ASHRAE Announces Scholarship Recipients

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has announced the recipients of 16 scholarships totaling $85,000 for the 2008-09 academic year. The students, all pursuing courses leading to a career within the HVAC industry, will receive the following undergraduate ASHRAE scholarships:

Reuben Trane Scholarships: $10,000 over two years, Jonathan Jenkins, University of Kansas, architectural engineering; Carrie Baughman, North Carolina State University, mechanical engineering; and Ashanti Hepburn, NC A State University, architectural engineering. The scholarship was established in 1991 when The Trane Co. established an endowment fund in memory of its founder.

Willis H. Carrier Scholarship: $10,000 for one year, Felipe Pinsheira, Southern Illinois University, mechanical engineering; James Newman, Kansas State University, architectural engineering. The scholarship was established by The Carrier Corp. in memory of its founder, a pioneer in the HVAC industry known for his contributions to establishing air conditioning as an industry.

Frank M. Coda Memorial Scholarship: $5,000 for one year, Martin Nolan, City College of the City University of New York, mechanical engineering. The scholarship is named in memory of ASHRAE’s former executive vice president.

The following one-year $3,000 scholarships will be awarded:

Henry Adams Scholarship: Alyssa Adams, Penn State University, architectural engineering. The scholarship was established by the consulting firm of Henry Adams Inc. in memory of its founder.

Duane Hanson Scholarship: Susan Nagel, Kansas State, architectural engineering. The scholarship’s namesake was president of Gayner Engineers in San Francisco, CA.

Alwin B. Newton Scholarship: James Gawthrop, Penn State, architectural engineering. The scholarship’s namesake was an industry pioneer who was granted 219 patents and strived to provide knowledge to younger people in the industry.

ASHRAE Region VIII Scholarship: Tanushree Thote, University of Arkansas, biological engineering.

ASHRAE Scholarships: Clinton Gechter, University of Kansas, architectural engineering; and Paul Schack, University of Wisconsin, electrical engineering.

Memorial Scholarship: Eric White, Southern Illinois, mechanical engineering.

Associate of Engineering Technology Scholarship: Jeffrey Normandy, Massasoit Community College, HVAC technology; Benjamin LaRose, State University of New York (Canton), air conditioning engineering technology.

Bachelor’s Engineering Technology Scholarship: Jeffrey Hansen, Alfred State University (SUNY), mechanical engineering technology.

ASHRAE has awarded 180 scholarships during the past 19 years totaling more than $925,000. The ASHRAE scholarship program encourages and assists HVAC education through scholarships and fellowships.

In addition, ASHRAE has launched a Web page for its scholarship program–www.ashrae.org/ scholarships. The page provides a summary of all ASHRAE scholarship opportunities for students seeking scholarship information, along with testimonials from former scholarship recipients.

FRIDAY FUNNY: Men (And Women) At Work--Yeah, Really!

As more and more employees gain Internet access from their desktops, surfing the Web on the job is becoming a serious issue for both workers and supervisors alike. To what extent should employees be allowed to surf the web on company time? It's a charged issue that's a little more complicated recently with the increasing popularity of Don's Boss Page, a Web site that's devoted to helping employees fool their bosses into thinking they're hard at work -- when they're actually cruising the Web.

At first glance, Don's Boss Page appears to be nothing more than a spreadsheet, complete with number columns and bar graphs. In fact, it's a model of the infamous TPS Report, as seen in the film "Office Space." The interactive form, designed in flash by Nate Craddock, allows you to click on any of the buttons at the top of the spreadsheet to bring up realistic looking windows.

Scroll down the page, however, and a wealth of features are revealed -- from tips and tricks for at work "stealth surfing" to downloadable panic buttons that users can place on their own Web sites. There's also pre-recorded typing sound effects to help workers sound busy while sleeping in their cubicles, and a directory of worker friendly sites. In addition, a floating "Personal Protector" window allows users to surf the far corners of the Web while keeping Don's Boss Page, and job security, a short click away.

Don believes that while excessive surfing certainly impedes workplace productivity, companies should consider adopting the attitude that web surfing is like coffee breaks and water cooler conversations. These necessary diversions, in moderation, allow workers to relax, regroup, and ultimately become more productive. "Besides," he says "an employee who surfs the Web is an Internet-literate employee, and as the world's commerce begins to move online, this is a set of skills that companies should nurture rather than discourage in their workforces."

Originally hosted on Don's college Web pages, the site became so popular with at work surfers worldwide that when Don graduated it became obvious that he needed to move the site to a dedicated server. "I get e-mail from workers on every continent who thank me over and over for providing such a service. It's obvious that there really is a crisis going on in our workplaces over on-the-job surfing, and the ever growing popularity of Don's Boss Page illustrates this quite clearly." explains Don.

And that's this week's Friday Funny. Don't forget this cover sheet for your T.P.S. Report. Make sure you use the right one.

Honeywell Scientist Garners Industry Honor

Honeywell announced today that Dr. Ian Shankland, director of technology for Honeywell’s fluorine products business, has been awarded the 2008 Perkin Medal by the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

The Perkin Medal is one of the most prestigious honors given in the chemical industry and is awarded to a scientist who has provided innovation in applied chemistry, resulting in outstanding commercial development. Shankland won the award for his successful work to develop alternatives to ozone depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which had been commonly used in refrigerants, aerosols, blowing agents, solvents, and sterilant gases.

“This is well deserved recognition for Ian’s enormous contributions to the science of fluorocarbons, and their important role in helping to solve one of the greatest global challenges of our time,” said Ray Stark, vice president of technology for Honeywell specialty materials. Fluorine products is part of the specialty materials strategic business group.

“Ian’s strength as a technologist is further enhanced by his ability to convert science to useful commercial applications, which is a key criteria for Perkin Medal recipients and also a great source of value for Honeywell customers,” added Terrence Hahn, vice president and general manager of fluorine products.

The Perkin Medal was established in 1906 to commemorate the discovery of the first synthetic aniline dye by Sir William Henry Perkin. Perkin was a founding member of SCI and was also the first recipient of the award. Shankland will receive the award at the Annual Perkin Medal dinner in Philadelphia on September 18.

Since joining Honeywell more than 25 years ago, Shankland has led teams that have screened and tested many compounds in search of economically and commercially viable environmentally preferable substitutes aligned with the timely phase out of CFCs and HCFCs, including HFC-245fa, a zero ozone depleting blowing agent for polyurethane foam applications; and R-410A and R-507 refrigerants for air conditioning and stationary refrigeration applications.

Most recently, Shankland has led Honeywell’s research effort at the Buffalo, NY facility to discover and commercialize low global warming refrigerants and blowing agents. As a result of this effort, Honeywell recently announced a new material to replace HFC-134, a refrigerant for mobile air conditioning in Europe, and a solution for certain foam applications in Europe.

Shankland earned his doctorate in physical chemistry from the Adelaide University, Australia, and was awarded a post-doctoral fellowship at Brown University, where he worked for three years prior to Honeywell. He is an inventor on 49 U.S. patents and has published numerous technical and scientific papers.

Prior Perkin Medalists include: Edwin Land of Polaroid; Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel; and Robert Gore, inventor of Gore-Tex. Among past winners are also Edith M. Flanigen and Vladimir Haensel, both of UOP, a Honeywell company.

The Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) is a unique international forum where science meets business on independent, impartial ground. Anyone can join, and the Society offers a chance to share information between sectors as diverse as food and agriculture, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science and safety. Originally established in 1881, SCI is a registered charity with individual members in over 70 countries. Its international headquarters are in London, and it has offices in the U.S., Canada, Australia, India, and mainland Europe. Ever since its foundation, SCI's principal objective has been to further the application of chemistry and related sciences for the public benefit.

BONUS FRIDAY FUNNY: Monk-E-Mail

Many people don't feel particularly funny these days, which is one of the reasons the FacilityBlog Friday Funny tries so hard (sometimes too hard) to give its visitors a reason to keep coming back to work week after week (even if it's just to check out the Friday Funny on FacilityBlog).

Today's offering comes from our career development partner, CareerBuilder. Make sure to check out TFM Online the next time you're hunting for a new job or searching to fill a position.

Building on its chimp-themed TV ads, CareerBuilder has a free service, cleverly called Monk-e-mail. The e-mail marketing site MonkeyBrains explains, "you get to choose a chimp, dress him up, pick a voice, then make him say anything you want. Then, you can e-mail it to your friends."

The concept was launched a few years ago, just before CareerBuilder's Super Bowl campaign hit the airwaves. Since I'm not a big football fan, I'm just stumbling across it now. It's silly and it's viral, making it a perfect pick for our Friday Funny. Contact me at schwartz@groupc.com if you'd like me to send a Monk-e-mail sample!

Demand For Fire Protection Engineers Exceeds Supply

Fire is a danger that can affect entire communities. For example, each year in the U.S., more than 3,000 people die as a result of fire. To combat its destructive force, fire protection engineers use their acquired skills and the latest technology.

