"Back to School" with IFMA Boston chapter

Another summer comes quietly to a close. This year, our sunny months came on the heels of the Boston Marathon tragedy and many of us spent those days regrouping from an event that challenged our city, in a very emotional, powerful way. On so many levels, that moment in history united us all somehow and in doing so, reminded us of what was truly important. We continue to be Boston Strong. But the summer of 2013 was not for naught. It was clear that our economy was on the rise and it felt as though almost every business experienced a surge in activity. For the first time, in a very long time, it was plainly clear that everyone was "busy." Metaphorically, the Red Sox also rebounded - and evolved into a team that dazzled us all. At this writing, Fenway Nation is all fingers crossed, that our boys of summer will make it to the playoffs and bring home another World Series ring again this year. The Rose Kennedy Greenway finally nears its long awaited completion - an urban marvel that has been decades in the making. The landscaping is now beginning to show its full splendor and the waterfront in Boston has come alive with activity. I smile as I imagine the lines of toddlers waiting to straddle the giant "lobstah" on the coolest carousel ever! But as the autumn rolls in, and the chill returns to the air, our eyes now focus on getting "back to work." Rest assured IFMA Boston is working tirelessly to deliver a spectacular fall season of programs and events. All of our committees; education, career development, programs - are actively in the planning trenches now - waiting. September is not just the moment of truth for the dozen or so mayoral candidates of Boston hoping to inherit Menino's corner office - it is also the highly awaited Open House event at Liberty Mutual' s shining new building in the Back Bay. To follow that, will be presentations on IPD in health care, an overview of Boston's Innovation Lab, a snapshot into the new micro apartments and a tour of a real functioning movie studio! Many of IFMA Boston members are now making their October plans for IFMA's World Workplace in Philadelphia. This annual conference always draws a large crowd of members from our chapter and that contingency manages to mix just enough business with pleasure to come out on the other side have made extraordinary business and personal relationships along the way. If you have never been, you should come rub elbows at our Conference mixer here in Boston on September 18th. Don't feel badly if you don't get all the real facts... (What happens at World Workplace STAYS at World Workplace!) So, as we pack up the flip flops and put away the sun block, we can at least look ahead to a fall and winter that will be packed with some informational, entertaining and exciting events. And we genuinely look forward to having you along for the ride! Joe Flynn, CFM, LEED AP is the 2013 IFMA Boston president,Boston, Mass.