| | IFMA InSite A Publication of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the International Facility Management Association |
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| | | | InSite Redux By Paula Behrens, AIA With this second issue of the online edition of InSite, a look back at the newsletter's evolution seems in order. The Greater Philadelphia Chapter was established in 1985, but there were only sporadic quarterly newsletters in the first fifteen years. In 2000, driven by the desire to communicate better with the growing membership, a more regular newsletter was launched. The catchy name was the result of a contest, won by Gary Lowe of Liberty Property Trust. Thank Gary the next time you see him for his inventive wordplay! Alana Dunoff and Susan Montgomery signed on to spearhead it, committing to bi-monthly issues. Their focus was on members getting to know other members - through the "Member Spotlights" and the "Volunteer Spotlights," for instance. There was also recap of chapter events, a calendar of the upcoming events, and information on the councils and other activities of IFMA as a whole. Their emphasis was on timely and relevant information that would help members get to know each other and stay in touch with the activities and opportunities of the group. Alana took on the role of editor and established a successful model for the committee that still exists today. The contributors never need to leave work for meetings - they always meet through scheduled phone conferences - and this has helped all volunteers make the most of their time. "Beats" were established, and Reid Reames just wrapped up ten years of leading the "Philly Beat." Interest was raised by quizzes and contests with prizes (the opportunity to win "stuff" always gets our attention!), and some advertising was solicited to sustain it. The design of the newsletter was an early focus - a sense of the chapter's identity was desired through the look and layout. Recognition of the success of the work was quick - an IFMA Award of Excellence for a larger Chapter Newsletter was awarded just one year later in 2001, followed by another in 2003. Other editors followed Alana - first Tryst Anderson, followed by Jeff Thomas' leadership now. As the "rag" goes digital, member feedback is welcomed to keep InSite a timely, useful communication tool for the Chapter. Send your thoughts to Jeff at
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| Points to Ponder
By Michael J. Pahnlick, Jr.
Student member, CCP
Point #1 City of Philadelphia, Title 4 Amendment: I was not planning to address this issue in Points to Ponder, but a recent consult I did for a friend has lead me to believe this may become a pressing issue for many FM professionals here in Philadelphia.. Most Philadelphians don't realize the danger they face just walking the few blocks to work in center city. The aging buildings, lack of maintenance to these buildings, and if its' not broke don't fix it (reactive maintenance) policies of many building owners has lead to a dangerous situation here in the city. For years this problem went unaddressed, but the untimely death of a federal Judge on South Broad St. was widely publicized and forced the issue in City Council. This has lead to an amendment to the Title 4 Building Construction and Occupancy Code. Without going into great detail basically this ordinance requires an inspection of all buildings over six stories every five years. A Construction Date Report must be completed no later than a date determined by the year of the building's construction. Buildings constructed prior to and including 1950 are due June 30, 2011, 1951 - 1970 June 30, 2012, 1971 - 1980 June 30, 2013, 1981 -1990 June 30, 2014, and 1991 - 2005 June 30, 2015. The inspection must be done by a professional defined as "a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania licensed Professional Engineer experienced in the practice of structural engineering or a licensed Registered Architect knowledgeable in the design, construction, and inspection of building facades". For FM or BOM professionals, this could mean a large part of already stretched budgets may need to be utilized for envelope inspections. Point #2 Inspections The Inspection professional must submit a report and there are three designations that may be rendered. Your designation determines how your facility will proceed in the maintenance cycle. The designations are: 1. Safe- a condition of a building wall or any appurtenance thereto that is neither an Unsafe condition nor Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program. 2. Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program- a condition of a building's exterior wall or any appurtenance thereto or any part thereof that the Professional does not consider Unsafe at the time of inspection, but requires repairs or maintenance within a time period designated by the Professional in order to prevent its deterioration into an Unsafe condition. 