January 15, 2025

IFA Meets with Labor Nominee

Yesterday, the IFA team along with IFA Chair Steve Hockett, CEO of Great Clips, and other franchising representatives met with President-elect Donald Trump's choice to lead the Department of Labor (DOL), former Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR).

Why it matters: As a member of Congress from 2023-2024, Ms. Chavez-DeRemer supported franchising on the congressional vote to repeal the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) joint employer rule that would undermine franchising, and IFA leaders thanked her for her support of franchising while addressing their priorities for the year ahead.

What’s next: The U.S. Senate will consider Ms. Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination in the coming weeks.

IFA's Haller Headlines Marquee Media Event

As Washington prepares for the Trump Administration, IFA President and CEO Matt Haller headlined a D.C. media event on January 14 where he previewed our 2025 policy priorities.

Zoom in: Titled “The Road Ahead For America’s Small Businesses,” Haller kicked off a wide-ranging conversation that reminded the audience that, “Franchising is not big business – it’s small business done in a big way.”

• Other speakers included U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK), co-chair of the Congressional Franchise Caucus, and Joe Erlinger, President, McDonald's USA, who told those in attendance that McDonald’s is “not red, not blue, but golden. Everyone can connect with the brand, everyone has had that McDonald’s experience as a customer.”

Look ahead: If you weren't able to make the event, you can watch the livestream here. And check out the map IFA shared with attendees ahead of the inauguration, highlighting the various activities that guests can do at a local franchise while in town. 

Take the 2025 Franchisor Survey!

The fourth annual IFA-FRANdata Franchisor Survey is live, and franchisors are invited to take the survey here.

Why it matters: The survey will close at the end of day Friday, Jan. 17, so please share your brand’s perspective with us this week to help IFA’s powerhouse advocacy to better represent you with new leadership in both Washington, D.C. and many state capitals.

Go deeper: The survey should only take a few minutes to complete, and all survey responses are confidential. You can see the results of last year’s 2024 Franchisor Survey here.

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IFA-Opposed Virginia Franchise Bill Advances

In Virginia, SB 798, spearheaded by Sen. Chris Head, a former homecare franchisee, was reported out of the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee on January 13. IFA's Director of State & Local Government Relations Matthew Kagel offered virtual testimony opposing the bill. 

Why it matters: If passed, the legislation would amend Virginia's franchise law to ensure franchise agreements are governed by state law, as well as introducing a ban against franchise agreements that restrict a franchisee's right to engage in business after the termination of the franchise agreement. The same bill was rejected in the House Labor & Commerce subcommittee last year.

What's next: If the bill passes the State Senate later this week, it then heads to the Assembly fo a hearing in the House Labor & Commerce Committee. IFA will continue opposing the bill. 

IFA Fights Oregon's Anti-Franchise Bills

In Oregon, Rep. Zach Hudson (D-49) introduced two bills this week seeking to revise the state’s franchise law regarding purchasing agreements and the imposition or collecting fees. 

Dig deeper: HB 2584 aims to regulate the financial interactions between franchisors and franchisees by prohibiting franchisors from imposing or collecting fees that were not disclosed in the initial franchise agreement. HB 2590 would prevent franchisors from imposing exclusive purchasing requirements on franchisees, with specific exceptions. 

The big picture: Oregon's Democratic majority in the House and supermajority in the Senate gives these bills a fighting chance to reach the governor's desk. 

California Wildfire Impacts

Our hearts go out to everyone in the vicinity of the California wildfires. So many of your businesses, homes, or communities have been impacted, and we want to let you know that IFA is here to provide support. Whether it’s helping connect you to a government agency or your Member of Congress, don’t hesitate to reach out if IFA can assist. 

The big picture: Our member companies are doing their part to pitch in. In addition to providing refuge, IHG has donated to the American Red Cross for their relief and recovery efforts to support those impacted by the fires. If you have been displaced by a fire in Los Angeles, click here to find a hotel.

• Planet Fitness locations in Los Angeles are offering anyone affected by the fires, including first responders, free access to their facilities. Contact the club near you for more information and hours. 

Zoom out: If your business is helping support the relief effort, we’d love to hear about it and spread the word. Email advocacy@franchise.org to let us know what you are doing for those in need.

January 16 at 12:00 pm ET | IFA Franchisor Forum: Global Trademark Portfolio Management: Strategies for Cost-Effective Protection | REGISTER

January 22 at 2:00 pm ET | Wednesday Wise Webinar: The Five Keys to Unlock Franchise Location Data, Profits, and Expansive Brand Growth | REGISTER

January 29 at 1:00 pm ET | 2025 FBN Webinar | REGISTER

February 10 - 13, 2025 | 2025 Annual Convention, Las Vegas, NV | REGISTER

April 11 - 12, 2025 | International Franchise Show London, ExCeL London | REGISTER

May 4-6, 2025 | IFA Legal Symposium | SAVE THE DATE

May 6-7, 2025 | IBA/IFA Joint Conference | SAVE THE DATE

May 9-10, 2025 | The IFA World Franchise Show, Miami, FL | REGISTER