September President’s Message

Hello IFMA-GTC Members,

It’s hard to believe it’s already September! With the kids heading back to school, it feels like a great time for us to get back to our own “studies” and reconnect with our chapter community. We’ve got a fantastic lineup of events to help you do just that.

But first, a nod to August’s HVAC panel at our monthly meeting; it was a breath of fresh air. 😀 Big thanks to all who attended, asked questions, and participated on the panel. If you have ideas for future panel discussions or educational sessions, please reach out!

Next, the biggest event in our industry is this month: IFMA World Workplace 2025. This is our chance to head to Minneapolis from September 17-19 to get a masterclass in facility management. It’s a great opportunity to learn, network, and see the latest innovations that are shaping our profession. Think of it as our chance to hit the books and come back smarter. I’ll be there, so please link up with me if you’re attending. And if you mention that you read this message, your drink is on me!

And for those facility managers who prefer a more local event, mark your calendars for September 10th for our Tour and Social from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm at Spark Life Science. This is a great opportunity to explore a new facility and connect with your fellow members in a relaxed setting.  This tour is almost sold out!

On September 11th, we’re partnering with the Boys and Girls Club for an Opportunity Resource Fair from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This is our chance to give back to the community and help the next generation get a great start. IFMA will have a table there to share what it’s like to work in FM and encourage our next generation of tradespeople and FMs to join our community!

Next, we have the 2025 CRE Raleigh Joint Networking Event on September 25. It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up with colleagues and build new relationships right here in our community. Let’s make sure we show up strong and represent IFMA-GTC! (Note our table will have candy!)

Future events in 2025 include Bowling for Bones in October, Coffee and Credentials in November, and our Annual Membership Appreciation event. Stay tuned for more info!

I’m looking forward to seeing you all at these events. Let’s make this a productive and exciting “school year” together. And finally, If you are interested in helping our chapter grow and add new members, here’s how you can help:

  • Volunteer with the Membership Committee, which is looking for members and leadership!
  • Bring along a potential member to any event and encourage them to join
  • Share your feedback (the good, the bad, the ugly – we want to hear it all!)

See you around campus!

Tatyana (Tanya) Blankenship, CFM, MBA, PMP, ASQ-CQA

President, IFMA-GTC