Category: Connex News

Brooke Pierson, Sr. Manager of Executive Operations, has been selected to serve as Executive Director of the Connex Foundation, formerly PRSM Foundation. She replaces Brenda Villarreal who recently resigned her position at Connex. 

Pierson has almost eight years of association experience. She served as Education Manager for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) before joining Connex approximately two years ago as part of the Executive Operations team. 

She is excited about the opportunity to lead the Connex Foundation into the future. “We have seen tremendous growth and interest in the Connex Foundation since its inception less than two years ago. We are now recognized by the IRS as a 501c3 charitable organization, and Connex members are seeing the value and getting plugged in. I’m excited about the opportunity to help take the Foundation to the next level,” stated Pierson. 

Bill Ackerman, Chair of the Connex Foundation Board, also sees a bright future for the organization. “Brenda Villarreal did a great job of helping launch the Foundation. We have a solid platform to build upon and I know Brooke will do an excellent job leading us into the future,” Ackerman said.

Connex Foundation took it over the top during Connex2019 National Conference. It exceeded the original individual fundraising goal of $5,000 and raised more than $11,500 in individual donations to support Foundation programs, and Foundation volunteers completed a renovation project that changed lives.

 

An additional $21,000 was generated through sponsorships. The title sponsor of PRSM Foundation activities during the conference was Facility Plus who donated $8,000.

 

Foundation activities kicked off with a Top Golf tournament, Sunday, that saw almost 100 attendees compete on the digitized links, while supporting the Foundation, and networking. Registration fees for the golf event generated $10,000 for the Foundation.

 

“The Top Golf event was wonderful,” said Bill Ackerman, Connex Foundation Board Chair. “It was the perfect opportunity for Connex members to relax and enjoy time together and support the Foundation. We plan on hosting another Top Golf event at 2020 in Orlando during the 2020 conference.”

 

Monday, more than 80 conference attendees boarded buses early for the ride to the Volunteers of America Family Hotel to participate in the Connex Foundation Charity Impact Project. Sitting less than two miles from the famed Bronco Stadium, The VOA Family Motel works with the Denver Department of Human Services (DDHS) to provide a motel atmosphere for the homeless, with a human services flavor. A continental breakfast is offered to all guests every day. The facility served 3,444 people in 2018 including families and the homeless.

 

Before the official charity project kicked off, Kevin Kenyon, Director, Field Services for National Coatings and Co-Chair of the Foundation Charity Impact Project Committee, and two other members of the National Coatings team spent the weekend, painting much of the exterior of the motel, using paint donated by Benjamin Moore, another major Foundation supporter, and a lift donated by a local supplier.

 

Kenyon commented on his work with the Foundation. “I have always enjoyed working on Foundation charity projects from the beginning. You know what you are doing creates an immediate, positive, and often personal, impact on someone who needs help. I encourage other Connex suppliers to get involved and make a difference,” Kenyon said. 

 

On Monday, the Connex Charity Impact delegation painted motel rooms, trimmed trees and bushes, swept parking lots and made dozens of repairs to the motel.

 

Volunteers went above and beyond. After learning about the dire need for linens, and toys for the children who lived in the motel, several members drove to a local retailer and purchased numerous sets of towels and bed linens as well as soccer balls, footballs, basketballs and even a basketball goal which they assembled onsite. The Foundation was truly Santa to the kids living in the VOA Family Motel. The Connex Foundation Charity Impact team impacted lives in Denver that day!

 

“Words cannot express the pride you experience, when you know you have been able to help someone who cannot help themselves. The Connex Foundation impacts lives and it will impact the FM industry. We are more than a charity. I encourage every Connex company and member to get involved. You can make a difference,” Ackerman concluded.

Connex recognizes and celebrates World FM Day, today, May 15^th.

World FM Day was created to celebrate and elevate the facility management profession and recognize the success of the FMs worldwide who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and efficiency of their facilities each day. This year, the event falls on Wednesday, May 15 and related celebrations will last from May 13 – 17.

This year’s theme is Celebrating Global ISO Standards, which will recognize the tremendous progress and success of the ISO 41000 series of standards that focuses on the global facility management industry.

Join Connex in celebrating and elevating the facility management profession by posting on your social media channels and/or highlighting the events on your website.

