Nickname | IFA |
---|---|
Type | 501(c)(6) Non-Profit |
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]
IFA was originally founded in Chicago in 1961 by Dunkin' Donuts founder Bill Rosenberg and other business owners.[5]
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]
IFA claims a membership of 1,400 brands,[9] and states that its members represent 2.5% of the U.S. GDP[10]