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April 23, 2025

Sonderling to Headline IFA Legal Symposium

Just announced! Keith Sonderling, the recently confirmed Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), will be joining the IFA Legal Symposium in Washington, D.C., May 4–6 for a fireside chat.

Go deeper: With extensive experience at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and DOL, Sonderling offers invaluable insights into the evolving intersection of labor policy and business. 

What’s next: This session will be a standout moment at the 2025 Legal Symposium, which is right around the corner. Don't miss your opportunity to hear from one of the nation’s top labor officials.

IFA Backs Missouri "Good" Joint Employer

In a powerful op-ed in the Missouri Times, IFA franchisee member Jesse Keyser urges state lawmakers to support for HB 1068, a bipartisan bill that protects the franchise business model by clarifying that franchisors and franchisees are not joint employers. 

Why it matters: Keyser explains how the bill provides legal certainty for franchise owners and shields Missouri from harmful federal overreach. 

Dig deeper: IFA has successfully championed similar legislation in 21 other states, and we are strong champions of this Missouri bill to protect our business model and all who benefit from it.

IFA Mobilizes Opposition To Vermont Bill

In Vermont, an IFA-opposed bill (H.205) seeking to ban franchise non-compete agreements is set to be taken up in the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee as early as next week. Sponsored by Rep. Michael Marcotte, the bill would completely ban non-compete agreements for franchise owners, impacting how brands protect their systems and how local owners safeguard their territory. 

The big picture: Noncompetes are a crucial tool for protecting proprietary systems and brand standards that underpin the franchise model, which supports over 11,000 jobs and nearly $1 billion in economic output in the Green Mountain state.

What's next: IFA is urging franchisors and franchisees to contact members of the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee and urge them them to oppose H.205. Contact members of the committee via the IFA's Franchise Action Network here.

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IFA Members Advocate Lawmakers

From coast to coast, IFA members are on the move and meeting with their elected representatives to advocate for the franchise model.

Zoom in: In Arizona, franchise supplier Louie Picazo met with Arizona Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro, putting the spotlight on the franchising business model's role in the state's economy, while in Michigan, IFA Board Member Randy Cross of Fish Window Cleaning hosted U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten (D-MI) at his location in Grand Rapids.

Why it matters: Connecting policymakers with industry experts who understand the landscape and the opportunities it offers is key. There is no more impactful means of advocacy than hearing a story directly from a member of our community, especially when the business model is under increased scrutiny from lawmakers.