Before the 1970s, Facility Management did not exist as a recognized profession. The Facility Management Institute changed this when it began to offer training for those managers who  found themselves in facility roles. Many of these people were office managers, engineers, and so on --  primarily in large corporations, where new technologies and increased pressures required someone in  that role for the benefit of the corporation. Formal training and education was both a desire and a need for these individuals.

This need and desire eventually led to IFMA's creation; an association devoted to the needs of Facility Managers. Chapters were formed in large cities and focused on education and information sharing. Eventually, IFMA evolved into offering certifications, fellowships, and with assistance from colleges, graduate degrees.

Here in Atlanta, we are now a large and active chapter, one of the largest in the country! We have had great presidents who have led the Chapter to offer more for its members. We still offer assistance for degrees, certifications, and monthly luncheon programs that bring information to the Chapter in a social, inviting setting.

I am privileged to have the opportunity, after all these years, to be President of this great Chapter. I hope to continue in the same path as our past presidents; striving to grow the Atlanta Chapter for the needs of its members. I look forward to working with all those who will volunteer to assist. I hope all members will look to the coming year as a year of growth and learning.

--Karen Howard, IFMA Atlanta Chapter President

Perkins+Will's new 75,000-square-foot Atlanta office building, 1315 Peachtree, is designed to achieve LEED Platinum Certification and meet The 2030 Challenge for reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The renovation of an existing 1980's building helps revitalize the Midtown Atlanta Arts District by increasing pedestrian connectivity and reactivating Peachtree Street with the conversion of ground level parking to leasable tenant space.

In addition to the 45,000 square-foot Perkins+ Will office, the building houses the Museum Of Design Atlanta (MODA) and the Peachtree Branch of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. High-performance features include on-site power generation through microturbines and photovoltaics, with innovative radiant heating and cooling utilizing under-floor air distribution. Rainwater is captured, treated and stored onsite for use in irrigation and all flush fixtures.

The interior design of the new office space represents the latest in workplace design. Collaboration is encouraged through office-wide wifi access, collaborative and flexible team rooms and flexible team areas with benching application. It is a living lab and educational tool, demonstrating an on-going pursuit of design excellence and environmental commitment to colleagues, clients and community.

Please join us for a tour, networking, and refreshments!

Register Here

Decisions made in Washington , D.C. , are increasingly affecting the built environment. Whether it is the newly announced Better Buildings Initiative energy efficiency, tax incentives for green technologies or the possible implementation of a carbon cap and trade system, now more than ever, the facility management profession needs to make its voice heard in Washington D.C. Be part of the solution at IFMA's Annual Advocacy Day.

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