February 19, 2025

IFA Convention Rocks Las Vegas

The 2025 IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas was a smash success, highlighting a strong growth outlook for franchising – poised to make 2025 the “Year of Franchising.” IFA President Matt Haller projected 20,000 new units and over new 210,000 jobs this year.

Big picture: Haller introduced a rebrand, including a new IFA logo and forthcoming website, reflecting IFA’s role as a leading source for franchise information and advocacy. He also urged attendees to proactively advocate for franchising, stressing the need to share their stories with policymakers. 

There’s more: Bruce Mehlman offered insights on the political landscape, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities businesses face under a second Trump presidency. The convention also honored RBI Executive Chairman Patrick Doyle with the IFA Hall of Fame Award, highlighting his focus on trust and transparency in franchisee-franchisor relationships, a sentiment echoed by incoming Chair Mary Kennedy Thompson.

Labor Nominee Appears Before Senate Panel

The U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee is holding a hearing today on the nomination of former U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR) to become the next U.S. Secretary of Labor. The hearing comes after IFA endorsed Chavez-DeRemer to serve as Labor Secretary, following a meeting with the nominee and IFA leaders last month.

Zoom out: Lawmakers have examined Chavez-DeRemer’s record on labor policy, including her stance on right-to-work laws as well as her opposition to the 2023 Biden expanded joint employer rule. Chavez-DeRemer confirmed her support for franchising during the hearing.

What’s next: Chavez-DeRemer emphasized her commitment to balanced labor policies and the Trump growth agenda, and the HELP committee will now determine the next steps in her confirmation process.

Upcoming IFA Tariff & Immigration Webinars

Have questions on how the evolving Trump tariff and immigration landscape may affect franchising? Join IFA for two upcoming member-exclusive web programs with experts where you can get your supply chain and worksite enforcement questions answered:

• On Thursday, February 20, at 1:00 PM ET, IFA, along with experts from Baker McKenzie, will host a session called: “Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tariffs: A Global Perspective for Franchise Companies.”
• On Tuesday, February 25, at 1:00 PM ET, IFA, along with senior members of the Littler Mendelson P.C. team, will host a session called: "Preparing for ICE Enforcement Actions and Site Inspections."

What’s next: Register now for these essential briefings on tariffs and immigration to get valuable updates and expert analysis to stay informed in this ever-changing landscape.

ADVERTISEMENT | Advertise with IFA

Congress Reintroduces Tax Legislation

On February 10, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers reintroduced the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act to strengthen the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and help disadvantaged individuals find employment. 

Why it matters: This legislation aims to build the U.S. workforce by expanding hiring opportunities for those who need it most. 

Our thought bubble: Included in IFA’s 2025 Roadmap For Small Business Growth, IFA led a coalition letter urging Congress to advance this important legislation and franchise advocates stressed its importance during the IFA Advocacy Summit last fall. 

California Minimum Wage Costs Jobs

A new study by the Berkeley Research Group (BRG) reveals that California’s $20 minimum wage law for fast food workers resulted in 10,700 job losses and a 14.5% increase in food prices—nearly double the national average. 

Go deeper: As the state’s Fast Food Council prepares to meet on February 26, local restaurant owners are warning that another wage hike in 2025 could lead to more closures, layoffs, and economic strain on small businesses. 

Why it matters: Industry leaders are urging policymakers to reconsider additional increases, citing growing concerns about automation replacing jobs and the survival of local restaurants.

IFA Fights Utah Anti-Franchising Bill

On February 13, IFA Senior Vice President of State and Local Government Relations Jeff Hanscom testified at the Utah House Business, Labor & Commerce Committee against HB 441, a bill intended to prevent franchisees from being required to operate on Sundays.

Big picture: IFA believes HB 441 as drafted, is overly broad and would disrupt the franchisor-franchisee relationship, unnecessarily involving the state legislature in private contractual negotiations. You can read IFA's opposition letter here. 

What’s next: After the bill passed out of committee, IFA will continue engaging key legislators and work with its partners on the ground as the bill moves through the legislative process. 

Oregon Abandons Anti-Franchise Bills

In a swift victory for franchises in Oregon, Rep. Zach Hudson (D-049) will not be moving forward with franchise bills HB 2572, HB 2584, and HB 2590 concerning franchisee agreements and franchise operating conditions. The news comes after conversations between IFA and Rep. Hudson.

Why it matters: By limiting franchisor control over operations and challenging the franchise business model, these bills would have severely restricted franchisors. 

What’s next: IFA will remain active in Oregon and continue educating lawmakers on the importance of franchising to the state.