COVID-19's impact on the world is creating waves across all sectors and industries. Every member of the CFA community is dealing with an issue that is affecting the world, our industries, our communities, our businesses, and our people.
I am writing to you today to provide information regarding COVID-19 and what we at the CFA are doing in response.
As your Association, we believe it is our role and responsibility at this time to prioritize two things:
- The safety and well-being of attendees of CFA events; and
- Provide leadership and support to our members through this turbulent time.
Earlier this week, the CFA released a bulletin advising that the CFA National Convention was proceeding as planned. As we all adjust to the rapidly-evolving COVID-19 situation, I want you to know that CFA National Convention will no longer take place April 4-6, 2020 in Montreal.
Currently, the CFA staff and Board of Directors Executive team are working together to explore other options for the Convention, such as deferring the Convention to a future date. We want to assure you that we are taking all member concerns into consideration and ask for your patience and understanding as we work through the planning process. We expect to have additional information in the near future.
We know that many CFA members are asking the question, “How do we navigate through these dynamic times and lead our companies through this storm?”
To help our members during this time, we are hosting two free panel discussion webinars on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Entitled “Leading Through Turbulent Times”, these webinars will provide you with the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights and advice from franchisors and suppliers on how to prepare for and lead through turbulent times. Detailed information will be distributed tomorrow. We encourage all members of the franchise community to participate.
In addition, the CFA has created a web page to provide updates and resources on COVID-19 for the franchise community. Click here to access this page now. Please be assured that the CFA is closely monitoring COVID-19 updates to ensure that the franchise community is informed during this dynamic situation. We will continue to post to the COVID-19 Resources page, which will be the best place to find the most current information as we move forward.
As a former franchise executive, I understand the anxiety and stress these situations create in your business. You are not alone. The CFA community is here to help. We are Better Together and united, we are strong.
Sincerely,
Sherry McNeil
CFA President & CEO
