Name That Songbird for a $20 Starbucks Card

UPDATE - JOHN CAREY WON ...again. Play that guy's birthdate on the lottery or something! John correctly answered with: Lauren Edney - Charlotte, NC Chapter President. John, a coffee card is on its way! I also put the answers to my hints below.

ORIGINAL POST - It seems that the world of IFMA is full of many gifted and talented individuals. During WWP last week, I met two fellow musicians. One is from California and the other, located somewhere in the United States, is the subject of this blog contest. She has a beautiful voice and is proof that IFMA members have a certain joie de verve that makes them special!

The first IFMA Member to correctly name the singer on the recording below (email wwhitzell@corporatecare.com with the answer) will receive a $20 Starbucks card in the mail.

http://www.ifmasac.org/audio/The%20Very%20Thought%20of%20You.wma

Hints:

1. She is a Chapter President
2. Near Holmes' Home - Oliver Wendell Holmes is the namesake for Wendell, NC
3. Crash's Home State - Crash, from the movie "Bull Durham" played by Kevin Costner
4. 1903 - Wright Brothers historic flight in Kitty Hawk, NC

Good Luck!

Pocket Full of Pebbles

Back in 2005, WWP was held in Philadelphia (near my hometown). Shortly before WWP, I had moved to the Sacramento market and switched membership from San Francisco to the Sacramento Valley Chapter. I had yet to meet anyone from the chapter except Christine Flanders, our uber-administrator from that time period. I walked into the welcome reception in search of my new chapter family. After I had looked around for some time, IFMA Powerhouse, Kathryn Lopez found me and said that there was a group of people that I had to meet, whereupon she took me straight to the Sacramento team. No sooner did I reach out my hand for a polite shake did Cyndi Smith (then the incoming Prez) reach out with wide open arms and gave me a big hug. In an instant, there was a real sense of family and belonging to this chapter. I instantly felt at home among them. But more than that, I knew I had begun a friendship with Cyndi that was real from micro-second one. All throughout the following year, I worked alongside Cyndi, Chris and a group of folks determined to take the Sacramento chapter to new heights of acheivement.

The following year, at San Diego WWP 2006, Cyndi and I sat next to each other at one of our chapter tables in the back of the room. During the Chapter of the Year Awards, she looked over at me with a look I have now become too familiar with. It's part hypnosis, part childlike wonder, and a LOT of estrogen. You know when that look pops up you are about to be spot-welded to her coat-tails and taken on yet another journey. This time, sitting at that table, she turned and said simply, "We are going to win that award." That was it. No discussion, no talk about how difficult. Just a statement that this WILL happen. My normal reaction to her bold moves is white-knuckles and mild hyperventilation (you get used to it). Think Woody Allen on a roller coaster. However, as with so much we have accomplished under Cyndi's leadership, I have some very, very good news to report. My friends...my IFMA Sacramento Family, I am filled with pride to tell you that you are all the well-deserving recipients of the 2008 International Small Chapter of Year Award. I wish all of you could have been there to share in the celebration with us. I shot the following two movie clips so you could experience the results of all your hard work to reach this milestone.



Makes ya misty don't it?

Obviously, if you have been following my live blog from WWP this year, you know I have had many "moments" that will stay with me from this week. In thinking about the conversations I had this trip, I realized that this has been the WWP of the IFMA Super-Woman. Between Cyndi, Laurie Gilmer, Serena Pancoast, Chris Costi, Kathleen Smith, and Kim Dilbeck, I realize that I am surrounded by some of the most talented and dedicated professionals I know of. And, if I dare be politically incorrect, they are as beautiful on the outside as they are inside. Let's face it, Cyndi and Laurie are the Guardians of Green. Chris Costi is the ultimate ambassador for membership in our chapter - and runs a New Member Breakfast with flair and grace. Kathleen took our rag-tag website by the boo-yah and turned it into something we can be proud of. It was Kim Dilbeck's graphic inspiration and lightening fast artistic guidance that brought us the Mayday collateral. Serena - holy moly, what can I say about Serena except that I have zero doubt that she will be running this chapter one day. She is passionate about FM and a model of disciplined professionalism. She will make an excellent leader when the time comes.

