IFMA-AUSTIN NEWSLETTER

September-October 2006

by Mary Duke

World Workplace 2006 - San Diego

Letter from the President - Robin Connolly

                                                           Ahhh, the weather is perfect in San Diego.  I wanted to bottle it and bring it back with me.  Needless to say, it was a good convention.  I attended the Academic Facilities Council meeting for the two days prior to WWP, and received a tour of the Petco stadium as well as one of San Diego State University and the new Trolley stop there.

At WWP, I attended the House of Delegates meeting, the closing keynote address, and 5 continuing education sessions.  I spent an afternoon collaborating with the several of the Houston chapter board discussing issues that face all chapters - membership, participation, and attendance.  Several have agreed to mentor our chapter concerning sponsorship so that the chapter can afford additional educational opportunities to its members.

Notes from the Closing Keynote Address:

Marcus Buckingham, a very funny Brit, presented the closing Keynote address.  Co-author of two business best-sellers, First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently and Now, Discover Your Strengths, his mission is to create a better marriage between the aspirations and strengths of workers and the drive of companies to win.  The presentation was inspired by his latest book, The One Thing You Need to Know:  About Great Managing, Great Leading and Sustained Individual Success.

The book provides strategies for getting the most out of your people, the tools you need to be the best manager and leader, and how to develop the right talents in your employees. 

Key points:

  • The role of a great manager is to turn one's person's talents into performance
  • As you grow, you become more of whom you already are.
  • Myth:  A good team member does what it takes to help the team.  He believes you will contribute the most to your team when you offer up your strengths.
  • "Opportunities" for growth are really your areas of strength, not your weaker areas that most managers ask employees to work on.
  • A good manager puts a well-balanced team in place.

 

World Workplace 2007 - New Orleans

Next year, World Workplace will go to a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday format - dates are October 24, 25, and 26.

FMIAC

The College of Architecture at Texas A&M University is holding their fall meeting of the Facility Management Industry Advisory Council (FMIAC) on Thursday, November 9, beginning at 12:00 noon.    The FMIAC supports the graduate facility management certificate program in the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University, which began in 1999.  The Council was organized to help develop this teaching and research program, and to make available programs that would be of value to the facility management profession.

At this meeting, faculty, students and industry professionals will review this past year and plan activities for the coming year.  The keynote "Energy Issues, Sustainable Practices and Implications for Facility Management" will be presented by Rusty Hodapp, P.E., CEM, CEP, LEED AP, Vice President, Energy & Transportation Management of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Board.

If you'd like to participate, please e-mail Robin Connolly at rconnolly@utsystem.edu.

MEETING HIGHLIGHTS OCTOBER 12, 2006

In addition to the letter, Robin Connolly brought news from the House of Delegates Meeting at World Workplace.  She indicated that they voted to not reinstate ratio of Professional members 75% to Associates members 25% and that there are other ways to accomplish better ratios, such as offering CEU's to members and developing long term relationships.

Globally, there will be several other facility management organizations collaborating with IFMA on common issues. The new organization is called Global FM.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Sid Fiegel reported that our Annual Charity Golf Tournament will be held March 26, 2007 at the Hills of Lakeway.  It's time to get this into your annual budgets!  Sponsorships remain the same as our last tournament.

Also, exciting news! 

IFMA – Austin has selected the K-9 Search as its annual Golf charity recipient. We hope to make difference in their lives as they make a difference in the lives of others. 

 

MEMBERSHIP

Kathryn Ingerly welcomed two new members:

§         ARC

§         International Ram Associates

PROGRAMS

Nisa Kostecka updated us on Matthew McDermott with K-9 Search, who did our August presentation.  Here is the excerpt from the e-mail he sent Nisa recently:

"I have been buried since we met. Both work and search has kept me struggling to keep up.

I wanted to express my appreciation to your organization for their support. I used the gas cards that you all donated to complete a search in south Texas without spending any of my own money on fuel, that is a first for our team. There have also been some anonymous donors on our site I suspect that they are also from your group.

Thank you again for the chance to share my dog with you all."

