In a hearing before the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, franchise owner Jerry Akers testified on behalf of the International Franchise Association (IFA) today sharing the ongoing workforce challenges facing franchise business owners, the continued path to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and his significant concerns with policies such as the PRO Act that could diminish his business and employees.

Business and franchising law veteran joins government relations team, signaling a strategic direction for the organization

The International Franchise Association (IFA) today urged a “no” vote on New Jersey bill A-1958, which the organization warns would undermine the franchise business model in the state. The legislation would insert the state government into private franchise contracts, promote litigation, and diminish brand standards – the foundation of the franchise model. The bill is being considered today by the New Jersey Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee.

HB 2404 advanced Assembly Rules Committee today; legislation would be the most far-reaching franchise law of any state, crush local business ownership opportunities

The International Franchise Association (IFA) today applauded the establishment of the Congressional Franchise Caucus, a bipartisan group of Members of Congress formed to promote and educate about the community contributions of local franchise businesses across the country. The Franchise Caucus is co-chaired by U.S. Reps. Kevin Hern (R-OK), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), and Tony Cárdenas (D-CA).

IFA released the following statement on President Biden’s nominee for U.S. Department of Labor, Julie Su, who currently serves as Deputy Secretary of Labor. IFA cited Su’s track record of policies harmful to franchised businesses and her history of advancing new law rather than enforcing existing law as the role was intended.