Now, it is important to note, that THIS will be the year of the IFMA Gentleman here in Sacramento given the masculine make-up of our current board of directors. Here we are reclining in "dudeness" at the Gala as we ponder all we survey. By the way, I am 5'11" and the average height of our board without me is 6'4". Don't worry, they're "gentle giants."
After the award ceremony, there was dinner and dancing. The emcee was particularly good this year - he reminded me of Dana Carvey.
After the Gala, IFMA Sacramento hosted our Third Annual Gala After Party at a trendy club called "Fuse." It was a great time with many great guests sponsored by Andersen Audio Visual, Corporate Care and SBM Site Services. Chris and Cyndi gave two "from the heart" toasts that, as usual, left me misty once again. Chris Flanders is an IFMA Veteran and his toast left no doubt that he cares for the chapter members in a way that is far more like family than business associates. He makes it clear that without the support of our husbands, wives and families, that putting the volunteer time into IFMA would be impossible. My wife has been a huge support for me by taking up the slack when I am at IFMA meetings. My IFMA participation would be impossible without her. It is an honor to work with an IFMA veteran like Chris. I am proud to be Riker to his Picard. Also, one of the side effects of being a man and working with Cyndi is getting in touch with your ability to cry at the drop of a hat when talking about IFMA, Chapter Members, puppies, sad clowns and golf tournaments. It's a kind of phenomenon that might interest a clinical psychologist. Chris' toast was definitely classic Flanders waterworks for all of us. I am going to start calling him the "Pipe Wrench."
We all had a great time at the after party just enjoying each other's company and the close of another WWP.
Lastly, I would like to say a "Thank You" to someone that comes not only from me, but the entire Sacramento Valley Chapter. There is a person in our chapter who has been our chapter father and mentor to many of us. He is clear-headed in chaos and a comedian under stress. Just knowing he is there if you need him is enough to walk the wire. Chapter of the Year would not have been possible without him. After watching the videos at bestowment of the IFMA Fellow designation at the Gala this year, it was made crystal clear how IFMA Fellows are chosen. They are people who are always there to help with their expertise and guidance for nothing but the love of FM and the organization that supports it. Our resident Fellow is no different. Kit, thank you for everything. We are very, very fortunate to be the cats in your herd.

So, where does this leave us? I can't help but think that this week has given me memories and knowledge that has simply made me a better person in many ways. I am left thinking about something Steve Greenwood said at the Gala after Mr. McGee's presentation. Steve said, "We have to get the whole chapter to feel the same pride for IFMA we all feel right now!" Steve wasn't phoning it in my friends. Like so many FM's that are passionate about their vocation, Steve believes we can make a difference. I am sure by now, if you have been reading this week's blog, you can obviously deduce that I am an emotional guy. I cry at Hallmark card commercials. Hopefully between the laughs, tears and wisecracks, you can see that I truly believe that IFMA is an organization that can make a difference through the many exciting, interesting and dedicated people in its ranks. Ladies and gentlemen, I ask: what will you do today to make a difference? I have a pocket full of pebbles to throw in each of your ponds at the next monthly program. Bring a raincoat.

-WW

Dozing Off

Chapter Family - I must apologize, but the final installment of my WWP blog will have to wait until I recover from this epic day. I have so much to relay and I want to do it justice. For now, I think this brief sneak preview (movie clip below) will whet your appetite for more. Check back on Monday for my final installment. Upshot...it was a grand, grand day for IFMA Sacramento.

The Ripple in The Pond

Day Three at WWP Dallas 2009. What a day!
If there were ever an example of what a difference a day at WWP can make - today was one such day. It started with two IFMA Powerhouses - Cynthia Smith, CFM and Laurie Gilmer, PE, CFM, LEED AP who presented "LEED EB-The Road to Platinum" to a packed room of 300 people. This was a case study from the VSP/FEA LEED EB Platinum Project.

