April 2012

What a great start to 2012! The first three months of Chapter activities were the best ever!

We started the chapter meetings with a three part series on managing the workplace environment. Presentations started in January with the interior environment and how to keep spaces clean and sanitary. In February, HVAC systems operations and maintenance was the topic and in March, we appropriately covered a topic that is helpful to FMs in the workplace and at home – landscape maintenance. Special thanks to the Program Committee for the creative and effective way to start off the year.

The beginning of 2012 was a milestone for the chapter in other ways as well. We “unveiled” the new chapter website, http://www.ifmajacksonville.org and a new IFMA Jacksonville Facebook page. The Facebook page is a great way to keep up with the activities of the chapter. You can find the Facebook and LinkedIn pages by the links in the website. And, speaking of the Facebook page, there is a link to a special profile on IFMA JAX in the April issue of Florida Facilities Today magazine.

You may see a new Kimtag on chapter information and at chapter events. Chapter Board Member Joe Byous has createdthis graphic that allows smartphone users with a QR Reader app to have ready connectivity to the chapter website, Facebook page and LinkedIn group.

It has never been easier to stay connected with IFMA JAX!! If you are a Facebook user, please“Friend” IFMA Jacksonville to keep up with what is going on.

We finished up the first part of 2012 with a chapteractivity that was a lot of fun and helped a great organization and some wonderful families. The chapter Community Outreach effort – H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere) prepared and served Brunch for the families at Ronald McDonald House on Saturday March 24. This is the first of our Community Outreach efforts to help others and build personal and professional relationships among IFMA JAX members. Thanks to Joe Byous and Cheron Holloman for coordinating the planning of this event.

The April meeting was a special event with the JEA Plant Tour. Our goal is to have at least one on site tour of a significant facility each year to provide an opportunity for Facility Managers to get a behind the scenes look at facilities in NE Florida.

The Professional Development Committee has started planning for the2012 event which will be held on Wednesday September 19 at the UNF University Center. We had a great event last year and this year will be improved and expanded. Mark your calendars. This is an event you will not want to miss.

IFMA JAX is the “go to” source for professional development, networking and relationships for Facility Managers in Northeast Florida – and we have a lot of fun too!! If you want to learn more about becoming part of the chapter, please let me know. Prospective Professional members (FMs) are no charge guests at their first meeting.

At the beginning of my termas Chapter President, I borrowed a line from singer Darius Rucker, “Together, Anything’s Possible”. Our chapter, through the efforts of many Professional and Associate members is proving that statement every month, If you have not been to a Chapter activity in a while or are interested in learning more about IFMA JAX, come and experience what is happening with the organization that represents the profession that keeps Jacksonville businesses and organizations looking and working well. As a profession, we are all a big part of Jacksonville’s success. Come and join with us – your involvement will help to make your career more successful.

For more messages please see the Presidents Messages Archive


Greg Letnaunchyn, CFM

President

IFMA Jacksonville Chapter