1851

<div id="pastingspan1" style=""><span style="">While many 1851 readers may be familiar with the International Franchise Association (IFA) and its mission to protect, enhance, and support franchising, readers may not be as familiar with how they promote and amplify their message. As the Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, Matt Haller works to ensure that message is well received and well defined in a strategic and effective manner. </span></div><div id="pastingspan1" style=""><span style=""><br /></span></div><div id="pastingspan1" style=""><span style="">We caught up with Haller to learn more about the main initiatives of the IFA and how he helps advocate on behalf of the industry as a whole. </span></div><div id="pastingspan1" style=""><span style=""><br /></span></div><div id="pastingspan1"><span style=""><strong>1851:</strong> What led you to the franchise industry and what makes you so passionate about it?</span></div><div id="pastingspan1" style=""><span style=""><br /></span></div><div id="pastingspan1"><span style=""><strong>Matt Haller:</strong> I&#8217;ve spent a lot of my professional life in the small business sector, so advocating for franchise small business owners was a natural fit. It&#8217;s easy to be passionate about our members and franchising because these are the entrepreneurs who live and breathe the American dream. Franchising is a substantial piece of the American economy, but it&#8217;s also a crucial form of opportunity for millions of people around the world. </span></div><div id="pastingspan1" style=""><span style=""><br /></span></div><div id="pastingspan1"><span style=""><strong>1851: </strong>How does IFA intend to change the narrative on franchising while still defending the business model?</span></div><div id="pastingspan1" style=""><span style=""><br /></span></div><div id="pastingspan1"><span style=""><strong>Matt Haller:</strong> The two objectives go hand-in-hand. As with any topic, the messaging and ideas often trend toward consistent messaging that people within the business model understand, but that isn&#8217;t as impactful on the general public. We intend to use our grassroots advocacy and positive messaging to show the general public exactly what franchising is: small, local business owners who are creating jobs and influencing their communities. In doing so, we can ramp up public support to go along with our proven economic success to leverage this with lawmakers. </span></div><div id="pastingspan1" style=""><span style=""><br /></span></div><div id="pastingspan1"><span style=""><strong>1851: </strong>How do you simplify the message of franchising to the public at large and to our elected representatives? </span></div><div id="pastingspan1" style=""><span style=""><br /></span></div><div id="pastingspan1"><span style=""><strong>Matt Haller:</strong> The message has to clarify exactly what franchising entails. Too many confuse our business model with simply the success of the brand icon, rather than understanding that franchisees are driving that success by using a proven system. Part of this is recognizing that we have a challenge &#8211; which we do &#8211; and then get industry commitment at all levels &#8211; franchisors, franchisees and employees &#8211; to amplify a common message. Once we enable the public to understand the impact franchising has on them and their local community, then understanding the issues will resonate much more broadly. </span></div><div id="pastingspan1" style=""><span style=""><br /></span></div><div id="pastingspan1"><span style=""><strong>1851: </strong>What are some of IFA&#8217;s major initiatives for government relations and public policy for the franchising industry?</span></div><div id="pastingspan1" style=""><span style=""><br /></span></div><div id="pastingspan1"><span style=""><strong>Matt Haller: </strong>Stopping the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and its egregious new &#8220;joint employer&#8221; standard, which seeks to hold franchisors jointly liable for labor violations with franchisees, is our most important issue right now. Through the IFA-led Coalition to Save Local Businesses, we&#8217;ve partnered with dozens of other associations to lobby Congress on the issue.  Another area of focus is surrounding the Fight for $15 movement on minimum wage, particularly cases that are discriminatory towards franchise businesses such as Seattle and the state of New York. </span></div><div id="pastingspan1" style=""><span style=""><br /></span></div><div id="pastingspan1"><span style=""><strong>1851:</strong> How can IFA members get involved?</span></div><div id="pastingspan1" style=""><span style=""><br /></span></div><div id="pastingspan1"><span style=""><strong>Matt Haller:</strong> In order for our efforts to be successful, we have to mobilize our members to be the face of these initiatives.  Through the Franchise Action Network (FAN), we have cultivated a grassroots network of over 10,000 members that receives updates and that we often turn to on policy issues. Whether placing an op-ed in a local newspaper or hosting a roundtable with a member of Congress, we utilize the FAN to put a face on franchising and connect those individuals with policymakers and the media to get the message out. </span></div><div id="pastingspan1" style=""><span style=""><br /></span></div><div id="pastingspan1"><span style=""><strong>1851: </strong>How does the IFA keep franchisors updated on policy initiatives and emerging trends?</span></div><div id="pastingspan1" style=""><span style=""><br /></span></div><div id="pastingspan1"><span style=""><strong>Matt Haller:</strong> The IFA primarily uses mass media communications and organized industry events to keep franchisors abreast of changing policy and developments. Our media updates typically rely on our Government Relations Newsletter that goes out each Monday, IFA Insider email that goes out each Tuesday, and grassroots update through the Franchise Action Network&#8217;s FANMail communication. We also rely on events such as IFA&#8217;s Annual Convention, Legal Symposium, and FAN annual meeting to bring together franchise leaders and educate them on pressing issues facing the business model. </span></div><div id="pastingspan1" style=""><span style=""><br /></span></div><div id="pastingspan1"><span style=""><strong>1851: </strong>How does technology and social media play a role in your communications strategy?</span></div><div id="pastingspan1" style=""><span style=""><br /></span></div><div id="pastingspan1"><span style=""><strong>Matt Haller: </strong>Maximizing influence and broadcasting our positive message requires IFA to maintain a strong social media presence. Through IFA, FAN and CSLB social media, we leverage the advocacy efforts of FANs and business owners to enhance our public facing media platform. It also enables anyone in our network to reach policy makers through tweets, Facebook posts and other media mentions. </span></div><div id="pastingspan1" style=""><span style=""><br /></span></div><div id="pastingspan1"><span style=""><strong>1851:</strong> Where do you see IFA and the franchise industry in 5 years? What will have changed?</span></div><div id="pastingspan1" style=""><span style=""><br /></span></div><div id="pastingspan1"><span style=""><strong>Matt Haller:</strong> Our Strategic Plan guides where will be, and as the franchise business model continues to grow, I envision the IFA growing parallel with it - influence, advocacy and success all included.  It&#8217;s incumbent upon us to defend the franchise model from burdensome regulations and adverse policy, while also promoting the positive impact that the model has for millions.  Through this continued effort, we believe that the public will come to view franchising through the same lens we do at IFA and within the industry. </span></div><div style="   font-style: normal;"></div>

