Day: October 21, 2021

The Facilities Management industry has been rapidly advancing and evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of Multi-Site Organizations (whether it be retail, healthcare, food/beverage, or financial) but the pandemic has tested everyone. Members of ConnexFM, the multi-site facilities network, were thrust into the spotlight – not only at their companies but in the news. Essential services were more critical than ever before – and members met those challenges with lightening-speed responses and forward-thinking solutions.   

“It’s not surprising a record number of nominees were received for the ConnexFM Annual Awards, honoring organizations that have impacted the facilities management industry through innovation, operations, or outstanding work performance within the industry,” said Bill Yanek, ConnexFM CEO. “All of nominees were deserving of the award and members selected the companies who lead the industry in these significant times.” 

At the recent CONNEX2021 National Conference in National Harbor, MD, ConnexFM was proud to announce the recipients of the 2021 ConnexFM Award Honorees, chosen by the association membership. Recipients include:    

U.S. Multi-Site Company of the Year Award (Company Award) 

Serving as a visionary for nearly 30 years, Ulta Beauty demonstrates how investing in the future is essential to building a sustainable organization. Ulta Beauty has committed to reporting on greenhouse gas emissions starting in 2020 in order to identify reduction opportunities and grow our overall sustainability strategy, including robust renewable energy and recycling programs. The Multi-Site organization has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Institute for Market Transformation and the U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings Alliance for their efforts. 

“We are incredibly proud of the resilience and collaboration of our teams in supporting the business and each other while we navigated an unprecedented global pandemic,” said Melissa Marria, Facilities Manager, Ulta Beauty. “The new remote environment challenged us to get creative with how we stay connected while maintaining and building upon the culture that we have crafted without the in-person dynamic that we have been accustomed to.”  Read more here. 

U.S. Supplier of the Year Award (Company Award) 

W Services Group, LLC was awarded the U.S. Supplier of the Year Award for their dedication to education and training. The education-first approach meant that the W Services team in addition to being cleaning experts also developed additional expertise in disinfection, PPE distribution, closed operations, and location re-openings.  As a supplier partner, W Services was in constant collaboration with their customers in developing programs that were extremely flexible and served as a bridge through the continually changing environment experienced last year.    

“We were in a unique position to serve as subject matter experts to guide our customer base through the entire pandemic and ultimately reopened to their own customers,” said Matthew Whelan, President and CEO, W Services. Read more here.  

Young Professional of the Year Award (Individual Award) 

Amanda Smith, Sr. Manager, Business Development, Superclean Service Company, Inc. was awarded the Young Professional of the Year for her extensive service to ConnexFM and Connex Foundation.  

“Don’t be afraid to try and fail – it’s the best way to get over your fear of failing. Every single time that I’ve done something that really scared me, it paid off. When I’ve failed, I’ve learned so much about myself, grown, become more confident,” said Smith. “Young professionals struggle with confidence because we’re all green and fresh but don’t be afraid to lean into everything the world gives you and take a leap of faith.”  Read more here. 

Lawrence W. Whelan Connex Lifetime Achievement Award (Individual Award) 

Nelda Alston, PRSM Charter Member and longtime staff member, was awarded the Lawrence W. Whelan Connex Lifetime Achievement Award.  

Being honored with the Lawrence W. Whelan Lifetime Achievement Award had special meaning to Alston. “This is the most prestigious award anyone could receive because Lawrence Whelan was a great person and I’m so honored,” said Alston at the Awards Presentation at CONNEX2021 National Conference. “I want to thank our members – you’ve supported us and been there through the ups and downs for over 25 years. We would have never made it if it had not been for all of you. I have a lot of memories and I am so thankful. I love all of y’all.” Read more here.  

The 2022 ConnexFM Awards Program will launch in mid-October 2021 with a new nomination and voting process. For questions or additional information please contact awards@connexfm.com. 

About ConnexFM 

ConnexFM, the Multi-Site facilities management network, is the leading membership organization for multi-site facilities managers and supplier professionals. Established in 1995, and based in Irving, TX, ConnexFM empowers facilities management professionals with events, best practices, benchmarking, education, discussion forums and trusted partnerships. Members depend upon ConnexFM to help them achieve greater success and a competitive advantage through quality programs and resources. For more information visit www.connexfm.com. 

ConnexFM, the Multi-Site facilities network, is proud to honor W Services Group, LLC as ConnexFM’s 2021 U.S. Supplier of the Year.  

The ConnexFM Annual Awards, chosen by the membership and presented at the recent CONNEX2021 National Conference, honor organizations that have impacted the facilities management industry through innovation, operations, and outstanding work performance within the industry.  

“W Services exemplifies how Supplier Companies can be a true partner to Multi-Site Organizations,” said Bill Yanek, ConnexFM CEO. “Matthew Whelan and his team lead his clients as well as the industry by providing essential education and guidance on how to navigate through the many facets of multisite facilities management including all the twists of turns of last year.”  

The education-first approach meant that the W Services team in addition to being cleaning experts also developed additional expertise in disinfection, PPE distribution, closed operations, and location re-openings.  As a supplier partner, W Services was in constant collaboration with their customers in developing programs that were extremely flexible and served as a bridge through the continually changing environment experienced last year.    

“We were in a unique position to serve as subject matter experts to guide our customer base through the entire pandemic and ultimately reopened to their own customers,” said Matthew Whelan, President and CEO, W Services. 

The pandemic sent the world scrambling for information. W Services was prepared by years of internal training – learning about different chemicals, equipment, and processes – as well as testing innovative customer programs to determine the most effective treatments during the pandemic.  

“We lead with our heart and want to provide solutions to our customers and all aspects of facilities,” said Whelan. “We truly care about our customers, employees, and industry. We want to continue to contribute to each aspect, not only in our own company but to also support other industry suppliers to be successful and continue to evolve the industry.”  

W Services continues to be a strong partner in all things associated with cleaning program development and beyond.  As they move into the future, they are utilizing their strong project management skills to further develop their construction division.  To offer an extensive array of services and meaningful efficiencies to their clients, W Services has and continues to make substantial investment in technology, education, and field-based quality management, all of which provides an impactful ROI to their clients year after year.    

Read the full coverage of the 2021 ConnexFM’s Annual Awards here. 

About ConnexFM 

ConnexFM, the Multi-Site facilities management network, is the leading membership organization for multi-site facilities managers and supplier professionals. Established in 1995, and based in Irving, TX, ConnexFM empowers facilities management professionals with events, best practices, benchmarking, education, discussion forums and trusted partnerships. Members depend upon ConnexFM to help them achieve greater success and a competitive advantage through quality programs and resources. For more information visit www.connexfm.com.