Beyond the Trophy

Congratulations to the Sacramento and Silicon Valley Chapters for winning Best Chapter of the Year in their respective categories this year in Dallas. Winning an award such as this brings international recognition and prestige to the Chapter. However, the benefits to its members go beyond just brining home a trophy. In pursuing this goal these two Chapters have examined their current practices, benchmarked them against a criteria of excellence and taken action to continuously improve their operation in key areas such as:

· Membership Marketing, Retention and Mobilization
· Professional Development Programs & Seminars
· CFM Certification
· Student Outreach
· Chapter Communications
· Community Service
· Financial Fitness
· Volunteer Recognition & Succession Planning


The Journey is the Reward

All Chapters that embark in the pursuit of the Chapter of the Year award are winners. Just one will win the trophy, but all go through the process of examining their current practices and comparing them to the best and this leads to awareness of gaps and opportunities to improve Chapter operations.



Chapter of the Year Task Force

We are recruiting for a chairperson and member volunteers to serve in the Chapter of the Year Task Force. The charter of this ad hoc committee is:

1) Base-lining our current chapter best practices
2) Conducting a gap analysis and prioritizing improvement opportunities
3) Developing a two year Roadmap for closing those gaps


We are looking for people who are receptive to new ideas, exercise good judgment, take initiative and accept and follow through with assignments. Your commitment and involvement on this team will move our chapter toward the goal of achieving Chapter of the Year by 2010 and may serve as a springboard to greater leadership challenges at the chapter and international levels.

If you are interested in participating in this Task Force please send me an email at gomez.oscar@gene.com


Lessons Learned

The San Francisco Chapter submitted an application for this award. We didn’t win the trophy but, as one of the people who participated in preparing the submittal, I learned about all the great things we are doing and what it takes to be the best. We did not win this year but we obtained valuable feedback on areas we need to work on. We can also reach out to Sacramento and Silicon Valley for advice and support on our journey towards this goal.

Alignment with Strategic Plan

It is no coincidence that the areas of focus in our Strategic plan are in alignment with the Chapter of the Year award excellence criteria. If we execute our Strategic plan we will realize all the improvements required to be Chapter of the Year, and vice versa.

Chapter of the Year by 2010!

Chapter of the Year by 2010 establishes and sets a very specific goal for my term in office. It’s not about the trophy but to strive to improve the chapter and motivate our members.

Meeting with Singapore.

I had the pleasure of meeting with our FM colleagues in Singapore last month. We talked about working together to shape the future of our careers in FM. Both Chapters are dedicated to the success of its members by supporting, enabling and promoting the facility management profession through a variety of educational activities and networking opportunities.

We have very similar strategic priorities including:

• Membership Marketing, Retention and Mobilization
• Professional Development Programs & Seminars
• CFM Certification
• Student Outreach
• Chapter Communications
• Community Service
• Financial Fitness
• Volunteer Recognition & Succession Planning
  

We agreed that the global Facility Management (FM) profession continues to change and evolve and that the future of FM as a profession rests firmly in the hands of facility management professionals, associates and students. We discussed how, as FM professionals, we need to be trained, educated and prepared to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead
and how IFMA can contribute significantly to shaping the future of FM. Finally, we recognized the importance of FM professionals, associates and students taking a lead role in future of our local Chapters.

It was lots of fun! If you are traveling to distant places reach out to the local IFMA Chapter. You might be surprised be the warm hospitality and how much we have in common.

Best regards,

Oscar

Carmina Bacani Wins The Great Race Scavenger Hunt!

October 2, 2008--The winning team of The Community Reinvestment Race sponsored by Corenet Global Northern California, IIDA Northern California and IFMA San Francisco included our own Carmina Bacani (Resource and Design) as well as Rob Cockrum and Guy Trerotola (The CRE Group) and Lynn Filar (HOK). Each of the winning team members won a Garmin Nuvi GPS navigation system and the privilege of selecting the local charity of their choice to receive a cash donation. $7,500 was donated to the Lupus Foundation of America, in honor of Carmina's sister who was diagnosed with Lupus at age 25.

