THE POWER, VALUE, AND OPPORTUNITY OF FRANCHISING WAS ON FULL DISPLAY AT THE IFA ADVOCACY SUMMIT

By Stephen Rupp, IFA

At a time when franchising is facing constant public policy challenges that stand to fundamentally change the way thousands of franchise owners operate, it’s never been more critical for the entire franchising community, especially local business owners, to come together to protect, enhance and promote franchising.

The Summit was nothing short of a resounding success with hundreds of advocates meeting with Members of Congress and their staff, where they informed lawmakers of the unique impact and endless opportunities franchised businesses have in their states and districts. Advocates urged lawmakers to oppose the National Labor Relations Board’s forthcoming joint employer rule and sign on to a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in support of franchising.

Bipartisan Members of Congress, including U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and Maxwell Frost (D-FL), even jammed out with students from local School of Rock franchises at a one-of-a-kind closing reception. Featured speakers ran the spectrum of D.C. decision makers, including:

• U.S. Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-SD)

• U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ)

• U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern, co-chair of the Congressional Franchise Caucus (R-OK)

• U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX)

• Former FTC Commissioner Christine Wilson

I love this industry more and more every day. I’ll do everything I can to protect it. 

-2023 Participant

 Each participant was able to see firsthand the importance and influence that sharing their stories directly with their lawmakers can have — humanizing the faces behind the brands we all know and love.

From the informative main-stage sessions, to intimate gatherings with D.C. insiders, to passionate speeches from political leaders, the energy was palpable. The passion for franchising and the life-changing opportunities it provides resonated in each part of the Summit — engaging IFA members who touch every part of franchising (franchisees, franchisors and suppliers) to reflect on the ways we can all come together to protect this business model that has done so much for so many people.

Being here allows us to interact with lawmakers and educate them on the power of the franchise business model.

-2023 Participant

 As IFA members return to their businesses, and memories of the flurry of activity at the Summit start to fade, it’s important for all of us to remember that the voice of the business owner — the single mom who started as a crew member and worked until she owned her own store, the veteran who wanted to choose her own path after leaving the service, the entrepreneur that took a chance on themselves to create something they could leave for future generations — those voices are the most important tools to enact change. We all have an opportunity and an obligation to show up and make a difference to protect, enhance and promote franchising. It’s important to make your voice heard throughout the year and I look forward to seeing you at the 2024 Advocacy Summit, September 9-11, 2024.

Stephen Rupp is the senior coordinator, multimedia communications for the International Franchise Association.