The International Franchise Association (IFA) today urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to reject a “blanket ban on noncompete clauses in franchise agreements,” highlighting that an across-the-board ban would harm franchisors and franchisees, damaging the franchise business model. The comments are in response to the Commission’s recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for its proposed “Noncompete Clause Rule.”
The International Franchise Association (IFA) today released the following statement on Julie Su’s confirmation hearing to serve as U.S. Secretary of Labor before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP). Su was questioned on her history of bias toward franchising, her stance on the joint employer relationship, and her lack of experience:
The International Franchise Association (IFA) announces its support for the Employee Rights Act (ERA) of 2023, introduced today by U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and U.S. Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA) with support from Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Among other key provisions, the Act will clarify the joint employer standard and protect American workers’ freedom of choice in the workplace.
Accomplished franchising veteran joins industry trade association to catalyze continued growth
The International Franchise Association (IFA) today released the following statement on the final, amended version of Arkansas HB 1783, legislation that could have devastated franchise operations in the state and hurt consumer choice. The amended bill, which is now only a technical change to existing statute after significant local business opposition, passed last week and was signed into law today.
The International Franchise Association (IFA) brought its 2023 Open for Opportunity Roadshow to the Dallas-Fort Worth area this week. The Roadshow stop included a roundtable discussion on the state of franchising in Texas, a meeting on investing in Hispanic and Latino businesses in partnership with the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber, and a conversation on supporting veterans in franchising held at the Irving headquarters of Neighborly, the world’s largest home services company. Franchise small business owners, elected officials, and business and community leaders discussed the impact of franchising has on North Texas communities and how the industry can continue to support economic development in the region.
IFA today released the following statement on the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s publication of the final rule changing how affiliation is determined for the purpose of identifying SBA lending program eligibility and the elimination of the Federal Franchise Directory.
Over 110 local businesses in Arkansas have signed onto a letter urging the Arkansas State Legislature to reject HB 1783, outlining concerns about the proposed legislation that would significantly alter how franchises operate, deterring franchises from opening in Arkansas, and negatively impacting consumer choice.