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.

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Meineke Dealers Association.

CFA IN THE NEWS

On June 7, Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Peter Welch (D-VW), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and JD Vance (R-OH) along with Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Lance Gooden (R-TX), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) and Tom Tiffany (R-WI) reintroduced the Credit Card Competition Act of 2023 (CCCA). As one of CFA’s top legislative priorities, CCCA requires banks with more than $100 billion in assets to require a network other than Visa or Mastercard as an option for consumers. The Merchant Payments Coalition, of which CFA is a member, estimates that this increased competition would save businesses and their customers at least $11 billion a year.

POLITICAL AND GOVERNMENT NEWS

Small Businesses Gained 235K Jobs in May, ADP Research Institute Reports

Small businesses gained 235,000 jobs in May, according to the May ADP National Employment Report. Overall, including small, medium and large businesses, the job gain was 278,000.

Read more: Small Business Trends

California Assembly OKs Bill Making Fast-Food Franchisors Liable for Franchisees Labor Practices

Fast-food franchisors would be accountable for the employment policies and practices of their franchisees in California under a bill passed. The measure essentially codifies that large chains are by definition the joint employers of franchisees’ workers, a designation franchisors have been vigorously fighting in California.

Read more: Restaurant Business Online



Small Business Administration Guidance Streamlines Process for Loans to ESOPs

The intent behind the Main Street Employee Ownership Act was to promote the establishment of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) by small employers through the removal of requirements that historically made it difficult to attain loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to finance an ESOP. In keeping with the policy goals for the MSEOA, the SBA has recently released guidance helpful for ESOPs seeking loans from the SBA.

Read more: JD Supra

Stopping the WOTUS Rule Is a Win for Small Business

Earlier this year, a new rule called Waters of the United States (WOTUS) was issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The rule changed what types of activities and bodies of water fall under federal jurisdiction and require federal permits for farmers, home builders and other landowners and businesses with plans to use their property.

Read more: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS SMARTS

Three Tips to Set Yourself Apart With Unique Branding

Branding is a powerful way to build a loyal customer base. However, competition in most industries is fierce and standing apart from the pack is challenging. Here are a few tips to help you set your company and its products apart with unique branding.

Read more: Forbes

How To Be a Better Manager: The Theory of the Elephant and the Rider

Leading a team can be a lot of work, and for many business owners and leaders, their first real experience leading a team is when they start their own businesses. This is why it's imperative that you take the time and energy to hone your management skills along the way to help your business grow and thrive.

Read more: Inc.