Membership Handbook - International Franchise Association

Government Relations
The mission of IFA’s Government Relations Department
is to preserve and enhance the legislative and regulatory
climate for the growth of franchising worldwide by
providing services and representation that only IFA can
offer. The department monitors legislative and regulatory
activity, conducts lobbying and grassroots
campaigns, participates in national and local coalitions,
creates forums and educational tools for experts in the
franchising community, and promotes positive relations
between franchisors, franchisees, and elected and
appointed government officials and employees.
FRANCHISE RELATIONSHIP LEGISLATION
Proposals to enact additional regulations of the franchise
relationship have been introduced several times in
Congress since 1990 and in state legislatures
throughout the country. IFA pursues a highly active
educational campaign with members of the Congress
and state legislators to heighten awareness of the negative
economic consequences of franchise relationship
legislation. IFA staff continually educates federal and
state lawmakers, especially those serving on the
committees of jurisdiction for franchise relationship
legislation.
REGULATORY ACTIVITY
IFA has long been active in regulatory affairs, both with
the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), the federal agency
with authority for enforcing federal franchise disclosure
regulations, and with the North American Securities
Administrators Association (“NASAA”), the organization
representing state franchise regulators. IFA participates
in the process to revise and improve the FTC’s Trade
Regulation Rule on Franchising, which requires franchisors
to provide to each prospective franchise investor,
prior to the sale of the franchise, comprehensive information
about the franchise system and the rights,
responsibilities and obligations of the franchisor and the
franchisee as part of the franchise investment. IFA also
works closely with state regulators, dating back to the
creation of the first regulations for the “Uniform Franchise
Offering Circular” (“UFOC”) in the 1970’s.
IFA is also active in public policy activities that affect
franchising at the international level, and works in close
cooperation with members of other national franchise
associations.
SMALL BUSINESS ISSUES
IFA lobbies, monitors and actively participates in coalitions
with other national trade associations on small
business issues that have a potentially disproportionate
affect on the franchise community. Issues for which IFA
lobbies include tax and regulatory reform, legal reform,
small business health plans and minimum wage legislation.
POLITICAL EDUCATION AND GRASSROOTS
IFA continues to increase the association’s presence on
Capitol Hill. IFA holds its annual “Franchise Appreciation
Day” each fall. Franchise Appreciation Day gives
IFA members a unique opportunity to learn about the
legislative process, educate their elected officials on the
important role franchising plays back home in the
district and the global economy, and how it directly
impacts the public policy making process.
POLITICAL ACTIVISM & FRANPAC -
FRANCHISING’S POLITICAL ACTION
COMMITTEE
One more way IFA can be an effective public policy
advocate for franchising is through a strong and vibrant
political program. FranPAC creates an opportunity for
IFA members to provide financial support to candidates
for federal office, and a robust PAC means more contributions
to candidates who understand franchising and
who will promote a legislative and regulatory climate
favorable to franchising.
Contact Information:
Government Relations (202) 628-8000
http://www.franchise.org/government.aspx
INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP HANDBOOK 11