Southbury Franchise Industry Leader Urges Congress to Consider Small Businesses in Healthcare Debate
SOUTHBURY, Conn., Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Karen Powell, founder and CEO of Decor&You, themarket leader and second largest interior design franchise, met with members of the Connecticut congressional delegation about healthcare reform and other issues important to the franchise industry during the International Franchise Association (IFA) 10th Annual Public Affairs Conference held in Washington Sept. 14-15.
Powell joined 450 franchise leaders from around the country in Washington to urge Congress to consider the impact of healthcare reform on small and franchise businesses.
"We urged congressional leaders to focus on reducing the cost of health care, improving the quality of care and making health insurance affordable for businesses to offer to employees," Powell said. "While the franchise industry supports healthcare reform, now is not the time, during the worst recession since World War II, for substantial new increases in healthcare costs. More consideration for small businesses in the healthcare debate is critical to the future of the franchise industry."
Powell highlighted the importance of franchising to the U.S. economy during meetings with members of Congress. According to a study conducted for the IFA Educational Foundation by PricewaterhouseCoopers on the economic impact of franchising, there are more than 900,000 franchised businesses in operation across the country that provide for 21 million jobs and generate $2.3 trillion in economic output, she said.
"However, the credit market is hampering our ability to create new, sustainable jobs. A 40 percent reduction in franchise lending is predicted this year, resulting in the loss of an estimated 200,000 direct and indirect jobs," Powell said. "We urged Congress to promote more lending and less government spending so franchise businesses can provide better jobs that help the economy recover at a faster pace." Decor& You is one of five brands of FranchisEsource Brands International (FSBI) headquarters in Southbury Ct.
About Decor&You
Established in 1998, Decor&You(R), Inc. furnishes and refines America's residential and commercial interiors via a nationwide network of professional interior decorators, and makes it easy for people to achieve comfort, style, and enhanced value in their homes and businesses.
About The International Franchise Association
The International Franchise Association, the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising. For more information, visit the IFA Web site at www.franchise.org.
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