Franchising WorldJuly 2008

PostNet International Franchise Corp. CEO and International Franchise Association Chairman Steve Greenbaum, CFE, shared his insight on the relationship between Canada and the United States.
Due to the fact that 80 percent of Canada’s exports go to the United States and 70 percent of Canada’s imports come from the United States, it is apparent that the two nations have a mutually-beneficial relationship.  Delivering the keynote address for the Canadian Franchise Association’s annual convention, PostNet International Franchise Corp. CEO and International Franchise Association Chairman Steve Greenbaum, CFE, shared his views about that profitable relationship, described growth strategies and noted recent U.S. economic impact study data.
 
Citing the outcome of the recent meeting of the leaders of the North American Free Trade Agreement nations, Greenbaum shared a positive outlook on the potency of the group for having created jobs, business opportunities, economic growth and better environmental standards and labor concerns.  He then discussed how the United States and Canada should embrace their dynamic relationship to be more competitive in the global marketplace.
 
“We share so many of those basic values and our formulas for success in most instances run parallel to each other,” Greenbaum said.
 
The recent IFA Educational Foundation study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers indicated that franchising was counter-cyclical to an economic recession.  The research showed that between 2001 and 2005, franchise businesses have outpaced the economy as a whole in terms of the rate of growth of jobs, payroll and output. 
 
Greenbaum noted that this research supports the notion that the franchising industry will continue to grow in both countries and strengthen the economies.  He also imparted his ideas for the continued success of the industry.
 
“For franchising to do its best for everyone—owners, employees and customers—we need ethical standards in business, a commitment to transparency and responsible growth in government and consumer confidence,” said Greenbaum.