U.S. and Canadian Military Exchanges Share Insights, Ideas in Pursuit of Common Mission

The Exchange welcomed visitors from north of the border to Dallas headquarters on April 4. Leaders from Canadian Forces Morale & Welfare Services (CFMWS) met with Exchange executives to build a relationship between the two organizations that both pursue similar missions in supporting the military community.

Sean N. Cantelon, CFMWS CEO; Chief Petty Officer Lucie Simpson, senior enlisted advisor; and Denis Gaboury, Canadian Armed Forces Sports Manager, met with Exchange leaders to share ideas about how the organizations can best serve their customer bases.

Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, CFMWS is dedicated to providing programs and services that support the physical, mental and social well-being of the Canadian military community.

“The Exchange is always looking for best practices and ways to improve serving the best customers in the world,” said Exchange Director CEO/Tom Shull. “Learning from and sharing with CFMWS helps both organizations make life better for those who serve.”

The Exchange and CFMWS have similar missions in supporting service members. Under its CANEX division, which has been in operation since 1967, CFMWS provides retail services to Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans and military families.

Representatives of the two organizations discussed various aspects of their respective business models, including how to increase dividends to Quality-of-Life programs and how to deliver the best value to shoppers.

“CFMWS is grateful to our American counterparts for taking the time to share with us their valuable insights to serving the military community,” Cantelon said.