The Austin IFMA Newsletter
October 2003 Highlights
by Mary Duke

World Workplace News - Reminder

World Workplace Dallas is a few weeks away!

The Austin Chapter will use the Hyatt Regency as their headquarters. Sharon Henson and Glenda Stubbs will be staying at this hotel. The Austin Chapter is hosting a HAPPY HOUR at the Hyatt Regency bar on Monday, October 20 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm for both the Austin and San Antonio Chapters. Please join us for the festivities!

GETTING TO KNOW YOU!

Sharon Henson brought order out of chaos to start the meeting. (Feeding time at the Zoo comes to mind) . She requested that everybody stand up and give their name and function so that we could get better acquainted after the meeting. When the meeting is over, you've got about 20 seconds to find that person of interest to get better acquainted.

2004 Budget and GOLF TOURNAMENT

Member's 2004 budgets were the next subject. Now is the time to budget for the golf tournament sponsorships or teams. Our tournament is a very worthwhile endeavor. We hope that your company may also want to budget to sponsor one of our meetings. We are planning to have sponsorship meetings quarterly - details to follow. . .

The Board and Golf Committee is still accepting recommendations for golf tournament sponsors. Big Brothers, Big Sisters has been recommended thus far. You may contact Charles Dixon, Steve Crisman, Sharon Henson, Glenda Stubbs, Anita Landwehr, or Charles Carpenter with your recommendations.

Charles Dixon said to reserve Monday, April 12th for our next golf tournament. It's a fun event where the golfers can play, and the rest of us can have a good time without the pressure.

Reminder!!!  Directory Updates Coming Soon!  Don't Snooze & Lose!

It's time to update the IFMA Directory.  The directory is an important tool for the use of members only.  Of course, since the last publication in 2002, some of you have changed jobs, gotten new e-mail addresses, new phone information, cell phone information, etc. 

The directory will be distributed at the beginning of the year, and you might want to purchase an ad. Be sure your information is correct at IFMA National!

Herman Miller has graciously volunteered to sponsor the professional creation and materials for the directory. The 2003-2004 directory is going to be absolutely beautiful. A sample of what the directory would look like was available at the September 11, 2003 lunch meeting. You won't want to miss out on being a part of this book. If you aren't a member, you need to join before you can receive a directory. So join now! Contact Kelly Quinney or Mary Duke with any changes or additions you may have.

KELLY QUINNEY

MARY DUKE

We are now accepting ads using print ready graphics for the directory. The costs for each ad

will be as follows:

When you send us your ad/graphics, you must include your check. We cannot include your ad if the money is not paid in advance.

Happy Hour
Sharon indicated that everyone had a good time at the last social at the County Line on the Lake. Our social events are a good place to get to know everyone better.

Charles Carpenter provided the details on the Bob Bullock tour in October and then introduced the speaker.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Chris Schexnayder is the principal at Accessibility Design Associates.  He has a Bachelors of Science in Interior Design from UTSA and has worked in the field of accessibility for 9 years.

The facility manager or property manager usually has the responsibility for compliance, but even vendors need to know the codes. Mr. Schexnayder pointed out a recent paper products vendor installed paper towel holders at the wrong height at Dell. Guess who had to refinish the walls!

Accessibility is much more than wheel chair rules. There are also requirements for visual and hearing impaired. One of the current rules is that anytime you spend $ 50,000 to modify your facility, you have to have a plan review and a final inspection for accessibility. In the eyes of Texas, the building owner is always held responsible for the building. Did you know that fire doors may exceed the 5 pound  maximum operating force required for doors if they meet the minimum requirements set by the local fire code? For more detailed information, go here 

New rules are coming, and they will be much more complex and will cover more types of facilities. Presently, the final draft of the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) is at the Office of Management and Budget. They are evaluating the financial impact that the proposed guidelines may have on the economy. Texas is mandated by state law to be consistent with federal standards, so once the new guidelines are in place, Texas will probably adopt a similar code. You will not find the word 'grandfather' in these 'guidelines'; so, if you are thinking about doing some construction, you need to be aware of the timing of the new guidelines.

