Ted Bier, president of T.M. Bier & Associates, Inc., one of the area's leading independent controls systems engineering companies, recently served a key speaker in a GE Capital Real Estate (GECRE) Building Automation Systems (BAS) Technology Session. The theme of the two-day program for a team of GE engineers, property managers and facility managers from North America, Europe and Asia was, "Using technology to drive value: a deep dive with global platforms." Bier shared his expertise in an overview of building automation systems and their functionality. The goal of the technology session was to facilitate GECRE's review of its current BAS platforms across its office portfolio and consider other technologies and resources. The technology session took place at GECRE's New York regional office at 280 Park Ave. in Manhattan. According to Mr. Bier, "My presentation was designed to provide a review of the current BAS market; the technologies available and how they function to reduce overhead costs such as energy and labor, while also optimizing a building's performance and delivering measurable value." Joining Mr. Bier at the GECRE session were TMBA's Vice President, Business Development Robert Bier, LEED AP, Vice President of Sales Engineering Jeff Michaels, who made the technical presentation, and Manager of Applied Engineering and Sales Steven Neuf, and Manager of Field Operations Joe Xuereb. In addition to Mr. Bier's presentation, the GECRE program agenda covered other topics such as "Building IQ" as well as vendor presentations of various BAS solutions and workshops. About T.M. Bier & Associates As one of the New York-Tri-State area's largest independent control systems integrators, T.M. Bier & Associates (TMBA) has been at the forefront of the building automation and energy management field for over three decades. The company offers end-to-end capabilities, from the design, installation, monitoring and servicing of building management and control systems, HVAC systems, lighting and security systems, to deregulated energy and financing programs. Through its comprehensive services, building owners and operators are realizing many important benefits including up to a 50% reduction in operating costs, the extended lifespan of building equipment, improved indoor air quality and comfort, and reduced carbon footprints. The company is a "go to" resource for leading builders, developers, general contractors, commercial/industrial property owners and property managers. It lists among its diverse client base Fortune 500 companies, hospitals, libraries, schools, shopping malls and municipalities. For more information, visit: www.tmba.com. About GE Capital Real Estate Serving global markets for over 30 years, GE Capital Real Estate is a leading global commercial real estate investment company. We are a unit of General Electric (NYSE: GE). Few institutions have the strength, industry knowledge and global reach of GE. GE Capital Real Estate's assets are approximately $73 billion, as of December 31, 2010. We have debt and equity activities in North America, Europe and Asia and we are currently launching a global investment management unit. Our activities include direct property acquisition, joint venture partnerships and debt financing. Asset classes include office, multifamily, retail, industrial and hospitality.