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2024 President’s Message

Posted by [email protected] on Jan. 8, 2024  /  Subscribe 0

Dear Colleagues

As we begin this New Year 2024, I am very happy for the opportunity to bring greetings and best wishes to TTIFMA members, associates, volunteers, and supporters.

Over the past year, TTIFMA has successfully undertaken several initiatives to increase member and supporter engagement, share the benefits of IFMA credentials, and increase TTIFMA’s presence in the industry. Our approach involved utilizing our social media platforms, chapter meetings, events (tours), and media presence.  Specifically, we were able to successfully host 5 facility tours, 2 Chapter Meetings, 2 Information sessions for credential training, completed 2 FMP training programs, participated in 2 television interviews to promote TTIFMA, and represented at local, regional, and international meetings and conferences, including IFMA’s World Workplace 2023 and launched our new website https://ttifma.org/. 

Through these initiatives, we have seen notable increases in interest in the Association, experienced membership growth, and steady support of participation at our events. We welcome all new and returning members and look forward to those of you who will be joining TTIFMA for training and other event activities during this year.  In case you missed it, please review our upcoming events calendar for the period January 2024 to March 2024. 

It’s a great time to be a part of the dynamic profession that is facility management.  Technology and organizations are constantly evolving and with it FM innovations and operations. I see FM as a global movement that brings all aspects of an organization’s operation into an organized, efficient, adaptable, safe, and sustainable environment. The practice and practitioners of FM are far more advanced than in times gone by and must evolve and be ready to keep up with industry and environmental changes.  

Much more research is being undertaken in the FM industry, to benefit the wider built environment and varying organizational needs. Along with these developments, are the increased avenues and opportunities for FM professionals and persons involved in the built environment to upskill themselves, keep current with industry trends and technology, and access real-time networks to share and receive FM advice. IFMA has no shortage of these avenues such as its Research and Benchmarking portal, Knowledge Library, FMJ Magazine, International Conferences, numerous webinars, IFMA engage, and many other avenues.

At this juncture, I also make special mention and send words of encouragement to our female FM practitioners. Please, continue breaking the ‘glass ceiling’ which can sometimes perceive the FM profession as one ‘mainly’ for men. In a previous IFMA webinar, it was noted that there were very few women practicing in the FM industry. If your passion and drive for FM is there, don’t let anyone or any obstacle deter you from pressing forward to achieve and surpass your goals. The avenues available to grow in the industry are there for everyone, let’s keep it gender-blind by demonstrating our competency and skills.

As well, our budding FM professionals in Universities and other training institutions, you are not left out. IFMA has made provision for you to participate and start your career path as early as possible. Here’s what!!….right now IFMA is offering a FREE STUDENT MEMBERSHIP sign-up between January 15^th to 31, 2024, to new or existing student members, who are enrolled in a full-time program. Scan the QR code at the end of the message to sign up.  You can qualify for 1 year free base membership and access 30+ membership benefits. 

Student membership is highly encouraged by IFMA and I recommend that you keep up with our local website and IFMA's global website to reap the benefits that become available from time to time.  This is a great opportunity to start your FM career path.

In 2024, TTIFMA will proudly celebrate its 15^th Anniversary as a Chapter in Trinidad and Tobago. This is indeed a great testament to the organization’s value, resilience, and relevance to the industry.  With 15 years of longevity well under its belt, I believe that TTIFMA is well poised to solidify its position as the leading authority for facility management in the country and by extension the region. However, TTIFMA could not have made it this far if not for the continued support of its members, supporters, and volunteers. I am also grateful to IFMA Headquarters for providing all necessary resources, training, and amenities to allow us to grow and share the vast benefits available from IFMA.

As we begin this New Year, let’s maximize our collective efforts in promoting FM as a profession of choice, while we continue to shine and be the cornerstone of our organizations.  I encourage all members, potential members, and supporters alike to continue engaging with and supporting TTIFMA.  Your tangible involvement, effort, and input into the Chapter will help it develop, stay relevant, and become an FM powerhouse in the industry.  You can do so by supporting committees, assisting with event planning, submitting articles, and various other avenues to help bolster TTIFMA's presence and brand.

I am truly looking forward to engaging with all members, supporters, and stakeholders in this upcoming year. This year proposes to be quite eventful and the Board and I look forward to supporting and engaging with all of you as we move forward

Be safe everyone and let's continue to make a difference.

Best regards

Cindy Guevara | President 

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