The power, value, and opportunity of franchising was on full display in Washington, DC, this September as franchise leaders showed up to protect, enhance and promote the future of the franchise business model at IFA’s Franchise Action Network.
Hot Dish Advertising’s CEO and IFA Supplier Forum Board Member, Dawn Kane represented franchise marketing and the state of Minnesota as she was able to advocate for franchising and ensure that franchises, franchisors, and those in the Minnesota marketing community have a voice.
Upon her return, Kane stated, “It’s great to see this network and make sure that franchise businesses are heard in Congress, federal agencies, and state and local legislatures.”
A chance to be heard
The Leadership Summit and Franchise Action Network (FAN) Annual Meeting featured C-level executives, franchise owners and supplier partners for an exclusive gathering in the nation’s capital.
It was a chance to learn from national leaders and policymakers about critical issues ranging from the current labor shortages and supply chain challenges to the continued threat to local franchises on employer matters via both legislation and regulation. It was also a valuable opportunity for our national leaders as they learned from the job creators who make their constituent’s success possible, about the issues that were of most importance to them.
Attendees got to join their fellow franchise leaders in the halls of Congress for a day of advocacy to ensure franchising has all the tools and resources needed to build a strong future. Keynotes addresses focused on issues key to franchising and regulatory issues in the coming year, and featured high profile speakers including:
- Senator Joe Manchin
- Senator Bill Haggerty
- Senator Mitch McConnell
- Candidate for Colorado Governor Heidi Ganahl
- US Rep. Troy Carter
- US Rep. Debbie Lesko
- US Rep. Barry Moore
- Dept of Labor Assistant Secretary James Rodriguez
- Dept of Labor Administrator of Wage and Hour Division Jessica Looman
- And many friends of IFA and IFA Foundation
Advocacy pays big dividends
Investing time in advocacy pays incredible dividends as evidenced by franchisee inclusion in the pandemic stimulus and this year’s defeat of key nominations that would have serious negative impacts on the franchise business model. Franchise Leaders know very well that franchising is a catalyst for entrepreneurship. Some call it the most democratic wealth-creation tool in human history. However, the future success of the franchise industry is only partly the hands of franchise leaders. To ensure a brighter future for the franchising industry, elected officials and regulators need to hear from everyone involved from individual franchisors to CEOs.
The biggest lessons learned that can be followed by all, is to stay informed and stay involved.
