Message from the executive director of EFMA, Glenn Miller

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Glenn Miller

Ah yes, spring in Penticton. What a lovely thought as we work through some long dark winter days here in British Columbia. While the images of sunshine, lakes, and fermented grapes come to mind, I’m really talking about the Educational Facility Managers’ Association of British Columbia (EFMA) conference.

The EFMA conference committee is working hard as we speak to put together another full program from June 4, 2018 to June 8, 2018 (inclusive) that starts off with two days of professional development and leads into three days of concurrent sessions and discussions, ministry presentations, and our annual general meeting. Early registration numbers of exhibitors indicate that there will be a full complement of exhibitors there throughout the day, and evening programs to show and demonstrate a wide range of products and services used in facility maintenance.

It is a well-known fact that good supervisors and managers are taught to be, not born to be. I cannot overstate the importance of professional development in our workforce today. When I started working in facility management many moons ago, I never realized that I would feel that I was a human resources manager, a health and safety officer, a counsellor, and a tradesman all in one. The reality today, in my opinion, is that any person who now aspires to be involved in facility management, whether it be education, health, construction, or other areas, must have the desire, knowledge, and support to be successful in such an ever-changing work and learning environment. EFMA has made professional development a commitment through the association’s strategic plan to continue to provide support to members by providing progressive and relevant courses and programs.

In the past year, I have had several requests to clarify what the criteria is to become a member of EFMA. Some people believe that it is for facility managers in the K-12 sector only, but that is not the case. I promised I would clarify for those who asked.

“Any person employed by a school district, university, regional college, parochial school, or a private school within British Columbia who, is directly responsible for the management or operation of one or more departments or divisions within facilities, may become an active member”.

If you need any further information, please feel free to contact me at exec.dir@telus.net.

Have a wonderful spring!

See you in Penticton. n

Your Schools,