New Effort Is Designed To Ensure Supply Chain Stability During Coronavirus Crisis
The International Franchise Association (IFA) is working with the Owner–Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) and The American Trucking Associations (ATA) to help truck drivers to navigate the coronavirus pandemic.
Franchise Association Praises Congressional Leadership For Bold Leadership to Help Small Businesses in Coronavirus Relief Bill
Former IFA leadership offered historical perspectives on times of crisis to chart a course through this period of COVID-19-related instability. The panelists stressed the need for positive culture aligned on common values of trust, open communication, and mutual support between franchisor and franchisee. The panelists also detailed the need for self-less leadership that puts the needs and priorities of others first, for relentless communication with stakeholders, and for empathy to those affected by the ongoing public health crisis.
IFA franchisor member Jani-King provided important perspectives from a janitorial and cleaning company as they confront increased demand for cleaning and disinfecting services due to the spread of COVID-19. The panelists outlined in detail the different approaches to cleaning and disinfecting to promote health and safety for franchisor companies, franchisees, and customers. The panelists also underscored the need to pay close attention to national, state, and local mandates and court orders about essential and non-essential business operations and restrictions.
Steps franchisors can take to support their franchisees and protect their brand throughout this ongoing crisis.
At the IFA 2020 annual convention David Barr, Chairman of IFA, said it himself: with the estimated growth of the overall GDP 2020 contribution by the franchise community sitting at 4.6%, you’re definitely in the right business. Notwithstanding the panic and the oncoming economic issues due to our current state of emergency, the franchise community is and will continue to be, a strong driving force of the US economic structure.
How one brand decided to take their discovery day digital and the feedback they received from potential franchisees and leadership.
In the “What Coronavirus Means for Franchise Brands” webinar, IFA Immediate Past Chair David Barr, John Teza, and IFA Vice Chair Charlie Chase discussed their approaches as franchisors while they deal with scaling down operations, cash flow, brands health, and planning for the near term due to COVID-19. The panelists urged franchisors to carefully plan for the short-term realities and to remain nimble to respond to the needs of customers and consumers. The panelists recommended a planning framework that emphasized education, collaboration, and communication over and above how franchise brands would normally train and talk to their franchise systems and teams.