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PrsM2015 National Conference More than 2,000 Professionals Celebrate 20 Years of Collaborating, Contributing and Connecting!

2015-2016 PRSM President Bryan Walker of The Container Store Welcomes Attendees

Although it’s not the only highlight in the asso-ciation’s calendar year, our National Conference unites a large portion of the retail facilities com-munity to discuss business and share solutions to common issues. I trust you feel the same way.

If you, like me, were one of the 500 retailer mem-bers in attendance, the opportunity to network with your peers was matched only by the scope and breadth of the supplier partners who were there, hoping for the opportunity to meet with us

and learn about our needs. There were more than 350 vendors on the exhibit hall floor this year, and I’ll bet one or more were able to help you with your problems and challenges.

My colleagues on the PRSM Board of Directors elected me as the associa-tion’s leader for the year, and I am honored and sincerely appreciate the trust they’ve placed in me. Please reach out to me, whenever you believe I may be able to personally assist you throughout this year.

PRSM’s theme this year is “Elevate Your Game.” I think this is a great follow-up to Kirk’s urging us to “Be Great,” and it aligns perfectly with my passion for elevating the role of the Facilities Management Professional within their organizations and elevating the FM industry as a whole.

This is a time of great change, not only in our industry, but in the business world and the entire world around us. I remember, not too long ago, discussing the fact that the millennial generation – those born between 1980 and 1997 – were “coming” … were “on the way” to joining us in the professional workplace.

Well folks, the millennial generation isn’t coming, it’s here. The oldest millennials turn 35 this year, and their generation is becoming an increas-ing force in the business world and in the FM industry. In fact, according to Pew Research, the millennial generation will surpass the baby boomers in population this year.

What this means for the way we manage our store FM needs is still being defined, but one thing is certain: Understanding the new generation and their needs, wants and communication styles is essential to ensuring that there’s a seamless transition as those of us baby boomers and Gen-Xers gradually pass the torch on to those who will follow.

As I myself get nearer to retirement, I ask myself the question, “What are we leaving them as our legacy?” Well, as PRSM celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year – and looks forward to the next 20 – I think we can all be proud of how far we’ve come, and the path we’ve laid out for the future.

Throughout the coming year, you’ll see PRSM members collaborating, connecting and contributing to the process by which we stay educated — through webinars, white papers, Best Practices and Professional Retail Store Maintenance magazine to help us stay equipped when duty calls.

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rejuvenates the retail industryMore than 2,000 Professionals Celebrate 20 Years of Collaborating, Contributing and Connecting!

Farewell from Immediate Past President, Kirk Beaudoin, adidas America, Inc.

What an incredible National Conference, and a wonderful oppor-tunity to celebrate PRSM’s 20th Anniversary! This was one of the most enjoyable conferences I have attended, and I hope you enjoyed the show as well.

As I pass the gavel on to President Bryan Walker, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge some people for their efforts.

To my fellow members of the 2014-2015 Board of Directors, the Governance Task Force, my Advisory Committee, and espe-cially Patricia Dameron and the entire PRSM staff: Thank you all! I’d also like to thank the leadership at adidas, Nic Vu and Josh Noda, for their support and allowing me the time required to serve as president. Finally, thank you to Danny Giesbrecht (my manager at the time) who provided encouragement and told me that if I didn’t run for president I would regret it later, and I’m very glad I did.

Finally, my parents have instilled in me many values that have made me the person I am today, and I thank them for that. As I think back to my first job 30 years ago, I remember my mom telling me, “They are paying you for 100 percent, and if you don’t give them your best, give them back your paycheck because you didn’t earn it.” Though I am much older now, that little jewel has stuck with me, and it relates perfectly to the final message I shared with you during the opening session…

The difference between winning and losing, first and second place, and being good or great is not that much. We must make an extra effort to dig a little deeper in order to give our all.

It has been a tremendous honor to serve as your president this past year. I trust I have served you well. And remember, no matter what you do, don’t be good…BE GREAT!

As I shared in the opening session, our PRSM community is strong and our members are engaged. But there is always room for added contributions. Membership growth is always a focus. Members, WE NEED YOU!

If you have clients or peers who aren’t currently members, tell them about PRSM and highlight the benefits of membership. Help us continue to strive to be the “must-belong-to” association.