3. Unsafe condition- a condition of a building's exterior wall or any appurtenance thereto or part thereof that is dangerous to persons or property and requires prompt remedial action. What do these designations mean to me and my facility if it is designated safe with repair and maintenance program, or in an unsafe condition? How can I assess the condition of my facility's envelope prior to the required inspection, and what are the benefits if any? How do I mitigate the costs of inspection, and follow up repairs if necessary? Where will the funds come from, and how might I take steps to make the transition to the new maintenance requirements less painful (expensive)? By 2015 all buildings will supposedly have to be on a maintenance program to increase the safety of the general public, and private property of individuals using the sidewalks and streets below them. As a Journeyman Pointer, Caulker Cement Mason, my experience in high rise restoration and weather-proofing gives me firsthand knowledge of the ever present danger to the general public inherent in the inner city environment, but this ordinance is not just applicable to structures in center city. |
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
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or (610) 669-1394. |
| Philly Beat Philly Beat on the Road to Retirement |
For many years, Reid Reames' "Philly Beat" has been a regular fixture in InSite. Reid has decided to retire from his position as a Principal at Architecture/Design Alliance, Inc. (http://adalliance.net), and along with that, from InSite. We appreciate Reid's contributions over the years and (along with being extremely jealous) wish him a long, happy, and healthy retirement. Thanks, Reid. We'll miss you. |
Nuts & Bolts
Building Security
By Scott Shelley
Think of all the roles you play or hats you wear as a Facility Manager. Does one of your duties involve the security of your building(s)? In today's world, building security is more essential than ever. Here are just a few items that "roll up" into the security umbrella.
· Access Control- It's a critical step in securing your facility and keeping control of whom and when someone enters your facility. Changes have begun in the access control environment. Manual keys (while still dependable) are giving way to keypads, card readers, smart cards, biometrics, and computer generated systems. Manual keys offer limited versatility, but the upside is it that they work when the power is lost. Keeping inventory of manual keys can be a job in itself, but software does exist to help with this process. Do your research before eliminating the manual keys entirely. · Security Cameras- Take a look around in many buildings and you will see cameras at entrances, in lobbies, and in elevator banks--but is someone monitoring them? Many times a Facility Manager will hire an outside company to run the building's security systems and these Security Consultants often offer their "expertise" on how to monitor the building. To help better understand the systems, it would be beneficial for the Facility Manager and Security Consultant to review all of the equipment and equipment functions together before being deployed. (Who knows-the pictures you may have captured might be useful in help catching a person wanted by the authorities.) · Visitor Logs- Most companies require visitors to log in at a Security desk. These visitor logs can be simple or complex, but should at least provide one function-tracking visitors in your building. Visitor log software can provide additional functions such as ID Badge printing, detailed activity reports, and the ability to link with other systems. As one Facility Manager stated "Should you need to evacuate the building-you need to know where your visitors are...that is why we chose this Visitor Log software package." · Building Evacuation- Do you have an evacuation plan and if so have you tested it? Without a tested/proven evacuation plan, you are just asking for trouble. The last thing a building occupant wants to hear is that they need to evacuate the building and then have no clue of what to do or where to go. As a Facility Manager, you should test, document, and execute your evacuation plan or a regular basis. You never know when the "drill" will be for real. Keep in mind that while you building is "evacuated", others may be able to breach your building's security systems. Attend an IFMA meeting and discuss your security role/plans with a fellow member. I'll bet that the two of you will each learn something. |
Please help us welcome the Philadelphia Chapter's newest members - Michael Rafter, CORT
- Dwight Price, The Electrical Associate of Philadelphia
- Craig McLaughlin, Essential Corporate Services & Strategies
- Eugene Pinto, Lor-Mar Mechanical Services, Inc.
- Steven Milliken, Lakash Constructors Inc.
- Keas Masalaitis, XL Insurance Company, LTD
- Joseph Wright, FMC Corporation
- Thomas Cuccia
- Gregory DeFusco, Cobham Sensor Systems
- Patricia Harrington, GreenTech Energy Services
- Thomas Geiger, Shire Pharmaceuticals
- Matthew Sheldrick, Qube Global Software
- Jeffrey Byrne, Practical Energy Solutions
- Aubrey Eusebio, ARAMARK Corporation
- Gregory Richardson, Alloy Surfaces Co. Inc.
