July 1, 2026

The CFA Voice® is the e-newsletter for Coalition of Franchisee Associations® and is strictly for informational purposes. CFA® does not endorse or support any of the views expressed in this digest.


Some stories highlighted in the CFA Voice® are contributed by CFA members. If you would like to share with fellow members the achievements, milestones, anniversaries, special events or more within your organization, please send your content to Ivy Odom at ivyo@elevanta.com

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Dear CFA Members,


As we approach Independence Day, Americans across our nation will gather with family and friends to celebrate a remarkable milestone, 250 years of our great country. The Fourth of July is more than a holiday. It is an opportunity to reflect on the principles of freedom, opportunity, entrepreneurship, and self determination that have defined America since its founding. Those same principles continue to inspire franchise owners and small-business operators who invest in their communities, create jobs, and pursue the American Dream every day.


This July also marks a little over one year since I was honored to serve as chairman of the Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA). As I reflect on the past 15 months, I am grateful for the support of our board of directors. Support comes in many forms, including leadership, guidance, collaboration and a willingness to tackle difficult challenges together. CFA's accomplishments are the direct result of dedicated leaders who generously contribute their time, expertise, and passion for protecting and advancing franchisee interests.


Over the past year, CFA has continued to make meaningful progress. We remain actively engaged in supporting pro franchisee legislation while pushing back against proposals that could negatively impact franchise owners and their businesses. Our collective voice continues to grow stronger, and policymakers increasingly recognize the importance of listening to the men and women who operate franchise businesses across the country.


CFA is about much more than legislative advocacy. One of our greatest strengths is the ability of franchisee leaders to learn from one another. Our member associations regularly exchange ideas, insights and real world experiences that help us become stronger advocates for our brands and our members. That collaboration extends to our executive directors, who meet regularly to share best practices, discuss challenges and learn from one another. The result is stronger associations and a stronger voice for franchisees nationwide.


There is a great deal happening at the CFA, and none of it would be possible without the leadership and dedication of our Executive Director, Dave Glodowski. Dave plays a critical role in advancing our mission and supporting our member associations, helping position CFA for continued growth and success. In the coming months, Dave will share a special announcement as we prepare to celebrate CFA's 20th anniversary in 2027.


On behalf of the board of directors and the entire CFA leadership team, thank you for your continued support and engagement. I wish you and your families a safe, enjoyable, and memorable Fourth of July as we celebrate 250 years of freedom, opportunity and the enduring spirit of this exceptional nation.


Bill Mathis, Chairman

Coalition of Franchisee Associations

Don't forget to register for the Legislation & Midterm 2026: What's at Stake and How to Prepare Webinar in August

CFA IN THE NEWS


On June 22, the CFA filed comments on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Joint Employer Proposed Rule to create a uniform, nationwide standard for joint employer status. This proposal, which seeks to clarify regulations across the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA) outlines a four point test to determine “vertical” joint employment, which applies to the franchise model. The test includes whether both parties have control over:


  • Hiring/firing authority
  • Supervision and control of working conditions
  • Determination of pay rate and method and
  • Maintenance of employment records


The proposal also allows consideration of unexercised contractual rights to control ("reserved control") and allows economic dependence on a company to be a factor in joint employer determination. Click here to view CFA's comment.

Upcoming Events


Jul. 14

CFA Board of Directors Meeting

Virtual


Jul. 22

2026 International Association of Kumon Franchisees (IAKF) Conference

Calgary, Canada


Aug. 11

CFA Board of Directors Meeting

Virtual


Aug. 13

Legislation & Midterms Webinar

Virtual


Sept. 8

CFA board of Directors Meeting

Virtual


Oct. 26-28

2026 Supercuts Franchisee Association (SFA) Annual Conference

Hollywood, Florida


Oct. 27-28

CFA Board Meeting

Dallas, Texas


Oct. 28-31

2026 Dairy Queen Operators Association (DQOA) /Cooperative (DQOC) Annual Meeting

Napa, California


Nov. 10

CFA Board of Directors Meeting

Virtual


Dec. 8

CFA Board of Directors Meeting

Virtual

Franchising Fact


There are more than 800,000 franchise establishments currently operating in the United States.


Source: frannet.com

POLITICAL & GOVERNMENT NEWS



Shapiro Administration Invests $15 Million To Provide Direct Support to Small Businesses Across Pennsylvania

Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced the Shapiro Administration is investing $15 million to support small businesses across Pennsylvania through the Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance (HDBA) Program. This funding will support the creation of ten micro-grant programs that will help small businesses with costs to start or expand their businesses. 

Read more: Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development


'Washington Is a Great Place TO Do Business,' Governor Launches Economic Development Council

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson announced the launch of a new Governor’s Economic Development Council, a partnership of small businesses, labor, Tribes, educators and large employers in tech and aerospace to guide Washington’s economic strategy. 

Read more: Lynnwood Times

BUSINESS SMARTS

The Leadership Edge AI Can't Touch

Something unplanned happened at a conference thirteen years ago that M. Shannon Hernandez, messaging strategist and founder of the Joyful Business Revolution™, still talks about. It was her first keynote, and she had been hired to address a women’s conference. The community was Mormon, and the explicit ground rule was: no profanity.

Read more: Forbes


Why Perspective Is a Leadership Responsibility

In my role as a leadership coach, I encourage professionals to understand their strengths, identify blind spots and develop the habits that help them lead more effectively. When it comes to blind spots, every leader has them. Accepting that is part of understanding our human nature as leaders. One blind spot I find especially worth revisiting is perspective.

Read more: Forbes

CFA Mission Statement:


"To leverage the collective strengths of franchisee associations for the benefit of the franchisee community."

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNER MEMBERS!

Click here for a full list of the CFA's partner members. 

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