Presidents message: Upcoming chapter events

I am sure you are all preparing for 'SuperBowl Sunday' and I am hoping that our guys can win a 4th championship. Boston is really where it is happening right now and I like to think our chapter and its offerings is at an all time high for both participation and quality. As witnessed by our recent "Sustaining Sustainability" event, hosted by Bentley College. We had 247 registrants with a further 15 walk-ins on the day. Speakers included Ian Bowles, from the Mass. governors office, Michael DellaBarba from EH&E, Michael Crowley and Jaclyn Olsen from the Harvard Green Campus Initiative and Alan Whitson, the president of Corporate Realty, Design & Management Institution.  All well versed and entertaining on their subject matter and the different aspects of the "green tidal wave" that is sweeping through our industry.  Their presentations will be made available on our website ifmaboston.com  The keynote speaker was Gloria Cordes Larson, the president of Bentley College. Listening to her talk about the interest and concern of their student body, it is evident that this issue is one the most important trends in our industry and there is a genuine thirst for information and how to justify to senior managers and the bean counters the ROI within a sustainability framework.  I would like to thank our "green steering committee who coordinated the event but most especially Richard Christiano and John Fortin for their leadership and guidance. It is my hope that IFMA Boston will become more involved in policy decisions, working with the state and the mayor's office's especially in this area. Future programs include; February 7th, Generations at Work: How do you plan for a workforce that spans four generations? The presenter is John Curry of Steelcase.  That same morning our education committee has a program called Financial Modeling: The secret to getting projects approved.  More on the fun side on February 5th, our chapter will host a Fat Tuesday event in honor of winning the large chapter of the year award at IFMA's World Workplace in New Orleans last October.  The event is to be held at the new Hard Rock Cafe, Fanueil Hall, the good times will begin at 6 p.m. through to 10 p.m. (officially).  Admission is free to IFMA members and $75 for non members. As you can see just from that week, we cater to everyone whether you are seeking opportunity in education and training, professional development, networking with your peers or just having a good time after a tough day at work. Sean Murphy is the president of the Boston chapter of IFMA, Boston, Mass.