Fire Protection Engineer Tony Caro studied industrial engineering at New Mexico State University before switching to an education in fire protection engineering. "I realized I wasn't as interested in industrial engineering as I was in the fire service. I also knew that I wanted to do more than just fight fires while still providing a service to society," he says. "Fire protection engineering was the right fit." Caro now works for the City of Denver's Fire Prevention Bureau and Investigation Division.

Using science and technology, fire protection engineers perform a wide range of roles that include:

• Evaluating buildings to pinpoint the risks of fires and the means to prevent them;
• Reviewing building design documents for fire departments, fire marshal offices, and/or code enforcement agencies to assure compliance with the applicable building and fire regulations;
• Designing building systems that: detect fires, control the spread of fires, control the movement of smoke, alert people to danger, and provide a safe means for building occupants to exit a building;
• Conducting fire safety research on consumer products and construction materials;
• Investigating fires to discover how they spread, why protective measures failed, and how those measures could have been designed more effectively.

"Fire protection engineers are in high demand and short supply," said Chris Jelenewicz, a fire protection engineer with the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). In a recent SFPE survey of the largest employers of fire protection engineers, an overwhelming majority currently has difficulty recruiting enough qualified engineers. "Those surveyed believe this imbalance in demand will continue at least five years into the future," said Jelenewicz.

These employers cover a wide range of industries, including private consulting firms, large corporations, fire departments, local building code officials, insurance firms, federal, state and local government agencies, and architectural and design firms. Frequently, fire protection engineers assist architects, builders, and fire departments in the design and construction of new facilities.

A fire protection engineer uses science and engineering principles to protect people, homes, workplaces, the economy, and the environment from the devastating effects of fires. Fire protection engineers analyze how buildings are used, how fires start and grow, and how fires affect people and property. They use the latest technologies to design systems to control fires, alert people to danger, and provide means for escape. Fire protection engineers also work closely with other professionals, including engineers of other disciplines, architects, state and local building officials, and local fire departments to build fire safe communities.

For more information about a career in fire protection engineering, click this link.

Crestron Records 20 Years Of Double Digit Growth

Crestron Electronics, Inc. closed the books on its 2007-08 fiscal year recently, posting its 20th consecutive year of double digit growth. The maker of commercial and residential control and automation systems finished the year with a record breaking month, with sales 50% above the previous month. The nearly 20% revenue growth for 2007-08 brings Crestron total annual sales to $400 million.

“Despite an increasingly competitive marketplace, challenging economy, and rising costs, we continue to grow—creating jobs and helping fuel the economy,” said Randy Klein, executive vice president of Crestron Electronics. “Our industry is strong, and the future looks brighter than ever.”

In fact, Crestron, a NJ-based company, situated in the shadow of the Manhattan skyline, continues to manufacture all of its 1,000 high tech products locally. The company is hiring at a record pace and added three buildings to its local infrastructure in the last 12 months. Additionally, Crestron has opened more than a dozen new worldwide sales and support offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Expanding its worldwide headquarters campus in Rockleigh, NJ, Crestron bought a new administrative building from Volvo and built a 100,000 square foot research center. The company also added a massive distribution center in Carlstadt, NJ, from which orders are shipped to every continent around the globe.

The research center houses more than 350 full time hardware and software engineers who are innovating technology and developing new products. Crestron introduced 70 new products in June, coinciding with the largest commercial audio/video trade show in Las Vegas where the company exhibited and was a sponsor.

“Many companies grow by acquisition; we grow through innovation,” explains Klein. “We add value and create opportunities. We’re focused on growing our industry and the economy, not investor portfolios. Crestron is a private company so we have that freedom, and with that freedom we feel we have a great responsibility to support our employees and partners.”

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is celebrating the dedication, innovation, and success of Crestron. The CEA is launching its national grass roots bus tour, recognizing American industry and manufacturing leadership. The bus, carrying press, government officials, and business leaders, will visit companies that continue to operate domestically and propel the national economy.

“Crestron is our premier stop on the tour,” says Matthew Shaffer, CEA International Trade. “They represent the very best in American innovation and ingenuity. When other companies are going off shore or moving for real estate or tax benefits, Crestron remains loyal to its employees and its roots.”

UK Association Working to Advance Facility Management Profession

The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) has adopted a new mission statement, following a review by the Institute’s Members’ Council. The new wording was recommended by the Executive and endorsed by the BIFM Board on 28th February 2008.

The new mission statement reads:

“To advance the facilities management profession”

Following the adoption of a new medium-term strategy and business plan at the end of 2007, the Board concluded that the existing mission statement, agreed in 2004, should be reviewed to ensure it reflected the primary purpose and direction of the Institute.

New BIFM chair Iain Murray said, “In addition to summarizing an organization’s reason for being, a mission statement should have two key attributes – it should be short and it should be memorable. BIFM’s new mission statement meets all three criteria.

It encapsulates the ambitious aims we have set for ourselves, and I’m confident that we have the right team and the resources to take the facilities management profession forward.”

The new mission statement was formally announced on July 1, 2008.

New CEO For ABB Group

The Board of Directors of ABB Ltd. recently announced that Joseph M. Hogan has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the ABB Group. Hogan is currently CEO of GE Healthcare, and is a member of the GE Senior Executive Council. He will join ABB on September 1, 2008.

Michel Demaré, ABB’s Chief Financial Officer, who has held the CEO position on an ad-interim basis since February 13, 2008, will continue to serve as ABB’s CFO. The Switzerland-based company is a provider of power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs more than 110,000 people.

Hubertus von Gruenberg, ABB’s Chairman, said, “Following our extensive search over the past months, the Board of Directors is very pleased with Joseph’s decision to take on this exciting role. His proven international track record as a highly successful leader at one of the world’s most respected technology companies will be a great contribution to the Company as we continue to focus the organization on excellence in everything we do.”

“The Board and I would also like to thank Michel Demaré for his many contributions to ABB in this transitional period. We are very pleased with the direction of the Company under Demaré’s guidance,” von Gruenberg said.

“I am honored to become ABB’s CEO,” Hogan said. “I am deeply committed to ABB’s drive to increase energy efficiency and industrial productivity for its customers. I look forward to leading the Company to the next stage of its development and success together with the team at ABB.”

Hogan's career at GE spans 23 years and a wide range of positions. He led GE Medical Systems and then GE Healthcare from November 2000, during which time he grew the business by $11 billion. Prior to this, he served as President and CEO of GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc., a global supplier of industrial controls systems and a joint venture between GE and FANUC of Japan. Previously, he held a number of key positions in sales, marketing and product development at GE Plastics. Hogan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Geneva College and an MBA from Robert Morris University, both in the U.S. He holds U.S. citizenship.

Bad News For Construction Forecasts

As the nonresidential sector has experienced cutbacks in demand for new space, the projections for construction activity for new nonresidential facilities are in for a mild decline in 2008, with a more significant downturn in 2009. The forecasts are more negative for commercial and industrial buildings, with an especially large drop-off in the office and retail sectors.

The two largest institutional categories, healthcare and education facilities, should see a slight increase this year and could help offset some of the losses in the other project categories. The continued increase in building material costs in recent years could also adversely affect the construction industry.

These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation’s leading construction forecasters. The report is also calling for a 1.9% decline in inflation-adjusted activity in 2008, followed by a projected 6.7% decline in 2009.

“The more pessimistic forecasts this round stems from the lack of growth in the overall economy, the ripple effect from the faltering housing market, and the anxiety in the credit markets leading to a restriction in lending for all types of construction projects,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “The one bit of good news is that this contraction in activity is likely to be considerably milder than the construction recessions of the early 1990s and earlier this decade.”

Market Segment Consensus Growth Forecasts:
Commercial/Industrial
Retail: -8.3% (2008) -9.9% (2009)
Office buildings: -3.7% (2008) -12.3% (2009)
Hotels: 6.6% (2008) -9.9% (2009)
Industrial facilities: 4.6% (2008) -5.5% (2009)

Institutional
Healthcare: 0.2% (2008) 1.1% (2009)
Education: 2.7% (2008) -1.1% (2009)
Amusement/Recreation: 3.6% (2008) -8.5% (2009)
Public Safety: 5.9% (2008) -1.9% (2009)
Religious: -11.7% (2008) -1.2% (2009)

Baker added, “Another key concern for the industry is that the cost of construction materials has increased more than twice that of consumer products and services – up 37% versus 18% since 2004. Petroleum-based materials and other key construction commodities such as steel, concrete and stone have experienced very sharp price increases in recent years.”

For the complete report, click this link.

ASHRAE Raises More Than $2 Million for Research Promotion

Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes. How do you measure a year? So goes the song from the hit play Rent. But at ASHRAE, the past year has been measured in dollars: $2,081,422 to be exact. Exceeding the 2007-2008 fiscal year’s $2 million goal, ASHRAE’s efforts on the chapter and society level for raising funds for research have led to a record breaking year.

“Surpassing our goal for research promotion truly signifies the dedication of our volunteer base,” says Bill Harrison, ASHRAE president. “ASHRAE volunteers are the backbone of our research promotion program, which is a grassroots effort. I thank each of the 160 dedicated fundraising volunteers on the chapter level for helping fund our research program, which is widely respected in the building industry.”