It is no secret that I am this duo's biggest fan. However, today, I had to share these two with the greater IFMA community - and whoa! were they a hit! Between well documented data and a back story about dragging VSP through the LEED knothole (Tuvey-ism) they pulled the veil back on what a LEED project of this magnitude means to a facilities team. The team's most powerful analogy of throwing even a small pebble in a pond will create a ripple effect was driven home with Cynthia's (she'll always be Cyndi to me) impassioned plea and gauntlet throw that was more like a boulder-toss in still water that left the room awash in wave of inspiration and awe for the impact FMers can, nay, MUST make on the built environment. After the presentation, the two were swarmed with people who were moved to action with hypnotic passion and data that bordered on leaving us ashamed if we were to go home and do nothing with this knowledge. If you get a chance to get to know either of these two ladies, be prepared to be challenged, encouraged and to be magnetically drawn to the green horizon where these two are sure to take us all. To Cyndi and Laurie - Thank you from all of us charged with the responsibility of managing the built environment. Today, you are heroes.















Later that morning, Cynthia and I had the opportunity to network with two gentlemen (Samson from Nigeria and Dave from Orlando) who share a passion to marry the facilities management profession with a faith-based commitment to people and the stewardship of our planet's resources. Our goal is to create a networking community for those in IFMA that share a desire to live out their beliefs in day-to-day activities as a facilities professional. Only at IFMA can you two Californians sit down with a guy from Florida and another from the African continent and make plans to impact the world in so many positive ways through our interaction with the built environment. Look for our group on the IFMA Facebook Groups - perhaps, by next year in Orlando, our small ripple with morph into a surfable wave.


After more meetings and time on the expo floor, we headed to a lovely dinner hosted by my company, Corporate Care, for FMers from around the country. We were fortunate to have so many great folks join us at Bob's Steak and Chop House. I am so grateful to work for a company that ponies up the dough for IFMA because they believe whole-heartedly in the long-term relationships that are created and cultivated as a result. I am so proud of my company's commitment to IFMA. I just wished more associate companies would realize that associate participation in committees and through sponsorship is essential to chapter health. The business will come as a result, but only to those who are prepared to put in the time and commitment to the local chapter. For all the time and sponsorship dollars Corporate Care has given, I received it back in education and career coaching alone from Kit Tuveson and Cynthia Smith in ways that have improved my skills and bottom line with all my clients. Between the two of them, I am routinely pushed and motivated by the incessant ripples in the water these two emanate even while they are just standing still in a room.

We ended the evening at Eddie Deen's Ranch where there was more line dancing and live music. We had a chance to relax and catch up after a busy day of classes and meetings. When I walked through the door with Cynthia, a fellow FMer walked up to Cyndi and conveyed to her how much her and Laurie's presentation earlier in the day had affected her. She had obviously been hit with the same wave that tore through that class room twelve hours earlier. Here she is with Cyndi in the inset picture. Ladies and gentlemen, the future of FM got a lot greener today. We have been cast back to our facilities and local markets on a current of change. What ripples will you make on Monday morning? I guarantee you that Cyndi's average Monday looks like the back of a dual-motor speed boat at full-throttle. Sometimes, I can barely hang on.

Until tomorrow,

Your White-Knuckled Correspondent

Key "Notes"

Today, we assembled in the main expo area to attend the keynote speech. The speaker, Chip Heath was excellent. We are bringing back his book, "Made to Stick" for the Chapter library. Without going into detail, the message was simply, be simple in your communication. Drop the buzzwords and communicate in concrete ways that make people remember your "story." He also defined FM's in a way that really rang true. Given all the layers and business units with which Facilities Managers interact with and influence, he nicknamed them "The Decatheletes of The Buisness World."

