that we have an ongoing duty to lift everyone up and show how important businesses can be in helping to democratize opportunity for all Americans regardless of their background, education or station in life,” explained Hashim. “Franchising is the most accessible pathway to the American Dream and I am proud to sign onto a letter that ensures that message is being spread as widely as possible.”
The letter was also signed by franchise industry leaders: CEO of Sport Clips Gordon Logan, CEO of FASTSIGNS Catherine Monson and CEO of Frannet Jania Bailey. Read the full letter here.
###
About the International Franchise Association
Celebrating 56 years of excellence, education and advocacy, the International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the more than 733,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 7.6 million direct jobs, $674.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy and 2.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology and business development.
1900 K St., N.W., Suite 700 Washington, DC 20006 USA
Phone: +1 202/628-8000 Fax: +1 202/628-0812 www.franchise.org