WASHINGTON, D.C., MAY 11 – The International Franchise Association (IFA) today endorsed Rep. Kurt Schrader for reelection, naming the Oregon Democrat as a “Friend of Franchising.”
The endorsement – based on a review process evaluating factors including the candidate’s voting record, official actions, and public statements – are reflective of Schrader’s efforts to promote business growth and employee development for America’s 733,000 franchise small businesses. Endorsements are not related to political party affiliation.
“America’s franchise small businesses give Kurt Schrader their strongest support as a friend of franchising,” said IFA President and CEO Robert Cresanti. “He works day in and day out to help the citizens of his district and Oregon, never forgetting the franchised small businesses and their employees and helping them thrive in Oregon and across the country. He is an effective advocate for his constituents and their communities, and IFA believes that a vote for him is a vote in support of locally-owned small businesses.”
Franchising is an arrangement where a name brand company grants a local owner the right to use its trademark, business systems, and processes to produce and market a good or service. The business owner usually pays a one-time franchise fee and a percentage of sales revenue as royalty.
This structure allows for consistent quality and trust for consumers wherever they go, while allowing entrepreneurs the opportunity to fulfill their dream of starting and growing a business of their own.
In franchising, brands are the foundation for economic development and job creation. A franchise brand is more than a name; it is the entire experience that customers receive at each location, from the products or services received to the interaction with the employees and the local community.
America’s 733,000 franchise small businesses employ nearly 8 million Americans. In Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, some 1900 franchise businesses employ more than 17,000 Oregonians and contribute $1.5 billion in economic output.
Future IFA endorsements will be made throughout the year.