With 6,000 total donations for the year, nearly half came from individual ASHRAE member donations, with corporate donations comprising the remainder. With an increase of nearly $300,000 over the previous year, the money raised will fund research projects beginning in the 2008-2009 fiscal year. ASHRAE conducts about $8 million in research in any given year, with projects often spanning several years. Currently, there are 92 active research projects, including ones focusing on hospital operating room air distribution and air quality on board commercial aircraft.

Individual chapters raise funds in a variety of ways, including golf tournaments, auctions, and educational seminars. ASHRAE’s Region VIII, which covers Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana, led the regions in total funds raised with $375,591.

A Game Can Change The Office

Known for its innovations in workplace design, DEGW has developed a tool and methodology known as “The Sandbox” that is enabling businesses to solve complex organizational problems, achieve specific goals, and take a step into the future—by encouraging employees to play together.

Interactive Sandbox Workshops are a conduit for conversations that integrate organizational aspirations with work flow, interpersonal relationships, and physical workspace needs. Under the guidance of DEGW consultants, companies using The Sandbox uncover design ideas for their workplace that simultaneously address space efficiency, improved performance, and better expression of team identities. A key concept of The Sandbox is that it is a physical game played by people around a table. This ensures that conversations include a variety of view- points but are also fluid, with instantaneous feedback, creative problem solving, and consensus building.

DEGW recently employed this novel approach with organizations like the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. According to Scott Francisco, architect and key developer of The Sandbox, CBC’s 1.5 million square foot headquarters in Toronto was working against the organization in a number of ways. After months of extensive research Francisco’s team created The Sandbox to break a deadlock among the competing demands of team cultures, corporate strategy, and real estate management.

“We needed a vehicle to pinpoint the priorities of the company,” he explained. “The Sandbox allowed us to address under performing space by tapping into the knowledge and skills of staff at all levels, turning an intractable problem into a creative outcome.” The process has worked so well DEGW offices now use it worldwide.

Leveling The Field And Playing The Game
To implement The Sandbox, a group of employees representing a department or team gathers to play what looks like a colorful and intriguing board game. “The ‘theater’ of the tool is critical,” says Francisco. “It’s designed to elicit interest and engagement.”

The goal of the game is for the group to create an ideal work environment for their team inside a set amount of space. A ‘Kit of Parts’ showing furniture and settings that can easily be moved is seen in contrast to more permanent architecture. Topics such as office privacy, noise and activity level, lounge space, and desk configuration are determined through group discussion. Design principles that have been agreed to in advance by staff and management also guide the process.

The finalized design, which comes from three two hour workshops, is then reviewed by DEGW consultants, and ultimately built as the team workspace. Not only does the entire team benefit from a successful outcome, but the democratic process also allows them to champion decisions within the company. Consequently The Sandbox becomes a tool for organizational change far beyond the design of physical space.

Get It Straight From The Source
DEGW’s Sandbox case studies include the interior reorganization of the 1.5 million square foot Canadian Broadcasting Corporation headquarters in Toronto—the project that inspired the game’s creation. The transformation of the interior of this 1980s Philip Johnson building reveals the dramatic success of Sandbox’s methods, as is indicated by improvements in productivity and employee enthusiasm for the new office setup. The Sandbox has also been used in the pharmaceutical industry and at an Ivy league university, and is currently generating interest from several global cultural institutions.

HR Outsourcing Recruitment Grows Despite Lagging Economy

Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) is growing rapidly and has the potential to be a multi-billion dollar market, taking advantage of the trend towards single process deals in human resources outsourcing. This is according to the latest report by independent market analysis firm Datamonitor. The report—"Opportunities for recruitment process outsourcing in a changing HRO market"—estimates the global RPO market in 2007 to be worth $720m and forecasts it will grow by 22% in 2008 to $880m, surpassing the $1bn level in 2009. According to the report, demand is predominately from Fortune 1000 companies in the U.S., but the market is growing rapidly in the U.K. and continental Europe and is beginning to gain traction in the Asia Pacific region.

While RPO vendors claim to reduce costs by up to 40% in some cases, it is the lure of recruiting a higher quality workforce that is driving growth. Although the strategic importance of recruitment means quality will remain of utmost importance, it is likely in an economic downturn that it is those who can deliver on both quality and price that will succeed. "Despite the expectation that outsourcing will thrive as companies search for ways to cut costs, increased unemployment will result in lower business volumes which will be reflected in the variable price nature of RPO contracts. But, this will be mitigated by the increasing demand for RPO from new clients," says Patrick O'Brien, IT and BPO analyst at Datamonitor and author of the report. "For RPO to continue its rapid growth in the near term, vendors may have to go to market by pricing more aggressively as recruitment will need to be seen as a primary function for easy cost reduction among company processes."

RPO vendors are split over the use of offshore provision. Many players have little experience or understanding of how to derive the fullest benefits from RPO, while others see it as unworkable in recruitment services which require constant contact with both the client organization and, using the client‚s brand, with candidates.

Approximately half of RPO vendors have some offshore workforce, mainly carrying out tasks around name generation, sourcing, early screening of resumes and other administrative duties. A few have moved tasks which involve contact with the candidate offshore as per customer demand.

"While there is a lot of resistance from vendors, the increasing competitiveness of the market and the growing focus on cost cutting in the economic downturn will push vendors into examining ways in which to begin to increase the use of offshore delivery," says O'Brien.

The first half of 2008 has seen a wave of acquisitions as vendors attempt to build out their recruitment expertise, technology capabilities and geographic footprint. A number of competing vendors still need to broaden their capabilities, and many of the larger vendors are looking to expand further overseas.

Some companies have put forward global request for proposals (RFPs), but these have subsequently been split into regions and handed to different vendors. The one-vendor global deal has not arrived yet, but a number of vendors believe that a breakthrough will occur in the next 12 months. The key reason for the break-up of global RFPs has been the fact that vendors do not have the capabilities to deliver on an international basis. Many have taken heed and are busy investing in international expansion, acquiring companies, building a global set of processes and forming partnerships with vendors in other regions.  

Zoll Medical Corporation Announces The Addition Of A President

Zoll Medical Corporation, a manufacturer of resuscitation devices and related software solutions, announced that Jonathan Rennert, 44, has joined Zoll to serve as its president and will be primarily responsible for managing Zoll’s core defibrillator/resuscitation business. This position has been held by Richard A. Packer since 1996, who will remain chairman and chief executive officer, positions he has held since 1999.

Prior to joining Zoll, Rennert served as president and chief executive officer of BioProcessors Corporation, a venture financed life science tools developer, based in Woburn, MA. Previously, he held positions in general management, manufacturing, and engineering with PerkinElmer, Inc. and United Technologies’ Carrier Corporation. Earlier in his career, he was employed by General Electric and Anderson Consulting. Rennert holds MS degrees in management and mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a BS in engineering from Princeton University.

“We are pleased to welcome Jon to Zoll’s management team,” stated Mr. Packer. “Jon has an extensive background leading businesses to profitable growth. With the significant growth that Zoll has experienced in recent years, Jon will help add management depth to our day to day operations. This will help ensure Zoll’s core business continues to succeed as we develop our future, emerging businesses.”

In addition, Zoll announced that Ward Hamilton and Steven Flora are being named as Zoll’s first senior vice presidents. Hamilton has held the position of vice president of marketing since 1992. Flora has held the position of vice president of North American sales since 1998. “Ward and Steve have played critical roles within Zoll for many years,” said Packer. “The wisdom, judgment, and experience they bring to Zoll as part of our executive management team have been important to our success. Each will continue to play critical roles, leading our core marketing and sales efforts, respectively, reporting to Jon.”

Henry Green Named NIBS President

NIBS’ Board Chairman Ronald L. Skaggs, FAIA, announced that Henry L. Green, Hon. AIA, has been selected as the next president and CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences. Green succeeds David A. Harris, FAIA, who has served as NIBS president since 1988.

Skaggs said, “Green is an outstanding choice as the Institute’s next president. He has served in a variety of voluntary positions at NIBS, including its board chairman in 2002 and 2003. His consensus building skills and his knowledge of the building industry and the building process are unparalleled. His proven executive leadership and management abilities are well suited to our needs and his background with NIBS will enable him to hit the ground running.”

Green said, "I am pleased the Board of Directors has selected me to serve in this important capacity. The work NIBS performs is work that I have subscribed to achieve throughout my career because it improves our building industry. I am looking forward to a long and thriving relationship with the NIBS Board of Directors, its members, and the industry."

Since 1989, Green has served as the executive director of the Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes. In that position, he has provided executive management and oversight for construction codes programs in the State of Michigan including the development and implementation of construction codes and standards, building inspection programs, and public education programs. Prior to his current position, Green held other positions of increasing responsibility with the Bureau since 1977.

As a volunteer, Green has served as the president of the International Code Council (ICC) and president of one of ICC’s legacy organizations, the Building Officials and Code Administrators, International. His contributions and accomplishments have been widely recognized by numerous awards and honors from a host of building industry organizations.