Sharon closed the meeting with a moment of silence on the second anniversary of the attacks on our country.

CONTINUITY PLANNING CLASS AT ACC!

Austin Community College through its Continuing Education is offering a class on Continuity Planning and Management in October and November. ACP Capital of Texas Chapter has indorsed this course . . . let's get the word out! If these classes are successful, then ACC will offer more classes in other parts of Continuity Planning. This would be a great thing for all of us!

EPCT 3001 Continuity Planning (12.0 hours/$110)
Instructions for developing a continuity planning program to ensure restorations of services, programs, products, and operations in the face of events or interruptive challenges organizations may face. Topics include starting and maintaining programs; risk and business impact analysis; developing plans; training; employee awareness; and coordinating with public authorities in crisis situations.

20 70456 Oct 14-Oct 23 (Oct 14, 16, 21, 23 -Tu & Thr) 6:00 to 9:00 pm HBC (Highland Business Campus) 107.0 Instructor is Nena L. Young

20 70457 Nov 4-Nov 13 (Nov 4, 6, 11, 13 -Tu & Thr) 6:00 to 9:00 pm HBC (Highland Business Campus) 107.0 Instructor is Nena L. Young

To register, call the registration office (you can't do it on line) at 223-7542. They take Visa and MasterCard but not AMEX.

OTHER NEWS

Ride for the Roses - Reminder - Last Call

Anita Landwehr with EDS is riding in the Lance Foundation Race for the Roses (Peloton Project) in late October and is very excited! To donate in her name just click on the link below and then put in her last name: Landwehr.

Here is the link to the page where donations can be made for the Lance Armstrong Foundation Peloton Project. Just click on the link and then put in her last name: Landwehr.

https://secure.laf.org/Donations/donate_find_peloton_member.cfm

Anita would also like to invite anyone that is interested in cycling on Wednesdays and Saturdays to contact her for more details. Phone 514-4906 or e-mail her at anita.landwehr@eds.com.

Should you want more information on the Peloton Project, go to laf.org. The more donations she receives, the farther she will challenge herself to ride. You go girl!

Luncheon Info

We had another great turnout for the September meeting - 42 in attendance!

DON'T F ORGET! NO O CTOBER LUNCHEON, I N S T E A D . . .

October 9 Facility Tour - Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

Just a reminder that in lieu of our October 9 monthly meeting, a FACILITY TOUR of the Bob Bullock Museum (back shop), is planned. Free parking is available, and afterwards, everyone will meet for drinks (location to be determined). The tour will begin at 5:30 pm and last about one hour. If you are interested in touring the artifacts in the museum, you should arrive earlier.

The cost for the back shop facility tour is free to all IFMA members, and is $10 for each guest or non-member payable in advance or at the door. No credit cards will be accepted. We will accept cash or checks only.

Various directions, map, and parking to the museum can be found at the following link:

Upcoming Programs . . .

Month	Date	IFMA Meeting Topic or Event
Oct	9	Facility Tour of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Oct	19-21	World Workplace 2003 with Facilities America in Dallas
Nov	7	Facility Management Industry Advisory Council at Texas A&M University
Nov	19	Emergency Preparedness - Facility Evacuation  Joe C. Thompson Conference Center (see below)
Dec	4	Holiday Party @ Ester's Follies
Jan	8	OSHA in the Workplace
Feb	12	Facility Tour - TBA

Meeting topics and, less likely, dates are subject to change. Changes will be posted in the current
newsletter and advertised in meetings and on the website.

Association of Contingency Planners

Capital of Texas Chapter - Association of Contingency Planners
in conjunction with the
Austin Chapter - International Facilities Management Association
Presents
"Don't Leave Anyone Behind - 
How to Get the Most OUT of Your Facility Evacuation"
November 19, 2003
1:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Joe C. Thompson Conference Center*

The conference will take place at the Joe C. Thompson Conference Center, 26th Street and Red River University of Texas Campus

---

Help Out a School in Need

If your company is interested in becoming IFMA's Partner in education, Summit Elementary needs your help. Items needed include:

· Workstations
· Mentors
· Tutors

Please contact Martha Rodriguez, Assistant Principal, at mrodrig7@austin.isd.tenet.edu if you can help.

