IFMA AUSTIN CHAPTER NEWSLETTER APRIL 2010

IN THIS ISSUE...

FROM THE EDITOR by Kelly Quinney of The Steam Team

Hello IFMA Austin. Spring is in full swing here in Austin Texas, and it is true bluebonnet paradise. Anyone else notice how they just appeared everywhere overnight? Thank you rain! Such a pleasant change from the dry hot sauna that was 2009. While we are on the subject of the Texas State Flower, I would like to clear up an urban legend for you folks. Contrary to popular belief it is NOT, I repeat NOT illegal to pick bluebonnets. So pick away all you wildflower lovers! Funny thing is now that I know that I can pick them, I no longer want to. The thrill is gone......

The April 1st luncheon welcomed Doug Lewin who spoke about Building Commissioning and retro commissioning. For those of you in the dark like myself prior to the luncheon, the process of commissioning and retro commissioning buildings ensures that all building systems perform interactively according to the contract documents, the design intent and the owner's operational needs.

Our professionals only mixer is coming up on April 22nd at Urban in the Domain. There has been some confusion as to the definition of professional. The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines professional as - exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace. IFMA Austin's definition of "a professional" is - a facility manager member. While all of you vendors may be professional, you are not "professionals". :) I hope this clears things up! Big Thanks to our sponsors Cort Furniture, The Steam Team, Austin Business Furniture and Texas Building Services.

April 22nd also marks the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. Austin is celebrating the occasion with an entire week of events including a family day at McKinney Roughs, a twilight hike at Barton Creek and a festival at the Triangle to name a few. Get a full schedule of the week's events here. Not able to attend any of the festivities? Here is how you can help on a daily basis.

Next month's luncheon will be on Thursday May 13th at Crowne Plaza. Our program will be on Human Relations Please RSVP before the Monday before the meeting.

The Fall IFMA Golf Tournament will be at the lovely Teravista Golf Course on Wednesday Sept.15th. Shotgun start is at 1:30pm. A special thanks goes out to our Golf Goddess and 3rd Vice President Jill Goodwin for heading up this year's golf committee. More details to follow......

For all you Kingpins out there, IFMA Austin will be having a Bowling Tournament on May 20th at AMF Showplace Lanes. We will be giving away some teams at the Professionals Mixer. Look for sponsorship opportunities next week.

There are two, yes that's right two opportunities in this newsletter to win $50 gift cards donated by The Steam Team. Make sure you read the entire newsletter. You may only win once! Good luck!!!!

Want to be in pictures?? Register on IFMA Austin's Shutterfly site to view past event pictures or to post your own event photos.

New Luncheon Policy. Effective January 2010, IFMA Austin members will be invoiced for "no show' luncheon fees. We understand that extenuating circumstances arise preventing attendance, but IFMA can no longer incur these costs. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes and appreciate your help.

Luncheon Fee Change. Beginning in February, the cost for monthly luncheons will increase to $30 for members and $35 for non members.

Have you done something noteworthy? Found an interesting article? Won a spelling bee? Run a marathon? Email it to me and I'll include it in the next newsletter. Also don't forget to email your legal questions to Steve Dillawn and look for the answer in our "Ask Steeves" section. Those of you with OSHA questions

Want to stay current with the organization? Visit www.ifma-austin.org for all the latest news.

Goodbye for now IFMA Austin. Until we meet again, I want to leave you with these words of wisdom -

Always remember that wherever you go, there you are.....

President's Message by Pete Stein

Why I Volunteer

When I was young, I volunteered to make sure my children had adults helping in their activities. Today we call this putting people on a “guilt trip”.

However, as a result of giving my time to scouts, little league, small town parades etc. I found it also made me take the time for my children and as I look back on it I believe it helped me to be a better parent.

Over the years I volunteered for other reasons These are the main ones:

· My employer encouraged me to be involved in the community where I live so that I was giving back to those who make my job possible.

· I am currently a Facilities Manager and by becoming involved with IFMA I learned about things that pertain not just to building but management in general.

· By being part of IFMA I have met people that do the same kind of work that I do and are willing to share that information. This is both a learning experience as well as making new friends.

· By being part of a committee or a board member I learned a different style of leadership. Working totally with volunteers you approach getting something done differently. It is a style that can work at the office also.

I encourage everyone to get involved in the work of volunteering. You will be the one that receives the most benefits. Here at IFMA-Austin it is time to select officers for the Board and Chairpersons for our committee. We need you to serve so the Chapter can continue to move forward.

Why IFMA?............IFMA is the largest and most widely recognized professional association for facility management. IFMA's strong global reputation, extensive professional network and access to industry resources enable the Association to structure beneficial programs for our corporate partners. Be the first person to email me with the name of the current IFMA president and CEO, and you will receive a fifty dollar gift card to Best Buy.

IFMA GOLF..................IFMA GOLF....................IFMA GOLF.....................IFMA GOLF

We are very excited to announce that this year's IFMA Fall Golf Tournament will be at the beautiful Teravista Golf Club in Round Rock on Wednesday September 15th.

Noon - Registration/Lunch

1:30 Shotgun Start

!!!HELP WANTED!!!

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING OUT ON THE GOLF COMMITTEE PLEASE CONTACT JILL GOODWIN

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Coming Soon!!!!!!

