New Association Manager Appointed to Coalition of Franchisee Associations

Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA), known as “the voice of franchisees,” has announced Greg Fry as the organization’s new association manager.

Fry, who joined CFA’s professional management company, Elevanta, in July 2023, plans to focus on leveraging the collective strengths of independent franchisee associations for the benefit of member franchisees. Fry has spent the last 20 years in different facets of association management. Prior to Elevanta, he spent nine years as the executive director of an equine sports association, where he grew their membership to over 20,000 members. Fry plans to leverage his extensive association management experience in growing CFA. CFA brings together some of the largest associations in the U.S. to provide a forum for members to share best practices, knowledge and resources for improvement, planning and development. Its efforts are focused on government affairs at the state and federal levels, franchisee education and training, executive leadership development and collective buying opportunities.

“Given the significant challenges facing CFA members from legislative and regulatory authorities, CFA’s importance cannot be overstated. Its leadership, from the board to management, is well-positioned to represent CFA during these pivotal times,” said CFA Chairman John Motta. “As a respected industry organization, CFA plays a vital role in advocating for the industry’s interests and ensuring its members’ continued success. With its extensive network of experienced professionals and commitment to its members, CFA will continue to be an essential voice in the industry’s ongoing evolution.”

Elevanta will work alongside Fry to provide executive leadership, meeting planning, accounting and finance, communications and other management services to CFA and eleven additional franchisee association clients. CFA and Fry are fully supported by Elevanta’s extensive experience and expertise in association management.

From its founding in 2007, CFA has grown to include 19 different associations in industries including restaurants and hospitality, car care, beauty and personal care services, convenience stores and fitness representing franchisees of well-known brands as Dunkin Donuts, BURGER KING, Subway, Meineke Car Care Centers, Buffalo Wild Wings and Supercuts, among many others.

About Coalition of Franchisee Associations

Coalition of Franchisee Associations, representing more than 46,000 franchisees who own over 121,000 businesses, which employ over 2.6 million individuals, is the largest franchisee-only association in the country. Its members make up the largest and most reputable independent franchisee associations with a mission “to leverage the collective strengths of franchisee associations for the benefit of the franchisee community.” CFA — with headquarters in Washington, D.C. — is committed to providing vital support and assistance to the franchisee community at large. To learn more about the organization, please visit http://www.thecfainc.com.

About Elevanta LLC 

Elevanta is an association management and professional services firm offering a robust suite of services to franchisees and business owners across a range of industries. Specializing in association management, event and meeting planning, communications and insurance solutions, Elevanta is a proven industry leader, guiding business owners in brands that include BURGER KING, Buffalo Wild Wings, Meineke Car Care Centers, Supercuts and QDOBA. The robust suite of services and programs provided through Elevanta is designed to meet the needs of your business and elevate your success. 

Contact: Greg Fry
CFA Association Manager
gregf@elevanta.com
678-797-5160

CFA Responds to NLRB Joint Employer Ruling

After much anticipation and apparently justified trepidation, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), released its 2023 final rule regarding a new standard for determining joint-employer liability for alleged violations of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). While the Coalition of Franchise Associations (CFA) agrees that a franchisor can legitimately be determined to be a joint employer of its franchisees’ employees in certain egregious cases, we believe that this new rule wrongly and needlessly goes far beyond such rare and identifiable situations.

The new standard set forth by the NLRB is far more encompassing, intrusive and unnecessary if its goal truly is to protect employees and allow small businesses to exist in their local communities independent of their franchisor. If the rule is implemented as stated, it will have unintended, and perhaps intended, consequences that will severely damage the franchisor/franchisee relationship. By requiring unprecedented franchisor oversight, in order to avoid joint employer liability, this rule could potentially reduce the number of opportunities for Americans to create small businesses, the jobs that come with them, and act to further suppress the wages of employees nationwide. Financial resources, that would otherwise be dedicated to training and wages, will instead be siphoned off to trial lawyers and litigation. Moreover, the new rule will negatively impact currently healthy franchise and employment relationships and exacerbate those that are already strained and/or dysfunctional affiliations.

The CFA has many concerns regarding this new rule and seeks immediate clarification from the NLRB that definitively states what does, and does not, constitute joint-employer liability within the inherently unique franchisor/franchisee relationship. Without such clarity, a case-by-case determination can ONLY lead to expensive, extortive and business-destroying litigation. Specifically, CFA requests clarification on acceptable methods regarding development, maintaining and enforcement of brand standards that will not trigger joint-employment liability. In addition, policies involving equipment, fixtures, training, uniforms and store hour requirements as set forth by a franchisor in any franchise agreement, operating manual and/or Franchisor Disclosure Document must be addressed with specificity so as to alleviate threats of joint liability for both franchisors and franchisee. It is simply irresponsible to leave parties with their life savings fully invested to a “I’ll know it when I see it litigated” mandate.

