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 Rachel Jackson at rachelj@elevanta.com

Trump Says 25 Percent Tariffs on Mexican and Canadian Imports Will Start, With ‘No Room’ for Delay

President Donald Trump said that 25 percent taxes on imports from Mexico and Canada would start, sparking renewed fears of a North American trade war that already showed signs of pushing up inflation and hindering growth. “Tariffs, 25 percent on Canada and 25 percent on Mexico. And that’ll start,” Trump told reporters in the Roosevelt Room. “They’re going to have to have a tariff.”

Read more: AP

What's Next for Trump Agenda After House GOP Approves Tax Breaks and Slashed Spending in Budget 

Now that House Republicans have passed an ambitious budget blueprint for President Donald Trump's agenda, it's time for the hard work of turning ideas for $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and $2 trillion of slashed spending into a bill that lawmakers warn could bring intense changes to Americans back home. Republicans are insisting the costs of the tax breaks be partly paid for by the steep reductions in federal government spending as a way to ensure the nation's $36 trillion debt load doesn't balloon to dangerous levels. 

Read more: ABC News 

BUSINESS SMARTS

Our Favorite Management Tips on Strategic Thinking 

Harvard Business Review's weekly newsletter, Management Tip of the Day, offers tips to help you better manage your team — and yourself. Here is a curated selection of our favorite Management Tips on strategic thinking. When you’re told you need to be more strategic, it’s tempting to feel defensive. But it’s more productive to take the feedback in stride and demonstrate your skill proactively. Here’s how to make this integral part of your leadership more visible to others. 

Read more: Harvard Business Review  

How To Find The Cause of Performance Anxiety: 17 Tips For Managers 

When employees consistently feel nervous about their performance, it can impact productivity, morale and long-term engagement. Whether the anxiety stems from unclear expectations, lack of support or fear of failure, managers must identify the root cause(s) and create an environment where their team feels valued and empowered. Here,17 Forbes Coaches Council Members offer their top strategies for uncovering and alleviating performance-related stressors among your team. Follow their advice to help your employees build trust, motivation and resilience. 

Read more: Forbes 

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Dear CFA Members,

Thank you for your continued support of the Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA). Your engagement is key to driving policies that protect and empower franchisees.

Advocacy & Government Relations Updates

CFA is working to ensure fair franchise practices and policies that safeguard your rights. With increasing regulatory focus on franchising, we must stand together to:

• Strengthen franchisee protections against unfair franchisor practices.
• Ensure fair tax policies that support small- business owners and multi-unit operators.

We are making progress, but lasting change requires a stronger, unified voice — one that grows with our membership.

Growing Our Membership – Elevating Our Voice

The more franchisees who join CFA, the greater our influence in shaping franchise laws and pushing back against unfair practices. Expanding our membership allows us to:

• Increase advocacy efforts and government engagement.
• Provide more resources, legal support and business development tools.
• Build a stronger network of franchisees working together for change.

We encourage you to share the benefits of CFA membership with fellow franchisees who have yet to join. Every new member strengthens our ability to make a difference.

Expanding Learning & Business Growth Opportunities

Beyond advocacy, CFA is committed to providing valuable resources to help franchisees succeed. This year, we will introduce new learning opportunities, webinars and a conference focused on:

• Best practices for franchisee success.
• Legal and financial insights to protect and grow your business.
• Strengthening franchisee associations for greater collective impact.

A Stronger CFA Means a Stronger Franchisee Community

We ask each franchisee association to share this message and encourage active participation. The more engaged we are, the more powerful our advocacy becomes.

Your voice matters. Your membership matters. Together, we can push the boulder uphill and create lasting change for all franchisees. If you have ideas or know franchisees who should be part of CFA, please reach out.

Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, advocacy and stronger franchisee representation.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our shared mission.

Warm regards,

John Motta Chairman

Coalition of Franchisee Associations

CFA Mission Statement:

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