UNITED WAY

If you have items to donate and need to find a charity, contact the United Way. Word will spread quickly among their various organizations. http://www.uway-austin.org

Twisters, hurricanes, and floods (Oh My) - Interesting Reading!

Connect to this  link .

---

Who's Who in Austin's IFMA?

Amy HarveyFairbanks Capital Corporation	Sherron Challis Pearson Education

Pete Stein IBM Texas Credit Union

 

Ho l ida y Par t y!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, December 4, 2003 for IFMA Austin's annual Holiday Party! We are so excited! The party will take place at Esther's Follies and includes a meal and event ticket for the satirical comedy program. Details to follow soon . . .

 . .

Facilities Jobs!

I was recently contacted by Andy Neill, Account Executive with Facilities Jobs. For those of you looking for work or hiring, he wanted to get the word out about his company. He mentioned that they currently have a link from the Seattle IFMA Chapter's website as an employment resource for facilities related job seekers.

Facilitiesjobs.com currently allows job seekers to post FREE resumes, and allows employers to post free job openings as well. It's really that simple and straightforward. He indicated that they have several Austin based IFMA members in their resume database, so you may be familiar with them already.

Please feel free to test drive the system. Or if nothing else, you may have your members post their openings or review our resume database on our website for FREE.

If you could utilize some assistance please give me a call or keep Facilities Jobs .  in mind for your future recruiting efforts.

You can reach Andy at (602) 217-8610.

---

The Horror of Blimps (chuckle for the day)

Last week while traveling I stopped at a Zany Brainy store and saw that they had a blimp for sale. It's called Airship Earth, and it's a great big balloon with a map of the Earth on it, and two propellers hanging from the bottom. You blow up the balloon with helium, put batteries in it, and you have a radio control indoor blimp. I'd seen these things for sale in Sharper Image catalogs for $60-$75. At Zany Brainy it was on clearance for $15. What a deal!

Last night my wife was playing tennis and it was just my daughter and I at home. I bought a small helium tank from a party store, and we put the blimp together.

Let me tell you, it's quite a blimp. It's HUGE. The balloon has a 3 ft. diameter.

We blew it up and attached the gondola with the propellers, and put in batteries. Then we balanced the blimp for neutral buoyancy with this putty that came with it, so it hangs in the air by itself neither rising nor falling.

It was easy and fun, and then I blew up another balloon and made Mickey Mouse helium voices for my daughter.

My three year old girl loved it. We flew the blimp all over the house, terrorized the dog, attacked the fish tank, and the controls were so easy my daughter could fly it.

Let's face it, blimps are fun.

Alas, the fun had to end and my daughter had to go to sleep. I left the blimp floating in my office downstairs, my wife came home, and we went to bed, and slept the sleep of the righteous.

At this point it is important to know that my house has central heating. I have it configured to blow hot air out on the ground floor and take it in at the second floor to take advantage of the fact that heat rises.

The blimp which was up until this moment a fun toy, embarked on a career of evil. Using the artificial convection of my central heating, the blimp stealthily departed my office. It moved silently through the living and drifted to the staircase. Gliding wraithlike over the staircase it then entered the bedroom where my wife and I lay sleeping peacefully.

Running silently, and gliding six feet or so above the ground on invisible and tiny air currents, it approached the bed.

In spite of its noiseless passage, or perhaps because of it, I awoke. That doesn't really say it properly. Let me try again.

I awoke, the way you awake at 2:00 AM when your sleeping senses suddenly tell you without reason that the forces of evil are converging on you.

That still doesn't do it. Let me try one more time.