Matthew

Matthew McDermott
NASAR K9 SAR Tech III
K9 Handler for Willa
matthew@k9search.com

COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE 

Here is one FREE and EASY way to support your community . . .

HELP A NON-PROFIT SCHOOL FOR DYSLEXIC CHILDREN

Support Rawson-Saunders!

Your groceries, office supplies, and even your trash add up to big dollars for Rawson-Saunders School!  And your support always helps our school.  Plus, it is hassle-free.  Keep this info in your wallet and you will always have the school number handy.  More information may be found at http://www.rawson-saunders.org/       

§         Our code at Randall's grocery is 8505.

§         Office Depot will donate a percentage of your purchase to our school.  Tell the cashier you support Rawson-Saunders.  Our code is 70113664.

§         Order Scholastics Books from us.

§         Recycle your paper here, but please, no cardboard.

§         Write "Rawson-Saunders School" on your Westbank Cleaners claim ticket, and turn it in when picking up your cleaning.

Austin Groups for the Elderly (AGE)

Austin Groups for the Elderly (AGE) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower the elderly, adults with disabilities, their families and caregivers through education, advocacy and support. The AGE programs include SeniorNet Computer Learning Institute, Elderhaven Adult Day Care and Caregiver Resource Center & Durable Medical Equipment Lending Closet.

You can help Elderhaven Adult Day Care have a festive and creative holiday season by donating:

§         Arts & Crafts Supplies (all kinds)

§         Clay

§         Glitter

§         Old & New Magazines

§         Videos & DVDs (Family Movies for Tuesday Movie Day)

§         Musical Instruments (Maracas, Tambourines, Flutes, Drums, etc. – to join in merry making)

You are also welcome to volunteer. They have many opportunities to interact directly with the elderly or work behind the scenes decorating for the Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays!

To learn more about Austin Groups for the Elderly, please visit http://www.ageofaustin.org/ or call Susan Frentz-Robinson at 451-4611.

Susan Frentz-Robinson, Development & Outreach Director

Austin Groups for the Elderly

3710 Cedar Street, Box 2, Austin, Texas  78705

Phone: 512-451-4611 ext. 14; Fax: 512-451-3110

Email: sfrentz@ageofaustin.org

http://www.ageofaustin.org/

 

Information provided by Nisa Kostecka

Newsletter

Mary Duke mentioned that a co-chair is needed for the newsletter.  Secondly, articles from your organization that would be of interest to our members would be greatly appreciated.  It would be a welcome addition and add interest to our newsletter.

Programs

Mark Wendland announced the November 9 luncheon topic: 

Using Workplace Standards in Programming:  A Case Study of Three Global Corporate Projects.

Also, mark your calendars for our annual Holiday Party - it will be held at County Line on the Hill at 7:00 pm.  Seating is limited and there will be a white elephant gift exchange.  Get your reservations in early!

2007 Program Line-up

October 12

The Importance of Ergonomic Programs in the Workplace

November 9

Using Workplace Standards in Programming:  A Case Study of Three Global Corporate Projects 

December 1

Christmas Social!  County Line on the Hill 7:00 pm

January 11

New Flood Data Maps Charles Carpenter

February 8

Facility Management at Camp David - The Reagan Years- Broaddus and Associates

March 26

Golf Tournament at The Hills of Lakeway

 

Embassy Suites I-35 North, Members $25, Guests $30 - Lunch will be provided.

BUDGETING FOR 2007 UTILITIES

Budgeting for 2007 Utilities?  Do you carefully analyze your usage or just add 5% to last year’s totals?  There are several factors that contribute to your utility bills including rates, weather and working days.  If you are a small business, utility rates may not affect you as much as a million square-foot operation.

Among the many factors that a company cannot control, businesses will find 252 working days in the average 2007 business calendar; down from 254 in 2006; a nominal drop of less that 1%.

