First – There are two chances to support the SkillsUSA Georgia Conference that will be occurring on Feb. 19-20 at the GWCC and Omni Hotel.

1. The FACILITHON: Leadership in Facility Management Competition that is run through SkillsUSA will be held on Feb. 20 at the Omni Hotel starting with orientation at 7:30 AM. We need judges and other supporters to make this a success. A few things have changed since last year. Virtual judges training will be held on Feb. 1 from 7:00 – 8:00 PM. Let me know by email if you would like to participate in this training and I will make sure that you receive a calendar invitation.

Information on how to sign up as a judge is in this note from SkillsUSA below:

“Our goal is to ensure every competitor is evaluated by outstanding professionals, and we consider you to be among the best Georgia has to offer. It would be our honor if you would serve as a Leadership Competition judge and help provide students the opportunity to demonstrate their skills at this exceptional event. A brief description of each competition is available in the  SkillsUSA Georgia Leadership Competitions document.

If you are able to assist, please click here, complete all required fields, and submit the form by January 30, 2026, if possible. Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation email summarizing your responses and competition selections for your records. You will be contacted by February 11, 2026, with your final schedule and all necessary judging details.”

2. IFMA Atlanta is presenting a panel discussion to talk about some of the varied career paths that can lead to Facility Management on February 19 from 10:00 AM – 12:45 PM. If you’re interested in participating you can find general information and the sign-up form here: https://forms.gle/AS98heb8B3aHB5Uw8

Second – We have an opportunity to support the Gwinnett Science, Engineering + Innovation Fair that is coming up on Feb 27. This is where young innovators showcase projects that shape tomorrow’s world.

The theme of the event this year is “Building the Future One Project at a Time” and there are 2 ways that you can help.

1. As a speaker or part of our panel discussion – We are looking for S.T.E.M. professionals who can share their experiences in the field of Facility Management and how you got into this exciting and challenging career.

We will be speaking in the afternoon from 12:55- 2:50 PM. See the Gwinnett Science, Engineering + Innovation Fair Website and go to the “Speakers” dropdown for more information about this opportunity and the application to become a speaker. Please let me know if you sign up to participate to help track our involvement.

2. As a Judge – Judges review student project presentations and interview students. Judges will be assigned projects based on their area of expertise.

Judging for High School will be in the morning from 7:30 AM -12:15 PM

See the Gwinnett Science, Engineering + Innovation Fair Website and go to the “Judging” dropdown, then click on “Become a Judge” for the judges application or see this link:

https://gwinnettsciencefair.com/judging. Please let me know if you sign up to participate to help track our involvement.

Thank you for all that you do to promote the Facility Management Profession and to bring on the next generation of Facility Managers.

Ken Stephenson – RCFM

The post Two Upcoming Opportunities- SkillsUSA Georgia State Leadership and Skills Conference and Gwinnett County Public Schools Science, Engineering + Innovation Fair appeared first on Atlanta Chapter of the International Facility Management Association.

This survey captures current compensation and benefits trends across Facility Management (FM) and related professions. Your participation helps benchmark global salary data, inform recruitment and retention strategies, and guide workforce planning across the FM community.

The survey takes about 17 minutes to complete, and you can pause and return later if needed. All responses are confidential and reported only in aggregate. Learn more about data security and compliance here.

As a thank-you, participants who complete the survey will receive a complimentary copy of the final report.

️ Survey closes January 16.
Click Here to Start Survey

Please also consider sharing the message below with your FM colleagues to help expand the insights we collect across the industry.

You can view the previous edition of the report here.

The post Do you have a few minutes? – IFMA Global FM Compensation Survey appeared first on Atlanta Chapter of the International Facility Management Association.

The Electrical Systems and Sustainability Summer Camp, sponsored by Metropower and Georgia Tech, is designed for high school students from low-income families, offering enrollment for just $20. The program promotes career paths in electrical trades and trade schools, providing accessible opportunities for students who might not otherwise have such experiences.