I awoke the way you awake when you suddenly know that there is a large levitating sinister presence hovering towards you with menacing intent through the malignant darkness.

Now sometimes I do wake up in the middle of the night thinking that there are large sinister and menacing things floating out of the darkness to do me and mine evil. Usually I open my eyes, look and listen carefully, decide it was a false alarm, and go back to sleep.

So, the fact that I awoke in such a manner was not all that unusual.

On this occasion I awoke to the sense that there was a large menacing presence approaching me silently out of the gloom, so I opened my eyes, and there it was! A LARGE SILENT MENACING PRESENCE WAS APPROACHING ME OUT OF THE GLOOM, AND IT COULD FLY!!!

Somewhere in the control room of my mind a fat little dwarf in a security outfit was paging through a Penthouse while smoking a cigar with his feet up on the table, watching the security monitors of my brain with his peripheral vision. Suddenly he saw the LARGE SILENT SINISTER MENACING FLOATING PRESENCE coming at me, and he pulled every panic switch and hit every alarm that my body has. A full decade's allotment of adrenaline was dumped into my bloodstream all at once. My metabolism went from "restful sleep mode" to HOLY S*%T! FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE OR DIE!!!! mode" in a nanosecond. My heart went from twenty something beats per minute to about 240 even faster.

I always knew this was going to happen. I always knew that skepticism and science were mere psychological decorations and vanities. Deep in our alligator brains we all know that the world is just chock full of evil and monsters and sinister forces aligned against us, and it is only a matter of time until they show up. Evolution knows this too. It knows what to do when the silent terror comes at you from out of the dark.

When 50 million years worth of evolutionary survival instinct hits you all at once, flat in the gut at 200 mph, it is not a pleasant sensation.

Without volition I screamed my battle cry (which is indistinguishable to the sound a little girl makes when you drop a spider down her dress (not that I'd know what that sounds like,) and leapt out of bed in my underwear.

I struck the approaching menace with all my strength and almost fell over at the total lack of resistance that a helium balloon offers when you punch the living S*%T out of it with all the strength that sudden middle of the night terror produces.

The airship's trajectory took it straight into the ceiling fan which whipped it about the room at terrifying velocity.

Seeking a weapon, I ripped the alarm clock out of its plug and hurled it at the now High Velocity Menacing presence (breaking the clock and putting a nice hole in the wall.)

Somehow at this moment I suddenly realized that I was fighting the blimp, and not a monster. It might have been funny if I didn't truly and actually feel like I was having a legitimate heart-attack.

On quivering legs I went to the bathroom and literally gagged into the toilet while shaking uncontrollably with the shock of the reaction I'd had.

Unbelievably, both my wife and daughter had completely slept through the incident. When I decided that I wasn't having a heart attack after all, I went back into the bedroom and found the blimp which had somehow survived the incident.

I took it to the walk-in closet and released it inside where it floated around with the air currents released from the vents in there. I closed the door, sealing it in, and went back to bed. About 500 years later I fell asleep.

At about 7 a.m. my wife awoke and headed towards the walk-in closet. Since she had been playing tennis and wasn't aware that we had assembled the blimp the previous evening and that it was now floating around inside the closet.

The dynamic between the existing air currents of the closet and the suction caused by opening the door was just enough to give the blimp the appearance of an Evil Sinister Menace flying straight towards her.

This time the blimp did not survive the encounter, nor almost, did I, as I had to explain to my very angry spouse what motivated me to hide an evil lurking presence in the closet for her to find at 7 a.m.

I can order replacement balloons on the internet, but I don't think I will.

Some blimps are better off dead.

---

Facility Manager's Resume

Give Thanks

Deregulation = Greed

 Carpet for Sale

---

We encourage you to visit our website for all of the scoop for the Austin chapter at: www.IFMA-Austin.org  

We hope you enjoyed this newsletter. If you have any articles, information, suggestions, corrections or comments for the next newsletter please contact Mary Duke via e-mail: mduke@intelliquest.com Work/VM: 512-314-2105

See you next month - same time same place!