As the year comes to a close and the New Year is almost upon us, it’s a good time to reflect on the challenges we face as small business owners. Legislatively, 2009 has been a difficult year for business owners. There is more to come, legislators in Washington DC are preparing to enact new laws that will have a dramatic impact on your bottom line.
As the Legislative Affairs Coordinator for DDIFO, I can assure you that DDIFO is not sitting idly by as legislators continue to pry into your business. As a founding member of the Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) we have been working together with other franchisee associations to make sure that all of our voices are heard on Capital Hill.
The CFA is an organization formed with the mission “to leverage the collective strengths of franchisee associations for the benefit of the franchisee community.” Since its inception in 2007, the CFA has enthusiastically engaged in both state and federal government relations efforts on behalf of the whole franchisee community.
It’s my pleasure to invite DDIFO Members to take advantage of a key opportunity to help strengthen the standing of the entire franchisee community to participate in the second annual CFA Day Forum in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 3-4, 2010.
The inaugural CFA Day Forum was hailed as a rousing success. Numerous franchisees and vendor business partners representing various brands and industries attended this special event. The event was notable for being the first time representatives from different brands stood together as one in order to advocate on behalf of the entire franchisee community. Both the event and the power of the community’s collective voice are positioned to grow stronger each year.
Last year’s speakers included industry experts on business practices, market trends and government affairs. One of the most notable speakers was nationally renowned political insider and columnist William Kristol, who gave an insider’s perspective on the state of American politics and insights that only a person with his years of experience could provide. The 2010 line-up of presenters is sure to rival that of 2009.
The most rewarding aspect of the CFA Day Forum will be the opportunity to visit Capitol Hill and meet directly with Congressional representatives. The visits are arranged in advance and give you the opportunity to visits the halls of congress with your own small groups of franchisees and vendors. Each group will be prepped in advance and will have at least one person who will be prepared to speak if no one else wants to. This is not to say that anyone in the group is not free to say anything, just that they won’t be required to speak if they would prefer to just listen and make their presence the support offered for CFA positions.
These visits to congress offer a prime forum to present a united front against harmful anti-business legislation and advocate for issues that positively affect business owners across the country. Involvement in meetings such as these will excite and empower you with the realization that you are a part of the process and not just a pawn.
Protecting your bottom line will be an ongoing struggle in 2010, but by attending the CFA Day Forum, you can be on the forefront of a developing movement. Don’t miss this unique chance to network with fellow franchisees and help take charge of your future.
I look forward to seeing you at the 2nd Annual CFA Day Forum is scheduled for February 3-5, 2010 in Washington, DC at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.
To learn more about the CFA Day Forum, visit the CFA Events page.
Price: $1000.00 per person includes hotel room, Guests stay for an additional $300.00 (Guests must stay in same room).
Register for the upcoming CFA Day Forum and become an integral part in securing your future.
Questions? Contact CFA representative Misty Chally at mistyc@namgllc.com or (202) 416-0270.
