| | | IFMA InSite A Publication of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the International Facility Management Association |
|
| | | | InSite Goes On-Line The IFMA Philadelphia Chapter's InSIte newsletter has been in circulation since January of 2000 (do you remember what you were doing for Y2K?). With the 2010 Second Quarter edition, the chapter would like to introduce our first on-line InSite. "Why in the world are you doing that?" you might ask. Well, there are several reasons. - First, it's in response to feedback from our members who've said that they'd prefer an on-line version to getting a paper copy.
- And speaking of paper, secondly, the on-line version eliminates the newsletter's paper usage and the environmental impact of producing it.
- The third reason is cost. While we have set-up charges either way, going on-line saves both the printing and postage expense to the chapter. (The writing budget remains at the same robust level of zero.)
Jeff Thomas, Editor |
| Points to Ponder
By Michael J. Pahnlick, Jr.
Student member, CCP
Point #1: Management
"I not only use all the brains I have, but all that I can borrow" Woodrow Wilson
Woodrow Wilson was known for being a very effective manager. Did he know something we don't? Do we take full advantage of the experience and expertise of the people around us? What do we do to improve communication and exchange of ideas between team members? How can I be a more effective manager?
As I attended the first session of Facility Fusion; I became keenly aware of just how much I don't know! I am currently a student at Community College of Philadelphia working on my Facility Management degree, and although I am a journeyman in my trade, and have been involved in many large restoration projects, self doubt filled me, it was a very uneasy feeling I might add, because I had always considered myself a pretty knowledgeable individual. But how much do I really know. How much knowledge, experience and expertise can one person actually have? A quote from Woodrow Wilson happened to pop into my head, "I not only use all the brains I have but all that I can borrow" and a feeling of relief fell over me. I don't have to know everything. I don't have to be an expert in all fields. That's impossible! I can use the knowledge and experience of all the people around me. The most important thing to remember was that the whole of the IFMA was a resource I could now draw upon.
What makes someone an effective manager? I don't have to know everything, or do I? I have been an effective leader in the past, but how do I carry over these abilities into the FM field? These are a few of the questions I had to ask myself.
We all ask ourselves questions constantly as we walk through or work day. They come and go in an instant. What are some of the questions that you need answered? What insight, guidance or advice could you give me on the questions I posed? I am hoping you will share some of your questions and answers with us, so we might all benefit from the knowledge and InSite of each individual member.
My goal is to open lines of communication, and inspire members to contribute their thoughts and opinions on various topics faced by all of us in this changing economy. Each point may bring to mind something different for each individual who reads it, and hopefully give each of us something to think about. Please feel free to send me your thoughts on presented issues or let me know which issues you would like me to address. Hopefully we can make this venue an interactive and informative piece of InSite.
Points of Interest:
1. Food service in your Facility -vs- New Healthy choice food service trends.
2. Carbon Footprint, Waste Management, and Sustainability plans.
Please email your questions and answers to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
and I'll share as many as possible.
Thank you for your InSite! |
| | | | |
|
|
| Help Wanted: Several exciting openings available for part time position with really lousy pay and absolutely no benefits- just the opportunity to help make InSite IFMA's premier newsletter.
Well, there's really no pay, either.
InSite wants your help. Do you have an idea for an InSite article? Are you an aspiring writer who would like to contribute an occasional article? Are you doing something in your facility that would interest and benefit other Philadelphia Chapter members? If the answer to any of those questions is "yes" (or even "maybe"), please contact Jeff Thomas at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or (610) 669-1394. |
Economic Forecast 2010 By: Bonnie Paul On January 21st, Dr. William Dunkelberg spoke to an audience at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Dr. Dunkelberg had a monumental task this year in trying to explain and help us to understand the current state of our economy which remains tenuous.
Social Security-
No one would argue that Social Security is a vital necessity in our country. Dr. Dunkelberg however, stressed the need to make adjustments to the system in order to keep it viable and funded. Presently, two thirds of our retirees receive half of their income from their social security benefits. As the baby boomers, who have begun to enter the system, fully reach retirement age and start receiving benefits, the system will be heavily burdened and even more difficult to fund.
