Teams from the International Franchise Association visited the Democratic and Republican National Conventions in July to spread the positive impacts of franchising and strengthen the connections with candidates and existing legislators to help protect the franchise business model.

By Miriam Brewer, CFE, Matt Haller, Dean Heyl, CFE, Nicholas Johns and Kevin Serafino

Last month, several IFA staff attended both the Republican National Committee (RNC) and Democratic National Committee (DNC) Conventions. Dean Heyl, CFE, IFA Vice President of Government Relations and Tax Counsel, and Nick Johns, IFA Coordinator of Government Relations, traveled to Cleveland for the RNC gathering. Matt Haller, IFA Senior Vice President of Media Relations & Public Affairs, Kevin Serafino, IFA Senior Manager of Government Relations & Public Policy, and Miriam Brewer, Senior Director of Education and Diversity, were in Philadelphia for the DNC event.

While each party’s respective presidential nominations dominated the conventions, there were many functions dedicated to other federal/state candidates and causes. All of these functions provided IFA exposure to elected officials as well as excellent opportunities to inform decision-makers about issues affecting the franchise model.

In addition to attending the RNC Convention itself, Heyl attended a Freedom Works panel, where CKE Restaurants Holdings President and CEO Andy Puzder, a member of the IFA Board of Directors, gave an impassioned speech on how over-regulation is harming America’s businesses. Additionally, Puzder was a member of the RNC Platform Committee and was instrumental in having a plank added to the platform, which included language supporting the franchise business model and condemning the National Labor Relations Board’s actions related to the expansion of the joint employer standard. It should also be noted that Elizabeth Taylor, IFA Vice President of Federal Government Relations and Counsel, earlier formally submitted a similar plank suggestion to the RNC.

Heyl, a Board Member of the Republican National Lawyers Association (RNLA), spoke at an RNLA reception honoring former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Rep. Pete King (R-N.Y.), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt.

Johns spent his time at the RNC networking with Senate and House staffers, while informing them about the benefits of the franchise business model. He also attended a charity event where Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) spoke about the importance of taking care of veterans.

IFA was also well-represented at the DNC Convention in Philadelphia. Haller attended events for pro-franchising Democrats including Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) hosted by the International Council of Shopping Centers, IFA’s ally on the joint employer issue. Haller also attended events organized by the National Retail Federation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Creative Coalition, and several media events with POLITICO, the Washington Post and Morning Consult. 

Serafino attended events with the Democratic Governors Association and California’s convention delegation, as well as a post-nomination celebration hosted by the Clinton campaign that was attended by presidential nominee Hillary Clinton herself. He interacted with congressional aides and campaign staff from various states, and spent time assisting VIP attendees in a volunteer role with the DNC Philadelphia Host Committee.

Brewer attended the DNC in a different capacity — she interacted with attendees educating them on franchising as a means of business ownership. Brewer also had opportunities to engage individuals such as Buffalo, N.Y. Mayor Byron Brown and received an invitation to return to Buffalo to conduct a one-day franchise education program. Brewer seized opportunities to chat with Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and civil rights attorney Gloria Allred. Brewer also attended powerful Women’s, Small Business Owners and Black Caucuses that included speakers such as Interim DNC Chair Donna Brazille, former Attorney General Eric Holder, former Secretary of State Madeline Albright and former SBA Administrator Karen Mills.

Miriam Brewer, CFE, is IFA’s Senior Director of Education and Diversity and Matt Haller is Senior Vice President of Media Relations & Public Affairs. Dean Heyl, CFE, is Vice President of Government Relations and Tax Counsel and Nick Johns is IFA Coordinator of Government Relations. Kevin Serafino is Senior Manager of Government Relations & Public Policy. Find them at fransocial.franchise.org.

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