The U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) presented its Advanced Roof Top Unit (RTU) Campaign Awards during the PRSM2019 National Conference held in Denver, CO.

The RTU Campaign is a recognition and guidance program designed to encourage building owners and operators to take advantage of savings opportunities from high efficiency RTUs.  This effort is a collaboration between ASHRAE and RILA, with the U.S. DOE providing technical support to Campaign participants (through the Better Buildings Alliance and the Federal Energy Management Program). 

The winners of the 2019 DOE Advanced RTU Awards are: Walgreens, Target, H&M, McDonalds, Sponsors of Mass Save, Tri Pacific Heating & A/C, Energy Solutions, and Transformative Wave Technologies.

“Energy efficiency is extremely important to retail, and we are proud to recognize the winners for their hard work and dedication to retrofitting their buildings to maximize energy savings,” said Bill Yanek, PRSM’s CEO. “We are also proud to continue this partnership with the DOE to present the Advanced RTU Awards during our national conference.”

 

2019 DOE Advanced Rooftop Unit Campaign Recognition Awardees included (pictured from left to right):  Taren Heindl (Walgreens), Marilyn Nolte (Walgreens), Jeff Groncki (Walgreens), Michael Fox (Walgreens), Kelly Noel (Target), Jim Dunavant (Tri Pacific), Kelli Kolquist (Target), Jason Katje (Tri Pacific), Molly Mullins (Target), Evan Atwater (Transformative Wave), Cassandra Squiers (Energy Solutions), Danny Miller (Transformative Wave), Shonte Davidson (Mass Save), Cedar Blazek (U.S. DOE), Amy Jiron (U.S. DOE), and Michael Deru (NREL)

The Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association, (PRSM), the authority on multi-site facilities management, announced the recipients of the 2019 multi-site facilities management industry awards.  The awards were presented during the PRSM2019 National Conference in Denver, CO.  Recipients included:

·       US Multi-Site/Retailer of the Year Award – Ross Stores, Inc

·       US Supplier of the Year Award – CBRE | Facility Source

·       Canadian Multi-Site/Retailer of the Year Award – Aldo Group AND Staples Canada (TIE)

·       Canadian Supplier of the Year Award – 1-800-GOT-JUNK?

·       Young Professional of the Year – Jessica Fumo, Party City

·       Service Excellence – Curt Picard and Bob Barnard

·       Volunteer of the Year – Amanda Smith

During the awards presentation, PRSM CEO, Bill Yanek commented, “The multi-site facilities management industry is rapidly evolving, and the companies and individuals recognized by the PRSM Awards presented today are those who are engaged with their customers, the association and they are making a difference in the industry. We are proud to recognize their achievements and contributions.”

For more information, visit PRSM2019 National Conference or for more information about PRSM, visit www.prsm.com .

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Not even a late Spring snow storm could stop the final PRSM National Conference from being a major success. From changing the branding of the association from PRSM to Connex, to the motivational keynote address by Mel Robbins, PRSM members rocked the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center for three days.

PRSM members from across the nation arrived early to participate in the PRSM Foundation Top Golf tournament, learn about and tour Cannabis store operations and tour the Denver Bronco’s stadium.

Action ramped up Monday afternoon as a snow storm rolled in during the Opening Reception, but the cold white stuff didn’t put a chill on the action as members used the latest high-tech to make thousands of connections that were immediately uploaded to their personal conference app.

Tuesday morning, the General Session saw a transfer of PRSM power as Jonathan Bauer, Sr. Director Store Development, Gap Inc, and PRSM Board Chair for the last two years, hand over the reins to Myriah Kingen, Director, Facilities Management, DaVita Kidney Care, the incoming Board Chair for 2019-2020. The new 2019-2020 Board was also introduced.

The session was highlighted by world-renowned speaker and author, Mel Robbins. She helped the audience learn how to use her now famous Five-Second Rule to make better business and personal decisions, break bad habits and take their life to a new level.

At the end of the General Session, PRSM rolled out the biggest change in the association’s history announcing that PRSM will now be known as Connex. The branding change was a six-month process directed by the PRSM Board of Directors and staff involving extensive member and industry research. You can read more about the new brand in the special issue of Connexus Magazine which will arrive at your doorstep soon.

