Franchising World June 2013

BY JOSH MERIN 

 MANY PEOPLE ARE GAINING a better understanding of the worldwide scope of franchising as leading business organizations raise awareness about the popular business model. That trend was especially evident in Montreal recently as the Canadian Franchise Association, the International Franchise Association’s World Franchise Council   partner, kicked off its 22nd annual convention of featuring both Canadian and U.S. franchise systems. More than 600 franchise professionals attended, seeking to gain new skills, discover new ideas and celebrate excellence in franchising.
   CFA, the national voice of franchising in Canada, has nearly 500 corporate members and works to secure the industry’s interests with all levels of government. It is led by Lorraine McLachlan, who serves as president and CEO.  
   IFA’s presence included an update on the association and its activities on behalf of its more than 1,300 members by IFA President and CEO Steve Caldeira, CFE, who addressed the group’s board of directors.
   Caldeira provided data on the U.S. franchise industry’s capacity as a job creator, credited with providing nearly 18 million jobs or   11.8 percent of all U.S. private-sector jobs. He also outlined IFA’s federal policy platform, increasing awareness through earned media and membership growth in its franchisee, franchisor and supplier sectors.
   Among the member tools Caldeira noted were the association’s new member-only online community, FranSocial; the first technology conference, FranCamp 2013; an NFL partnership to help players and spouses learn about the best     tools and resources needed to succeed in franchising; and the continued strength of VetFran, IFA’s initiative to help veterans access opportunities in franchising.
   In addition, CFA members heard from another stateside expert, The Dwyer Group Chairwoman and CEO Dina Dwyer-Owens, CFE, who was keynote speaker for the closing   address. Dwyer-Owens, IFA’s 2009 chairwoman, shared her insights on cultivating a strong corporate culture and offered examples of how the company‘s Code of Values builds the foundation for business and life success.