Impact of The Financial Rescue Plan on Franchised Businesses

Members of the International Franchise Association, (IFA) the world's largest organization representing franchising with a growing membership of more than 1,300 franchise systems, 10,000-plus franchisees and more than 500 firms, made fervant efforts to the House of Representatives to pass the financial market rescue plan. According to this article, IFA President & CEO Matthew Shay felt that: "Passage of the bill in the House will send a positive signal to the financial markets and hopefully free up much needed credit for franchised business to expand. We cannot stress enough the importance of this vote." Shay said that "the 900,000 franchised businesses in the U.S. provide for 20 million jobs and contribute $2.3 trillion to the private sector economy."

International Franchise Association and SBTV Promote Franchising Industry

Small Business Television, the Internet’s first television network (SBTV) has joined the IFA-International Franchise Association to provide small businesses with the latest in franchising news. The two organizations appeared together at the IFA’s 48th Annual Convention in Orlando. According to this article, IFA president said: “Franchising is growing rapidly, not just in the United States, but around the world,” IFA Pres. and CEO Matthew Shay said. “This joint effort serves to educate prospective small-business owners who are investigating a possible franchise purchase and help those who operate franchise systems and establishments to stay abreast of the latest news affecting the industry.”

New Vice-Chairman of the International Franchise Association’s Marketing and PR Committee Elected

Scott Frith , Lawn Doctor's Vice President of Marketing and Franchise Development was recently elected vice-chairman of the International Franchise Association’s Marketing and PR Committee. The announcement was made at the IFA's annual convention that attracted 3,500 franchisors. According to this article, Frith announced: "The mission of the IFA is to protect, enhance and promote franchising. One way this committee can serve the association is to better educate the public and policy makers on the impact of small franchise businesses have on the economy every day," advised Frith on the focus of his new position. "Franchising is the engine that drives commerce in the United States today, and with that momentum, the IFA can serve entrepreneurs looking for long-term stability."