The International Franchise Association today announces its support for the Trademark Licensing Protection Act, which was introduced in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday by Sens. Angus King (I-ME), James Lankford (R-OK), and Joe Manchin (D-WV). The legislation ensures that brand standards, issued by a franchisor to preserve or enhance the brand, may not be used as evidence of employment controls in litigation – critical to the franchise business model.
Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce joined a coalition of California small business owners, restaurant owners, franchisees, employees, consumers, and community-based organizations in an effort to give voters the opportunity to protect Californians and local business owners from the damaging impacts of AB 257, or the FAST Act.
The International Franchise Association (IFA) today released its first annual survey on the impacts of inflationary pressures on franchised businesses. The survey, conducted by FRANdata, revealed that inflation is having a moderate to significant impact on 90 percent of franchised businesses, but being part of a franchise system has helped these businesses navigate rising prices. The report shows that the lodging sector, quick-service restaurants, and child-related services are the most impacted by inflation.
The International Franchise Association (IFA) and the University of Louisville (UofL) today announced a landmark partnership to offer continuing education and certification through the IFA Certified Franchise Executive™(CFE) Program and the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence, part of the UofL College of Business. For nearly 35 years, a CFE designation has been the premier certification in franchising, offering business, leadership and legal education unique to pursuing a career in the franchising industry.
“IFA congratulates Jessica Looman on her nomination to be Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division at the Department of Labor. In recent weeks, our members have had productive conversations with Acting Administrator Looman about the essential role that franchising plays in our economy and why it is critical that the Department of Labor serves to enforce existing law rather than create new policy. We look forward to working together to ensure that the franchise business model is treated fairly, so it can continue to create opportunities in every community around the country.”
Medios invitados a asistir a un panel de discusión dictado en español, sobre oportunidades para Emprendedores Hispanos en el mundo de las franquicias. Panelistas disponibles para entrevistas.
Media Invited to Attend Panel Discussion in Spanish on Opportunities for Hispanic Entrepreneurs in Franchising, Speakers Available for Interviews
“Franchise owners are independent operators, and the NLRB’s joint employment rule proposes to take away their independence,” said Michael Layman, Senior Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs. “Franchising has provided hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life the opportunity to own their own business, and this proposal stands to take that away in favor special interests. This rule is yet another example of government officials stacking the deck against franchising, with small business owners and their employees paying the price.”
“By signing this bill, Gov. Newsom is siding with special interests rather than the people and small businesses of California,” said IFA President and CEO Matthew Haller. “This bill has been built on a lie, and now small business owners, their employees, and their customers will have to pay the price. This bill is a fork in the eye to franchise owners and customers at a time when it hurts most. IFA continues to hear over and over how local franchises do not know how they will be able to make it once this bill goes into effect. Underrepresented communities will be hit hardest.”
International Franchise Association President and CEO Matthew Haller today released the following statement urging Governor Newsom to veto Assembly Bill 257, the so-called Fast Recovery Act, after the Senate’s passage today.