This article was recently published in Franchising World Magazine June 2015 Issue. Written by Jeff Hanscom.
IFA Holds Inaugural Franchise Day in North Carolina
Franchising contributes to $22.8 billion in economic output and nearly 300,000 jobs in the Tar Heel State
A delegation of franchisees and franchisors representing the more than 26,000 franchise establishments throughout North Carolina met with legislators in Raleigh on April 14 to promote the franchise model’s contribution to the state and educate lawmakers about policies that will help these businesses continue to grow and create jobs.
IFA’s inaugural North Carolina Legislative day highlighted the wide spectrum of franchise businesses based in the state including Golden Coral, Bojangles’, Brixx Wood Fired Pizza and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Attendees emphasized the diversity of franchising not only as it relates to business lines, but also demographically.
“Franchises represent a major pillar of the North Carolina economy and have helped lead the state out of the recent recession,” said IFA President & CEO Steve Caldeira, CFE. Collectively, franchising contributes to $22.8 billion in economic output and more that 295,000 jobs across the state of North Carolina.
The diverse group included franchisees from Great Clips, Sport Clips, FASTSIGNS, Blue Moon Estate Sales, Alliance Franchise Brands, along with franchisor representatives from McDonalds and Yum! Brands, and also franchise attornys from Nexsen Pruet. Although there was a very busy legislative agenda with a number of committees reconvening from a previous week off, the group was able to meet directly with a number of legislators.
North Carolina is a pro-business, pro-franchise state, and the delegation reiterated the many benefits of that relationship. Included in the key messages were the mutually beneficial relationship that exists between a franchisor and a franchisee, along with the model’s job creation and economic contribution to the state and local communities. Many of the franchisees spoke to the strength of the franchise business model, wherein they are able to lead a successful business from a proven business model, and how they have the ability to focus on their daily business operations and quality customer care because the franchisor assists with things certain licensor components, such as national brand marketing and advertising.
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