We are all under stress right now as we face a new kind of quickly evolving crisis that is not just regional, but global. Large enterprises, franchise organizations and small businesses alike are all trying to determine better ways to communicate with staff, partners, customers and vendors.  

Texting in these times can provide a fast, trusted means of communicating since 90% of text messages are read within one minute, and just as importantly, less than 1% are considered SPAM. Ideal for getting out trusted information quickly. 

We have received an important communication from Medova Healthcare regarding benefits and protections included or ADDED to Lifestyle Health Plan subscribers.

The AAFD has made it easier than ever to access the AAFD’s acclaimed Fair Franchising Standards. Simply visit the Fair Franchising Standards page on our AAFD’s Website, and choose to order from Amazon.com, or simply download a PDF version directly from the AAFD for Free! The AAFD Standards are also available from Amazon in either paperback or Kindle format. 

S.3548 has been introduced in the Senate that specifically takes action to assist small business owners from the effects of Coronavirus pandemic. We now have a starting point to work from and will do our best to keep you up to date on its progress and other legislation that impacts franchisees. The main points of this legislation are to get money into the hands of small business owners through disaster loans, penalty free access to retirement funds, and possibly grants.

H.R. 6201 did pass the Senate yesterday and was signed into law by the President. The Labor Department will now interpret the law and finalize the rules to execute the law. This chart, provided by Senate staff may help explain some of the paid leave requirements from H.R. 6201.

As you probably know, and has been widely reported, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Act overnight this past Friday.  It will be debated and likely passed in the Senate on Monday, and the President has already expressed his support.  Of course, the question on all of our minds is how does it impact us as franchisees?  First, a lot will come out in the coming days, with many organizations providing their analysis of the legislation.  It’s 124 pages long, so it’s not an easy task.  As detailed analysis becomes available, I will get that to you. A link to the legislation can be found here.