Retiring president Harris said, “I couldn’t be happier for NIBS and for Henry. He is highly respected by the staff and by leaders of the building community. He is well known to the sectors of the building industry we have traditionally worked with, and he is innovative and anxious to reach out to work with new sectors to help improve other parts of our vast industry. And there will be no ‘learning curve’ with Henry as he is very knowledgeable about our industry and he thoroughly understands NIBS’ councils and programs,” Harris continued.

The National Institute of Building Sciences, authorized by public law 93-383 in 1974, is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that brings together representatives of government, the professions, industry, labor and consumer interests to identify and resolve building process and facility performance problems. NIBS serves as an authoritative source of advice for both the private and public sectors with respect to the use of building science and technology.

Telkonet Promotes Jeff Sobieski to Chief Operating Officer

Telkonet, Inc., a provider of centrally managed solutions for integrated energy management, networking, building automation, and proactive support services, announced yesterday that it has appointed Jeff Sobieski as Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Formerly Executive Vice President (EVP) of Energy Management, Sobieski has been with Telkonet since March 2007 and is taking over as COO following Dottie Cleal's resignation in May due to immediate family health issues.

Telkonet's President and CEO Jason Tienor commented, "Our business is seeing dramatic change with energy management related opportunities permeating almost all aspects of our product lines and many of our business functions and opportunities. Jeff assumed the post of EVP of Energy Management in December 2007, with responsibility for evolving the road map to realize continued growth and efficiencies across the energy management products and operations. He also led the drive to secure high level business for our energy management solution, as well as developing the road map for our new networked platform, preparing Telkonet for strong growth in this area.

"As Telkonet continues to implement additional operational efficiencies, the separate roles of EVP of Energy Management and COO are increasingly redundant and therefore, we have consolidated these into a single role held by Jeff Sobieski. We look forward to his continued strong contributions to help Telkonet realize its success and achieve new milestones.”

As COO, Sobieski will work out of Telkonet's offices in both Germantown, PA and Milwaukee, WI. Commenting on his new role, Sobieski said, "I am gratified by the Board's confidence in me, and regard this as a great honor and opportunity. As an existing part of the team, I can bring my organizational knowledge and established relationships into play, accelerating the process of uniting the company and establishing cross functional communication."

Prior to joining Telkonet, Sobieski was Chief Information Officer at EthoStream, which he co-founded with Jason Tienor in 2002. His career includes co-founding Interactive SolutionZ, a Milwaukee-based IT consulting firm, and a number of high level consulting and system development projects, including positions within major corporations in the medical and insurance industries. Jeff holds a B.S. degree in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and a MBA from Marquette University.

Outstanding Achievements Recognized at ASHRAE’s Annual Meeting

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recognized 86 members for contributions to ASHRAE and the HVAC&R industry at the Society’s 2008 Annual Meeting.

The Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award honors an ASHRAE Fellow for continuous preeminence in engineering or research work. The recipient is Presidential Member James E. Hill, Ph.D., Fellow ASHRAE, Moneta, VA.

The Andrew T. Boggs Service Award recognizes a past Distinguished Service Award recipient for continuing, unselfish, dedicated, and distinguished service. The recipient is Presidential Member Presidential Donald G. Rich, Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, retired from Carrier-UTC, Fayetteville, NY

The Exceptional Service Award recognizes Distinguished Award recipients who have continued to serve the Society faithfully and with exemplary effort. Ten recipients were recognized:

• William P. Bahnfleth, Ph.D., P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, a professor of architectural engineering and director of the Indoor Environment Center, Penn State University, University Park, PA.
• Michael F. Beda, P.E., president, Process Equipment Co., Tulsa, OK.
• Darryl K. Boyce, P.Eng., assistant vice president (Facility Management and Planning), Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
• Presidential Member H.E. “Barney” Burroughs, Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, CEO and president, Building Wellness Consultancy, Alpharetta, GA.
• Kenneth W. Cooper, Ph.D., Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, director, special projects, PoolPak International, York, PA.
• Presidential Member Harley W. “Bill” Goodman Jr., P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, president, Goodman Engineers, Little Rock, AR.
• Maureen Grasso, Ph.D., Fellow ASHRAE, dean, the Graduate School, University of Georgia, Athens, GA.
• Birol I. Kilkis, Ph.D., Fellow ASHRAE, Scientific Committee member, European Union HEGEL Poly-Generation Project, Ankara, Turkey, and Torino, Italy.
• Stanley L. Leitsch, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, Audubon, PA
• Michael Woodford assistant vice president, Standards, Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, Arlington, VA.

The Distinguished Service Award salutes members of any grade for giving freely of their time and talent to the Society. The following 31 members were selected:

• Gaylen V. Atkinson, president, Atkinson Electronics, Salt Lake City, UT.
• Michael R. Brambley, Ph.D., a staff scientist, Energy and Efficiency Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA.
• Arden V. Davis, retired, Idaho Power Co., Boise, ID.
• Douglas W. Dunford, Gresham, OR.
• Mark W. Fly, P.E., director of engineering, AAON, Tulsa, OK
• Kenneth L. Fulk, P.E., principal and chief mechanical engineer, Reed, Wells, Benson and Co., Dallas, TX.
• Arthur L. Giesler, director of sales, PermAlert, a subsidiary of Perma-Pipe, Hurst, TX.
• Leon R. Glicksman, Ph.D., professor of building technology and mechanical engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA.
• Charles E. Gulledge III, P.E., design engineer, AC Corp., Greensboro, NC.
• John L. Harrod, P.E., senior mechanical engineer, The Benham Companies, Oklahoma City, OK.
• Adam W. Hinge, P.E., managing director, Sustainable Energy Partnerships, Tarrytown, NY.
• Pamela M. Immekus, president, Sunbelt Engineering Group, Kennesaw, GA.
• L. Lane Jackins, owner and president, Applied Mechanical Equipment, Jacksonville, FL.
• Gerald J. Kettler, P.E., president/owner, Air Engineering and Testing, Dallas.
• Birol I. Kilkis, Ph.D., Fellow ASHRAE, Scientific Committee member, European Union HEGEL Poly-Generation Project, Ankara, Turkey, and Torino, Italy.
• Ben A. Leppard Jr., P.E., principal, Leppard, Johnson and Associates, Tucker, GA.
• Dennis A. Littwin, P.E., vice president of engineering, Fujikoki America, Dallas.
• William M. Malphus, branch manager, G.L. Spies Co., Cape Coral, FL.
• Florentino J. Mendez, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, director, energy engineering, The Benham Companies, Oklahoma City, OK.
• Ramon Pons, Ph.D., P.E., partner and business consultant, CMTR, S.A.-International Services, Barcelona, Spain.
• T. Agami Reddy, Ph.D., P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, professor, Drexel University, Philadelphia.
• Michael CA Schwedler, P.E., manager, applications engineering, Trane, La Crosse, WI.
• Frank Spevak, marketing and sales manager, Energy Conservatory, Minneapolis.
• William E. “Ed” Tinsley, P.E., managing principal, TME, Little Rock, AK.
• Samir R. Traboulsi, Ph.D., P.Eng., general manager, Thermotrade Sal-Heating and Air Conditioning, and senior lecturer, American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
• Iain S. Walker, Ph.D., scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA.
• William F. Walter, manager, Industry Relations, Carrier Corp., Syracuse, NY.
• James K. Willson, P.E., solution development leader, Honeywell International, Indianapolis.
• Gary L. Wingfield, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, group lead mechanical engineer, Haskell Co., Jacksonville, FL.
• Xudong Yang, Ph.D., Chang-Jiang professor, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
• Jianshun S. Zhang, Ph.D., a professor and director of Energy and Indoor Environmental Systems, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Syracuse University, NY.

The Distinguished 50 Year Member Award is given to persons who have been a member of the Society for 50 years and have performed outstanding service to the Society. The following 15
members received this award:

• Peter J. Basso, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, chairman, Peter Basso Associates, Troy, MI
• Richard E. Batherman, Life Member, president, Vico, New York.
• Warren E. Blazier Jr., Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, a consultant on building acoustics, structural dynamics, mechanical noise and vibration control, San Francisco.
• Robert H. Braun, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, principal, Robert H. Braun and Associates, San Mateo, CA.
• Francis A. Govan, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, Cary, NC.
• Hem C. Gupta, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, Chicago.
• Guy W. Gupton Jr., P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, Livingston, MT.
• Donald C. Hardin, Life Member, retired from Enviromatic Systems, Grand Prairie, TX.
• Eoin Kenny, Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, Dublin, Ireland.
• Milton Meckler, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, president/CEO, Design Build Systems, St. Petersburg, FL.
• Frank J. Powell, Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, Jacksonville, FL.
• Walter R. Ratai, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, a consulting engineer in Sarasota, FL.
• Ernest W. Schumacher, Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, retired vice president, Fujikoki American, Yantis, TX.
• Michael F. Sisti, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member, formerly of East Brunswick, NJ, was honored posthumously.
• Harold B. Swygert Jr., P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, Life Member,West Columbia, SC.

