A Message FROM THE CHAIRMAN
I
ndiana-Purdue. Feb. 23, 1985. Hoosiers coach
Bobby Knight, in his railing against the injustice
of an officiating call, picked up an Indiana-red
chair – his chair – from the sideline and hurled
it across the court. He was ejected. The Hoosiers would go
on to lose the game, but The General made coaching lore
for his impassioned outburst prompted by the wrong he
felt his team was dealt.
2016 Issue 3 |
THE
SCORE
2
As small-business owners, we go to
bat for our teams, our companies, our
families. We feel the impact of each
questionable call from the officials.
In the game of business, however,
there is no instant replay or coach’s
challenge to overturn poor decisionmaking by those tasked with refereeing the environment in which we
operate.
Increasingly, it feels as though
regulators keep moving the target,
making the rules up as they go. From
the local to federal level, a litany of
regulations has flooded the court
recently. We, as franchisees, face
evolving rules of operation on everything from overtime and minimum
wage to scheduling and sick leave.
Regulation and legislation dictate how
business owners operate and who
wins and who loses. The upcoming
election will determine not only who
controls the White House but which
party controls the Senate, and the
outcome will have far-reaching effects
for our industry.
While exploding in Bobby Knight
fashion solves nothing, there are
ways we, as franchisees and business
owners, can step up to the plate and
help ensure we have the right people
in our corner. I encourage you to do
some research and educate yourself on the platforms and policies of
those seeking elected office at every
level this November. Take time to
get to know those men and women
campaigning to be mayor, councilman,
state legislator or congressman. The
legislation adopted by these officials
directly impacts you and your business. Advocate for legislation you
believe in by calling, emailing or
writing to your representative. You
may also choose to become involved
by running for office, which affords
you the opportunity to impact your
community and its business owners.
As an association, Franchise
Business Services also provides educational avenues for members. Our
annual FBS Business Summit brings
together members, system suppliers,
and industry and legal experts for an
event packed with information and
tools to help your business succeed.
Our association also works through
communications to deliver the latest
updates on regulations to our members.
Whether through FBSVotes.com, The
SCORE, webinars or social media, we
have you covered on the legislative
front. For example, we have dedicated
this issue to the upcoming election
and the business issues on everyone’s
mind.
As voters, we have a voice and the
ability to promote positive change by
supporting those who represent good
policy. Help shape the future and the
outcome of the most important election of our lifetime by becoming – and
remaining – engaged in the political
process. I ask you not to sit on the
sidelines this November. Far too much
is at stake to remain silent.
Wray Hutchinson