- Christopher Weller, USM
- Nelson Marrero, Windsor Wood Service
- Griffith Reigart, Philadelphia Country Club
- Lauren Gutierrez, Lux Fine Art
- Yong Suk Lee
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The Philadelphia Chapter of IFMA would like to recognize our Gold Circle Plus Sponsors and Gold Circle Patrons for their commitment to the growth and success of our chapter. Their support allows us to provide the high level of programming and services that our members have come to expect. 2010 Gold Circle Patron PLUS Sponsors:  ________________________________________________________ 2010 Gold Circle Patron Sponsors:
AMS CAD & CAFM Solutions
CSI International, Inc.
Franklin Flooring
furnEtech Installations
ITS Mailing Systems, Inc.
Liberty Property Trust
Millicare by EBC
Shaw Industries, Inc.
Shellville Facility Services
Shields Construction Company
SHRED ONE Security Company
Tate Access Floors
Tozour Energ Systems, Inc. |
New Member Profile An Interview with Michael J. Pahnlick, Jr., Student member, CCP
 Michael, how about if we start off by you telling us a little about yourself?
Sure. My name is Michael Pahnlick, and I am a Journeyman pointer, caulker, cement mason, specializing in high rise restoration and weather proofing. I've been involved in construction and maintenance my whole working career and I basically started from the ground up, literally. I started my career as a janitorial worker, moved into maintenance, then decided to take an opportunity given to me by a friend as a carpenter helper. I've been involved in restoration for the most part, commercial and residential. What made you decide to start taking classes?
I've made my way from the ground to the 45th story (the highest building that I worked on), and found myself longing for a greater challenge in my personal life and my career. Twelve years ago, I decided to return to school and get my degree, but this wasn't to happen. I had two small children at the time, my wife and I both worked, and it became apparent that the lack of family time was causing a rift between us. Rather than pursue my personal goals at that time, I decided to finish school at a later date. Well, here I am, and now I get to immerse myself in the academic's I need to further my career from the job site to the planning and implementation end of the business. How did you get interested in facilities management?
I had planned on getting my degree in construction management, but I was introduced to new concepts and career options through a professor of mine. His love of teaching and architecture were apparent in his approach to teaching, in the way he spoke, and his commitment to his students. He showed a passion that was very infectious, at least to me. Through his introduction to facility management and to IFMA, I found an opportunity to get involved and my interest in the profession has grown immensely. I was able to attend all three days of the Facility Fusion conference, and the professionalism, kindness and overall quality of the people in attendance convinced me that this was where I wanted to be. And much to my surprise I found I loved returning to school. So what's next?
Currently, I am looking to find a position where my maintenance and restoration skill set would be valuable assets to my employer. Since building new facilities has become less viable, restoration and reinvention of existing capital investments seems the place to be. My main interest lies in sustainability and energy management, and it's heartening to find that more and more employers believe that continued education is a valuable asset. Thanks, Michael. We appreciate your time. |
Tastykake Facility Tour
By Scott Shelley 
The Philadelphia Chapter of IFMA ended World FM day with a tour of the new Tastykake Baking Facility in South Philadelphia. The tour was delayed about an hour as severe weather blew in and caused many of the major highways to become jammed due to accidents and down trees/limbs. The old Tastykake Baking Facility was located in Hunting Park (since 1922) and their new state of the art facility opened in
the Navy Yard in April 2010. It has 345,000 square feet devoted to production, warehouse operations and distribution. It is leasing an additional 35,000 square feet of office space. Although Tastykake's Tour Mezzanine was not 100% completed we were guided through the facility tour by Phil Saylor. As the Tour proceeded, we saw many familiar "faces" of the old Tastykake add program-then we entered the "No Photograph" Zone and were able to watch the production of the famous Tastykake pies. Guess that there are still Trade Secrets that can not be photographed. (On a side note- packaging for these pies changed once production moved into the new Facility. Did you notice the change?)The tour ended with our Chapter's presentation to Phil and everyone was given a Tastykake pie" for the road". If you missed this tour, please buy a Tastykake item today and see if the new facility is keeping up with the tastes of old. |
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