During the Awards Luncheon, PRSM presented the PRSM 2019 industry awards to outstanding companies and individuals who have contributed to the success of the industry and the association. You can read more about the awards here.

Between the General Session and Awards Luncheon, the Retail Quick Connect provided suppliers the opportunity to meet with dozens of retailers in person.

The Exhibition Hal opened Tuesday afternoon filled with more than 400 exhibitors, all ready to meet with the hundreds of retailers attending the conference. During the show, the PRSM Foundation helped attendees look their best by providing a Headshots Lounge that provided professional makeup and photography services for a small donation to the Foundation.

Wednesday has been packed with dozens of educational sessions and the Exhibit Hall was open until mid-afternoon when members packed up to prepare for the closing night celebration scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evening.

For complete coverage of the final PRSM National Conference, please read the May/June issue of the new Connexus Magazine to be delivered in late May.

The U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) presented its Advanced Roof Top Unit (RTU) Campaign Awards during the 2019 National Conference held in Denver, CO.

The Advanced Rooftop Unit (RTU) Campaign is a recognition and guidance program designed to encourage building owners and operators to take advantage of savings opportunities from high efficiency RTUs.  This effort is a collaboration between ASHRAE and RILA, with the U.S. DOE providing technical support to Campaign participants (through the Better Buildings Alliance and the Federal Energy Management Program). 

The winners of the 2019 DOE Advanced RTU Awards are: Walgreens, Target, H&M, McDonalds, Sponsors of Mass Save, Tri Pacific Heating & A/C, Energy Solutions, and Transformative Wave Technologies.

“Energy efficiency is extremely important to retail, and we are proud to recognize the winners for their hard work and dedication to retrofitting their buildings to maximize energy savings,” said Bill Yanek, Connex’s CEO. “We are also proud to continue this partnership with the DOE to present the Advanced RTU Awards during our national conference.”

A record-setting crowd of facilities management professionals from the U.S. and Canada attended PRSM2019 National Conference, the premier conference for multi-site facilities management featuring world-class speakers, industry leading educational sessions and more than 400 exhibiting companies.

The 2019/2020 PRSM Board of Directors assumed office, April 30 during the 2019 PRSM National Conference. The new officers are:  

Chair:               Myriah Kingen, Director, Facilities Management, DaVita Kidney Care

Vice Chair:       Matthew Whelan, President/CEO, W Services Group

Immediate Past Board Chair: Jonathan Bauer, Sr. Director Store Development, Gap Inc

Treasurer:        Shawn Browning, MP, FMA, LEED-Green Assoc., Facility Manager, Nike, Inc.

Secretary:        Jaclyn Frenzel, Vice President, OnSite, Inc        

As Director Facilities Management for DaVita Kidney Care, Kingen, PRSM’s new Board Chair, directs facilities maintenance, project rollouts and store refurbishments for more than 1,000 DaVita Locations. This past year Kingen served as PRSM Board Secretary. She first became a PRSM member in 2006 and has served on the Editorial Board, and the following committees: Ethics, Governance, Membership, and the Mid-Year Conference Task Force.

“It is an honor to be elected PRSM Board Chair. The facilities management industry is undergoing an evolution and PRSM is evolving and is prepared for its next chapter. The association is well positioned strategically and financially, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead,” Kingen said.

The Association membership also elected two new retail Board members to three-year terms and two retail alternates to a one-year term. Newly elected retail directors include:

·       Director: Anthony Armato, Director, Facilities & Energy Management, Ulta Beauty

·       Director: Kirk Beaudoin, RFMP, FMA, LEED Green Associate, Senior Facilities Manager, adidas America, Inc.

·       Retail 1^st Alternate: Jordan Campbell, Facilities Manager, Bottega Veneta

·       Retail 2^nd Alternate: Mike Bowman, Director, Facilities, Environmental and Safety, LCBO

Retailer Directors returning to the Board include:

§  Director: Steve Andrews, Sr. Regional Facilities Manager, Walmart, Inc.