The CFA thanks the NLRB for its attention to the franchise industry, but we believe that it has unnecessarily created more confusion and angst in the franchise community through the muddied language of this final rule. Ironically, the rule makes it much more likely that franchisees’ workers will eventually become the direct employees of its franchisor – a separate conglomerate that has no knowledge of an employee’s identity or individual concerns – rendering them faceless minions in an out of state profit center with no flexibility or desire to address the employees’ needs. They will become faceless and replaceable numbers, not people known to a local franchise owner. The additional costs associated with compliance and implementation of this rule will, undoubtedly, harm the well-being, financial prospects and legal standing of all parties involved. The CFA firmly believes that implementation of the new rule as it presently exists will work to eliminate the local businesses that drive our industry and, instead, transfer that economic potential into large, publicly traded conglomerates that have little stake in the day-to-day operations and no vested interest in local community involvement that is the cornerstone of the franchise model.

We Need the Workers That the American Dream Is Attracting

It is no secret that the Washington establishment, both Republicans and Democrats, are increasingly frustrating to those of us who live and work outside of their DC bubble. As Chairman of the Coalition of Franchisee Associations, I have been travelling to Washington for years now, on my own dime, to talk and plead with our lawmakers regarding the critical labor shortage we have in this country. Yet after this last week of meetings, my level of frustration reached an all-time high as I believe our leaders have reached an all-time low.

In my lifetime, if anyone said that “jobs” was a major issue, it was because there was a lack of them available to people. Today, “jobs” is a major issue because we do not have enough people who work – and this problem is just as serious as any sky-high unemployment number we have faced in our country’s history. Much of today’s economic issues and problems, from supply chain, to inflation, to productivity and global competition, are a result of the lack of individuals who are willing and able to join the workforce. In fact, right now, there are more people leaving the workforce than entering it.

CFA Announces Membership in CLC

The Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) is proud to announce its membership in the Critical Labor Coalition (CLC). A non-profit organization based in the D.C. metropolitan area, CLC was formed as a result of CFA Chairman, John Motta’s vision and leadership of the CFA to find solutions to address the critical labor shortage that is impacting many franchisees and their businesses across the U.S. CFA recognized this issue and identified potential solutions that were presented to industry organizations. The result of this effort was the development of the CLC, of with CFA is now pleased to continue to support. “We are excited to have CFA onboard and are looking forward to getting franchisees across the country engaged and informed on this issue,” states CFA Association General Manager, Amy Mancuso.  

Comprised of trade associations, nonprofit organizations, corporate and individual business owners, CLC advocates with one voice for policies that incentivize individuals to return to work. With targeted legislative and education efforts, CLC’s mission is to reinvigorate the workforce, stimulate the economy and put money in the pockets of America’s workers. 

Members of CLC include the National Restaurant Association, American Hotel and Lodging Association, Inspire Brands, the National Association of Convenience Stores and many others. To learn more about the Critical Labor Coalition, go to www.criticallaborcoalition.org 

About the Coalition of Franchisee Associations 

The Coalition of Franchisee Associations, representing more than 46,000 franchisees who own over 121,000 businesses, which employ over 2.7 million individuals, is the largest franchisee-only association in the country. Its members make up the largest and most reputable independent franchisee associations with a mission “to leverage the collective strengths of franchisee associations for the benefit of the franchisee community.” The CFA — with headquarters in Washington, D.C. — is committed to providing vital support and assistance to the franchisee community at large. To learn more about the organization, please visit http://www.thecfainc.com 

Coalition of Franchisee Associations Meets with the U.S. Department of Treasury to Urge Deductibility of PPP Loans

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Lucila Garcia, (323) 646-2150

                                                                                  LucilaGarcia@Rational360.com

COALITION OF FRANCHISEE ASSOCIATIONS MEETS WITH THE

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY TO URGE DEDUCTIBILITY OF PPP LOANS

 

Coalition of Franchisee Associations Members from Hotel, Salon, Food Industry Discuss Negative Impact of Tax Notice on Their Businesses

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 18, 2020) – The Coalition of Franchisee Associations, the largest franchisee-only trade association in the country, announced today their exclusive meeting with U.S. Department of Treasury representatives to express the negative impact that not being able to deduct items purchased with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds is having on their businesses.

