Category: Connex News

Alexandra Sanchez has joined Connex as Membership Development Manager. She began working in the facilities management industry in 2014, and as a former supplier, she brings her experience and expertise in both operations and sales, as well as her established relationships with the FM network,  to deliver value to Connex members and boost membership numbers.

 

Her experience includes working with FMs in the new Connex verticals as well as retail FMs. An ambitious, young professional she previously served on the Connex Editorial Board, Impact committee, and in other industry groups.

 

“We are pleased and proud to announce Alexandra as part of the Connex team,” said Bill Yanek, CEO Connex. “Her unique blend of industry experience, industry connections and positive attitude will make her a solid addition to the Connex team, and enhance our ability to connect more with our members on the West Coast and grow our membership.”

 

A graduate of Whittier College and long-term California resident, Alexandra will be based in California and will be the first, west-coast based Connex employee.

 

To contact Alexandra please email apsanchez@connexfm.com

Connex, formerly PRSM, the authority on Retail and Multisite Facilities Management, is excited to announce that Jim Gaffigan — comedian, actor, producer, best-selling author and performer known worldwide for his unique humor and observations on life — will headline the CONNEX2020 National Conference, 25^th Anniversary, Gala Dinner in Orlando, Fla., April 21.

Connex/PRSM will celebrate its 25^th Anniversary during the conference and the Gala Dinner is the marquee, kick-off celebration.

Gaffigan is a four-time Grammy nominated comedian and five-time Emmy winning touring performer, as well as a platinum-selling recording artist. His many movie credits include “Three Kings,” “Super Troopers” 1 & 2 and “Chappaquiddick.” Gaffigan has had his biggest year to date on screen in 2019, as he has been featured in eight films, including two in which he was the lead, “Being Frank” and “American Dreamer.”

Gaffigan recently released his seventh stand-up comedy special and has continued his regular humorous commentaries on CBS Sunday Morning. His background includes being a two-time New York Times best-selling author.

“Jim is a fantastic storyteller, and we’re thrilled to bring this rare opportunity to our attendees at CONNEX2020,” said Bill Yanek, CEO of Connex. “We wanted Connex2020 and the anniversary celebration to be very special and Jim’s unique humor and storytelling will be the perfect way to celebrate our success as an association.”

In addition to two seasons of the critically acclaimed semi-autobiographical “The Jim Gaffigan Show,” which he wrote and produced with his wife, Jeannie, Gaffigan has guest starred in many TV comedies and has had dramatic roles on “Law & Order.” Last year he served as Master of Ceremony at The Al Smith Memorial Dinner, an annual event in New York City to raise funds for Catholic charities supporting children. In 2015, Gaffigan performed for Pope Francis and 1 million attendees at the Festival of Families in Philadelphia.   

  

With approximately 950 member companies, Connex is the leading membership organization for FMs and supplier professionals. Established in 1995, Connex empowers facilities management professionals with best practices, benchmarking, education, discussion forums and trusted partnerships. Members depend upon Connex to help them achieve greater success and a competitive advantage through quality programs and resources.

Formerly known as the PRSM National Conference, CONNEX2020 is the largest multisite retail, banking, entertainment, dental, medical and restaurants facilities management conference, with best-in-class education sessions, networking events and more than 300 qualified exhibitors under one roof.

For more information about CONNEX2020 National Conference, visit national.connexfm.com. 

Calling all Connex leaders, movers and shakers! Connex is now accepting applications and nominations for the 2020-2021 PRSM Board of Directors. Deadline for nominations/applications is December 20, 2019. 

 

Click here to read more about nominations rules, the process and what it takes to serve on the Connex Board. 

150 Connex members packed the Renaissance Hotel, Long Beach, CA to attend the first 2019 Mid-Year Connexion event today. Connex Board Chair, Myriah Kingen, Director, Facilities Management, DaVita Kidney Care and Bill Yanek, Connex CEO updated the crowd on the strategic vision of the association and the new emphasis on local and regional events. Keynote speaker, Mary Kelly, used key economic factors to explain how tariffs, the price of oil, BREXIT and other indexes impact our daily lives, our companies, and our future.

 

Round table discussions provided attendees the opportunity to dive into important industry issues such as the skills gap, preparing for holidays, mentorship, and other topics.  Afternoon sessions included time for suppliers to meet with FMs during the exhibition hours, and Rory Rowland, featured speaker in the afternoon session provided key advice on how to develop and manage effective teams.  

 

As the sun sank into the Pacific, the first Mid-Year Connexion event concluded with a closing reception that provided attendees more time to connect, share insights and plan for the future.

 

The remaining two Connexion events are scheduled for October 17, in Columbus, OH, and for New York City, October 29.  Members who have not registered are encouraged to do so.  Click here to register for Columbus or here to register for the New York Connexion.