"The race was fun, educational and a great team-building event which encouraged participants to communicate and work as a team to reach a common goal!"

We heard, also, that the refreshments and post-race libations were awesome! We hope that this inaugural event becomes a new tradition for the facilities management and design community in the Bay Area!

Thanks to Jeanne Beaudet and the Programs/Education Committee for putting the Nob Hill Walking Tour together! What a great opportunity to learn about the inner workings of the turn-of-the-century society that built San Francisco! What great stories and history unfolded for all of us who listened intently to Jeanne's stories! And thanks also to IFMA and our sponsors for hosting us in the Fairmont's Lobby afterwards to chat and catch our breaths before heading home! Thank you all for attending and making this one of the most popular events this year!

WOW! My very first blog posting in our IFMA-SF Blog!!!! I was a little reticent about blogging... you know, being that awkward age where I grew up with pens and pencils and phones that were connected to the wall... and am now confronted with these little metal boxes that not only talk but show movies, play music and connect to the World Wide Web! (Betcha didn't think I knew what "www" stood for but fortunately, Al Gore reminded me when he claimed credit for creating it!) Anyway, here goes!!!!

OK, now down to the reason that I'm here... last night's program, Think Globally, Act Locally, Sustainable Products ! What agreat time we had! First of all, thanks to Leah Nadel, my co-chair, for organizing the presenters and the event and the food/beverages. Secondly, a big THANKS to Sidemark furniture dealership for hosting the event at their showroom/office at 222 Sutter Street, 7th Floor. And, of course, thanks to our presenters, Su McMurtry of Action Laminates, Gary Levine of E.B. Bradley and West Coast Laminating, and Stan Heicks, local custom metal fabricator. A special thanks to our new Chapter President, Oscar Gomez, for attending and making some very salient comments about IFMA, the Facilities Management profession and why we gather at these programs!

The program featured brief, touchy-feely presentations by some local representatives of some local and global products that are "green" or sustainable products. Products such as green laminates, bamboo laminates, green table substrates and custom steel tables were followed by a lively discussion. Our discussion focused on the problem of combining "products" that are green (new plastic laminates or other green composite materials) with a green manufacturing process that produces a product such as a work table out of sustainable products but isn't necessarily certified. It is difficult to document these products as sustainable or green, let alone LEED certifiable. Thanks to Linda Parker for reminding us that LEED certifiable isn't the only goal for green projects. Sometimes it is best to look at getting as green as you can and that may mean not necessarily getting a LEED certification.

The biggest roadblock to certifying these sustainable products seems to be the cost of submitting individual custome manufactured products to a testing lab for certification. Each product costs $7,500 to test and certify and no guarantees exist that the product will qualify. That gives the big national manufacturers a distinct advantage over local small manufacturers. But isn't one goal of sustainability to act locally and use local manufacturers to eliminate the environmental impact of shipping long distances?

So it comes down to understanding that manufacturing these new sustainable products is an evolving process. We in California may lead the nation as far as sustainability, environmental standards and energy efficiency, but we have a ways to go before the local "little guys" can take their place in the "green spotlight" of certified sustainability.

That means that next year we will again check in on this evolving process and bring back our friends for another program to update our progress on local sustainable custom products. We look forward to seeing Su McMurtry of Action Laminates, Gary Levine of E.B. Bradley and West Coast Laminating, and Stan Heicks, local custom metal fabricator, next year to tell us how things are going for the local guys in the local, green, sustainable world!

Let us know what you thought of this program and feel free to let us know if there are any hot topics that you'd like to see us include in our calendar for next year! Stay tuned for more updates!

John Dilges, AIA, CFM
Co-Chair IFMA-SF Programs/Education Committee

Dear Colleagues,

The Votes Are In!

