The CFA VOICE is the monthly newsletter for Coalition of Franchisee Associations member franchisees. Representing OVER 46,000 franchisees owning over 122,000 franchises and employing over 2.7 million people, CFA is the Voice of the Franchisee.

POLITICAL AND GOVERNMENT NEWS

Abortion Ruling Pushes Businesses to Confront Divisive Politics

The Supreme Court’s decision to end the nation’s constitutional protections for abortion has catapulted businesses of all types into the most divisive corner of politics. Some companies that stayed silent last month — when a draft opinion by Justice Samuel Alito was leaked to Politico — spoke up for the first time, including The Walt Disney Company, which said it will reimburse employees who must travel out of state to get an abortion.

Read more: PBS

SBA Asking for Input on COVID-19 Grants and Loans for Small Business

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is asking for input from small businesses in a bid to gauge customer satisfaction in regards to COVID-19-related relief.

Read more: Small Biz Trends

BUSINESS SMARTS

How to Combat the Death of Customer Service in the Digital Era

The rules of engagement are shifting and customer acquisition has never been more expensive. But savvy retailers can cut through the noise with a little thought and planning. Today, brands have physical, digital and social media to consider, and laws around collecting and tracking consumer data are changing the game. With customer acquisition costs reaching upwards of $100 per customer, it's easier than ever to blow your whole budget just trying to make an impression.

Read more: Entrepreneur 

Three Obvious Signs Your Work Culture Needs a Reboot

We continue to experience post-pandemic employment upheaval. Another 4.4 million U.S. workers voluntarily quit their jobs in April 2022. Today there are over 11 million open jobs. Despite increased wages and bonuses, many people remain on the sidelines. Why are so many jobs going unfilled? The likely cause is a lousy work culture. Here are three obvious signs that your work culture needs a reboot.

Read more: SmartBrief

CFA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:

North American Association of Subway Franchisees (NAASF)

www.naasf.org

History: The North American Association of Subway Franchisees (NAASF) was formed in late 1999 and evolved from a small, appointed board of franchisees (the Subway Franchise Owners’ Advisory Council) to its current structure as NAASF, with board members being elected by Subway franchisees across North America. It is 100% independent from any other Subway board or entity, although NAASF strives to collaborate with all system groups for the betterment of the brand.

Members: Subway currently has over 23,000 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, and NAASF advocates for every franchise owner in each country.

Did you know? The NAASF board of directors was once a 21-member board of elected franchisee directors (three from each of seven regions in the U.S. and Canada). Striving for operational efficiency while maintaining representation, it now consists of nine elected franchise owners with an option for two appointed members. NAASF also collaborates internationally with sister Subway franchisee associations in the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.