 

When Congress created the PPP, its intent was for business expenses paid by PPP to be tax deductible. However, guidance from the IRS states that expenses paid for with PPP funds are now taxable, eliminating the assistance intended by the PPP program.

 

“This legislation was pulled together quickly due to the catastrophic nature of the pandemic. Tax legislation is complicated, and we have seen unintended drafting errors in the past,” said John Motta, chairman of the CFA. “The omission of a provision to make the expenses associated with PPP forgiveness deductible puts a taxpayer in the same place as if the law were silent. Clearly, Congress did not intend that result.”

 

IRS’ notice, issued Aug. 28, interprets items purchased with PPP funds as non-deductible business expenses. By disallowing these business deductions, the IRS is, in effect, taxing forgiven PPP dollars and consequently reducing the actual amount of aid extended to desperate franchisees.

 

“Franchisees are in a place of unprecedented economic distress. Congress and the administration needs to do right by these small-business owners who are struggling through no fault of their own,” said Misty Chally, executive director of the CFA. “The Paycheck Protection Program has been a lifeline to America’s franchisees, and the administration needs to support the intent of the law.”

 

Franchisee representatives included brands: Dunkin’, Asian American Hotel Owners Association, Supercuts, Buffalo Wild Wings and Job Creators Network.

 

U.S. Department of Treasury participants included: Dave Kautter, assistant secretary of the Treasury for Tax Policy; Jeff Van Hove, senior advisor, Office of Tax Policy; and Krishna Vallabhaneni, tax legislative counsel.

 

About Coalition of Franchisee Associations
The Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) is the largest franchisee-only trade association in the country, who brings together some of the largest and most reputable independent franchisee associations. Founded in 2007 and comprised of franchisee association leaders dedicated to the development and growth of their own organization, the CFA is committed to protecting and preserving the value and integrity of franchised businesses. For more information, visit https://thecfainc.com.

Coalition of Franchisee Associations Issues Statement on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 6, 2017) – The Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) applauds the introduction of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It’s time Congress takes on the difficult challenge of updating the tax code and provides an environment that better incentivizes business investments. There are many positives introduced in the Act, such as the simplification of rates for average, American taxpayers; eventual repeal of the estate tax; lowering of certain corporate taxes; expanded deductions of business investments; and others.
“We look forward to being fully engaged in the process to bring forward the concerns of franchise owners,” said Keith Miller, chairman of CFA. “Our representatives need to make sure the franchisees that invest and employ individuals in our local communities have a tax structure that encourages future investment.”
The CFA is concerned, however, about what appear to be steep increases in taxes and complexity for small, pass-through business entities and is actively working with Congress to address these concerns. The elimination of the state and local tax deduction and limited deductibility of interest payments on standard business loans are issues of concern involved in these efforts.
“We need to ensure the tax benefits of this reform benefit the small businesses that are the backbone of growth, jobs and opportunity in the country,” added Robert Branca, CFA vice chair who is currently working on the issue in Washington. “These small businesses are the least able to handle added complexity and cost, and are in most need of tax relief, and we believe lawmakers and the administration want to help them. Our intent is to help show them how best to do that.”
About the Coalition of Franchisee Associations
The Coalition of Franchisee Associations, representing more than 41,000 franchisees who own over 86,000 businesses, which employ over 1.4 million individuals, is the largest franchisee-only association in the country. Its members make up the largest and most reputable independent franchisee associations with a mission “to leverage the collective strengths of franchisee associations for the benefit of the franchisee community.” The CFA — with headquarters in Washington, D.C. — is committed to providing vital support and assistance to the franchisee community at large. To learn more about the organization, please visit http://www.thecfainc.com.

Coalition of Franchisee Associations Supports Treasury Decision to Withdraw Proposed Section 2704 Regulation Changes

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 6, 2017) – The Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) is proud to announce that an effort led by CFA Vice Chair Robert Branca, on behalf of the entire franchising industry, has led to the withdrawal by the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of proposed changes to Section 2704. These changes could have had a substantial impact on franchisees, as limitations in liquidating their franchise assets would have created an over valuation in gift reporting.

Mr. Branca initially commented on the proposed regulation in this letter, which was widely reported in the business, franchising and estate planning industries. In addition, Mr. Branca testified at the proposed rule change hearing on Dec. 1, 2016, and was joined by CFA Chair Keith Miller, who also testified. Both pointed out the many limitations, specific to franchising, that reduce the value upon sale or transfer; therefore, the current rule that allows for discounting on gift reporting is needed.