Speaking of stories, tonight is installment number two of "WWWP" (Wayne's World Workplace). After my first WWP at Kansas City in 2001 (see next blog), I went Northward to Toronto for 2002. The city was immaculate and the locals were friendly and helpful. The WWP itself was just good ol' Classic WWP. Attendance was a little higher than the previous year and Toronto was an execellent venue. While there, I started a new tradition where I bring my guitar with me to different cities when I travel. Since I play blues, I am usually able to find a blues band or jam where I can go and sit in. While in Toronto, I hopped in a cab to the other side of town and played at a little club called the Silver Dollar.

Now, most blues musicians love the music and the magic that happens when the band locks in to a groove together. There is nothing on earth like it. Like our FM partners, we have to work with different personalities and temperments among our band members. Some musicians are generally easy-going while others can be, well....drummers. However, even those "difficult" folks can make a sum greater than the parts when headed toward the same groove. When our FMers are conducting their teams to get into a groove and lock in with one another, they are making music of sorts. Even though a coordinator on your team may be an anal-retentive pain, he can still contribute and add value to a team if the team has a concrete goal that everyone believes they are working toward. Our Keynote speaker challenged us by saying we could even get the accountants to get excited about goals which are simply communicated and concrete in nature.

Later in the evening, we all went to Gilley's for the Welcome Reception. Though it wasn't the same place where "Urban Cowboy" was filmed, it was still as big as Texas inside replete with line dancing and good vittles. There was something for everyone: Country music, Pop/rock music, billiards and bullriding (not at the same time), casino-style gambling, and lots of food. It was a good time. However, yours truly had to sceedaddle to a place about 30 minutes away in Grapevine. You see, one of my associates in Texas owns a bar where a SRV (Stevie Ray Vaughan) tribute band was playing. Coincidentally, Stevie himself played there before (see picture inset). I must explain that I am more than a fan of SRV - I am more like a disciple. Rarely does a day go by where I don't either listen to or play one of his songs.
I showed up a the bar and heard - hands down - the best SRV guitarist I have ever heard. This wasn't your average tribute band, this guitarist was someone who had studied the music to the point where it poured out of him in such a way that even the most diehard SRV follower could close their eyes and believe Stevie was in the room.

I was able to sit in with his band and it was a wonderful experience. But it was after his set when I found out that the guitarist, Tommy, has been here in Texas for only a year. He is from Hungary and ever since he saw Stevie Ray when he was five, he wanted nothing else but to play Stevie's music in Texas. I must tell you, the kid was one of the most humble and beautiful people I have met in this business. We got to talking about Stevie and both got a little misty as we talked about our hero. I am so happy to see his music carried on by this young man who is living his dream in a way that few can ever do. Knowing that he is playing in Stevie's home state with the uttmost respect for the music brings him a joy that few will ever experience. I am so happy to have met him and played Stevie's music with him while here in Dallas. It will definitely be the high point of this trip for me.
Until tomorrow....

Lucky Number 7

Yes, that's right. This is WWP number seven for your humble correspondent and fearless Chapter VP. Chris (Pres) and Mark (past Treasurer) were on the flight with me. This is actually number two for Dallas. On the flight I got to thinking about past WWP's and I'd like to share a little about what I remember from previous WWP's throughout this week.


My first WWP was in Kansas City 2001. This was about one month after the September 11th attacks. It was an eerie flight from San Francisco because there were a total of seven people on the plane. As you can imagine, turnout was very low. The "art cows" exhibited on the city streets and the theme that year "Oz" seemed all the more surreal given all that we had just gone through and what this would mean for facilities around the world. But, what I remember is a West Coast dinner we put together; bolstered by a few straggler chapters we invited from around the western US to join us. There was a pride that we all made it there and defied those trying to frighten us. We were all laughing and eating the best corn fed beef I had ever had. Shortly after dinner, there was an almost sudden quiet across this room of about seventy people. At what seemed to be an awkward moment I heard someone to my right begin to sing "America the Beautiful" in a soft and tender voice. It was Britta from Monster Cable. As her voice grew more brave we all chimed in through smiles and tears. There were no political affiliations, no CNN, no Fox News, no polling. Just a group of people who huddled together for a brief moment of unity and comfort. I'll never forget that moment as long as I live.