1851 Franchise

Matt Haller, senior vice president of communications and public affairs at the International Franchise Association offers his perspective on how the industry is using grassroots advocacy and positive messaging to show the general public exactly what franchising is

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

International Franchise Association Looks to Change the Narrative About Franchising

international-franchise-association-looks-to-change-the-narrative-about-franchising

Fresh Coat

Photo of Fresh Coat vehicle with ladders on top

The Rise of Home Improvement Franchises: Why Now Is the Time to Invest

why-invest-home-improvement-franchise-fresh-coat

HomeTeam Inspection Service

Photo of HomeTeam inspector in red polo and khaki pants, walking by branded vehicle

Real Estate Today: Behind the Drywall: The Truth About Home Inspections

purpose-of-home-inspection

Dog Training Elite

Dog Training Elite Franchise - DTE - National Service Dog Month - 1851 Franchise

Celebrating Service Dogs: Why Proper Training Changes Lives — And How Dog Training Elite Is Leading the Way

dog-training-elite-national-service-dog-month

Senior Care Authority

How This Senior Care Authority Franchisee Turned Love for His Grandparents Into a Lifelong Calling

how-this-senior-care-authority-franchisee-turned-love-for-his-grandparents-into-a-lifelong-calling

Hometown News: Like Father, Like Son — Family-Run Inspection Business Blends Generations of Expertise and a Keen Eye for Detail

father-son-home-inspection-franchise-florida

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Design with American and Federal Reserve flags against light blue background

Federal Reserve Expected To Cut Rates by Quarter Point, a Move That Could Boost Franchise Growth

fed-rate-cut-boosts-franchise-growth

Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

racetrac-acquires-potbelly-in-566-million-deal

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

caribou-coffee-names-scott-kennedy-ceo-eyes-continued-growth

McDonald’s Launches New Extra Value Meals as Consumer Demand for Value Continues to Climb

mcdonalds-launches-extra-value-meals

DevHub - Meet the Supplier - 1851 Franchise

DevHub: Scalable Digital Marketing for Franchises and Multi-Location Brands

devhub-meet-the-supplier

Mike Revak - Chief Business Officer - Sky Zone - Franchise Marketing Leaders - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Mike Revak — President and Chief Business Officer, Sky Zone

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-mike-revak-chief-business-officer-sky-zone

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Cathy Chavenet — Chief Marketing Officer, Paris Baguette

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-cathy-chavenet-chief-marketing-officer-paris-baguette

What It Really Feels Like To Franchise Your Business

what-it-really-feels-like-to-franchise-your-business

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

International Franchise Association Looks to Change the Narrative About Franchising

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS