Unifying the Global Message of Franchising

From the CEO's Desk

By Robert Cresanti, CFE 

IFA’s expanding global reach highlights the positive ways franchising impacts local economies and communities.

While the U.S. ecosystem for franchising is robust, the systems and support networks for the business model vary from nation to nation. Yet, the threats are similar. For example, the joint employer issue has emerged in places as diverse as North and South America, Europe, and Oceania.

IFA works to bolster its deep government relations experience with strong partners, including World Franchise Council member associations and the U.S. government. We encourage our WFC partners to proactively protect the environment for franchising in their countries. Further, we have signed numerous collaboration agreements with other associations.

In the spirit of global partnership, we will share an IFA-produced Government Relations Guide for franchise associations this month in Moscow during the World Franchise Council meeting.

A robust global ecosystem is crucial to franchising. That’s why IFA works with local partners around the world through our Foundation’s Certified Franchise Executive program. The value and significance of the CFE designation is widely recognized in many countries, Egypt being the latest addition. The 2018 Class of 212 professionals, the largest ever, included 56 international graduates. Learn more at www.franchise.org/cfe-home.

We are all ambassadors of franchising. Joining the global movement to help IFA protect our business model is essential to its future. We must share a unified message that franchising generates business ownership, creates jobs and strengthens local communities.

Learn more at www.franchise.org/international.