“This withdrawal reflects the reality that the IRS sought to ignore and will help countless small family businesses remain with family,” Mr. Branca said.

 

Coalition of Franchisee Associations Commends NASAA for Commentary on Financial Performance Representations

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 9, 2017) – In May 2017, the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) approved its “Commentary on Financial Performance Representations” regarding Financial Performance Recommendations (FPRs) made by franchisors under Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). The NASAA commentary provides state regulators with guidance on what is required by both federal and state law if a franchisor chooses to discuss sales and/or profits in its FDD.

Specifically, the NASAA commentary adds seven new sections to Item 19 of the FDD to help guide regulators and protect investors from false or misleading FPRs. These new requirements apply to statements in regard to gross sales, gross profits and net profits. The guidance encompasses both company-owned data and franchisee data and includes the use of disclaimers and projections, among other FPRs.

The Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) applauds NASAA for its commentary and believes this guidance will assist new and renewing business owners in making a sound financial decision. CFA urges the franchisor community to support NASAA’s guidance, as it helps alleviate concerns over earnings claims and misleading sales techniques.

“Franchising is a substantial part of the U.S. economy and, as such, presents numerous investment opportunities. It is important that people can feel informed when investing as franchisees and that franchisors offering investment opportunities have clear rules that they can easily follow. This is why CFA actively followed the rule-making process,” said CFA Vice Chairman Rob Branca. “This is a big step as CFA continues to fight for more comprehensive disclosure and transparency in franchising.”

To view CFA’s July 26 webinar on the new NASAA commentary, click here.

Coalition of Franchisee Associations Files Joint Amicus Brief with U.S. Supreme Court on Behalf of Franchisees

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 7, 2017) – Yesterday, the Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA), along with the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, the International Franchise Association and the Restaurant Law Center, filed an Amicus Curiae Brief in the U.S. Supreme Court, challenging two Fourth Circuit United States Court of Appeals decisions in DIRECTV, LLC AND DIRECTSAT USA, LLC v. MARLON HALL, ET AL. (DIRECTV) and its companion case SALINAS v. COMMERCIAL INTERIORS (Salinas).

CFA and the four other amici claim these recent decisions are unprecedented, overly broad and will serve to the great detriment of franchisees across the country. While CFA supports protections to prevent undue franchisor overreach, it asks the U.S. Supreme Court to create one federal definition by adopting a common law agency standard so that franchisees can retain their independent contractor status and run their businesses as they have done successfully for decades.

In the Salinas and DIRECTV cases, the court held that the “fundamental question” in determining joint employer status is whether the franchisor and franchisee are “completely disassociated” with each other in regard to the essential terms and conditions of a worker’s employment. This means that any association between the franchisor and franchisee in regard to the employee – including uniform requirements, wage and hour legal compliance and franchise branding matters – can result in the finding of a “joint employer” relationship. If left unchallenged, CFA believes these decisions will greatly damage the franchise model as it stands today.

“Franchising is a national asset that has provided the path to the American dream for countless families, including mine,” stated Rob Branca, CFA vice chairman and Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee. “It needs to be protected, and it is incumbent on people in this industry to take action. CFA is proud to join with our colleagues to pursue this protection all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.”

To view the full brief, please click here.

Coalition of Franchisee Associations Applauds Progress of the Protect Florida Small Business Act

As an advocate for small businesses, the Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) is pleased to report progress of pro-franchisee legislation introduced during the Florida legislative session. Sponsored by state Sen. Jack Latvala (R-16) and Rep. Jason Brodeur (R-28), the Protect Florida Small Business Act will level the playing field for owners of franchised small businesses and provide legal protections that will lead to more economic growth and jobs in communities across the state.

On Tuesday, April 4, the legislation was approved 7-2 by the Senate Regulated Industries Committee.

“We applaud the Senate Regulated Industries Committee and Sen. Latvala for championing this important legislation to protect small businesses across Florida. This is a monumental first step toward Florida joining 22 other states that have enacted similar protections for franchise owners in the restaurant, convenience store, hotel and retail industries,” said Keith Miller, chairman of the Coalition of Franchisee Associations. “We are grateful to CFA Director and Dunkin’ Donuts Independent Franchise Owners’ Ed Shanahan for testifying on behalf of CFA about the importance of this measure.”