Another factor is the rate for utilities.  The 2007 electrical rates will remain the same.  Austin Energy makes the fuel charge a direct pass-thru; therefore, if Austin Energy under collected in this item, they will increase the rate.  Over collected?  They will reduce the rate.  Last year, Austin Energy anticipated keeping the rate the same until hurricanes Katrina and Rita played havoc with the fuels market, which resulted in a fuel increase.  “Quite frankly no one has an exact science to the fuels market, as this can be seen at the gas pumps,“ commented Susie Cummings with Austin Energy, “I am unsure what the overall message will be.”

Weather is another factor that is out of your hands.  Another hot summer in 2006 also contributed to higher consumption.  The forecast for 2007 in a milder winter; however, in Texas, that may translate into a turn-on-the-A/C Christmas.  Since the northeast relies on different fuels that southern states, Austin may not enjoy as many savings as other areas.  “I would say a wetter period with near seasonal temperatures should be expected locally over the next six months or so,” according to Troy Kimmel, Chief Meteorologist for KVET-KASE.

Looking at the long-range forecast provided by the National Weather Service, Austin can expect a 33% chance of a warmer than normal spring and summer like we had in 2006.  You can consult these longer range NWS outlooks at:  http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/90day/

Armed with these pieces of information, a facility manager will still need to see if their company’s processes will change, production will increase or new equipment will be installed.  The best bet might be the easy way out  . . . add 5% and hope its enough.

Want to look for a simple way to lower your utility bill?  Here are some ideas:

  • Lower your peak demand and lower your bills.  There are many ways to do it, including staggering equipment start-up or operating equipment in the evening or on the weekend when your other demands are decreased.
  • If you are in a production environment when you can shift capacity, ramp up production before May or after October when the “Demand Rate” is 6.5% to 10 % lower.
  • Retrofit old light fixtures.  You can save of lighting electricity and cooling costs; throw in potential rebates and the project can quickly pay for itself.

Article submitted by Charles Carpenter

Luncheon Speaker Highlights from October 12, 2006

The Importance of Ergonomic Programs in the Workplace

Michael Larpenter with Humanscale Consulting introduced Kevin Butler from Chicago, an industrial engineer who specializes in biomechanics.  Kevin worked with the Bureau of Workers Compensation in Ohio.  He gave an outstanding overview of Ergonomics in the workplace! 

Kevin covered trends, concepts, key elements, intervention and return on investment.

Workplace Trends

  • Spaces are getting smaller.  The average square footage per worker has decreased 17% since 1994.
  • The workforce is aging.  By 2050, 20% of our working population will be 65 years of age or older.
  • Vision issues continue to be among the most common musculoskeletal complaints.
  • Laptops have become increasingly popular.
  • Home computing is compounding the ergonomic issue.
  • There are staggering costs from lost productivity.  Average lost time was 5.2 hours per week.
  • 52.7% of the work force complains of headaches, back aches, neck pain or musculoskeletal problems.

Battling Misconceptions

  • Sitting up straight is not good for you!
  • Adjustability does not equal better ergonomics!
  • Not all products labeled ergonomic are actually good for you!

Essential Concepts

§         Minimize extreme postures

§         Support healthy postures

§         Provide adequate training

Integrating Solutions - Key Elements

§         Chair

§         Keyboard and mouse

§         Proper lighting (glare, VDT type, age, intense multi-tasking, amount of light, quality of light)

Considering Interventions - Testimonials

David Matlaw, Site Manager, Dell Computer

  • David's experiences at Dell indicated a non-proactive approach.  5-6 years ago, Dell looked into ergonomics and still seems to be on a primitive level. 
  • They indicated that there should be some training on an as-needed basis.
  • Nurses are doing ALL of the evaluations, no experts are being introduced to assist in this endeavor.
  • There is a tendency to push products aside from physical changes to the body.

Kevin interjected that

  • Ergonomics is a preventative, design-based discipline.
  • Ergonomic interventions can benefit the masses, not just those that are injured.
  • Product interventions alone are not enough
  • Businesses should see ergonomics as a benefit to an organization, not as a burden!

Michelle Peterson, Furniture Marketing Group Site Manager for Applied Materials

  • Applied Materials is very proactive toward ergonomics
  • Each employee does an online evaluation
  • Employees can set up an appointment with an ergonomics nurse or hardware specialist
  • Ergonomics at home are very important.  Employees who work from home can have Applied Materials retrofit their home-office furniture.