The Journal Paper Award honors the best paper or article published in ASHRAE Journal. Frederick H. Rohles Jr., Ph.D., Fellow ASHRAE, is the recipient for his article, "Temperature & Temperament: A Psychologist Looks at Comfort." He resides in Manhattan, KS.

The Crosby Field Award honors the best paper presented at an ASHRAE meeting. Francis Farrell, Thomas Fitch, and Michael Morgan receive the award for Development and Performance of a Retrofittable, High-Efficiency Grease Filter System for Kitchen Hoods, which also receives an ASHRAE Poster Presentation Award. Farrell is with Phillips Plastics Corp., Prescott, WI. Fitch is a research engineer, Phillips Plastics Corp., Prescott, WI. Morgan is sales development manager, Captive Aire Systems, Allentown, PA.

The following papers were selected to receive ASHRAE Transactions Paper Awards, which recognize the authors of the best papers presented at Society meetings:

• James Braun, Ph.D., P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, for "Impact of Control on Operating Costs for Cool Storage Systems with Dynamic Electric Rates." He is a professor, Purdue University, Ray W. Herrick Laboratories, West Lafayette, IN.
• Vladimir Vukovic and Jelena Srebric, Ph.D., for "Application of Neural Networks Trained with Multizone Models for Fast Detection of Contaminant Source Position in Buildings." Vukovic is a doctoral candidate and Srebric is an associate professor, Department of Architectural Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, PA.
• William Tschudi, P.E., and Stephen Fok, P.E. for Best Practices for "Energy-Efficient Data Centers Identified through Case Studies and Demonstration Projects." Tschudi is program manager, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA; Fok is senior program engineer, Pacific Gas and Electric Co., San Francisco.

The ASHRAE Poster Presentation Award is given to peer reviewed technical papers with the best visual and technical information presented at Society meetings. The recipients are Sherwood Talbert, P.E., Stephen Ricci, Ph.D., Matthew Goshe, Laura Aume and Rodney Osborne, Ph.D., P.E., for "Reentrainment of Building Exhaust Air by Packaged HVAC Economizers." Talbert and Ricci are senior research engineers; Goshe and Aume are research scientists, and Osborne is associate manager of energy systems, Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH.

The Willis H. Carrier Award is given to an ASHRAE member 32 years of age or younger for presenting an outstanding paper at a Society meeting. Joseph Firrantello, mechanical engineer, James Posey Associates, Baltimore, MD, is the recipient for "Use of Factorial Sensitivity Analysis in Multizone Airflow Model Tuning," which also received an ASHRAE Transactions Paper Award. Co-authors also receiving the Transactions Paper Award are William Bahnfleth, Ph.D., P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, professor of architectural engineering and director of the Indoor Environment Center, Penn State University; Amy Musser, Ph.D., P.E., principal, Vandemusser Design, Asheville, NC; James Freihaut, Ph.D., associate professor, Penn State Universit.; and Jae-Weon Jeong, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Architectural Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul, South Korea.

The Lincoln Bouillon Award recognizes a member who performs the most outstanding work in increasing the membership of the Society during the course of the year. The recipient is Alan Neely, regional manager, Pittsburgh Corning-Foamglass Insulation, The Woodlands, TX.

The Dan Mills Technical Award recognizes a Chapter Technology Transfer Committee (CTTC) chair who excels in meeting CTTC goals in technical, energy and government activities. The recipient is Thomas Kroeschell, P.E., Northbrook, IL.

The Chapter Program Star Award recognizes excellence in chapter program endeavors. The recipient is Don Hay, general director, TECSIR Sa De CV, Monterrey, Mexico.

The William J. Collins Jr. Research Promotion Award is given to the chapter research promotion chair who raises the most money for ASHRAE research. The recipient is John K. Sealy, a mechanical engineer, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.

The Lou Flagg Historical Award recognizes a chapter Gold Ribbon award winner for compiling information on outstanding historical projects or persons related to HVAC&R. The recipient is Oswaldo Bueno, owner, Oswaldo Bueno Engenharia E Represetacoes, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The Environmental Health Award recognizes excellence in volunteer service focused on environmental health issues. The recipient is Hal Levin, Fellow ASHRAE, president of and a research architect, Building Ecology Research Group, Santa Cruz, CA.

The Standards Achievement Award recognizes significant and exceptional service in the area of standards leadership and technical contribution. The recipient is Byron W. Jones, Ph.D., associate dean for research and director of the Engineering Experiment Station, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.

The Ralph G. Nevins Physiology and Human Environment Award is given to a researcher under the age of 40 for significant accomplishment in the study of bioenvironmental engineering and its effect on human comfort and health. The recipient is Henry Willem, Ph.D., post-doctoral research fellow, National University of Singapore.

The ASHRAE Student Activities Achievement Award recognizes a Chapter Student Activities chair for service related to the goals and growth of student activities at all levels. The recipient is Manuel Belino, Ph.D., dean, School of Mechanical Engineering, Mapua Institute of Technology, Manila, Philippines.

The Homer Addams Award is presented to a graduate student involved in outstanding HVAC&R research. The recipient is Bereket Nigusse, Ph.D., a senior associate, ICF International, Fairfax, VA.

Jones Lang LaSalle and The Staubach Company Reach Agreement to Merge

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated, a financial and professional services firm specializing in real estate, and The Staubach Company, a real estate services firm specializing in tenant representation in the United States, announced on 6/16/08 that they have reached a definitive agreement to combine operations. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter (subject to Hart-Scott-Rodino approval as well as other customary closing conditions).

The combined firm will operate under the Jones Lang LaSalle brand. The transaction does not include Staubach Retail Services or Cypress, Staubach’s investment development business, both of which will continue to operate under license agreements.

“The Staubach Company is recognized for exceptional tenant representation expertise and is a leading presence in markets throughout the United States. We are delighted that they have decided to join our company,” said Colin Dyer, chief executive officer of Jones Lang LaSalle. “Merging our businesses reinforces two of our global growth priorities, building our position in key U.S. local markets and strengthening our corporate services business by introducing Staubach clients to our global Corporate Solutions capabilities.”

Staubach leadership will hold key positions within the combined organization. Roger Staubach, who founded Staubach 31 years ago, will join the Jones Lang LaSalle Board of Directors and will serve in the new role of Executive Chairman, Americas. He will be actively involved in the firm, focusing on client relationships, new business development, and strategy. Greg O’Brien, currently Staubach’s CEO, will be the CEO of Brokerage, Americas, leading the newly created business that will set strategic direction in tenant representation and agency leasing. John Gates, currently Staubach’s President and COO, will serve as President of Brokerage, Americas. Both Greg O’Brien and John Gates will join the firm’s Americas Executive Committee, which is headed by Peter Roberts, Jones Lang LaSalle’s CEO, Americas.

“This merger is all about working to be the best. We want to bring the value of what we’ve built at The Staubach Company to the next level and have chosen to do this with Jones Lang LaSalle because of its global platform, commitment to service, and exceptional reputation,” said Roger Staubach, Executive Chairman of The Staubach Company. “In today’s global economy when so many of our clients want an international platform, this merger gives us the opportunity to provide those services seamlessly, as one team working together.”

The merger will leverage and strengthen Jones Lang LaSalle’s comprehensive global platform including its leading Corporate Solutions business, integrated technology platform and best practices, facility management services, and energy and sustainability services -- with Staubach’s powerful tenant representation platform and extensive reach into key U.S. markets. Combining the talent and resources of the two firms will secure a leadership position in public sector services; broaden the expertise in industrial brokerage, capital markets, and project and development services; and expand the resources focused on industry sectors such as law firms, health care, banking, logistics, life sciences, non-profits, data centers and contact centers.

“We expect this unique opportunity to bring together the complementary strengths and resources of two powerful organizations into one integrated global company will create enormous new value for our clients, our people and our shareholders,” said Peter Roberts, Jones Lang LaSalle’s CEO, Americas. “As the talented people in each company come together to share ideas, expertise and experience, they will benefit and our clients will benefit.”

The combined firm will have 33,700 employees around the world and 11,500 in the Americas with the addition of more than 1,000 Staubach employees. The transaction also will add 14 new corporate offices to Jones Lang LaSalle’s 54 in the Americas, bringing the total corporate offices in the Americas to 68 and globally to 184.

“It’s not about being bigger, it’s about being the best for our clients and our people,” said Greg O’Brien, The Staubach Company’s CEO. “By joining forces, we will gain increased scale in strategic areas such as industrial brokerage, facilities management and capital markets; we will be a dominant player in both tenant representation and agency leasing services across the Americas. Our team will have the resources to provide a higher level of service to our clients through in-depth delivery systems and service offerings.”

TFM Conducting Survey On Life Cycle Costs

With facilities budgets in many organizations tighter than ever, facility managers are under increasing pressure to maximize their investments. Initial cost remains a practical consideration, but the costs over the entire expected life of the asset are also part of the picture. Expenditures for operations, maintenance, and disposal are relevant, as well as expected service life and (increasingly) environmental impact.

