As a longstanding member of the CFA and its Board of Directors, I have seen first-hand the vital role community plays within the Association. There was no better display of the power of community than the commitment franchising professionals within CFA membership demonstrated to their industry over the past few years.

Through strong participation in a wide range of virtual and in-person programming, we saw CFA members lift each other up and keep the Canadian franchising industry strong while facing unprecedented challenges. We are a small but strong community because we support and encourage each other. The strength of the CFA community was seen in action at the 2023 CFA National Convention.

At the CFA’s flagship event on April 1-3 in Niagara Falls (recapped on page 11), we saw our strong community comes together to share their industry knowledge and collectively lift the Canadian franchising industry to new heights.

Everything we do as a franchising community culminates at Convention, where we celebrated several “firsts” within our four pillars of Community, Education, Advocacy, and Lead Generation. From launching new programming such as the CEO Circle Reception to the formation of new committees like the Women in Franchising and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion committee, none of these accomplishments could have been achieved without a collaborative effort between the CFA’s Franchise System and Support Service Supplier members. Backed by the brightest minds of the Canadian franchising industry – some of whom share their insights within this Spring issue of the Franchise Voice – I am certain that together, as an association and a community, we will continue to grow the franchise industry as a viable and attractive contributor to everything that small business brings to
the Canadian economy and GDP.

To produce strong programming, however, we need to get all CFA members involved and engaged with the Association. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of tools at your disposal through the CFA to engage with the greater Canadian franchise community, and as a result, grow your system to its fullest potential: You can join one of our committees to help develop CFA programs and tackle any areas of concern for the franchise community. You can engage with the CFA community at our various events and tradeshows across the country to meet like-minded franchisors within your market.

You can also attend the 2024 Convention in Montreal, which encapsulates what it means to be a part of the Canadian franchise community. The expectation is for everyday Canadians to continue to choose franchising to be in business for themselves but not by themselves, and to fulfill their desires to be self-employed businesspeople providing for their families. There have never been more opportunities for franchisees or franchisors than right now. With all of us focused together, along with your Canadian Franchise Association, we can make the dream of franchising a reality for more Canadians than ever before.

David Druker
Chair, Canadian Franchise Association
President, The UPS Store Canada