is to work closely with FBS and BWW franchisees to form a
collective voice on important issues. This approach includes the
formation of an active group comprised of both franchisees and
company team members working collaboratively on key issues.
Despite the ever-changing nature of public policy issues,
prioritizing those key issues is vital to putting a successful plan
in place. As we head into the 2014 elections, Ehlert has identified the top three issues that could have the biggest impact on
Buffalo Wild Wings® and its franchisees:
Tip Credit: “Given the fact that 43 states have some form
of a tip credit, any significant decrease in, or the elimination
of the credit has the potential to significantly alter the casual
dining business model,” he says.
Paid Leave and Scheduling Mandates: The restaurant
industry and others are being targeted by legislation at the
state and local level that would mandate some form of paid
leave. Several cities and states are poised to enact paid leave
laws this year, and others are looking at new scheduling
requirements. Ehlert emphasizes the importance of what’s
at stake: “If the industry does not become proactive on these
issues, it could face unworkable new mandates.”
Extending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and the
15-year Restaurant Depreciation Schedule: Both expired at the end
of last year. “We would like to see Congress make both permanent, or at the very least, extend them for another two years,”
says Ehlert. He explains that without an extension this fall, both
provisions will remain expired and impact a key hiring program,
as well as the ability to realistically depreciate restaurant investments. “In the case of the depreciation schedule, the expired
provision has now reverted back to a 39.5-year time frame for
new and remodeled restaurant properties.”
So, how do you go about making policy changes?
According to Ehlert, “Our ability to engage in grassroots advocacy is one of our best government relations assets. It’s one
thing for key decision makers to hear from government relations professionals, but the real impact is made when hundreds
of corporate team members and franchisees reach out and tell
their stories.”
Ehlert stresses that the time to become engaged in politics is now, especially with the upcoming elections, and he
encourages all franchisees to get involved in discussions about
policies that impact the brand. “We can make a difference in
the outcome only if we engage with and educate key decisionmakers,” he adds. “Our brand must continue to build relationships, because as the saying goes, ‘if you’re not at the table,
you’re on the menu!’”
Contact Ehlert at [email protected] or
952-278-9561. S
Elizabeth Lowman is the FBS director of marketing and communications. Contact Lowman at [email protected] or
678-797-5161.
Get ready for some football…when the game is on…
Engage your customers on their smart phones…
Let them hear their game…
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SCORE | 2014 Issue 3
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