President's message: Farewell but not goodbye

My term as your president is drawing to a close. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who have made my term in office such an enriching experience. As some of you may know, the past eight months have been especially difficult for me. I have had to contend with a medical issue that kept me from fully participating in many of the significant activities and programs of our chapter. However, the executive committee and board of directors stepped in, not only to support me but to be there for the chapter when I could not. And so, my last president's message is one filled with thanks and gratitude to the executive committee, the board and all the committee members for their support without which I would not have been able to lead the chapter. I would also like to give a special thank you to our sponsors who provide the means for us to carry out our programs and events and contribute so much more than the financial means to keep the chapter functioning. In the two years I've been honored to serve as president, I have not only grown both professionally and personally but have witnessed first hand how a diverse group of professionals - both service providers and practitioners - can come together in support of a common goal - improving the facilities management profession. Without the hard work and dedication of so very many people, our goals of providing quality programs could not have been realized. It is with great pride that I can say that in spite of the downturn in our economy, we still enjoy the support of many of our sponsors and service providers. It has been my privilege to serve you and I wish our association continued success. Carole Green is the immediate past president of the greater New York chapter of IFMA, New York, N.Y.