A detailed look at all the great advantages IFA provides to its members for multi-unit growth.

Attorneys from labor law firm Littler Mendelson outlined several of the key provisions of recent federal stimulus legislation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The panelists discussed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), Emergency Paid Sick Leave, Emergency Family Medical Leave, and the CARES Act. The panelists discussed the new mandates on businesses, as well as compliance measures, and loan options open to businesses in light of the stimulus bills.

This webinar’s panelists discussed payroll system operators’ role in the broader stimulus and loan efforts undertaken by recent government action, and outlined relief options available for small businesses. The panelists focused on the Employee Retention Tax Credit and Paycheck Protection Program Loan provisions of the recent CARES Act, and how payroll processers can act as trusted advisors on the front and back-end of loan forgiveness provisions through documentation and record-keeping compliance.

IFA supplier leaders from global accounting firm Citrin Cooperman provided participants with “timeless tips” and guidance for businesses to conserve cash flow as they contend with business interruption. The panelists offered both short term and long term solutions to deal with the current crisis, including: deferring expenses; communicating with bankers to manage possible refinancing and repayment options; tax deferral; and review of existing contracts. Longer term, the panelists recommended planning for new sources of cash flow via government loans with an eye toward accommodating labor changes, and preparing business for liquidity challenges going forward.

IFA leadership discussed the various loan relief programs offered through government agencies, and as a result of the highly anticipated legislation recently passed by Congress. Though implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program loans (PPPL) by the Small Business Administration and via commercial lenders is forthcoming, the panelists outlined the importance of liquidity at this time and to take advantage of the loans offered by these outlets. The panelists took a step-by-step look at the loan terms and documentation needed by franchise businesses to access new loans and their eligibility for forgiveness within these programs.

Panelists discussed the legal implication of layoffs, furloughs, and closures from both legal and communications standpoints. Bruce Millman of Littler Mendelson discuss the differences between layoffs and furloughs, and the business effects due to the discontinuation of the employment relationship. The panelists discussed issues arising due to WARN Act considerations for businesses, as well as the internal and external communications strategies and processes for dealing with employment uncertainty, and laying off employees.

In the “Fitness and Health Industry in Times of Coronavirus” webinar, member leaders from Athletic Republic and Planet Fitness discussed the effects of COVID-19 on the fitness and gym space, franchisor-franchisee relations, and steps taken now and after the pandemic ends to communicate and retain members, and retain the customer experience. The panelists outlined the health and sanitation guidelines and differences for open versus closed locations, and emphasized important cost control strategies that they as franchisors are taking and recommending to guide and support franchisees through the economic turbulence.

In the “Crisis and Reputation Management in Times of Coronavirus”, public relations professionals discussed communications best practices for franchisors and franchisees as they navigate COVID-19-related uncertainty. The panelists discussed the “before, during, and after” phases of crisis communications and planning, and underscored the need for strong corporate culture as a lynchpin to guide current and future action. In particular, the panelists discussed the need for strategic clarity amid rushed decision-making, to take stock of process improvement, and to lay the groundwork for business re-openings with acts of empathy and goodwill during moments of crisis.

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.

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.