IFMA Boston's winning team earning the Chapter of the Year International Award

What a season this has been! Among Boston's greats, the Boston chapter of IFMA is another winning team, winning the Chapter of the Year International Award, at World Workplace 2007 in New Orleans. When we found out we were to be this year's recipients, we on the board were more than honored. We were humbled, because we know that in order to qualify for this prestigious award, we had to acknowledge 2 things: it was only possible through our teamwork, and it was only possible because the rest of the chapter operates as a team as well. The Boston chapter won this Award once before, in 2001. As we received that award, it was a sobering experience. In the days post-September 11, celebration was less of a concern than sticking together. We've come so far since that time. After winning Chapter of the Year, we held a "Fat Tuesday" celebration Mardi Gras style, at the new Hard Rock Café, in acknowledgement of our members, sponsors, and all they do for the chapter. This event was a huge success, with over 250 in attendance to help us to acknowledge our successes as a team. We thank those who turned out for their great good cheer and congratulations, and we return those good wishes a hundred times over. 2007 was quite a year for the Boston chapter, culminating with the Chapter of the Year Award in October. As you read the achievements cited below, remember that the achievement of which we are most proud is that we have built a community. We share ideas, best practices, successes and challenges, and support one another through professional and personal ups and downs as a family does. We offer testimonials of the value that IFMA has provided us, and are willing to open ourselves to share our personal experiences with the chapter as evidence of the value of getting involved, and staying involved. We have taken the time and put forth the effort to get to really know our membership, and we help each other to grow and succeed every day. We deliver a consistent message to build one's network of professional contacts, as this investment pays off a thousand fold when one needs the help and support of our fellow IFMA members. The Boston chapter is truly a wonderful place to spend one's time and energy. The Boston chapter has been recognized for: * Highest membership since 2001; continued consistent growth of 10-12% every year since 2004. * Last year, more than 2,500 people attended IFMA events * Increased focus on community activities, with significant contributions to charitable organizations: The Jimmy Fund, ALS TDI, Greater Boston Food Bank, and the SPARK Center at Boston Medical Center * Public recognition of members' professional achievements * Better branding and new website launch in March 2008 * Recognition at International level as industry thought leaders * Strong strategic plan and succession plan in place to ensure future * Programs and education at no or low cost to members * Focus on industry hot topics with outreach to governmental agencies and leading institutions * Benchmarking and best practices sharing with other large chapters * Strong positive relationships between professional and associate members Looking back, we recognize that all the challenges we've faced are nothing compared to the opportunity they have created. Cheers to all of our members, and thank you for being part of and allowing us to be part of this winning team. Sean Murphy is president, Boston chapter IFMA, and senior construction project manager for Liberty Mutual. In collaboration with IFMA (International Facilities Management Assn.) Bostons board of directors 2007-08: Kathryn Thibeault, CFM, president elect; Lori Stewart Coletti, CFM, past president, Thomas Smart, V.P. membership and special events; Alicia Dernier, CFM, treasurer; Judy Lynn Monaco, V.P. information and communication; Linda Sullivan, V.P. education; Jessamine Wigfall, CFM, V.P. activities.