Currently, funding has become even more problematic in that revenues have plummeted with the jobless rate. For example, in 2000, 64.9% of our young people had jobs. That number has been reduced to @ 59%. Therefore, tax revenue has decreased. In addition, as older workers are laid off, they are accessing social security at a younger age in order to survive.
Gross Domestic Production---
The GDP began dropping in 2002 concurrent with the .com bust. Although the GDP was decreasing it was not reflected in the stock market. We were still spending and 'partying' like crazy... but not saving. People did not begin to increase their savings until the 4th quarter of 2008. There was a lack of understanding and a general denial that our economy was on the downturn until that time. If people are not saving, there is less money to lend to businesses for expansion and growth.
Our auto and housing industries remained strong until 2006-2007. People were, until that time, still using their homes as personal bank accounts, borrowing against their equity which most thought would remain solid and continually moving upward.
Companies and investors continued to build wildly in the housing, office and retail sectors. We now know they over built. Big banks provided generous monies on easy terms and we all took advantage of the rather risky loan vehicles they provided.
Corporations let their shareholders down by excessive spending on numerous perks for their employees and especially executives with lavish board meetings at exotic locales, generous spending accounts, salaries and bonuses even as corporate profits diminished.
By continuing to spend at a high rate without saving much, we created excess debt. We, as a nation, found it necessary to borrow ever increasing amounts of money from foreign countries such as China.
Where We Are Now---
The job loss rate has slowed. Jobless rate, however, continues to hover around 10% which is dangerously high. Lack of employment and heavy pessimism means nobody is spending. Job openings have increased but very slowly. However, few small business firms plan on hiring in the near future as they lack confidence and choose to take a "wait and see" attitude.
Dr. Dunkelberg told us that banks have money to lend but no one is borrowing. Many of our large banks have liquidity because our government has bought their questionable bank assets (mortgages) but many continue to make borrowing difficult although smaller banks, for the most part, are eager to lend. (Note: In Obama's State of the Union address, he revealed plans to give stimulus dollars to small banks to enable and encourage them to increase lending.)
Inventory reductions in all sectors are severe. Housing prices in general have stabilized and are beginning to rise slightly in stronger markets.
Trade---
Our exports are much smaller than our imports. Other countries use our dollars for world trade but as our dollar weakens, we are going further into a deficit situation as other nations become stronger economically by using our devalued currency.
Where We Are Heading---
Dr. Dunkelberg strongly advises that our government take the necessary measures to reduce our economic uncertainty and restore confidence in our system.
He predicts that our economy will be heading upward in the third quarter of this year with the recession declared over in the fourth quarter if our government is able to enact policies that stem the deficit by increasing regulation and oversight of large banking institutions in order to prevent further banking excesses and ease the lending stalemate, increase job growth, and make healthcare affordable and accessible.
Expect the road to recovery to be a rocky one stretched over years.
|
Fresh Air
By Reid B. Reames, AIA
Despite the continuing shaky finances, some disillusionment with the Nutter administration, and the and the remnants of the old Philadelphia municipal "attitude" , there is still a fresh set of new talent and energy that has worked itself into City Hall, looking for the future, rather than their piece of the action. This bit of good news fresh air has some of the characteristics of the original reform days of the early 60's, when the Philadelphia political power shifted. With state help, Allan Greenberger, FAIA, as Executive Director, and Terry Gillen, juggling her many component hats, has managed to garner City Hall MSP a respectable chunk of funding - about 44 million to date, despite the grim economy. Finally there is comprehensible information, and understandable guidelines that are professional, and fairly friendly to the average Joe or Josephine.
A good example is the recent NTI mess, that was dealt with quickly, and professionally...For a breath of fresh air.
Go to City of Philadelphia Web Site, and dive into questions or queries from bike racks to the latest on the water front.
|
Kristin Liezenga Announces Volunteer Opportunities for Professional Members
By Jeff Thomas, CFM
As the current Past President of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of IFMA, Kristin Liezenga is leading the Chapter's succession planning efforts and is reaching out to Professional Members to encourage their interest in volunteering at the Committee level and eventually, if desired, in Board level positions.
Kristin says that "Although our current volunteer base is strong, the Board feels that an active volunteer base of professional members will substantially benefit the Chapter's ability to respond to the needs of our members."
