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As IAAM president, part of my duties are to
attend the various IAAM conferences, meetings, functions, visit with heads
of state, sister associations, etc., to represent all of our members’
interests. Sometimes I just bring greetings, while on other occasions I
provide a full “state of the industry” report. There are occasions I spend
cultivating relationships and identifying opportunities for IAAM, and others
when I serve as a keynote speaker.
 While
attending the 2006 International Convention Center Conference in Denver, I
had the pleasure of meeting Tom Leigler and Don Jewell, two long-time and
honored IAAM members. Each has served the association for nearly 50 years. I
attended the welcoming reception the first night I was there, but failed to
wear my badge. When I was introduced to Tom, he politely questioned its
whereabouts.
I could tell he was a little disappointed that I didn’t have it on.
As I observed Tom, watched him in action and got to know him, I later
realized that it wasn’t about me; it was about the office of the presidency.
It was “protocol.” He was, in essence, saying to me, “If you’re going to be
a leader, be a leader to its fullest.” I reflected on that for a moment and
realized that I not only represent the office of the presidency, but every
president that has come before me — and those yet to come.
The character and humility of these two great gentlemen was evident to all.
Don Jewell founded the ICCC 25 years ago and shared with me his vision and
love for the industry. After more than 50 years, he’s still giving —
specifically, writing a book that captures the history of IAAM.
I believe firmly that history is the path into the future, and I promised
Don that I’d get his book published. After all, one of my presidential
initiatives was the establishment of the IAAM Press and Publication
division, which is a tool and resource where our members can get published.
We’ve created a partnership with a publishing print company and appointed
the IAAM Press and Publication Committee (IPPC) to help facilitate our
members getting published.
Shortly after arriving back home in Raleigh from the ICCC, I received Don’s
manuscript in the mail. I opened the package, and to my surprised it was
typed, possibly on an old IBM Selectric III typewriter. Some of the
corrections were crossed out and written over by hand. However, it wasn’t
the manuscript that struck a chord with me; it was the letter that
accompanied it. In it, Don told of the years he worked on the book, and he
shared a little of the history and why he thought it was important to write
the book. I could tell this was a labor of love. It was his baby — and I’ll
take good care of it.
It’s amazing how sometimes we can look back in the past and note how history
has served us in life. As I reflect upon the past, I can’t help but think,
“What did we learn yesterday that we can apply today and build upon tomorrow
and in the future?”
“Innovations Driving the Future” is my theme for this year, and as I alluded
to earlier, innovations will certainly continue in the future. Innovations
take place every day, but I’m reminded that change happens slowly.
Technology is in a constant state of change, but our mindset needs time to
adjust and grasp change.
Remember when voice mail came into our lives and when automated switchboards
were first introduced? We hated them. Remember when the World Wide Web and
e-mail were first developed? It involved some growing pains, especially
amongst us older folks. Young people got it because they grew up in the
high-tech environment.
Someone else who got it is past president Jimmy Earl, CFE, who is to be
commended for his work in getting the IAAM Members & Services Directory
placed as an online tool. It was his initiative that brought about this new
tool to assist our members in connecting with each other and finding
products and services at any time. I’m not sure if everyone is aware of this
wonderful apparatus at his disposal.
In fact, out of our more that 3,200 members, 28% have logged on to confirm
that their personal and company information is up-to-date. If you haven’t
done so, I urge you to log in now and do this. If you don’t remember your
username and password, simply click “forgot user name and password,” and it
will be instantly and automatically returned to you via e-mail.
I trust that during my term in office we accomplish the objectives we set
out to do: creating innovations that contribute to the future success of
IAAM and to the world at large; improving the professionalism of facility
management; improving the IAAM brand; and contributing to our professional
and personal growth through the following four initiatives:
• Business Development, Resources and Services
• International Development
• Technologies
• IAAM’s Products, Press and Publications
Wishing you all the best of luck in your future endeavors — and from my
family to yours, a very happy holiday.
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Larry
Perkins, CFE, CPP, CMP
IAAM President
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