I am happy to report that the votes have been tallied and on Thursday July 10, John Kennedy presided over the swearing in of the new San Francisco Chapter of IFMA Officers and the new Board:

Oscar Gomez - President
Karen Cochran - Vice President
Treasurer - Ty Whitehead
Secretary - Dawn Knoll
Past President - John Kennedy

Programs/Education - John Dilges & Leah Nadel
Membership/Hospitality - Robyn Isom & Carmina Bacani
Website/Technology - Kathleen Smith
Chapter Administrator - Emily Gibson

The new team is energized to continue the Chapter's mission and implementing its strategic plan. We discussed reaching out to our fellow Sacramento and Bay Area Chapters of IFMA to ensure better "cross pollination" of ideas. We also discussed the details of the upcoming CFM review planned for the fourth quarter of 2008.

Several new ideas for potential programs were discussed including NERT and a tour of the Cathedral of Lights in Oakland. These ideas will be considered by our Programs team.

The 2008 Membership drive is in full swing with membership up to 211 members. Two very nice prizes will be awarded to those who can bring the most members to the chapter this year.

Our finances are looking strong with several new sponsors joining our cause including Turner Construction and Siemens.

The decision was made to have the Christmas event at the Bentley Reserve Conference Center in San Francisco. The theme for this event will be Volunteer Recognition and to show just how much we appreciate all of you who take time out of your busy lives to move the Chapter's vision into reality.

San Francisco Chapter World Workplace Pins are being designed. The Board decided to fund stipends for Board members to go to World Work Place in Dallas this October. The Board also decided on the amount of the 2008 Foundation donation which will be $2,500.

We also discussed the importance of Blogging, hence my feeble attempt here. Your comments and blog entries would be greatly appreciated.

I hope to see you on Thursday July 17th at 5:00 p.m. at Sidemark to learn all about some very exciting new products which are very attractive, cost effective and more importantly good for the environment.

Best,
Oscar

Dear Colleagues,

It’s time to cast our ballots once again to elect the 2008-2009 San Francisco Chapter of IFMA Board!

I thought it would be a good idea to let you know a little bit about my background and qualifications since I am the one “running” for President. More importantly I want to share my beliefs, ideas and core values along with the strategic direction that I will help drive if you elect me your Chapter President.

The local Facility Management (FM) profession continues to change and evolve and I believe that the future of FM as a profession should be firmly in the hands of facility management professionals, associates and students. As FM professionals we need to be trained, educated and prepared to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for us. The San Francisco Chapter of IFMA can contribute significantly to shaping the future of FM only if we as local FM professionals, associates and students are willing to play a lead role in future of the Chapter.

I work at Genentech as Associate Director of Maintenance Systems. Prior to this I worked for Lam Research in Fremont in charge of Facility Engineering and Construction Management.

I studied Industrial Engineering at North Carolina State University and received a BS degree from there in 1983. I completed a Master in Business Administration at Pepperdine University in 1996.

As Adjunct Professor of Engineering at the California State University East Bay I taught Facility Planning & Design, Engineering Economic Analysis and Industrial Cost Controls.

I am a Certified Facility Manager and have served on the IFMA San Francisco Chapter Board as Treasurer in 2006 and Vice President in 2007 and when time permits, I enjoy volunteering at the Second Harvest Food Bank in San Mateo and doing local projects with Rebuilding Together Peninsula.

If I you elect me as your Chapter President I will push steadfastly to ensure the Chapter adds real value to the FM profession primarily by mobilizing the membership to take action in shaping the future of the local FM profession.

I will work closely with the Board and member volunteers to improve membership marketing, professional development and chapter communications. Additionally, I will help ensure that we communicate to our membership a clear strategic vision with clear goals for the chapter along with a realistic set of plans to achieve them.

I also will ensure that we raise the funds that are necessary to fulfill our mission and that we are fiscally responsible with all our resources.

I believe we can continue to grow the Chapter, but I rather us focus on increasing the percentage of existing members attending and participating in chapter events. I want us to reach out more to the community and leverage our facility management expertise in creative ways to help those in need.

Finally, I want to ask for your vote and let you know that it would be an honor for me to serve as your Chapter President next year. No one else should or does care more about the future of our profession than we do, so lets join forces this coming year to ensure a brighter future for ourselves and the FM profession.

