Getting franchising's message to lawmakers: meeting with constituents in the districts is part of an elected official's job.

Even though a number of International Franchise Association member company representatives come to Capitol Hill each September to meet with their members of Congress, building a relationship with your member of Congress back in the district is also important to the future of the franchise industry. They need to know how important franchising is to the nation's economy--and it's up to all of us to get the information out there.

Meeting with constituents in the district is part of an elected official's job. These meetings help policymakers gauge what is important to those living in their district or state and assist in shaping members' priorities in Washington.

IFA staff is available to help facilitate this type of meeting from beginning to end and assist its members in this process. However, if IFA members would prefer to extend the invitation personally, here are some quick tips. To be sure, let us know about your meeting.

* Reach out to the legislator's district office scheduler to determine how the lawmaker prefers to receive official invitations. Legislators receive hundreds of invitations. Those received in a preferred manner (mail, email, fax, phone and so forth) will get attention first. This contact information can be found on a member's website.

* Members of Congress typically need at least one month's notice to work a request into their schedule in the district and are usually in the district only during district work periods and on weekends. The earlier an IFA member submits a request, the better.

* Provide multiple dates and times and include the location for the member's convenience. Flexibility on your part increases the probability of a meeting.

* Provide the member of Congress with personalized information about your company in the district.

* IFA can provide its members with the issue briefing materials for a meeting, including its current policy platform, economic data and other relevant resources. Also, be sure to ask if your legislator has received a FranPAC contribution

* Don't be discouraged if it takes several invitations. Your persistence will pay off and your voice will be heard.

Erica Fitzsimmons is director of political affairs and grassroots advocacy for the International Franchise Association. She can be reached at 202-662-0760 or [e-mail].