The Connex Road Show hit 12 different cities from the beginning of June to late August and were attended by hundreds of Connex members. The Road Show provided members the opportunity to learn more about Connex, discuss industry-impacting issues and most importantly connect with each other. The Connex team is celebrating the end of a very successful event!

The $25 registration fees attendees were charged went straight to the Connex Foundation. Attendees generated almost $12,000, which will be used to execute local charity projects, provide scholarships and conduct industry research and training.

Connex also hosted a drawing to give back to members who attended the Road Show. For every Road Show location attended, retailers and suppliers received one entry into a grand prize drawing. Supplier member Brinco won the $10,000 National Conference Sponsorship prize drawing. They attended all 12 Road Shows. Ross Stores won a free National Conference registration and airfare as the Multi-Site FM company.

 

The 2019 Road Show was a success thanks to our sponsors:

Cutter Tylia – API National Service Group

Tom Spears – Trinity National Accounts

Ben Mackin – ABBY Solutions 

Justin Bergen – Carmichael Engineering

Neha Bhatia – Energy Network Solutions, Inc.

Nicki Burden – ecobee 

Paul Harris – ENTOUCH 

Gary Reichert – NFR Capital 

Mark Balzamo – FEXA 

Dave Emmons – Authority HVAC

Matthew Shook – Horizon Building Solutions

Steve McKeon – Sunbelt Rentals 

Laura Riendeau – Chain Store Maintenance

Frank Kohler – Fox Glass Co.

James Walton – ENTOUCH

Michael Kurland – Branded Group 

Errol Thodos – EGT Enterprises 

Rick Lee – Brinco

 

Plans are underway for the 2020 Road Show. We are always looking for your feedback—if you have any ideas or suggestions for the Road Show, please email events@connexfm.com. We look forward to hitting the road next year!

The Connex Foundation, formerly known as PRSM Impact, is gaining momentum, and the driving force behind this progress is the committees who execute the Foundation’s strategic plans. These committees work on: fundraising, apprenticeship program development, charity events, educational partnerships and scholarships.

 

The committees are as follows:

Connex Foundation Apprenticeship Committee

The Apprenticeship Committee supports multi-site facility organizations in the development of apprenticeship programs designed to: recruit, train and retain talent in the skilled labor workforce. While assisting members in apprenticeship program development and management this committee will also work towards partnering with Volunteers of America (VOA) across the nation and connecting local suppliers with veterans who would benefit from becoming more skilled in trades.

Co-Chair: Kelli D’Andrea, Heritage Fire Security LLC

Co-Chair: Kyle Brekke, Smile Direct Club

 

Connex Foundation IMPACT Committee

The IMPACT Committee organizes Foundation volunteer charity projects that assist non-profit organizations in the maintenance and improvement of facilities on a local and national basis concurrent with Connex events. This committee works to develop an active Foundation Charity that provides multi-site FMs and suppliers opportunities to get involved, donate, and give back.

Co-Chair: Kevin Kenyon, National Coating Solutions, Inc.

Co-Chair: Multi-site FM opening.

 

Connex Foundation Scholars Committee

The Scholars Committee works with educational institutions to establish collaborative partnerships to develop multi-site facilities management degree programs and award scholarships to individuals interested in pursuing a degree in multi-site facilities management.

Co-Chair: Dean Baker, Francis Tuttle Technology Center

Co-Chair: Brian Walker, Transformative Wave Technologies, LLC

 

Connex Foundation Fundraising Committee

The Fundraising Committee develops and executes strategic and well-planned fundraising initiatives and opportunities that enable the Connex Foundation to achieve its mission.

Co-Chair: Amanda Smith, Superclean Service Company, Inc.

 

If you are interested in serving on a committee, please contact Brooke Pierson, Executive Director of the Connex Foundation at bpierson@connexfm.com 

 

The Connex Foundation is the association’s official 501c3 organization. Formally recognized by the IRS in 2018, the Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors which includes: Bill Ackerman, Chair, Vixxo, Bruce Condit, Vice-Chair, Connex, Leigh Pearson RFMP, Staples Canada and Cindy Collette, Secretary, iCheck National General Maintenance and Repairs.   

A salute to the Connex Foundation Charity Team

A special Denver family wants to salute the Connex Foundation Charity team for their work on the Denver VOA Family Motel and especially for the basketball goal and basketballs. 

David, a new resident of the VOA Family Motel wrote an email to Kevin Kenyon, Director of Field Services for National Coating Solutions, and a volunteer leader for the Connex Foundation Charity projects, expressing his appreciation for the work done at the motel. 

The email read: “Hello, my name is David my family and I have been blessed to be here off the streets. I have two girls and two boys…my oldest son rarely gets to play with kids his age outside of school. Your basketball rim gift to this place (VOA Family Motel) is a rich blessing and unites the families here. This helps us all get through our hard times better. Thank you so much and God bless you.” 

The Connex Foundation Charity is making a real difference in the lives of real people. You can make a difference too. Contribute to the Foundation and to the Connex Foundation Charity projects.