If enacted, the Protect Florida Small Business Act will provide additional safeguards for franchisees, including protecting against unjust terminations, unfair restrictions on sales and transfers and unsubstantiated non-renewal of franchise agreements.

“Local businesses owned and operated as franchises are a staple of Florida’s economy, adding $35 billion per year and providing jobs for over 400,000 individuals. Even though they invest hard-earned personal resources to build successful local businesses, franchise owners too often are at the mercy of out-of-state corporations that have unchecked power to choose not to extend or renew their operating agreements,” Miller said. “We look forward to working with the bill’s sponsors and other legislators to pass this crucial bill into law and protect Florida’s small-business owners.”

For more information on the Protect Florida Small Business Act, visit www.protectFLbusiness.com.

Coalition of Franchisee Associations Supports the Protect Florida Small Business Act

As an advocate for small businesses, the Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) is pleased to announce its support of pro-franchisee legislation unveiled today for the upcoming Florida legislative session. Sponsored by state Sen. Jack Latvala (R-16) and Rep. Jason Brodeur (R-28), the Protect Florida Small Business Act will level the playing field for owners of franchised small businesses and provide legal protections that will lead to more economic growth and jobs in communities across the state.

“CFA applauds Sen. Latvala and Rep. Brodeur for their introduction of the Protect Florida Small Business Act. Franchise owners in Florida invest, employ and pay taxes in their communities. Increasing the protections for these local businesspeople creates an environment that gives incentive for future investments,” CFA Chairman Keith Miller said.

“More than 400,000 jobs in Florida are directly tied to the hard work and efforts of franchised small-business owners,” explained Latvala. “Currently these small businessmen and women have no real protection if the national corporation drops them as a franchise holder. This is not a level playing field, this is wrong, and it must change.”

If enacted, the Protect Florida Small Business Act will provide additional safeguards for franchisees, including protecting against unjust terminations, unfair restrictions on sales and transfers and unsubstantiated non-renewal of franchise agreements.

“As a legislator, I want to continue to make sure Florida has the most business-friendly climate in America. As a chamber of commerce president, I’m particularly sensitive to the threats against small-business owners from out-of-state companies,” said Brodeur. “I want to be sure that there is a level playing field for all business owners in Florida, whether they are a small independent shop or a franchisee.”

For more information on the Protect Florida Small Business Act, visit www.protectFLbusiness.com.

Coalition of Franchisee Associations Applauds Injunction Against Overtime Rule

Washington, D.C. (Nov. 28, 2016) – The Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA), the largest franchisee-only association in the country, commends the injunction issued Nov. 22, 2016, by  U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant blocking the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) overtime rule, which was set to take effect Dec. 1. Affecting more than 4 million workers, the rule more than doubled the threshold under which employees must receive overtime pay to $47,476 per year.

“CFA applauds Judge Mazzant’s injunction, which applies some balance to the process and allows for an evaluation of the true impact to businesses,” said CFA Chairman Keith Miller.

While not opposed to raising the salary cap, the CFA supports a measured, rationally based increase that is backed by publicly reported, thoroughly vetted data.

“CFA would support a reasonable increase in the threshold, one that reflects the current economy,” said CFA Vice Chair Rob Branca.

Coalition of Franchisee Associations Welcomes New Member Jimmy John’s Franchisee Association

Washington, D.C. (Aug. 8, 2016) – The Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA), the largest franchisee-only association in the United States, has grown its membership by welcoming the Jimmy John’s Franchisee Association (JJFA).

“We welcome the addition of the Jimmy John’s Franchisee Association,” said Keith Miller, CFA chairman. “Franchisees are the ones investing, supporting and employing in our local communities. While we often are viewed as competitors, or from different lines of business, franchisees have many common issues that we can best solve by joining forces and working together.”

The JJFA is comprised of 600 total franchisees with 2,500 locations, with an average of 15 employees per location.

“As someone who runs an association, I understand the tremendous value an association can provide to their members,” said Brad Lowry, JJFA chair. “With CFA being a franchisee-only association, I knew that our membership and efforts would directly impact the lives of franchisees across this country. I know Jimmy John’s franchisees will benefit from the collective knowledge of CFA, their efforts, and efforts of their members over the years to come.”

The CFA’s continued growth is a testament to CFA’s efforts to unify franchisees, provide educational tools to the franchisee community and promote pro-franchisee legislation both in Washington, DC and across the country.