Volunteer leaders benefit in a number of ways, including:
- Development of leadership skills
- Access to a vast professional network
- Educational and professional development
- Direct input regarding the direction of the Chapter
Please contact Kristin at 610-233-4651, if you are interested in furthering your career and personal development by participating in our volunteer opportunities. |
Nuts & Bolts
The Facility Manager and IFMA
By Scott Shelley
Think back to the day you began your career and then try to remember the day you joined IFMA. While reflecting on your experiences ask yourself this one question: Has joining IFMA made an impact on my career? (My guess is that your answer will be "Yes") Now, try and look ahead and imagine what is in your future and whether it includes maintaining your IFMA membership. Do you see yourself volunteering, attending more meetings, networking with some new IFMA members, or are you afraid that your current position will be eliminated and that you will not continue with your IFMA membership? Take about five minutes and write down your thoughts.
Who knows what the future may bring, but with any luck we will all still be employed and all remain IFMA members. One thing we IFMA members all have in common (no matter what our job title or responsibilities may be) is that we all belong to an organization that has a wonderful volunteer program, has a strong core focus on buildings and building issues, has a website to gather information, offers educational and training programs and webinars, and lastly allows us to have face-to-face interaction with others and network.
Now for the Facility Manager's role-we all know that the "buck stops here" with us-we are the ones who ensure all other building occupants are able to continue to work in a company facility no matter what is going on around us. Employees come to us with furniture issues, HVAC issues, cleaning issues, plumbing issues, lighting issues-- you name it no request ever surprises us. A request may catch us off guard, but surprises-not really. With the current affairs in the world today, we are not surprised if we have to evacuate the building, clean up after a robbery, or get ready for the next wave of H1N1 Life safety have all been on the top of our lists for many years and many of the Facility Managers have had a hand in their company's Business Resiliency Program. I guess that about says it all...we are prepared for anything!
In speaking with several Facility Managers, the common theme was that they like what they do and are happy with their career choice. Some of the comments received where: "...no two days are identical, "We are given problems to solve and like the challenge of responding and completing successfully", "I am like Larry the Cable Guy...Git 'er done...", "If you want if done right see Facilities..."
Facility Managers (although they might not admit it), have a sense of pride knowing that the problem was able to be resolved due to their hard work, dedication, and knowledge.
For any new Facility Manager, please consider joining IFMA and catch up with the current members.
|
 Please help us welcome the Philadelphia Chapter's newest members - Thomas Archer
- Frank Ball, Souderton Area School Dist.
- Gregory Class, Henkels & McCoy Inc.
- Melissa Condran, US General Services Administration
- Ted Dempsey
- Gordon Dennis, Henkels & McCoy Inc.
- Sal DiGiacomo, Commercial Maintenance & Management CorporatioN
- Jack Eisele, Lockheed Martin Corporation
- Eric Fueger, Bombardier Transportation
- Judith Grant, Bank of America
- Clinton Jones, Sikorsky Global Helicopters
- Robert Jones
- Harvey Litten, PCA Industrial & Paper Supplies, Inc.
- John Long, LWC Services, Inc.
- Alfonso Marino, US General Services Administration
- Eric McHose, Aberdeen Asset Management
- Michael Pahnlick
- John Piechota, HCI Direct Inc.
- Steve Sable, Haworth, Inc.
- Joseph Schamagl, US General Services Administration
- Thomas Schulz, ARAMARK Facility Services
- Jacqueline Shiner, Global Staffing LLC
- Graham Stewart, McDonough Bolyard Peck, Inc.
- Cathy Uecker
- Charlotte Wakefield, Highmark Inc.
- Jonathan Wohl, Trigen
|
2010 Gold CirclePatron PLUS Sponsors:Elliott-Lewis Corporation
JBH3 and Associates
Spectrum, A Herman Miller DealerHaworth, Inc.CADapult LTD 2010 Gold Circle Patron Sponsors:
AMS CAD & CAFM SolutionsCSI International, Inc.Franklin Flooring
furnEtech InstallationsITS Mailing Systems, Inc.Liberty Property Trust
EBC Carpet Services CorporationShaw Industries, Inc.Shellville Facility Services
Shields ConstructionSHRED ONE Security Company
Tate Access FloorsTozour Energy Systems |
| Is Selecting The Lowest Fee Really The "Best" Price? |
By MH Flick, Director of Business Development
jBH3 & Associates, Inc., a Gold Circle Patron Plus Sponsor of IFMA's Philadelphia Chapter
We're losing work because our fees are too high," I said to a Branch Manager of an Engineering firm. "Well, that is an easy fix," he replied. "Oh, good, we're going to lower our prices and become competitive," I exclaimed. "No, we're going to work on our Scope of Work and understand our prospective clients better." I learned that a high price has less to do with the hourly fee and more to do with the Scope of Work.
