IFA Chairman, president join international colleagues in vital discussions, strategic planning sessions.

            Since its founding in 1994 in Lisbon, Portugal, the World Franchise Council has steadfastly pursued its objectives to inform member countries about the rapidly-changing developments of franchising worldwide while, at the same time, representing international franchising before international bodies.

             Today, the organization’s membership is composed of franchising and business leaders from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the United States of America and the European Franchise Federation.

             International Franchise Association Chairman Steven Greenbaum, CFE, and CEO of PostNet International Franchise Corporation, and IFA Pres. and CEO Matthew Shay attended the most recent meeting of the body in Paris in mid-March.  Conducted in conjunction with Franchise Expo Paris, the three-day gathering addressed a broad range of franchising issues.

             Greenbaum, who during his attendance of the organization’s Kuala Lumpur meeting in 2008, encouraged the WFC to define and expand its strategic focus and effectiveness, led attendees in a strategic planning session which included conducting a critical review of its mission statement, organizational vision and analysis of its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

             “Leading the strategic planning process for the World Franchise Council has served to strengthen my understanding and belief that franchising doesn’t just unify, it transcends cultural and socio-economic barriers and provides a business format or platform on which to share values and beliefs and improve processes to create opportunity,” Greenbaum said.  

            Shay noted the benefit of dialogue between Council members.  “Although we all realize that the franchising industry is very intricately intertwined globally, the opportunity to engage in crucial dialogue about the economic challenges facing us all served to reassure those attending the Paris gathering that there is reason for optimism since franchises tend to weather financial downturns better than other types of businesses,” he said.  “Sharing our different experiences and approaches to solving economic problems gave all World Franchise Council members encouragement that the global economy will rebound and grow.”

             Shay said the meeting was one of the best he had ever attended and commended the WFC for revitalizing the sessions through implementing more compelling events, discussions and activities for the group.

             Most importantly, he noted, was a general sense of renewed enthusiasm for the Council and the commitment to operating within the challenges that all countries face, in addition to sharing information and working collaboratively in an effective network.

             “This exercise is vital for any organization because it challenges its historical views about its reason for existence and how it serves its members,” Shay said, noting that there have been dramatic changes in franchising and the global economy since the Council was founded more than 15 years ago.

             IFA played a significant role in the initial launch of the WFC and continues, as a member, to play an appropriate role in defining the body as one that is very beneficial for IFA member companies in their international development efforts.

             Although in recent years, scheduling conflicts have limited IFA’s participation, Shay said the association’s renewed commitment signals a commitment and dedication to contribute in a more essential fashion through leadership that educates business and governmental bodies about franchising and its crucial impact on the global economy.