Keith Hudson Lobbies for Franchises in Washington, D.C.

September 10, 2007 (Washington, D.C.)—Every September, the International Franchise Association (IFA), goes to Washington, D.C. for two purposes: to educate Congress and to celebrate Franchise Appreciation Day. Keith Hudson, CFE, was there to both celebrate the day and meet with a number of members of Congress about legislation and policies harmful to franchises.

Franchise Appreciation Day is an opportunity for both franchisees and franchisors to give voice to their legislators about the effects of their policies. Many Congress members have no understanding of franchises and their role in the U.S. economy. They don’t know that there are over 760,000 franchises generating $1.53 trillion in economic output and creating more than 18 million jobs in the U.S. Many don’t know the difference between a franchisor and franchisee. Or that one in every seven jobs is provided by a franchisee. Their policies on the hot topics of affordable healthcare, immigration reform and unionization affect franchisees in a very real way. And Hudson, along with other members of the IFA, spoke up on these important issues on behalf of franchisees.

Having been involved with franchises for over 35 years, Hudson knows all too well the challenges franchisees face. As a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and President of Charter Franchise Group, Hudson’s mission is to help franchisors and franchisees succeed. It is essential to stay abreast of trends, state and federal laws, and best practices in franchising. He and his franchise consultants do this a number of ways including through active participation in the organizations like the IFA and the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising.

Hudson’s commitment to staying current with the latest legislation and lobbying on behalf of franchises is part of what has made Charter Franchise Group the “go-to” experts in the Southwest and Sunbelt Region.