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

First Three Quarters’ Union Election Petitions Up 56%, Exceeding all 2021 Petitions

During the first nine months of fiscal year 2022 (Oct. 1-June 30), union representation petitions filed at the National Labor Relations Board have increased 56% -- up to 1,935 from 1,240 during the first three quarters of fiscal year 2021. By May 25, fiscal year 2022 petitions exceeded the total number of petitions filed in all of fiscal year 2021. At the same time, unfair labor practice charges have increased 14.5% -- from 11,451 to 13,106.

Read more: National Labor Relations Board

New Bill Set to Make $6 Billion Accessible to Small Businesses

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) has introduced a bill in the Senate that will make $6 billion usable for small businesses struggling to overcome the financial challenges caused by the COVD-19 pandemic.

Read more: EURweb

BUSINESS SMARTS

Three Things You Are Sacrificing Because of Your Inability to Let Go

As a business owner, the urge to micromanage is really strong for a lot of us. You put a lot of time and energy into building your business. As such, you may have the desire to have a hand in everything surrounding your business. But this desire to control everything, and the micromanaging that follows, can have serious, long-term effects on your business and your ability to be successful.

Read more: Inc.

Why Small Businesses Must Create Empowered, Creative Workplaces Now More Than Ever

Small-business leaders recognize the persistent challenges faced as they strive for stability. Determination, strategy and sometimes a little bit of luck get them to the other side, now an established organization with firm footing and stable futures. That challenge is often the motivation that fuels them as they guide their startups.

Read more: Entrepreneur

CFA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:

Independent Organization of Little Caesars Franchisees Inc. (IOLCF)

www.iolcf.com

History: The Independent Organization of Little Caesars Franchisees Inc. (IOLCF) was formed in 1997 by a group of Little Caesars Pizza store owners/operators for the purpose of coordinating franchisee communications to our franchisor Little Caesar Enterprises Inc. This effort was considered necessary because at the time the Little Caesars system was experiencing significant operational challenges, and the franchisees felt their concerns were not being heard.

Members: We currently have 170 members representing 1,100 stores, which is about 30% of the system.

Did you know? In 2001 the IOLCF was successful in bringing our franchisor to a settlement that ordered changes to the Little Caesars franchise agreement. Among those changes, which granted Little Caesars franchisees significant rights, was the ability to purchase supplies from an outside vendor. A subsidiary business was created by the IOLCF called the Advanced Purchasing Cooperative (APC), whose sole purpose was to contract food and paper supplies for member franchisees. The APC operated 14 years and was dissolved in 2018.