§  Director: Neil Butler, LEED Green Associate

Two Supplier Board members were elected, one for a three-year term, and one supplier alternate, elected to a one-year term. Newly elected supplier directors include:

·       Director: Grant Baecker, President, Authority HVAC

·       Supplier Alternate: Kim Goei, COO, Fexa

Supplier Directors returning to the Board include:

§  Director: Tom Buiocchi, CEO, ServiceChannel

§  Director: Chris Slocum, Founder, Chief Customer Officer, Cornell Storefront Systems, Inc.

April 30, 2019 – DALLAS, TX  After almost 25 years, the Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association (PRSM), the authority on retail, multi-site facilities management, has rebranded and is now Connex. The rebranding announcement was made today to record-setting crowd, by Bill Yanek, Connex CEO, during the Connex2019 National Conference being held in the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center, Denver, CO.

 

“The essence of PRSM membership is connecting members to: their industry peers, knowledge and resources.” said Yanek.  “Our new name, Connex, recognizes that benefit and provides us a strategic platform for future growth.”

 

Myriah Kingen, Connex new Board Chair and Director, Facilities, Davita Kidney Care, emphasized how the new brand positions the association for the future. “The retail industry is evolving rapidly and Connex is now empowered to embrace that evolution and expand into other facilities management markets. We appreciate and applaud the vision of the PRSM founders 25 years ago and we believe this new brand positions us well for the next 25 years.”

 

The new Connex brand was developed through extensive member surveys and industry research. The Connex Board of Directors hired Dallas-based, Agency Creative to lead the six-month long rebranding process. “The Multi-Site Facilities Network” is the tagline selected to accompany the new logo and highlights the association’s new emphasis on a broader retail marketplace.  

 

Connex empowers retail and multi-site industry facilities management professionals with best practices, benchmarking, education, discussion forums and trusted partnerships. Chartered in 1995, and with almost 1,000-member companies, the Connex community values are founded on a spirit of innovation, resourcefulness, the quest for knowledge and ethical business relationships.

 

About Connex

Connex, the authority on retail and multi-site facilities management, is the leading membership organization for multi-site facilities and supplier professionals. Connex empowers multi-site industry facilities management professionals with best practices, benchmarking, education, discussion forums and trusted partnerships. Chartered in 1995, and with almost 1,000-member companies, the Connex community values are founded on a spirit of innovation, resourcefulness, the quest for knowledge and ethical business relationships. Members depend upon Connex to help them achieve greater success and a competitive advantage through quality programs and resources.  Visit connexfm.com for more information.

PRSM retailers use the Online Buyers Guide to find the suppliers they need. PRSM has developed a new, robust online Buyers Guide and every PRSM supplier must update their profile on the new Buyers Guide to appear in search results. Supplier categories from the old online Buyers Guide have not been transferred to the new Buyers Guide. Suppliers must update their profile to appear in search results.

The online Buyers Guide enables retailers to quickly search for a specific need and receive targeted, accurate results. Plus, the new Buyers Guide provides suppliers multiple ways to promote their company and services.

PRSM suppliers should contact Mohanna Sales representatives at advertising@prsm.com to update their Buyers Guide profile. This will include: contact information, services provided, products sold, etc. Mohanna will explain how suppliers can easily upload additional information, add photos and even create a micro website inside the PRSM Buyers Guide.

When a supplier has set up a profile on the Buyers Guide, they can easily login anytime to make updates, load photos or add news announcements to their profile.

“We have worked with the PRSM Sourcing Committee to develop the new Buyers Guide,” said Bruce Condit, PRSM’s VP of Marketing and Communications. “Retail Procurement executives, along with PRSM suppliers on the committee, worked to develop a category structure that will deliver highly accurate results and allow retailers to download lists of suppliers generated by a search.”

However, Condit explained further, the accuracy of the Buyers Guide is dependent upon suppliers updating and maintaining their Buyers Guide profiles. “Every PRSM supplier needs to contact Mohanna to update their profile and to learn about other features in the Buyers Guide,” Condit said.

The PRSM Sourcing Committee will make a presentation about the new Buyers Guide, in the Exhibit Hall at PRSM2019 National Conference, Tuesday, April 30 at 4 P.M. The presentation will demonstrate how retailers can use the Buyers Guide and how suppliers can enhance their profiles to reach out to retailers and provide more information than ever before.