Local PostNet Franchisee Meets with Alabama & Mississippi Legislators on Capitol Hill
PostNet® Franchisee, Lynda Freeman, visited Capitol Hill September 16th to discuss concerns on several legislative issues that effect businesses in Alabama and Mississippi. The appointments with the Legislators were set up as a part of the IFA (International Franchise Association) meeting held in Washington, D.C. Along with the Chelsea business owner was the McAlisters Deli’s CEO, Phillip Friedman and Vice President, Pat Wallace.
“A briefing was held Monday night for all IFA representatives from all the states to prepare us for the quick pace we would have on Tuesday,” says Mrs. Freeman. Little time was spent sightseeing, as the group walked rapidly from one appointment to another – until all ten appointments were completed. The ALA/MISS group had the most appointments of all the groups, with the CO group coming in second with eight appointments. “I think this shows how willing our legislators are to listen to the people of Alabama,” says Mrs. Freeman.
Appointments included. Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-06), Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL), Sen. Lott (R-MS??), Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS), Lanier Avant, LA, for Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Rep. Gene Taylor (D-MS), Alan Freyer, LA on small business, for Rep. Artur Davis (D-AL), Rep. Bud Cramer (D-AL), Rep. Chip Pickering (R-MS), and Rep. Terry Everett (R-AL).
Almost every appointment started with the staff members of the respective offices asking if we brought any “sweet” tea, notes Mrs. Freeman.
Congressman John Tanner, (D-TN), also a Hampton Inn franchisee, spoke at the IFA Meeting, along with Mrs. Karen Nussle, wife of Rep. Jim Nussle (R-IA).
The legislative issue that Mrs. Freeman spoke on was the Associated Health Plan. Pending in the Senate is a bill which will allow associations to offer health insurance to their members through association health plans. This concept will make coverage more affordable by spreading risk among a much larger group, strengthening negotiating power with plans and providers, and reducing administrative costs. The House passed its version of an AHP bill in June. Mrs. Freeman would like to offer her employees insurance benefits, but the rates are too high for a plan for 3 people. She feels that this bill would definitely allow employers to insure their employees at an affordable rate, thus reducing the high rate of 60% of uninsured people who work for a small business.
Other issues this group discussed that affect businesses in Alabama included Obesity Legislation, which would prohibit frivolous lawsuits against food distributors/restaurants, Dept. of Labor White Collar Exemption, which addresses qualifying employees for overtime pay, Class-Action/Legal Reform, that would (1) outlaw certain practices that provide inadequate settlements for class members, and (2) assure that the attorneys do not receive a disproportionate amount of settlements at the expense of class members, as well as other issues, and Depreciation Reform, which would change the depreciation schedule for real property and leasehold improvements from 39 years to 15 years. McAlisters CEO made the point that most restaurants are not still in business after 39 years, and if they are, they have definitely remodeled by that time.
The Chelsea PostNetü is one of 1,000 worldwide to include 14 countries. PostNetü International is a cross between Mail Boxes Etc. and Kinko’s for the purpose of serving individuals and small-business owners. Headquarters for PostNet Internationalü is located in Henderson, Nevada with Steven Greenbaum as CEO.
McAlisters is headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, with stores in 17 states, including several locations in the Birmingham area.
IFA is the oldest and largest association representing the franchise community: franchisees, franchisors and suppliers. Along with PostNetü and McAlisters, many of its member companies are brand names such as McDonald’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Burger King, ReMax, The Athlete’s Foot, Domino’s Pizza, Dairy Queen, Subway, The UPS Store, and thousands of others across more than 70 different industries.
Pictured in photo are: Lynda Freeman, PostNetü owner, Pat Wallace and Phillip Friedman, McAlisters Deli.
Submitted 10/08/2003
Information received from the Lynda Freeman
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