Cheers,
Oscar Gomez, CFM

Tour of the San Francisco Old Mint—March 20th, 2008



Our March program—a tour of the historic Old Mint—was rich in history, wonder and excitement. They do NOT build 'em like that anymore! Surrounded by rubble after the 1906 earthquake (see the Emporium below), the Old Mint stood unfazed, surviving not only the quake but the devastating fire that followed.



Built in 1874, and one of only five buildings in San Francisco to be designated a National Historic Landmark, the renovated mint will be open to the public by 2011. For more information about the San Francisco Mint Project, visit www.themintproject.org.

Special thanks to Jeanne Beaudet for her superb historical commentary and to Art Ferretti, Facilities Manager for the San Francisco Museum & Historical Society and the Mint Project, for his fascinating insights into this historic architectural treasure.

Stay tuned! We plan to re-visit the Old Mint after construction starts for a progress tour.

IFMA—UC Berkeley Extension Night













On Saturday, March 15th, 2008, representatives of Bay Area IFMA chapters joined forces with UC Berkeley Extension to launch UCBE's FMP Program at their SOMA facility in San Francisco.

The program was a great success and we look forward to welcoming new members to the chapters.

For more information about UC Berkeley Extension's Facilities Management program, including the FM Certificate Program, visit their web site at www.unex.berkeley.edu/cert/facmgmt.html.

Pictured above, from left to right, are Raffy Espiritu—President, IFMA SV; Ann Godfrey—UC Berekeley Extension Program, Facilities Management Program Director; Jon Martens—President, IFMA Redwood Empire; and John C. Kennedy, CFM—President, IFMA San Francisco. Also in attendance was Karen Cochran, CFM, RPA, FMA, CCIM—Treasurer IFMA San Francisco.

Thank you, everyone, for taking time from your weekend to promote and mentor professional facilities management!

Leah Nadel: Education & Programs Co-Chair

Leah Nadel, who took over the reins of Education & Programs Co-chair this past year, has worked in the contract furniture industry for more than 20 years, with extensive experience in government (GSA) and the health care industry. Her considerable skill set includes account management, project management, and facilities management.

Leah's most recent undertaking is with Origin Solutions as a Facilities Coordinator at Alta Bates Sutter Medical Center—a role involving the challenge of multiple campuses.

She holds degrees from UCLA in Interior and Environmental Design and from San Francisco State University in Graphic and Visual Communications.

Please introduce yourself to Leah at our monthly programs—she welcomes your comments and suggestions!

Nancy Brewster Kelley, LEED AP — WOO HOO!

Much like the dreaded bar exam, even the well-studied may need to take the LEED exam more than once to pass it. Nancy Kelley, SF chapter past president, soundly trounced the LEED exam this past week to become our newest (and our Board's first) LEED Accredited Professional.

The LEED course of study and exams are offered in 3 categories: New Construction, Existing Buildings and Commercial Interiors. While Nancy’s specialty area is commercial interiors, LEED accredited professionals can work in any category of project certification.

Nancy is currently working on her second LEED project, for the California State Parks Foundation. Her first LEED project, for Beverly Prior Architects, anticipates a LEED CI Gold certification.

Nancy’s firm, Kelley Project Services, has provided full service facility and project management services to corporate clients for 14 years. Nancy hopes her practice and clients will benefit from her commitment to sustainable design and construction. We know they will!

Congratulations, Nancy!

Welcome Our New Hospitality Committee Chairwoman!

As the Chapter continues to improve member services, we created a new committee in 2007, and welcome Carmina Bacani as chair. Carmina is Marketing/Business Development Associate for Resource + Design, Inc., a pre-eminent furniture dealer in the Bay area for whom she has worked for 2 years. Carmina’s work with the Hospitality committee supports both membership and programs, and helps us welcome, track and reach out to both current and potential members. Carmina’s dual role at R + D gives give her a great background for her work with the IFMA San Francisco chapter.

Carmina is also very involved with programs with IIDA for the San Francisco Chapter. Carmina’s contact information and smiling face can be found on our website at ifmasf.org AND at many chapter events! Welcome, Carmina and thanks for your thoughtful support!

