Franchising World March 2007

An agreement between the U.S. Department of Commerce’s U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service and the International Franchise Association to foster, promote and facilitate the expansion of U.S. franchise systems was recently signed by IFA Pres. Matthew Shay and the Regional Director for Europe, U.S. Commercial Service John D. Breidenstine.

With its network of offices across the United States and in more than 80 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell products and services worldwide.

The IFA International Development Department, headed by Vice Pres. Marcel Portmann, assists franchise companies to develop and expand their international operations.  The department achieves this mission by providing technical assistance and information, along with organizing and supporting franchise trade missions and U.S. pavilions at selected franchise exhibitions outside the United States.  IFA’s international programs and services provide a cost-effective means for franchisors to explore foreign markets and expand globally; foster greater understanding of global markets; and promote franchising abroad.

IFA conducts workshops about international issues during its annual convention and other events it hosts throughout the year, one of these being the biennial International Symposium on Franchising, which is designed to assist franchisors in enhancing their global development strategies and tactics.

The department has the following committees and groups:

•   The Global Marketing Committee is responsible for directing overseas franchise development support and information services. Members include franchise development executives and consultants.

•   The Franchise Trade Mission Task Force coordinates franchise trade missions through U.S. Department of Commerce programs. These low-cost missions are the franchising community’s opportunity to leverage their tax dollars to grow their global franchise network presence. Members of this committee include senior franchise representatives, Commerce Department officials and members of the international consulting community.

•    International Affairs Network, is a group of 300-plus franchise executives from around the world that are interested in global franchise expansion. The members of this group are sent information regarding franchise events, news and legislative alerts.