By Robert Fraga, FCMAA, A.I.A.

A recent survey of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Chief Operating Officers (COOs) with major property holdings revealed some startling findings:
• 50% believe that real estate and facilities are not currently well managed
• 80% want to reduce real estate and facilities costs
• 76% are seeking to reduce costs by outsourcing services to a third party
• 86% believe that real estate and facilities are essential for achieving strategic corporate objectives
• 74% do not believe they manage energy effectively
• 75% report that real estate/facilities is among the top four expense categories for their companies

By Terry Pellerin, ERAPPA Past-President

Consider making a difference and introducing Students to the world of Facilities Management. APPA has available online under Job Express the opportunity for Colleges and Universities to advertise Internship positions.
-Benefit to Students
Program would enhance a students' educational experience with real-world work experience, would develop skills and knowledge in the Facilities Career field, also increase students' educational horizons by exposing them to a professional work environment, assist in problem-solving skills by taking part in resolving specific problems/ challenges at work, lastly to help cultivate a student's self-confidence, interpersonal skills.

By Jeff Lamb, Chapter President

Last year was busy for AAPPA. The 2011 Spring Business Meeting was held on May 19-20, 2011 at Saint Mary’s University (SMU). Dr. Mark Fleming, from the Department of Psychology at SMU, gave a great presentation on “Safety Culture Improvement”. His presentation included the background and outcomes of safety culture, the maturity model (5 stages of maturity) and the role of leaders in culture improvement. The presentation was very impressive to all who attended.

By Ben Suplick - Director of Engineering and Energy Planning at the University of Pennsylvania

In 1749, Ben Franklin observed "It has long been regretted as a misfortune to the youth of this province that we have no academy in which they might receive the accomplishment of a regular education". Franklin then published an anonymous pamphlet entitled "Proposals relating to the Education of Youth in Pennsylvania". The pamphlet argued for the necessity of a college and urged concerned citizens to donate money toward its end. Then Franklin did what came naturally: he gathered up a group of his friends and did something to rectify the problem.

By Ben Suplick, Chapter President

As host chapter for the 2012 ERAPPA Conference, much of Delaware Valley APPA's focus has and will be on "holding truths and pursuing happiness" in the next year (the theme for ERAPPA 2012). The excitement surrounding the conference taking place in our home area is starting to become palpable (if not sobering).
The happenings at DVAPPA outside of the conference planning have focused on energizing our efforts to strengthen the chapter and its membership as well as offer opportunities for professional development and peer relationship building. While Membership has been challenged by the recent economic struggles, the number of member institutions and business partners remains strong. With over 250 institutional and business partner members, the chapter has a strong base of support with many long term participants.

By Arthur Walsh Manager, Administrative Services Facilities Management University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick

The University of New Brunswick has two main campuses. The principal campus was established in 1785 and is located in Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick. Its Saint John campus, located in New Brunswick's largest city, was established in 1964. UNB is among the oldest public universities in North America and the oldest English-language University in Canada.
Today UNB has more than 11,400 undergraduate and graduate students on its campuses, with our international students originating from greater than 100 countries. Through the generosity of our donors, 60% of all incoming students receive a scholarship. Our students are supported by over 2,500 faculty and staff.
UNB is home to more than 75 undergraduate and graduate programs with 14 faculties on the Fredericton and Saint John campuses. UNB's faculty of law ranks among the top five in Canada (Canadian Lawyer Magazine). In fall 2010, UNB Saint John, in partnership with Dalhousie University and the government of New Brunswick, became home to the province's first English-language medical school.