The International Franchise Association’s Annual Convention is just around the corner and will be held later this month in San Antonio, Texas from February 20-23rd. This year representatives from the recently formed Franchise Action Network (FAN) will be on hand at the IFA Booth in the Exhibit Halls. FAN is a grassroots organization created as part of the IFA’s efforts to educate policymakers on the jobs that locally-owned franchise business owners create and the value franchisees bring to local communities. FAN attempts to bring all participants in the franchise industry together to speak in a collective voice against threats which undermine the fundamentals of the franchise business model such as the discriminatory minimum wage increases seen in cities such as Seattle, Washington and the changes in the joint-employer status of franchisors and franchisees. FAN welcoming anyone to stop by Booth 161 at the IFA Convention to tell their story on the contributions they bring to the economy and to hear about FAN’s campaigns. Attendees are also encouraged to make an appointment with Chris Krueger of the IFA. Mr. Krueger can be contacted at ckrueger@franchise.org.