CFA Day Forum Gets Franchisees Face-to-Face with Heavy-Hitters

Along with the CFA Day Forum’s mainstay legislative components, members of the Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) gained facetime with legal heavy-hitters in a first-of-its-kind format during this year’s event, held March 17-18, in Washington, D.C.

A joint-employer legal panel kicked off the event at the Capitol Visitors Center Thursday morning and featured Michael Lotito, co-chair of Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute; Michael Einbinder, founding member of Einbinder Dunn & Goniea; Robert Zarco, founding partner of Zarco Einhorn Salkowski & Brito, P.A.; and Ron Gardner, managing partner of Dady and Gardner, P.A.

During the panel, Lotito presented attendees with an overview and history of the joint-employer rule. Einbinder discussed the negative impacts of the new joint-employer rule on franchising, while Zarco followed with why the move is good for the industry. Gardner presented the pros and cons of the ruling, and the floor was then opened up for a question-and-answer session and discussion.

“I feel that the panel discussion served to highlight our concerns as franchisees as well as the different approaches that can be taken,” said Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee Robert Blum. “I think that, while the debate was at times lively, it really engaged the entire audience. At a time when we know that the franchisor is loaded for bear, we must be too.”

Following a luncheon highlighted by Congressional speakers, members joined smaller groups for a legislative review and Hill visits. The cross section of small-business owners, representing 14 franchisee associations, were able to address issues facing everyone. Among the topics taken to members of Congress were the Joint-Employer Standard, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lawsuit reform, the Fair Franchise Act and the Small Business Administration (SBA) Franchise Loan Disclosure Act.

“My husband and I were very excited to join and meet with other franchisees from other parts of the country who share our concerns and are committed to trying to make a difference by joining together to speak with our legislators to help them understand that we are families and small-business owners who are providing jobs and want to leave our businesses to our children and grandchildren,” said Colleen Bailey, a Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee.

The day closed with a reception at Stanton & Greene where franchise owners were able to meet and spend time talking with members of Congress.

On Friday the highlight of the 2016 CFA Day Forum brought together franchisees and legal counsel for a roundtable breakfast, providing an unparalleled service to CFA members. Broken up into 20-minute sessions, attendees were able to take away valuable insight into major issues small-business owners face and ask questions pertinent to their situation.

The unique setting allowed participants to hear from Lotito, Zarco, Einbinder and Jeffrey Haff of Dady & Gardner on a range of topics. Lotito covered “Labor Laws: Overtime and Persuader Rules, Minimum Wage and Others.” Zarco and Einbinder addressed litigation topics. While Zarco spoke on “Avoiding Litigation: How to Protect Your Business,” Einbinder provided insight with “Litigation Strategies: How to Gain the Upper Hand.” Haff discussed “Disputed Exit Strategies: Transfers, Renewals and Right of First Refusal.”

“The roundtable discussions were very helpful for me individually because it provided a forum for me to have various questions addressed that were more specific to my own franchisee situations. I felt that I was able to receive insight into some issues by discussing them with other franchisees from various other concepts as well as the attorneys at the tables,” Blum said.

Blum, attending his third CFA Day Forum, said the benefits to the event are many.

“It has been an eye-opener to see how many Congressmen and senators don’t fully understand the franchise concept. Too many of them think that we are employees of the franchisor. When they learn that we are self-employed small-business owners, they are truly shocked,” he said. “It is also alarming how many of the representatives assume that we are in total alliance with the franchisor. When we are able to educate them of our differences, as well as the fact that we are the entity that is employing the majority of their constituency, that is when we have the biggest impact.”

The CFA Applauds the Introduction of Pro-Franchisee Legislation

Washington, D.C. (July 24, 2015) — The Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) is applauding Rep. Keith Ellison for introducing the Fair Franchise Act of 2015 and the Small Business Administration (SBA) Franchise Loan Transparency Act. These bills protect franchisees from often imbalanced franchise agreements, which, for the most part, are non-negotiable and provide greater transparency to prospective franchisees before they invest significant financial resources toward the purchase of a franchise.

“We thank Rep. Ellison for his leadership in introducing these bills. The Fair Franchise Act addresses many of our key principles as stated in the Universal Franchisee Bill of Rights,” said CFA Chairman Keith Miller. “We also appreciate the support of initial cosponsors, Rep. Conyers, who worked closely with Rep. Coble on similar legislation in the late 1990’s, and Rep. Huffman, who four years ago authored legislation in California to protect franchisees. The CFA looks forward to working on the issues addressed by the legislation with stakeholders in the industry toward a solution that protects franchisee profitability and equity.”