IFA Names Weikel Director Of State Government Relations and Public Policy

For immediate release
Contact:
Alisa Harrison, 202-628-8000
Matthew Haller, 202-662-0770
aharrison@franchise.org
mhaller@franchise.org
twitter.com/franchising411

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 17, 2011— The International Franchise Association today announced Wayne Weikel as Director of State Government Relations and Public Policy, as part of its continuing efforts to preserve and enhance the legislative and regulatory climate for the growth of franchising at the state level.

Weikel will spearhead IFA’s state lobbying efforts to educate and engage lawmakers about legislative and regulatory activity related to franchise businesses. He will also participate in national and local coalitions, create forums and educational tools for experts in the franchising community, and promote positive relations between franchisors, franchisees, and state-level elected and appointed government officials.

“Wayne is a highly-respected government relations professional with vast experience in the Massachusetts State House and political community,” said IFA President & CEO Steve Caldeira. “In addition, his work on small business lending and health care legislation at the state level makes him a perfect fit for the IFA.”

Weikel has 11 years of experience working for both Republicans and Democrats in the Massachusetts state legislature, most recently as Chief of Staff to the House Committee on Ways and Means. He also served as Chief of Staff to the Joint Committee on Financial Services and as staff director for the National Conference of State Legislatures Annual Conference Host Committee.

Weikel is a graduate of Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, Mass.

###

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 21 million jobs and $2.3 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
.