This is not your Father's IFMA

IFMA, the International Facility Management Association is one of the premier facility management organizations, spanning the world with offices in major cities around the globe. Their thirty year history is imbedded in their main mission; keeping facility managers abreast of the latest legal promulgations, technology, and techniques to keep their facilities up to code, safe and efficient. But, behind their traditional veneer lies a myriad of ancillary services designed to meet the needs of facility managers as well as numerous "associate members" who come from all walks of real estate and related industries. At the core of these services are the numerous committees that are the true backbone of the organization. Under the helm of IFMA's hands on president, Christian Miller of YMCA of Greater New York, The Greater New York City Chapter hosts numerous events each year for its members to partake in. IFMA CARES: Under the stewardship of Michael Moskowitz, IFMA Cares is dedicated to giving back to the community in a myriad of settings from last years "Adopt-A-School" program to this years plan providing inner city school children with four hours a week of music instruction. IFMA Cares can always be counted on to be looking out for those in need. Networking: Of special interest to "associate members" the networking committee, helmed by Gary Anzalone of Precision Signs, hosts monthly events designed to help build and expand on business and relationships amongst the IFMA members. Career Services: Under the guidance of Jay Feiertag of GMAC Real Estate, career service's mission is to help members sharpen their business acumen through various programs where often times top professional business "coaches" will offer expert advice. Feiertag also manages a database of job openings to assist any member in the midst of a career search. Education & Professional Credentials: Under the tutelage of Gary Fescine of Blackrock, this core committee is charged with the responsibility of working with members to assist them in gaining critical facilities knowledge and acquiring additional academic credentials. Sustainability: Co-Chaired by Nadine Cino of Tyga Box and Michael Passaro of NBC Universal, this cutting edge team disseminates a wealth of knowledge through guest speakers and panel discussions all geared to shedding light on the plethora of new (and old) "green" business practices. Programs: Co-chairs Abbie Golding of Cort Furniture Rental and Gail Frank of Superior Office Systems navigate endless details to bring creative and interesting (and fun!) events to the Greater New York Chapter. Associates: Under the leadership of Steve LaValley of Interface Flooring as the chairperson for this committee, the associates committee puts together a fabulous annual golf outing every year at the Leewood Country Club located in Eastchester, N.Y. Awards: Although they only are visible once a year, this committee chaired by Mindy Williams of IA Interior Architects, plans and executes IFMA's annual awards dinner, a "must attend" for anyone involved in facilities management and real estate. Every year the awards committee is responsible for the recognition of outstanding facilities activities and company perspective. The committee actively solicits nominations in several categories and awards recognition for outstanding achievement immediately after the Awards Dinner For Excellence is held in January. Public Relations: Co-chaired by Liz Arauz Chang of OLI, Kelley Douglass of Meadows Office and Stewart Feitel of Eagle Transfer Corp., the public relations team is continuously striving to spread the word about IFMA through trade weeklies, monthly periodicals and their newest venture, an e-blast specifically tailored to the New York City membership. Sponsorship: Through the hard work of Stephanie Chippas of Vanguard Construction and Jerry Gaschen of Teknion, this committee provides business opportunities for organizations to market their goods and services under the IFMA banner. Membership: Striving to broaden IFMA's base of members and avail them of every possible opportunity, Wendy Pflaum of Benhar and Ivan Mann of Corporate Essentials, work tirelessly to strengthen IFMA's ranks. IFMA Bucks: The "IFMA Bucks" committee chaired by J. Strong of Unilife provides incentives (trips to International IFMA events, prizes) for attendance at facilities management practice functions. Website: Brian Ostrowe of White & Case is the link between the IFMA New York and the national chapter, assuring two-way communication on the website. The website committee works very closely with Patty Oliveira (IFMA administrator) to make sure the IFMA Greater New York Chapter's website is up-to-date with all relevant IFMA information for its members. All IFMA committees welcome new members who want to donate their time on any of the aforementioned activities. Visit the IFMA Greater New York website to contact committee chairs. www.ifmagny.com Stewart Feitel, Sales for Eagle Transfer, New York, N.Y.