Reducing life cycle costs requires knowledge of a number of factors, along with time to calculate the data. Through this survey, which is online now, TFM would like to hear from facility managers about how they use (or don't use) life cycle cost analysis in their purchasing decisions. We will include the results in the July 2008 issue.

To take the survey, please go to this link.

Thank you!

New Research Shows Employers Offering More Amenity Options

Companies are offering employees a wider range of amenities than in years past, according to results from a recent International Facility Management Association study. When compared to similar data from 2004,the most common amenities are still break rooms and coffee bars, but employers are increasingly providing Internetcafés , outdoor recreation areas, and employee health facilities as well, according to the report,"Benchmarks V: Annual Facility Costs."

While previous IFMA studies have shown employee workspace size decreasing—middle manager office space, for example, has shrunk from an average of 151 square feet in 1994 to 121 in 2007, a decline of nearly 20%—the variety of amenities being offered is on the rise. This increase in employee amenity options could be attributed to companies wanting to attract and retain the best employees while compensating for reduced workspace size.

“As companies reduce personal workspace, employees place greater importance on in-house amenities that simplify and enrich their work day, such as lunch-hour yoga at the company fitness center,” said AngieEarlywine, workplace strategist for HOK Advance Strategies. “Employees benefit from feeling refreshed and relaxed as they return to the remainder of their day, and employers benefit from the increase in afternoon productivity.”

Headquarter and educational facilities are the most likely to offer the majority of
employee amenities, according to the report, and while some amenities are being offered by fewer companies than in 2004, the emergence of new alternatives is pronounced. Multi-purpose space, for example, has become a popular feature, being offered by 35% of survey respondents. Other popular amenity options found by the new study include exercise parks, cot rooms, and nursing/lactation areas.

Based on a survey of 1,032 facility professionals from across North America, the
new report covers a variety of costs associated with employee amenities. The costs are broken down by industry, facility type, and geographic region. Companies on the West Coast, for example, annually spend an average of 30 cents per square foot to operate and maintain amenities, while those in the Midwest spend only 4 cents.

IFMA annually conducts a benchmarking survey of its members in an effort to
collect data that allows for easy comparisons of built environment costs and practices. These reports allow facility professionals to gauge their performance against similar facilities—whether in the same industry or a different one. This year’s report includes data from more than 1,000 facilities and isIFMA’s largest benchmarking study to date, with many survey respondents supplying information from multiple facilities.

To learn more about the "Benchmarks V: Annual Facility Costs" survey results and methodology, or to order a copy of the report, visit www.ifma.org/tools/research/benchmarks_v.cfm.

What amenities have you added to your facility in the recent year? What are employees looking for when it comes to amenities? Post a comment below and share your thoughts with other facility managers.

United Steelworkers Ratify New Contract with OMNOVA Solutions in PA

OMNOVA Solutions recently announced that members of United Steelworkers Local 22L have ratified a new labor agreement covering the company's Jeannette, PA plant. The agreement will take full effect on September 2, 2008, the expiration date of the current contract. Certain provisions were implemented as of May 12, 2008.

"The cooperative working relationship that exists today in Jeannette allowed early talks that resulted in a win-win for all involved," said Kevin McMullen, OMNOVA Solutions Chairman and CEO. "Hard work by the negotiating teams on both sides culminated in a fair agreement that continues to provide excellent jobs with very good wages and benefits for our union associates, while helping to secure a competitive position for the Jeannette plant in a very challenging marketplace."

The Jeannette, PA facility is part of OMNOVA's Decorative Products business unit, with about 116 of its 150 employees represented by Local 22L. The plant produces industrial films and laminates used in a number of products, including awnings, signage, swimming pools, window shades, and floors and ceilings for manufactured housing.

Pikes Peak IFMA Chapter Recognizes Excellence in Facility Management

For the sixth consecutive year, the Pikes Peak chapter of the International Facility Management Association (PPIFMA) has recognized facility management professionals in the Pikes Peak and the Colorado Region through the Colorado Facility Awards of Excellence (COFAX). This event showcases best in class projects and celebrates exceptional facility management professionals in the area for the effective, innovative, and significant contributions to the profession, to employers, and businesses throughout the state of Colorado.

The 2008 COFAX event recognized exceptional entries in seven categories. These entries were judged by an independent panel of members from the West Michigan Chapter of IFMA, the 2007 IFMA Small Chapter of the Year -- recognized during the 2008 COFAX event for projects and three categories for service awards.

Environmental Impact/Resource Conservation – Property utilizes energy and/or resource savings measures. With 70 sites, 4.2M SF, 700 acres, 29,000 students, 3,200 staff and a $5.2M utility budget you can imagine the need for Colorado Springs School District 11 to focus on energy. The District created a Resource Conservation Management program, launched in May 1999 as a self-funding, multi-phased program utilizing consultant services to build an energy management infrastructure. In 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program recognized this organization as a national leader in energy management; seven sites have been given the official Energy Star label. This project includes self-funding energy projects paid from energy savings such as a $5M Energy Performance Contract that gives immediate benefit to schools with no additional burden on the tax payer. This project returns $1.5M to the classroom each year, which is equivalent to 20 teacher’s salaries and has provided $8.2M in cumulative energy savings since inception. Colorado Springs School District 11 has received numerous awards from the Energy Management Community.
This year's award for Environmental Impact/Resource Conservation goes to Colorado Springs School District 11.


Adaptive Re-Use – Modifying and/or restoring an existing facility or structure for: re-use, different use, or new purpose. Express Scripts of Pueblo took a 78,000 SF retail store and renovated it into a modern, comfortable call center. The renovation included all mechanical and electrical systems, a new roof, and state of the art flooring system which allows for all cabling and mechanical systems to be hidden. The architectural design is very trendy with curved walls, contemporary wall painting designs, beautiful art, and high end furniture to match. The ceilings were upgraded with fresh paint and air ventilation socks that help bring in fresh air from the outside and distribute throughout the call center. The call center was built with the employee in mind, as all areas are well spaced and allow for everyone to feel comfortable. Since the grand opening of Express Scripts of Pueblo in Sept. 2005, this call center has played a major part in helping the community of Pueblo and its economy by supplying hundreds of jobs and positions.
This year's award for Adaptive Re-Use goes to Express Scripts of Pueblo, CO.


Technology in Use – Being the leader in utilizing or coordinating technology. JE Dunn Construction Company with the Cheyenne Mountain Reentry Center of Colorado Springs tackled an age old problem with new technology: how to house inmates cost effectively. This four story 128,033 SF medium security correctional facility focuses on teaching life skills such as balancing a check book, basic computer skills, how to get a job, buy groceries and rent an apartment, in an effort to acclimate the inmates to life on the outside and reduce recidivism. With a total capacity of 780-beds, this facility is secured with 16 foot fencing with barbed wire and over 250 cameras. While most prisons require more guards to oversee inmates, this facility is designed with safety and efficiency in mind. The entire facility can be monitored by one room, with an emergency backup room, reducing the number of required guards. In addition to the numerous cameras the facility also includes locks and motion sensors with touch screen controls and redundant master controls, creating a fully secure facility.
This year's award for Technology in use goes to JE Dunn Construction Company for the Cheyenne Mountain Reentry Center in Colorado Springs, CO.

Leading Edge Elements – Demonstrating a “beyond the box” concept or design. The Senger Design Group working with the Ronald McDonald House created an energetic Family Room designed as a “refuge” for families of chronically ill children receiving in-patient hospital care. The Ronald McDonald House is an international family support system with the primary objective to allow family members of ill children the opportunity to recharge, refocus and step away from the hospital environment to address additional life issues. The Family Room’s innovative 800 SF layout is enhanced with flowing, organic forms, evident throughout the space with soffits, casework, furnishings, and finishes delivering maximum function. Project finishes and furnishing materials meet antimicrobial and durability needs of a mixed-use healthcare and hospitality environment. The Family Room’s success is due to volunteers and donors, as recognized on the vibrant donor wall. The donor wall, an artist’s donation, is a mural presenting a flash of color extending through the corridor and into the Family Room.
This year's award for Leading Edge Elements goes to the Senger Design Group for the Ronald McDonald House Family Room located in Memorial Hospital.

Great Building Solution – In one area, electrical, roofing, mechanical, landscaping, or other application. In response to an increased demand for on-site building amenities for the campus employee population at the Oracle Corporation facility in Denver, CO a project was initiated and completed to build out a full service Café and Fitness center. An under utilized layout of meeting rooms and conference center was demised and built out as space that included an 8226 SF café and 4620 SF fitness center. The full service cafeteria consists of the following; seating area with maximum capacity of 300 occupants, appointed with finishes that are bright and up beat, the intent of the design was to portray the look and feel of the outdoors, the lighting applications are warm and inviting and include timing applications to conserve energy. The 4620 SF fitness center includes women and men’s shower/locker facilities, cardiovascular, weight training and an aerobics center. Since the completion of the project the employee population has been very responsive to the Café and Fitness center. The monthly usage for the café averages around 5000 customers for breakfast and lunch. The Fitness center is utilized on a regular basis by 600 of the 1100 employees on the Campus.
This year's award for Great Building Solution goes to Oracle Corporation – Denver, CO.


