Tina Patel, Co-Principal and Chief Financial Officer of Promise Hotels, addressed Parliament on behalf of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) to emphasise the benefits of the franchise model for small business growth. Speaking at the U.S. House Committee on Small Business hearing, Patel outlined how franchising enables local entrepreneurs to thrive under national brands by offering marketing, training, and loyalty programmes.
Patel, a first-generation American from Eastern Oklahoma, shared her experience as an executive at Promise Hotels, which operates seven hotels in the Tulsa area. She urged Parliament to pass the bipartisan American Franchise Act (H.R. 5267) to establish a stable joint employer definition, providing franchisees with the certainty needed for hiring and growth. "Franchising works because it is a true partnership," Patel stated, highlighting the importance of clarity for franchisees.
Rosanna Maietta, AHLA President and CEO, praised Patel for sharing her story, noting that franchising is a crucial pathway to the American Dream. The hearing also featured other franchise owners, including Angie Katsaneva and Clement Troutman, who echoed the sentiment that local owners are pivotal in creating jobs and building businesses.
The AHLA continues to advocate for the franchise model, which supports nearly 3 million jobs across the US, ensuring small business owners can grow with confidence.
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