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 IFMA is a member-centered association that exists to guide
and develop facility management professionals. In support of its members,
IFMA promotes the Facility Management profession by providing leadership,
recognition and standards of excellence.
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Chapter News
April 27, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Andrea Sanchez 713-623-4362 ‘Pandemic Preparedness Manual’ Offers Guide to Dealing with Possible Swine Flu Pandemic HOUSTON — (April 27, 2009) — With more than 100 deaths and hundreds of other infections reported around the world, the recent swine influenza outbreak has triggered global concern as governments everywhere scramble to contain it. In an effort to assist businesses in preparing for a potential pandemic, the IFMA Foundation is offering the “Pandemic Preparedness Manual,” a complimentary resource that can assist in planning for, controlling and responding to the threat of influenza. Workplaces have a vested interest in mitigating the effects of a pandemic. The Spanish flu of 1918, for example, affected hundreds of millions of people and resulted in more than 50 million fatalities. Today, a flu outbreak could lead to the absenteeism of 25 to 50 percent of employees for up to four months, potentially causing supply chain disruptions and the closure of retail facilities, further impacting the global economic downturn. To prepare for and deal with these issues, the “Pandemic Preparedness Manual” suggests facility professionals perform pre-planning and develop business continuity plans. Pre-planning involves establishing internal and external communications protocols and reviewing corporate policies on pay, time off, visitor and travel restrictions, and medical clearance. Triggers for building closure, mandatory absences and other preventative measures should also be put into place. The manual advises employers on steps they can take to help control the outbreak of flu, beginning with employee training on awareness and prevention. Employers are encouraged to make supplies such as tissues, hand soap and sanitary wipes available, and to be vigilant in sanitizing commonly touched surfaces. “The IFMA Foundation has this manual ready to go 24/7 on its Web site as a resource for anyone concerned about maintaining the health and safety of their workplace,” said IFMA Foundation Executive Director William Rub. “When used in conjunction with information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the latest media reports, we feel this manual gives facility professionals the tools they need to do their part in mitigating the harmful effects of this outbreak.” The “Pandemic Preparedness Manual” was prepared in conjunction with Environmental and Occupational Risk Management, a company that specializes in the development and implementation of cost-effective environmental, health and safety solutions. To obtain a free copy of the report, visit www.ifmafoundation.org. Established in 1990 as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation and separate entity from the International Facility Management Association, the IFMA Foundation works for the public good to promote priority research and educational opportunities for the advancement of facility management. The IFMA Foundation is supported by the generosity of the facility management community, including IFMA members, chapters, councils, corporate sponsors and private contributors who are united by the belief that education and research improve the facility management profession. To learn more about the good works of the IFMA Foundation, visit www.ifmafoundation.org. For more information about IFMA, visit www.ifma.org. JANUARY NEWS RELEASE Happy New Year everyone! We had a great turn out for our January meeting and our annual Economic Development Update. This was the first time in the past few years that we have not had inclement weather the day before or day of this meeting, so it was nice to avoid that for a change. Sandy Dunbeck from High Point spoke to us first and assured us that the Triad is still a good place to do business and High Point is still seen as the furniture capital. Five furniture manufacturers have been working with the community college to ensure a qualified workforce. Brayton is one of these. They also provided furniture in Beijing durng the Olympics. High Point University is a draw for new companies to the area. Honda Jet has opened their administrative office and R&D offices will open soon with manufacturing to come. High Point’s population reached 100,000 and will celebrate its 150th birthday this coming year. Jeff Garstky, VP of Winston-Salem Business, Inc., advised us that Liberty Hardware and Ciba Logistics have added major square footage this past year. FedEx Ground, not related to the air hub, will be locating in Kernersville. The new baseball stadium is under development. Winston-Salem was named one of the top 7 intelligent communities in the world for rebuilding its economy after experiencing a recession. A big challenge remains to provide developable land or “ready to go” sites for office parks. John Shoffner or Greensboro’s Economic Development Program, talked about the importance of workforce development and the part that GTCC and other education institutions are playing. He agreed with Jeff in the need for having land ready for construction. FedEx will start moving staff into their impressive facility in a few months. There are 8-10 companies that typically follow a FedEx expansion, so we hope to see more jobs from that. Kisco Senior Care is looking at the Jefferson Pilot property on High Point Road. On the residential side, CenterPointe, the condo complex in downtown Greensboro, has been seeing decent sales and move in will occur in the next 2 months. I hope you will be able to join us next month on February 12 for a program on Gang Awareness. More information will be sent to you in the near future. Also, the Board has agreed that all committee members are allowed complimentary lunches. To qualify you must be serving on the committee all year; not just performing one task for one event. The Committee Chair needs to notify Elizabeth Kersey at kerseye@ccl.org. Interested in serving? Please contact me for more information at lmurphy@keyrisk.com. I look forward to seeing each of you at the next meeting. Larry Murphy |