Exceptional Existing Building – Certificate of Occupancy Issued prior to 1/2005. In 2000, the Rampart Library District in Woodland Park, CO consisted of one library that was an old log cabin with 1200 SF of usable space and the other was a 380 SF renovated coal shed with no indoor bathroom facilities. The District was able to win the support of the community to build and maintain new facilities. The new 29,000 SF main library opened for business in November 2003 and the new 6700 SF branch library opened in April 2004. The libraries were designed to meet the needs of the community for the next 20 years with state of the art resources, technology, programming and community involvement. They contain a significant amount of space (30-40%) for community use and library programming, a headquarters for local ham radio operators in case of emergency, a separate young adult/teen area, an art galleria for local artists, a Colorado Room, displays from the local historical societies, a children’s craft room, a computer lab and a homeschooling center. Visitors from all over the country rave about the physical facilities as well as the resources and programming available in a community of this size. Many residents have stated that one of the reasons they moved to the area was the quality of the library.
This year's award for Exceptional Existing Building goes to the Rampart Library District in Woodland Park, CO.


Exceptional New Building – Certificate of Occupancy Issued after 1/2005. The EPA Building in Denver, CO, managed by General Services Administration, demonstrates energy efficiency melded with good design. This 248,849 SF building not only blends in with the surroundings to preserve the look of the Downtown Historic District in Denver, but the upper levels of the building have three level, 20,000 SF green roofs consisting of grasses, perennials, and soil which minimize heat effects, reduce storm runoff by an estimated 25.7%, and absorb carbon dioxide. There are also 48 photovoltaic panels which produce 10,320 watts used for the emergency generator. This building features under-floor air delivery and day lighting. Since the completion of the project in 2006, the building has received many awards including LEED Gold certification. The building has many green products and other energy saving devices and is open for the public to tour.
This year's award for Exceptional New Building goes to General Services Administration for the EPA Building - Denver, CO.

In addition to the facility projects, the 2008 COFAX event recognized facility management professionals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their profession as well as unparalleled service to the Pikes Peak Chapter of IFMA.

The 2008 recipients of the Associate, Professional and Lifetime Achievement awards go to:
• ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR: Elizabeth (Liz) Seeger, RPA, Tolin Mechanical Systems
• PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR: Pam Cornella, Verizon
• LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: Jerry Ludke, Retired, PPIFMA Chapter Treasurer

Congratulations to all the award winners!

FRIDAY FUNNY: Every Office Has One

Today's Friday Funny is short and sweet. Which categories are covered in YOUR office?

Many thanks to Megan Knight for supplying this Friday Funny.

WEIRD WEDNESDAY: X-treme Dress Down Friday

Just when you think you've seen it all, there are rumors (but no confirmation on the BBC's Web site) of a new reality television program in the works. Yes, BBC 3 has been putting out feelers for companies to participate in a show that will feature employees willing to report to work naked.

Sajeda Momin of indiainfo.com writes:

The first few episodes of the series, called Naked Office,will have cameras following fully clothed employees at work to gauge their views on nudity. Some will be asked to pose in the buff for life-drawing classes and it will be seen how comfortable they are about being naked in public.

In the next set of episodes, the channel will ask its employees to participate in a no-clothes event called Naked Friday.Cambridge University professor Chris Smith, notes, “The amount you spend on clothes shows how well you have done or are doing [in career] and where you stand in the office hierarchy. If you look at Britain of the 1950s, you will see an entrenched hierarchy in clothes; the idea of white or blue collar workers stems from there.”

Uniforms and “correct clothing for people holding particular positions” in certain professions outlines this hierarchy, Chris said.

“But these days, as people are dressing more casually, this hierarchy is being eroded. Even then, if we look at job interviews, it still stands that interviewers will see the shine on a candidate’s shoes to gauge how much effort he has put into the application and how serious he is about getting the job.”

So if you're interested in volunteering your workplace for this kind of "exposure," contact the BBC ASAP! Producers of the show are promising "a dress down day to remember."

TFM Show Sold to Hanley Wood

Group C Communications, Inc., an integrated business to business media company comprised of national magazines, events, and Web communities, announced that Hanley Wood, LLC has acquired The TFM Show. Hanley Wood, LLC will produce the annual TFM Show beginning with the 2009 event. Terms of the agreement are confidential. This acquisition followed the successful operation of the 2008 TFM Show, which was held April 22 - 24 at Navy Pier in Chicago.

For the past 11 years, The TFM Show has been attracting attendees and industry attention from every corner of the world. The TFM Show is the nation’s premier event for senior facility management executives, and is the only facility management event that offers a comprehensive program including top-notch educational courses; an exhibit hall featuring the latest facility products, services, and technologies; networking events; and unique facility tours.

The agreement fits the long-term strategic goals of both organizations. Ted Coene, co-president of Group C, said, "While the divestiture of an asset such as The TFM Show is never an easy decision, we feel that in the long run this move will prove beneficial to the event’s attendees and exhibitors. The facility managers who attend The TFM Show will now have the opportunity to network with architects, engineers, specifiers, and general contractors at CONSTRUCT, and our exhibitors will gain access to a wider audience that is responsible for the entire life cycle of the building environment—from design and construction to maintenance and operations."

"This is a milestone for our company which will accelerate the growth of Group C Communications," Coene added. "The sale of The TFM Show allows the company to expand its portfolio of hosted buyer events, print, and online media and broadens our opportunity to generate new revenue sources and profit centers."

As Group C Communications, Inc. enters the next stage of its development, the company plans to launch a new Web TVchannel in the spring of 2008, a new real estate publication in the fall of 2008, and two new hosted buyer events in the spring of 2009.

Group C Communication’s publication group includes Today’s Facility Manager magazine, which serves the information needs of facility management professionals; and Business Facilities magazine, which is read by executives who are looking to relocate or expand their companies.

In addition to these leading print brands, Group C Communication’s event division also produces two annual hosted buyer events—The TFM Forum, a hosted buyer event for senior level facility management executives; and Business Facilities LiveXchange, another hosted buyer event for corporate executives who are looking to streamline the site selection process.

Group C extends its reach and dominance online via an array of Web sites tied to its magazines and events. The company has also built Group C-Link, a matchmaking computerized appointment system that will allow hosted buyer event attendees to make the very best use of their time. In May 2008, Group C Communications will introduce TFM Tube, an exciting Web TV channel that provides facility management and real estate professionals with the industry’s most comprehensive selection of how-to videos and demos of the latest facility management products and services.

About Group C Communications
Group C Communications, Inc., founded in 1968, is an integrated business to business media company comprised of national magazines, events, and Web communities that educate and connect business leaders with high quality content that allows them to make informed decisions. As publishers of Business Facilities and Today’s Facility Manager, Group C reaches facility managers and top-level executives who make significant decisions involving the long- and short-term needs of their company and facilities. The company also offers targeted face-to-face networking and valuable educational opportunities through Business Facilities LiveXchange, and The TFM Forum.

Architecture Billings Index Drops to Lowest Level Ever

Emblematic of the various struggling sectors in the overall economy, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dropped two points in March and fell to its lowest level since the survey’s inception in 1995. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI shows an approximate nine to 12 month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the March ABI rating dropped to 39.7, following its steep nine point decline in February (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The inquiries for new projects score was 48.0, also the lowest mark for the survey.

“We’ve seen an 11-point fall-off in the first quarter of the year, and the prognosis for commercial construction later this year is not favorable at this point,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “Aside from historically low project demand, all regions are showing very poor business conditions. This is not likely to reverse itself anytime soon.”

Key March ABI highlights:
Regional averages: South (45.3), Northeast (38.7), West (38.7), Midwest (36.9)
Sector index breakdown: institutional (50.8), commercial/industrial (38.3), multi-family residential (31.7)
Project inquiries index: 48.0

The Architecture Billings Index is derived from a monthly “Work-on-the-Boards” survey and produced by the AIA Economics Market Research Group. Based on a comparison of data compiled since the survey’s inception in 1995 with figures from the Department of Commerce on Construction Put in Place, the findings amount to a leading economic indicator that provides an approximately nine to 12 month glimpse into the future of nonresidential construction activity.

The diffusion indexes contained in the full report are derived from a monthly survey sent to a panel of AIA member-owned firms. Participants are asked whether their billings increased, decreased, or stayed the same in the month that just ended. According to the proportion of respondents choosing each option, a score is generated, which represents an index value for each month.

WEIRD WEDNESDAY: Strange Coffee Break Activities

When you have project files piled so high on your desk that you can’t see your neighbor in the next cubicle, what’s the only thing that gets you through the day? For many workers, it’s their daily coffee break.