Luncheon Speaker Highlights from September 12, 2006

Cool Roofing:  An Emerging Hot Topic

The Metal Initiative is a coalition of companies and trade association formed to educate building owners, facility managers, architects, and contractors about the use and selection of metal roofs and walls in commercial buildings. 

Toy Henson, Director of Education discussed the features and benefits of the new generation of "cool roofs", including the energy cost savings and tax credits available to those who use these highly energy-efficient systems.  The presentation will include a case study comparing energy costs of buildings with cool roofs to those with conventional roofing.

Presentation highlights Included:

§         Principles of Cool Roofing

  • Urban heat island effect
  • Initiatives and programs
  • Standards, codes and laws

Overview

§         Two-thirds of the nations electricity is consumed by commercial buildings.

§         Roofs can be the least energy efficient portion of the building envelope component because of their exposure.

§         Metal roofs are gaining popularity to help mitigate the Heat Island Effect.

Principles

In the solar energy spectrum - energy use is as follows:

  • Ultra-violet energy totals 3% of total energy
  • 40% is visible light
  • 57% is infrared - which is felt as heat!
  • Solar reflectance depends on color and pigment on metal
  • Thermal emittance is the percent of heat that is re-radiated from the surface to its surroundings

Research

§         Combined solar reflectance and thermal emittance determines surface temperature of a roof and its ability to cool.

§         Rule:  for every 1% of roof reflectance, the surface temperature decreases 1°F

Urban Heating Effect

§         For every 10% increase in roof reflectance, central air costs drop 2 cents per square foot.

§         Lower roof surface temperature also increases color stability on pre-painted metal panels

§         Decreases thermal expansion/contraction

§         Your roof is 90% hotter with darker colors, 25% warmer with lighter colors

 

Paints and Pigments

 

§         Are available with special paints that increase reflectivity

§         Do not affect color of product

§         Colors can be matched

 

At Oak Ridge, Tennessee, research over 3 years indicated that

 

§         Pre-painted metal roofing retained 95% of its solar reflectance over time

§         Roof slope has little effect

§         With dark roofs, ambient temperatures are higher than surrounding areas

§         Dark roofs increase ambient temperatures 6°-12°

§         Uses more A/C load

§         Heat is catalyst for smog

§         Metal roofs can earn LEED points.

 

Initiatives/Programs

 

§         Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 provides tax incentives for commercial construction, http://www.irs.gov/

§         More information can be found at http://www.themetalinitiative.com/   

We look forward to seeing you!  Guests are welcome!

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

 

Texas State will be teaching a Facilities Planning class in the spring in Round Rock.   There may still be an opportunity for enrollment in the graduate program before the semester begins if the membership would like to take it for credit. 

 

Here is the class info:

 

5387 Planning Advanced Technology Facilities. (3-0) An in-depth study of technical problems encountered in designing, equipping, arranging, and specifying facility requirements for industrial and technical training facilities.

 

Schedule: Thursdays; 6 PM to 8:50 PM Starting January 18th and Finishing on May 3rd

 

Possible Textbook:  Facilities Planning; Cost about $100

 

A parking permit will be required to park at the RRHEC (Call 716-4000 for their One Stop Center) 

BOARD AND COMMITTEE CONTACT INFORMATION

Name

E-mail

Cell

Work

Kathyrn Ingerly

kathryn@ingerly.com

512-879-8590

 

Kimbra Herring

kimbraherring@yahoo.com

 

 

Mark Wendland

mark.wendland@tgslc.org

512-507-8541

512-219-4715

Mary Duke

marydu@fmgi.com

512-751-8908

512-908-4662

Nisa Kostecka

nisa.kostecka@maintenanceinc.net

512-203-5542

 

Robin Connolly

rconnolly@utsystem.edu

512-773-5752

512-499-4730

Shannon Schiermann

shannon.schiermann@symantec.com

512-914-7759

512-914-7759

 

Please submit any ideas or articles to:

Mary Duke at FMG:  marydu@fmgi.com or call at 512-908-4662