Overcoming Generational Differences in the Workplace: January 17th, 2008

Our inaugural program for 2008 took an entertaining and practical look at five generations in the workplace: the Veteran or G.I. Generation, the Silent Generation, the Baby Boom Generation, Generation X and Generation Y -- all of whom were represented at our program! And all of whom were quite outspoken!

After the lively and light-hearted presentation by our speaker, Kassia Dellabough, an independent consultant operating the Institute for Creative Learning (LERN.org), attendees had much more insight into the perceived quirks of those co-workers from different generations who are "not like us."

Bottom line? We CAN work together -- our complementary strengths and perspectives bringing creativity, experience, and improved levels of teamwork when we bring open minds and open hearts to the table.

Thank you, Kassia, for a valuable and informative presentation!

Chapter Board Plans IFMA San Francisco’s Future

In mid-October, eight members of the IFMA SF Board and Committee Chairs gave up their Sunday to help plan the future of the San Francisco Chapter. In attendance was John Kennedy, President; Oscar Gomez, Vice President; Karen Cochran, Secretary; John Dilges, Education + Programs Co-chair; Kathryn Abbassi, Membership Chair; Emily Gibson, Chapter Administrator; and Kathleen Smith, Web Communications Chair. Nancy Kelley, Past President, facilitated the four hour planning session. Dawn Knoll, Secretary, was unable to attend, as she was fulfilling her second role for the chapter; as IFMA Foundation Liaison, Dawn was traveling to New Orleans for the planning of foundation activities at World Workplace.

The event was hosted by Karen Cochran at PG & E's Market Street offices. The group created a chapter mission statement, set goals in various areas of chapter activity and developed strategies to meet those goals. The timeframe was to plan the chapter’s future for the next three to five years.

Mission Statement

The San Francisco IFMA Chapter supports and promotes the professional development of the facility manager through a variety of educational activities and networking opportunities.

Goals

The group came up with goals for membership, programs and education, hospitality, finances, resources, communication, sponsorship and community service.

In review of the goals, there was found to be significant overlap between committees and areas of concern. The end result was the following set of summary goals:

SUMMARY

• Increase participation by the membership
• Increase communication within the chapter and beyond
• Increase and leverage our resources
• Increase our variety:
• __Of participants
• __Of program and event content
• __Of locations of events
• __Of revenue sources
• __Of times of events (breakfast forums, luncheons and after work )
• Increase collaboration with other chapters and organizations
• Increase visibility to the public, members and sponsors
• Increase professional credentials through the CFM review
• Increase Community service
• Introduce Metrics as a method of measuring our success

The balance of the planning session was focused on developing strategies and methods to help us reach our goals.

To better collaborate, we will be reaching out to the other three Bay area chapters, industry organizations including IIDA, BOMA, USGBC, Coronet, the AIA and PBD. We will partner with UC Berkeley and their FM programs to get students involved, potentially planning a mentoring program and career day to bridge the generational gap as well. And we will look to be involved in community service activities through outreach and volunteerism. We encourage our membership to let us know who they want us to support.

Our collaboration activities will allow us opportunities for visibility by putting us in touch with the Bay area public as well as other industry organizations. We’ll continue to update our award winning website, and will supplement e-mailings with seasonal postcards announcing upcoming events. Outreach to the local media and National IFMA through press/news releases will be some of the methods of getting our chapter and its programs recognized.

In order to support our incredibly diverse members, we’re asking them to tell us what mix of program times and subjects they prefer; our tours will continue to be a huge draw and a mix of round table discussions, panels and speakers will be scheduled. We’ll try out new forums for annual events; a white elephant sale, career fair and more. Events planned for outside the core geographic area will include car pooling or bus transportation as necessary.

Participation is a key to our success. Those of us who volunteer find the rewards enriching; many who join the Board and committees stay on for five or more years and develop close ties with their peers. We will continue to encourage our members and inductees to volunteer, as each participant brings a different viewpoint, set of resources and interests to our group. Our chapter is a jewel; we have a most diverse membership and such wonderful resources to draw from; great places to go and people to meet. We are committed to furthering the success of the chapter and hope you will join in - your chapter is what you make it!

Nancy Kelley
Past President