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IFA and supplier leaders discussed the regulatory and communications components of deeming your business an “essential” business in light of local and state-mandated business closures. IFA’s Jeff Hanscom outlined the CISA guidance on Essential Businesses, which follows DHS guidelines, and the categories of essential businesses. The panelists then discussed various efforts on behalf of industries that supplement these “essential” businesses to maintain their operations. The panelists also discussed best practices to manage employee and customer response to continue business operations and how to navigate their health and safety.

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.

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.

IFA Members from Polsinelli and the Spice & Tea Exchange discussed the implications of COVID-19 on the global supply chain, provided an update on imports, exports, and trade into and out of the United States, and briefed participants on insurance provisions related to the pandemic. The panelists went into detail on supply chain interruptions and possible avenues for relief via domestic secondary vendors. While the panelists noted trade and import/export reductions, they noted that the U.S. Trade Representative has published new tariff exclusions on certain important goods. Finally, the panelists discussed business insurance coverage.

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.

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.