Anyhoo, we are here now and I am going to bunk down for the night, but I'll report tomorrow about the day’s activities and another of my "Tales from WWP's Past." I just took this picture outside my hotel room window. I wish all of you in the chapter could be here with us. Because of the great, hardworking people in our industry WWP is truly a magical experience that I wish all of you were here to share. I'll do my best to give you the "virtual experience" this week.


Wayne Whitzell - IFMA Sacramento Chapter, Vice President

Professional Development: The Lean Culture

As Chair of our Chapter’s Professional Development Committee, I’m always on the lookout for opportunities for those of us in the world of FM to develop within our profession while also gaining insight into business and economic trends. One area that has gained momentum throughout the business world, from hospitals to banks to industrial manufacturing is the concept of Lean. In simple terms, Lean concepts are all about using your resources more effectively and reducing or eliminating waste. In the world of FM, this touches home by the fact that Maintenance productivity in most American companies averages between 25%-35%. A more desirable, and yet realistic goal, is 60% productivity. Learning the concepts, tools and implementation of Lean culture is one means of achieving better productivity from your resources. In turn, better leveraging of resources helps to reduce costs, maintain project schedules and enhance customer support. Considering today’s economic turmoil and emphasis on good strategic planning, I expect Lean to become the standard platform for tomorrow’s business operations. To gain more insight into Lean culture, the SMUD Energy and Technology Center has two offerings on their 2008 calendar. On Oct. 29th they are offering “Lean Process Improvement Tools” and on Nov. 20th they are offering “Lean Culture”. These classes are four hours in length and are offered at no charge. Additionally, the SMUD Energy and Technology Center also offers several other classes, most of them at no charge, specific to HVAC, Lighting, LEED and Building Design. Registration may be done online at www.smud.org/etc. I’ve already signed up; I hope to see you there!

Serena from IFMA

Web Master's Wish

Bring back a lot of pictures from Cow Town! I regret that I won't be at World Workplace with the chapter, but I know I'm not the only one missing what is sure to be a LOT of fun and excitement (and professional development, too, of course). So, please do take a lot of pictures to share on the web site.

Kathleen Smith -- Web Master

Treasurer Update

With World Workplace only a few days away now, I am sure many of you are starting to think about packing and what to bring. This will be the "Cow Town to Cow Town" visit so be sure you bring your cowboy hats and Wranglers. The Adolphus Hotel is going to be our chapter meeting place and be sure to get your tickets to the Awards of Excellence banquet into Christian before the Opening Keynote Speaker. This is an exciting time as we wait to hear if we are the Small Chapter of the Year. This is our second entry and we are all hoping for the best. Be sure to celebrate or drown your sorrows after at the "O-Bar" as we will be having a grand party after the awards. This year will be as fun if not more than the past two WW events that I have attended. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

As for the actual report of the Treasurer, we are doing fine financially and I thank you all for turning in your receipts on the correct paper with the information we need for posting. Keep up the good work.

John Carey -- Treasurer

The Church of What's Happening Now (at IFMA)

As I prepare for my annual trek to World WorkPlace in Dallas, I look forward to attending the IFMA Annual Meeting and the House of Delegates meeting on Tuesday afternoon. I highly encourage those who are able to get to these meetings to do so. This is where you learn about the direction, the challenges and the changes ahead for our association and how our Chapter can make the most of our IFMA experience.

I also encourage you to look into the Wednesday morning council meetings. Many councils have them and this is an excellent way to sharpen your "functional spear" and get in touch with FMers out there who are in the same business you are in - a great opportunity to find those connections to help you solve those difficult problems. For example, I am in the FM Counsultant's Council, and I network with others in the FM consulting field. In fact, I am the President for the coming year (always a sucker for volunteering!!).

This gathering in Dallas is a chance to get outside your normal networking comfort zone and get to know othes from around the country and around the world. I know it's tempting to pal around with your fellow chapter members, but work with each other and introduce your new friends to old friends.

I look forward to seeing some of you at the conference. Travel safely.

Kit Tuveson, CFM, IFMA Fellow