Live From WWP Orlando 2009!!!

Greetings from Orlando! So far this has been a rock solid World Workplace with great classes, a cutting edge expo-floor and the wonderful opportunities to get to know and learn from talented people in the industry. I was talking with Serena tonight and we came up with a description that it’s like “returning to the hive” to be with our “kind.” It just feels right to be in a room with so many folks who face the same challenges and weather the same storms. Talk about instant camaraderie… It has obviously been a tough year for many of us and the indications are still not all that bright. However, it is plainly obvious that the professional development that IFMA provides is integral to a person’s success in this industry. With the market awash with potential hires, a CFM, FMP and years of training from IFMA education is a huge plus for candidates on the job hunt. Here at WWP, we are gathering information and intelligence to bring back to all of you about trends and influences affecting our industry. Though these tough times look as though they will continue for a while longer, we will take the opportunity to sharpen our skills and keep learning to position us for the future. Tonight, my employer, Corporate Care, graciously hosted a dinner at the Oceanaire for forty facilities professionals. In the room were two IFMA Fellows, a former Chair, numerous Chapter Presidents, VP’s (GO VP’s!) and many committee chairs. As I surveyed the room, I was reminded that the partnerships between value-driven and knowledgeable associate members and the professionals in the chapters are very important. They are important because together we solve problems and drive situations to a “win/win” touchdown each time. They are also important because we get to know each other as friends, each with dreams, hobbies and personalities beyond the FM world. The bottom line is IFMA is chock full of good people who have a damn difficult career. IFMA helps to smooth out the rough edges and pull us together as a family who supports each other to reach our goals. Once again, WWP has demonstrated that this is THE organization for those who manage the built environment. From Orlando, Wayne Whitzell – IFMA Sacramento Chapter VP National Director of Sustainability – Corporate Care








For last year's blog coverage of 2008 WWP in Dallas, click here: http://ifmasac.blogspot.com/2008_10_01_archive.html

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

Green Facilities Class at Sac State

Team,

Don't forget, Kit Tuveson's Green Business Operations Class series continues at Sac State next Tuesday with the GREEN FACILITIES module! For only $383, you get six, three-hour classes with the always info-taining Kit Tuveson! If you are looking to get up to speed quickly or get some useful tips for your toolbox and career, contact CSUS today at http://www.cce.csus.edu/catalog/course_group_detail.asp?group_number=344&group_version=1

Below is a description of the course starting on June 17th.

Green Facilities
Until recently most sites and buildings were designed for
lowest initial cost. Many organizations are now setting
new policies for incorporating “green” practices into
their asset management strategies. This course covers
the facility management responsibilities, policies, and
practices involved with implementing and managing
sustainable goals connected to real property. It identifies
those competencies needed by the facility management
function to properly design, operate, and maintain the site and buildings.

See you there!

W-Squared