International Franchise Association

International Franchise Association

Nickname	IFA
Type	501(c)(6) Non-Profit
Tax ID no.	36-6108621
Purpose	Protect, enhance and promote franchising
Headquarters	1900 K St NW STE 700, Washington, DC 20006-1135
Budget	US$17.2 million [1]
Website	franchise.org

The International Franchise Association (IFA) is a trade group focused on government and public relations efforts for the franchise industry.[1][2] The association publishes data on franchise activity through a partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau[3] and has litigated on behalf of its members in cases that have reached the U.S. Supreme Court.[4]

History

IFA was originally founded in Chicago in 1961 by Dunkin' Donuts founder Bill Rosenberg and other business owners.[5]

Lobbying activities

IFA lobbies in local, state and federal workforce issues such as minimum wage increases, employee classifications and health care legislation.[6][7] In 2015, the IFA filed suit against the city of Seattle to combat the city's planned minimum wage increase.[8] The case proceeded to the US Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of Seattle.[4]

The Center for Media and Democracy consider IFA to be a source of pro-business lobbying activity on behalf of other groups such as ALEC and the Koch Brothers.^[citation needed]

Membership

IFA claims a membership of 1,400 brands,[9] and states that its members represent 2.5% of the U.S. GDP[10]

References

1. Associates, Political Research (12 May 2015). "Profile on the Right: The International Franchise Association". Political Research Associates. Retrieved 2020-04-02.
2. "International Franchise Association Inc - GuideStar Profile". www.guidestar.org. Retrieved 2020-03-27.
3. Hait, Andrew. "Franchising in America: Not Just Fast-Food Restaurants". The United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2020-04-02.
4. Weissner, Daniel (2016-05-03). "Supreme Court rejects challenge to Seattle minimum wage law". Reuters. Retrieved 2020-04-02.
5. "About the International Franchise Association (IFA) Community". IFA. International Franchise Association. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
6. "Reporters' Guide to the International Franchise Association". PR Watch. 2015-04-13. Retrieved 2020-03-27.
7. "International Franchise Assn Lobbying Profile". OpenSecrets. Retrieved 2020-06-18.
8. Taylor, Kate (2015-03-10). "Why the International Franchise Association Is Suing Seattle". Entrepreneur. Retrieved 2020-04-02.
9. "Membership - International Franchise Association | IFA". www.franchise.org. Retrieved 2020-04-30.
10. msablog (2018-01-07). "The International Franchise Association IFA - MSA Worldwide". MSA Worldwide Franchise Library. Retrieved 2020-06-18.