Change was needed, but lowering our fee was not the answer. Communicating our Scope of Work to our client and comprehending the level of services requested up front was the answer. It is this understanding, between communication and comprehension that makes a successful project.
A vague RFP (Request for Proposal) and an ill-defined Scope of Work can lead consultants to guess or ask more questions, which come to the client in mass from bidders. Answers should be documented and distributed equally, or addendums issued. A good RFP, including a bid sheet, ensures that proposals can be easily compared and shortens the client's decision-making time. The bid sheet allows for data to be incorporated into a comparison matrix, so the selection is more complete.
Evaluating a proposal by looking at the bottom line fee alone and making a decision based on the lowest number, can lead clients to problems down the road. Clients may end up not getting the best price in the long run if the Scopes of Work are not comparable. Clients need to carefully review the Scopes of Work to be sure that they are getting the total project completed within the budgeted fee. How many meetings are included? Are additional meetings more money? How many drawings, plans, or reports are included? Is the client paying extra for revisions?
There are consultants in the marketplace whose proposals look "affordable" and are proposing on "just the basics" to win the job. These clients frequently hear from their consultants, "that was not in my scope" or "that is extra." Clients should not end up with changes orders and unexpected charges. Many times the project fees can actually become much more expensive than "an un-awarded" proposal that "appeared" too high.
According to Terri L. Schmitt, Director, Planning & Design, Drexel University Health Science campus, "If you are not seeing an item in a proposal, don't assume that the consultant has it covered. It's important to look closely at the Scope, talk to your consultants, and be sure the project is covered entirely. Just because a task or item is not in a consultant's proposal, don't assume that it's included."
In this economy, a clear Scope of Work becomes even more important. At jBH3 & Associates, we want our proposals to be clear and to communicate the scope that is "required," for what the client is "requesting." We want to understand the client's project goals, both qualitative and quantitative.
In an initial meeting, at a proposal walk through, or just a conference call our goal is to interpret the client's requests and to provide a comprehensive proposal. We speak to clients up front to define the specific type of service and detail of what they actually need and require. By asking specific questions about the client's needs, we ensure that we have everything covered in our proposals to eliminate change orders or budget overruns at the end of the project. This results in satisfied clients who return for repeat service and a better "hit rate" or acceptance rate of proposals.
According to Lisa Hibberd, President of jBH3 & Associates, Inc., "This is one of the reasons that many of the clients we started with when we began our firm thirteen years ago, are still our clients today."
The bottom line in this economy, more than ever, is that clients need to communicate clearly and completely to consultants in order to get the best project for the budget. If you are only look at the bottom line, you may be looking at additional charges - and possibly a very expensive overall project -- down the road.
|
The Annual CFM Review Class of 2010
By Brian Philip, CFM
The Education Committee of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of IFMA is pleased to report the successful completion of the 2010 Certified Facility Manager® (CFM®) Review.
The Certified Facility Manager® (CFM®) credential sets the industry standard for ensuring knowledge and abilities of practicing facility managers. The certification process is designed to assess competence in the field through work experience, education and the ability to pass a comprehensive exam. Since the program began in 1992, more than 3100 facility managers from 32 countries have achieved this prestigious recognition.
The two day review course was attended by over 20 professional facilities managers from the region interested in calibrating their preparedness to sit for the CFM® Examination. The course was instructed again in 2010 by Peggy McCarthy, CFM of the University of Minnesota and held at the ARAMARK Tower in Center City. As of this writing, eight participants have successfully passed the CFM® Exam
If you would like to learn more about the CFM® Credential, please visit the following websites: www.ifmaphilly.org or www.ifma.org |
|
|