According to a CareerBuilder.com survey, 49% of workers take a coffee break at least once during the workday, and 32% take a coffee break twice a day or more. However, not all workers are merely drinking java during these breaks, and CareerBuilder.com has named the top 10 most unusual activities workers did on their coffee breaks in its 2007 survey:

1. Proposed marriage
2. Judged a “Best Legs” contest
3. Shrink wrapped a co-worker’s new car
4. Did step aerobics by his cubicle
5. Left the office to chase a weasel outside
6. Had a burping contest
7. Ran a race in a wedding dress
8. Kissed another employee in the stairwell
9. Did a fast re-enactment of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show”
10. Walked a new-born turkey around the building

This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder.com among 5,600 US employees, (employed full-time; not self-employed; with no involvement in hiring decisions), ages 18 and over within U.S. between June 1 and June 13, 2007. Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region, and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. The data has been weighted to reflect the composition of U.S. employers, and propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online.

With a pure probability sample of 5,600, one could say with a 95% probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/-1.3 percentage points. Sampling error for data from sub-samples is higher and varies. However that does not take other sources of error into account. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no theoretical sampling error can be calculated. A full methodology is available upon request.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: The Power of Uniforms

Whether its lawn care, building maintenance or another business-to-business service, your employees are your organization’s first impression. A clean, professional look is essential, and your choice of uniforms can make or break your success.

The right uniform not only reflects the level of service, but it can also distinguish your team from other trades around the building. Employees in every service industry are highly visible to the customer and public, so take advantage of your uniform as an opportunity to strengthen your department's "brand" image.

Nobody likes to let strangers into their places of business. A uniform with your logo increases the professional appearance of your employees and gives customers an increased level of comfort and trust in their abilities to perform professional work.

When you take better care of your staff, they take better care of your customers. The more professional employees feel, the more professional they will act. And if they feel confident in the uniform they’re wearing, they will exude a sense of pride for the work they’re doing and the company they represent.

Service industry employees tend to face situations where safety can be an issue. With the walking, stretching, kneeling, and twisting required to get these jobs done, it’s important to make sure uniforms do not get in the way and become hazardous.

Purchasing new uniforms upfront can be costly, but there are many rentable products on the market that allow you to spread the cost over a longer period of time. You also might find these products to be more durable, and the companies that provide them are concerned with long-term care and maintenance, rather than a one-time sale.

When selecting the right uniform for your employees, think of it as a walking, talking advertisement for your department. If your employee is unkempt, the impression he or she leaves will be that of a disorganized team with a lack of attention to detail. On the other hand, if he or she is dressed professionally, with proper identifiers, you not only notice an increased level of performance, but customers have a higher level of confidence in the work they’re doing.

This Web Exclusive comes from Chuck Helmes, director of marketing and technology solutions for Cintas Corporation, based in Cincinnati, OH.

FRIDAY FUNNY: Understanding Engineers

*Understanding Engineers - One*

Two engineering students were walking across a university campus when one said: "Where did you get such a great bike?"

The second engineer replied, "Well, I was walking along yesterday, minding my own business, when a beautiful woman rode up on this bike, threw it to the ground, took off all her clothes and said: "Take what you want."

The first engineer nodded approvingly and said: "Good choice; the clothes probably wouldn't fit you anyway."

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*Understanding Engineers - Two*

To the optimist, the glass is half-full. To the pessimist, the glass is half-empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

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*Understanding Engineers - Three*

A priest, a doctor, and an engineer were waiting one morning for a particularly slow group of golfers.

The engineer fumed, "What's with those guys? We must have been waiting for 15 minutes!"

The doctor chimed in, "I don't know, but I've never seen such inept golf!"

The priest said, "Here comes the greenskeeper. Let's have a word with him."

He said, "Hello George, what's wrong with that group ahead of us? They're rather slow, aren't they?"

The greenskeeper replied, "Oh, yes. That's a group of blind firemen. They lost their sight saving our clubhouse from a fire last year, so we always let them play for free anytime."

The group fell silent for a moment. The priest said, "That's so sad. I think I will say a special prayer for them tonight."

The doctor said, "Good idea. I'm going to contact my ophthalmologist colleague and see if there's anything he can do for them."

The engineer said, "Why can't they play at night?"

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*Understanding Engineers - Four*

What is the difference between mechanical engineers and civil engineers?

Mechanical engineers build weapons and civil engineers build targets.

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*Understanding Engineers - Five*

The graduate with a science degree asks, "Why does it work?"

The graduate with an engineering degree asks, "How does it work?"

The graduate with an accounting degree asks, "How much will it cost?"

The graduate with an arts degree asks, "Do you want fries with that?"

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*Understanding Engineers - Six*

Normal people believe that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Engineers believe that if it ain't broke, it doesn't have enough features yet.

Many thanks to Peter SJF Bance, for these oldies but goodies.

FRIDAY FUNNY: New Drug May Help Facility Managers

When you hear that someone is hot or cold - do you make snide remarks? When someone slips and falls - do you secretly chuckle? Do you have Dilbert cartoons taped all over your office? Do you work in a cubicle? Do you hate Monday mornings?

Have you attributed your agony to an ulcer, schizophrenia, diverticulitis or irritible bowel syndrome? Maybe you simply need SARCASMA!

Ask your doctor about SARCASMA or click on the ad below for more information!




Found on http://www.sarcasma.net/
Copyright 2008, Archer Creative Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Salaries Up, but New Fms Down

For those looking to break into the facility management profession, there’s no better time than now. An International Facility Management Association (IFMA) salary survey shows that the facility management industry is experiencing an aging workforce and a jump in salaries for those entering the field, factors that bode well for the up-and-coming facility manager.

The Profiles 2007 Salary Report, based on a survey of 4,600 facility professionals, showed that the base salary for those with less than four years experience rose nearly 13% since the previous salary report, from $56,000 in 2004 to $63,000 in 2007. This, combined with the fact that the median age of facility managers continues to rise — from 47 in 2004 to 49 this year — points to a workforce that is moving toward retirement and in need of young professionals.

“To enter this field and potentially be looking at a $63,000 salary speaks volumes about the value of the industry and what it can offer younger professionals,” said IFMA Associate Director of Research Shari Epstein. “Facility management is a growing field, yet there aren’t enough young workers to fill in for the larger group of facility managers who plan to retire in the next few years. This is good news for those considering entering the profession, as starting salaries are beginning to rise significantly.”

The age gap outlined in the report is striking. Workers 45 or older increased from 62% in 2004 to 68% this year, with those 55 and older increasing from 20% to 25% during the same period.

While the average age of facility managers is on the rise, the number of young workers entering the field is on the decline. Workers 35 to 44 years old decreased from 30% in 2004 to 25 percent in 2007, with the number of workers younger than 35 also declining, from 9% to 7%. Only 2% of facility managers surveyed were 29 or younger. The number of workers whose first job was in facility management, however, grew from 5% in 2004 to 7% in 2007.

Though the number of young workers is declining, the majority of young people in the field are women. Eleven percent of female survey respondents were younger than 35 years old, compared to only 6% of their male counterparts. Similarly, 28% of women surveyed were 35 to 44 years old, as opposed to 24% of men.

As the workforce ages, younger workers are enjoying increased salaries, but they aren’t alone. While the data suggest substantial diversity in survey respondents, a typical facility management practitioner reported a total compensation of $86,000 in 2007, an increase from $77,505 in 2004.

As with previous surveys, education level and the Certified Facility Manager (CFM) designation also have a large impact on compensation. Survey respondents with a master’s degree or higher reported earning an average base pay of $96,750, up from $87,000 in 2004. Those with a bachelor’s degree reported a base pay of $82,000, an increase from $75,000 in 2004.

Similarly, facility managers with the CFM designation reported earning $14,000 more per year than their counterparts without the designation. Those with the CFM designation reported a base pay of $92,000 in 2007, up from $79,450 in 2004.

Additional analysis of the salary data showed that each year a facility manager spent in the field added $779 to the individual’s salary. The number of years an individual spent with their current employer had a lesser impact on salary, adding $362 per year.

Geographic location also played a role in compensation. Those living on the West Coast reported earning on average $13,107 more than their counterparts, while those on the East Coast reported earning an average of $6,297 more.

For the complete 64-page document, contact the IFMA Bookstore at (713) 623-4362.

When Employees Criticize Supervisors

You've likely had coworkers complain to you about a fellow staffer, but how you handle these negative comments and complaints impacts your working relationship with your supervisors and your professional image in the office. Here are some suggestions for handling criticism of supervisors appropriately in various situations:

When you're standing in for a superior at a meeting: If attendees decide to air complaints about the supervisor during a meeting, you need to respond as effectively as possible. Take time to find out the reason for their anger, answer questions, clear confusion, and explain his/her position. Your overall mission is to support your superior.

When you're in a social atmosphere: Social gatherings are sometimes a popular forum for office gossip. When the gossip is about a superior, steer the conversation in another direction. If you're not able to change the subject, simply excuse yourself from the discussion.

When you're at work: Whether you overhear comments or colleagues complain to you directly, gather the information and try to find out as much as you can in order to respond appropriately.

While it's necessary to support your supervisor when others criticize him or her or spread gossip, you should make him or her aware of what's going on when:

* The criticism or gossip stirs up professional issues. For instance, gossip may be circulating around the office that could tarnish a supervisor's professional image.
* Your supervisor is able to take steps to correct the complaints or criticism.
* You're able to take corrective action to stop the criticism.