10 key states targeted as IFA launches "Franchise Congress": nationwide network to create franchise-business advocates.

To bolster the franchising industry's advocacy efforts and ensure its voice is heard on key legislative and regulatory issues, the International Franchise Association has launched a new grassroots program. To be known as "Franchise Congress," the efforts will create a nationwide network of franchise-business advocates who will target specific elected officials with information about the importance of franchising to the nation's economy and how certain laws and regulations affect local economies.

"The goal is to raise awareness about the power of franchising and its importance to local communities among policymakers in Washington and in states around the country," said IFA Pres. and CEO Matthew Shay. "We want to ensure that elected members of Congress have a relationship with at least one franchise business owner in their state or district. With Franchise Congress, we will build local relationships, one opportunity at a time. This enhanced grassroots initiative is a major part of the franchise awareness campaign IFA launched last year highlighting our new tagline, 'Franchising, building local businesses, one opportunity at a time'."

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UPS Store President Stuart Mathis, a member of IFA's board of directors, will serve as the initiative's franchisor chairman and Mr. Rooter of Sonoma County, Calif. owner Saunda Kitchen will serve as franchisee chairwoman. "A strong grassroots program is critical to ensure the franchising industry is heard on key issues," said Mathis. "I'm honored to be a part of this important initiative and I encourage all franchisors to get involved."

"Franchisees can create a formidable force if we all get involved in public affairs," Kitchen said. "Franchise Congress will provide the best opportunity for franchisees to make a difference on the issues that impact their bottom lines."

IFA has targeted 10 key states for the initial phase of Franchise Congress, including Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee and Virginia. Each state will be served by a voluntary chairperson to coordinate activities. Additional states will be added in future phases for an overall goal of reaching each U.S. state. The first meeting of the delegates will occur during IFA's Public Affairs Conference (formerly Franchise Appreciation Day) in September in Washington, D.C. IFA members interested in getting involved should contact the IFA Government Affairs Department at 202-628-8000.

"The launch of the Franchise Congress initiative coincides with a crucial time in Washington," Shay said. "We face unique challenges as lawmakers address the recession, health insurance reform, immigration reform and tax policy. Now, more than ever, franchise businesses can play a key role in helping to shape constructive policy outcomes for the major issues."

IFA Offers Strong Support of Entrepreneur Bills

Seven "Entrepreneurial Development" bills under consideration by the U.S. House Small Business Committee have gained the strong support of the International Franchise Association. The Veterans Business Center Act, H.R. 1803 and the Expanding Entrepreneurship Act, H.R. 1842, were singled out by the association for special attention.

The Veterans Business Center Act would provide for creation of facilities to focus on the entrepreneurial development, counseling and instruction assistance for veteran-owned businesses. It also requires that SBA develop and implement an annual training program establishing educational support and development of best practices for the personnel of the Veterans Business Centers. H.R. 1803 will also spur the creation of programs that specifically assist veteran-owned small businesses in securing necessary financing or capital.

In a letter to House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia Velazquez, IFA Vice Pres. of Government Relations David French wrote: "IFA supports H.R. 1803 and its goal of assisting veteran-owned small businesses and veterans transitioning from military service to business ownership.

IFA also supports the Expanding Entrepreneurship Act, which will require the development of a strategic entrepreneurial development program utilizing all existing initiatives such as the Small Business Development Centers, Women's Business Centers, SCORE and Veterans' Business Outreach Centers. Congress should encourage the SBA to utilize IFA's ongoing development programs together with IFA members' years of experience in franchise-business development, the IFA message urged.

The legislation also calls for SBA offices in every region to coordinate efforts to develop a database of entrepreneurial development programs available including partnering with third-party groups' associations.