The CFA VOICE is the monthly newsletter for Coalition of Franchisee Associations member franchisees. Representing OVER 46,000 franchisees owning over 118,000 franchises and employing over 2.6 million people, CFA is the Voice of the Franchisee.

CFA IN THE NEWS

Credit Card Swipe Fees Put on the Back Burner – Again

Despite hopes of being included as an amendment to Congress’ much-anticipated funding package, the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) was pulled from consideration prior to the passage of a 45-day continuing resolution to fund the government. As you may recall, VISA and Mastercard have a stronghold in the market, controlling nearly 80% of all transactions. The CCCA would drive down one of the most expensive costs for franchisees and save businesses an estimated $11 billion a year.

Bill sponsors Sens. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) were promised that CCCA would receive a vote before the end of the year; they will continue to propose CCCA as an amendment to appropriate legislation until that promise is kept.

POLITICAL AND GOVERNMENT NEWS

NLRB Expands Scope of Protected Activity

A new ruling from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) adopts a broader test for what is considered “protected concerted activity” in the workplace. Workers will now have an easier time getting legal protection for speaking out about workplace conditions.

Read more: New England Biz Law Update

California Governor Vetoes Two Employment Law Bills

California lawmakers have recently passed several bills that will affect companies doing business in the state, two of which have been vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. This is welcome news to companies, although several bills that will have widespread effect throughout the state have been (and likely will be) signed into law.

Read more: The National Law Review

California Gov. Newsom Signs Landmark Fast-Food Wage Bill Into Law

The minimum wage for 557,000 fast-food workers in California will rise on April 1, to $20 an hour, a 29% increase from the current pay floor of $15.50. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law that sets that rate as the starting point for a new way of establishing quick-service wages within the state.

Read more: Restaurant Business Online

Alabama Gov. Ivey Announces Major Tax Reform to Benefit Small Businesses

Gov. Kay Ivey announced the implementation of a major tax reform initiative to help Alabama small businesses. More than 3,000 Alabama small businesses will no longer be required to pay monthly estimated sales taxes to the state Department of Revenue.

Read more: The Office of Alabama Governor

BUSINESS SMARTS

Challenges to Owning a Service Franchise and How to Overcome Them

Opening a service franchise comes with a set of distinct challenges that require strategic solutions for success. From managing employee capacity to navigating local markets, service franchise owners must be prepared to overcome obstacles to ensure their businesses thrive.

Read more: 1851 Franchise

Making Your Community the Secret Weapon in Rapid Franchise Expansion

I always tell franchisees three things: First, don't even think about growing until you have great general managers in place. Second, start your initial growth with more locations of what's already working. And finally, once you have several successful locations, ramp up expansion with franchise brands that complement each other.

Read more: Entrepreneur