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

2025 CFA FRANCHISEE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT



Where Franchisee Voices Shape the Future

This Oct. 27-29, The 2025 Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) Franchisee Leadership Summit joins the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) at the Hilton Capitol Hill for three days of networking, education and collaboration in Washington, D.C.

Attending the Franchisee Leadership Summit? Hear from opening speaker, Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar.

Congresswoman Salazar proudly represents Florida’s 27th Congressional District and currently serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs as well as the House Committee on Small Business. A five-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, Congresswoman Salazar is the leading sponsor of the DIGNITY Act, the first serious bipartisan immigration solution proposed by Congress in decades.

Hear about the DIGNITY Act as well as the top legislative priorities at the 2025 CFA Franchisee Leadership Summit.

POLITICAL & GOVERNMENT NEWS

Business Investment Perks Up From Tax Cuts and AI Spending to Help Offset Tariff Troubles

Business investment rose sharply in August to mark the second strong increase in a row and a sign of some underlying strength in the U.S. economy. So-called core durable-goods orders climbed 0.6% last month and added to a recent uptrend. Companies have increased spending on computers, software and other technologies in an effort to incorporate AI into how they do business. New federal tax breaks on business investment more broadly are also lending a helping hand.

Read more: GIS Report Online

Here’s What DOT’s Emergency CDL Ruling Means for Trucking

The Department of Transportation has declared a “national emergency” over states’ handling of commercial driver licenses for noncitizens, ordering immediate changes that could affect thousands of drivers and potentially reshape hiring practices across the trucking industry.

Read more: Transport Topics

BUSINESS SMARTS



Signs of the Times: Keep Your Customer Communications Friendly

Management’s paranoia that customers are out to take advantage of them is one of the most significant contributors to the customer service crisis. Companies create and enforce policies rather than creating positive customer experiences. Why do so many companies’ agreements and policies sound angry? You should be friendly to your customers in every way you communicate.

Read more: Franchising

Ten Essential Community Building Strategies for 2025

In the current digital ecosystem, an engaged community is the ultimate competitive advantage. It's more than a follower count; it's a dynamic network of brand advocates, loyal customers and active collaborators. Building one from scratch, however, can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin?

Read more: Sotion

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Dear CFA Members and Partners,

The countdown is on. In just weeks, franchisees from across the country will gather in Washington, D.C., Oct. 27–29, for the 2025 Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) Franchisee Leadership Summit, an event built for franchisees, by franchisees.

This summit isn’t another conference. It’s the only place where the business, legal and legislative pillars of franchise ownership meet in one powerful setting.

The legal roundtables are the heartbeat of our event, where the nation’s top franchisee attorneys sit down at the table with you.

This year’s sessions are practical and strategy-focused, offering tools you can use now to protect and strengthen your business:

• Legal Risks: Spotting hidden dangers in franchise/dealer agreements and learning to negotiate key terms.
• Franchisor Conflicts: How to respond to termination threats and unilateral system changes.
• Industry Shifts: Navigating private equity’s influence and systemwide mergers or rebranding.
• Compliance: Untangling employment leave laws (FMLA, ADA, PWFA and more).

This is not about listening passively. It’s about equipping you with the sharpest legal tools to protect your business and future.

You’ll also experience:

• A keynote from Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida
• Our popular “Ask Me Anything” legal session
• An afternoon on Capitol Hill with lawmakers
• Direct access to decision-makers who shape franchise policy
• Networking vendor showcase and a closing reception inside the U.S. Capitol

Your voice matters I know it’s hard to step away from your business. But there has never been a more critical time. The legal landscape is shifting, franchisors are evolving and policymakers are listening. You need to be at the table.

We will make sure you are prepared, confident and heard. Because when a franchisee speaks, people listen.

Register today, I look forward to welcoming you in Washington!

Sincerely,

Bill Mathis

Chairman

Coalition of Franchisee Associations

CFA SPONSORS

CFA Mission Statement:

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

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNER MEMBERS!

Support the vendors who support your association. Click here for a full list of the CFA's partner members.