JOIN OUR GROUPS

NEW MEMBERS

Brant Miller - GCA Services Group

The Austin Chapter of IFMA

Invites you to a

Professionals Only Mixer

Located at 11301 Domain Drive at the Westin Hotel at The Domain

Party located on the patio

Thursday, April 22nd

5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Join other facility manager professional for our 2^nd Annual Professional Mixer. We share ideas, get to know one another, and have fun in a casual setting. This mixer is for all Facility Managers, so please feel free to bring any potential professional member as a guest.

Appetizers and cocktails will be served

Thank you to our sponsors

The Magic Behind the Music..................

Jill, Pete, Mark, and Dave

BOARD MEMBERS

President	Pete Stein
1st Vice President	Dave Thomas
2nd Vice President	Scott Slaughter
3rd Vice President	Jill Goodwin
Past President	Mark Wendland
Chapter Administrator	Jim Coles

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Webmeister	JR Howard
Newsletter	Kelly Quinney
Programs	Crystal Green
Programs Co-Chair	Mark Wendland
Community Service	Amy Weldon
Sponsorship Co-chair	Todd Coleman
Education & Sustainability	Scott Slaughter
Membership Co-chair	Ted Ulmer
Membership	Shannon Schierman
Membership	Terry Swets
Golf Goddess	Jill Goodwin
Public Relations	Vada Dillawn

******CALLING ALL CFM’S******

You are part of an exclusive fraternity! If you are interested in hearing about a new chapter community just for you, please contact me immediately:

David.thomas@ci.austin.tx.us

Don’t miss out space will be limited.........

Many companies are encouraging their employees to get certifications and some are requiring it. Clients are beginning to insist upon it. Read more about this growing industry standard in the article Exam Time. For more information on earning your CFM, click here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

April 8th - Lunch & Learn - Sustainable Sites

April 15th - Lance Armstrong Foundation Tour

April 22nd - Professional Mixer

April 22nd - Earth Day

May 13th - IFMA Luncheon

May 20th - Bowling Tournament

Spring - Professional Mixer (Date TBD)

Support your local IFMA Austin Chapter

BE A SPONSOR

There are many sponsorship opportunities throughout the year:

LUNCHEONS

GOLF TOURNAMENT

BOWLING TOURNAMENT

PROFESSIONAL MEMBER MIXERS

HOLIDAY PARTY

Contact Todd Coleman for more information

"ASK OSHA"

What type of labeling do I need for products I purchase at a retail location, like Clorox wipes? Does the manufacturer provide enough information on the package? Do I need a MSDS?

Labels on original packaging are required to comply with OSHA’s hazard communication law, or labeling laws specified by other Agencies, such as EPA or the Consumer Product Safety Commission. OSHA requires that the manufacturer’s label contain the product name, an appropriate hazard warning, and the manufacturer’s name and address. Products that are purchased generally will be labeled with this information, so no action is required on the part of the employer to provide additional labeling. OSHA does require that secondary containers be labeled. For example, if a company purchases bleach in a 5 gallon container and then transfers the product into smaller containers that workers will use in the workplace, then the final use containers must be labeled with the name of the chemical (ie Bleach) and an appropriate hazard warning (ie Caution: Can cause severe eye and skin irritation).

There is an exception in the Hazard Communication law (29 CFR 1910.1200) for consumer products that are used in the same frequency and duration as a consumer would use the product. To be exempt from coverage by the hazard communication law, the consumer product needs to be used in the same amount as a consumer would use the product. OSHA would ask the following questions:

What is the duration of use of the product, i.e., for what period of time did the employees use the chemical during the workshift and workweek? Did it greatly exceed normal or expected use by a consumer?

Was the frequency of employee use significantly greater than that of a normal consumer?

If an employee uses the consumer product at a greater frequency or longer duration than a consumer would use the product, then a MSDS is required.

The first person to answer this question gets a $50 target gift card. When and where is the bowling tournament this year?

IFMA EDUCATION

-Sessions/Courses

Business of FM May 18-21, 2010 12pm

Leadership and Management Competency Course Houston, TX April 11-12, 2010

Planning and Project Management Competency Course Houston, TX April 11-12, 2010

Cant get to one of these courses. Click here to find out how you can get IFMA to deliver a course directly to you. Or here for a list of online courses.

...More...

IFMA WORLD WORKPLACE

2010 CONFERENCE AND EXPO

GEORGIA WORLD CONFERENCE CENTER

ATLANTA OCTOBER 27-29

2010 marks IFMA's
30 year anniversary
Join the celebration!

Resources

Online Learning Center Course Demo Featuring multimedia self-study course modules developed from the nine facility management competencies and performance skills, IFMA's Online Learning Center allows you to earn CEUs and successfully complete the Facility Management Professional credential. Click here to take an interactive tour of the Learning Center's features.

CFM Self-Assessment Test
How ready are you to take the CFM Exam? Try the 54-question online self-assessment test for US$39.95 members, (US$79.95 nonmembers).

Earn your CFM
IFMA's Certified Facility Manager. program was the first in facility management and still remains the only globally recognized FM certification. The CFM process is designed to assess competence in the field through work experience, education and the ability to pass a comprehensive exam.

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www.ifma-austin.org