Former Rep. Melancon joins franchise trade group

Former Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-La.) has joined the International Franchise Association (IFA).

Melancon will be the trade group's senior vice president of government relations and public policy. 

First elected in 2004, Melancon served three terms in the House. He was a member of the Blue Dogs, the conservative Democratic caucus, and lost a Senate bid last November to Sen. David Vitter (R-La.). 

“We are thrilled that Charlie Melancon will join IFA as our top government relations representative,” IFA President and CEO Steve Caldeira said in a statement. “Charlie’s strong pro-business background and his bi-partisan relationships on Capitol Hill will help the IFA, and the franchising industry, strengthen and advance our job creation agenda in Washington.”

“As a former franchise owner, I fully understand the challenges facing small business owners,” Melancon said. “I know from my involvement with the IFA as a member of Congress that the organization is a critical player in advocating for small business owners, and I am happy to join the talented team at IFA to represent franchise businesses in Washington.”