[1][2] The association publishes data on franchise activity through a partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau[3] and has litigated on behalf of its members in cases that have reached the U.S. Supreme Court.
[4] IFA was originally founded in Chicago in 1961 by Dunkin' Donuts founder Bill Rosenberg and other business owners.
[5] IFA lobbies in local, state and federal workforce issues such as minimum wage increases, employee classifications and health care legislation.
[4] The Center for Media and Democracy consider IFA to be a source of pro-business lobbying activity on behalf of other groups such as ALEC and the Koch Brothers.
[citation needed] IFA claims a membership of 1,400 brands,[9] and states that its members represent 2.5% of the U.S. GDP[10]