FAN State Action Captains: Leadership on the Front Lines of Franchising

To create stronger relationships with elected officials, other business organizations and franchise small-business community members in each state, IFA’s Franchise Action Network is establishing statewide “captains,” charging them with building stronger network structures in their state.

By Ryan Kennedy

With a sharp eye on state and local efforts to protect, promote, and enhance the franchise business model, IFA's Franchise Action Network launched the State Action Captain program this year to engage franchisees, franchisors, and suppliers in every corner of the U.S. to stand up for their businesses and push back against the surge of government overregulation. 

Driven by active members of the franchise community, the FAN State Action Captain program empowers local leaders to educate and influence their elected officials at every level. FAN Action Captains serve a critical role in pushing legislative initiatives forward by collaborating with and rallying their statewide network to join these efforts. 

Action Captains accomplish these goals by recruiting colleagues into FAN, attending the FAN Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., hosting business roundtables with their elected officials, and other important activities that ultimately increase the exposure of the network, leading to more franchise victories in state capitals and in Washington, D.C. 

Growing Ranks of Advocates

Since its inception in 2014, the Franchise Action Network has reached every state and congressional district in the U.S., growing to more than 12,000 advocates, or FANs. Behind many familiar logos and trusted brands are small-business owners seeking to increase opportunity — not just for themselves — but for their entire communities. FAN seeks to do just that by uniting those in the franchise business model to create a nationwide platform to both advance and defend their businesses. With great success thus far, FAN sets its sights on growing even greater by reaching all franchise owners, executives, and suppliers across the country. 

FAN represents IFA's grassroots advocacy wing and enables thousands of individuals to deliver letters of influence directly to their elected officials. Since August 2015, FAN has sent more than 22,000 messages to senators, representatives, assembly members, council members, mayors, and other leaders at the federal, state and local levels. 

The establishment of the State Action Captain program is another stride in FAN’s emergence as a leading grassroots network. FAN has state captains representing a variety of franchised industries including vehicle repair services, janitorial services, quick service restaurants, fitness systems, and many others. In addition, several state captains represent IFA's supplier membership base. With franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers making up the state captain roster, FAN becomes a stronger, more diverse group capable of both reaching a wider audience and focusing in on unique issues. 

Success Due to FAN Member Engagement

Looking ahead to 2017, IFA will rely heavily on FANs around the country to help push legislative efforts in several states. Following up on a successful 2016 for state joint employer fixes, IFA will take on an ambitious target list in hopes of alleviating the burdensome August 2015 joint employer ruling handed down by the National Labor Relations Board. 

Target states for 2017 include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, North and South Carolina, North and South Dakota, and Wyoming. Much of the success in passing this year’s state joint employer bills can be attributed to member engagement at the local level in testimonies, meetings with officials and letters of support. 

The Franchise Action Network has recruited State Action Captains for nearly every state; however a few vacancies remain. Connecticut, Georgia, Mississippi, Nevada, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming are in need of strong advocates to step up as FAN State Action Captains and help IFA lead the charge on the ground. 

If you reside in or own a business in one of these states and are interested in  learning more, contact IFA’s Ryan Kennedy at [email protected].

Ryan Kennedy is Manager of Public Affairs & Grassroots Advocacy for the International Franchise Association.