Launched in 2024, the camp initially welcomed 12 students. This year, it grew to 22 participants and was supported by the IFMA Foundation which assisted with academic planning including guest speakers and site visits. The two-week program educates students on electrical systems in residential buildings, covering wiring, troubleshooting, using electrical diagrams, and concepts of sustainability, green buildings, and trade school career options.

This year, with additional support from IFMA Atlanta and USGBC, the camp increased its Facility Management (FM) content from 20% to 40%. New programming introduced students to FM as a career, including roles, responsibilities, and building certification systems like LEED, alongside lessons on green building and sustainability. Construction Ready, a key supporter, exposed students to SkillsUSA, emphasizing trades and trade school opportunities.

For 2026 I aim to increase FM content to 50%, dedicating an entire week to Facility Management. This expansion will require additional financial sponsorship. Metropower, encouraged by the camp’s success over the past two years, is open to collaborating on this initiative. A 50% FM focus could serve as a pilot for a dedicated FM summer camp in the future, pending evaluation of its impact on students.

The post The Electrical Systems and Sustainability Summer Camp appeared first on Atlanta Chapter of the International Facility Management Association.

As I proudly wrap up my second year as President, I want to take a moment to extend my most heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you. Together, we have not only sustained our mission—we’ve elevated it!

Over the past two years, our chapter has seen remarkable growth and extraordinary progress. Here are some key accomplishments we’ve made as a Chapter:

• We’ve welcomed an increased number of members, including more professionals holding key industry credentials—demonstrating our strength, credibility, and commitment to excellence.
• Associate membership has grown, bringing fresh perspectives and new energy into our community.
• Engagement has never been higher, with enthusiastic participation at all levels and record-breaking turnouts across the board.
• Our events consistently sold out, including the Golf Classic, AWP, sponsor events, educational luncheons, and our unforgettable holiday party.
• Our business partnerships have bounced back to pre-COVID levels, reinforcing the trust and value that our organization provides.
• We proudly renewed our CEU certification, continuing our dedication to professional development and educational standards.
• We actively collaborated with other chapters across the country, exchanging ideas and best practices that are shaping our shared future.
• We have strengthened our bottom line through fiscal responsibility and allowed our chapter to provider more opportunities to grow and reward our members.
• We’ve created a scholarship program for members to apply and offset the costs to obtain the CFM, FMP, and SFP designations.
• We have forged new relationships with local schools, trade schools and government offices.
• We have begun working with IFMA International to develop a Government Affairs committee to help guide and contribute to the state of Georgia and how the FM industry can impact future decisions and changes.

This momentum didn’t happen by accident. It happened because of you—your time, your energy, your effort, and most of all, your dedication to our Chapter!

Because of your commitment and your belief in our shared purpose, we have been recognized as one of the leading chapters in the country. Our partnerships with SkillsUSA and the FM Pipeline are helping us shape the next generation of leaders, solidifying our role as a driving force in the future of our industry. I welcome all of you to join us at these events and help encourage the future generations to join us as we continue to shape the future of the FM industry.

It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as your President, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to bring our vision to life. Thank you for allowing that vision to become reality and thank you for investing so fully in this organization—your passion has built something powerful!

As we look ahead, I am filled with pride, gratitude, and an unstoppable excitement for the future and how our organization will continue to lead in all aspects. The last two years have laid a strong foundation, and I truly believe we are only just beginning. The next decade holds boundless potential—and together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve together!

With sincere appreciation,
Trenton C. Patterson, CFM, FMP, SFP
President, IFMA Atlanta

The post Dear IFMA Atlanta Members and Business Partners appeared first on Atlanta Chapter of the International Facility Management Association.

Good day IFMA Atlanta,

We’re thrilled to invite you to be part of the 2025 National Facilithon Competition, taking place this June 24-27 during SkillsUSA’s National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) at the Georgia World Congress Center. As our signature event continues to expand—now with student competitors representing 17 states—the need for dedicated, knowledgeable volunteers like you has never been greater.

Facilithon, powered by FM Pipeline Team, Inc., is the only national competition introducing high school and post-secondary students to the world of Facility Management. This year’s growth reflects just how essential our mission has become—and we need your help to deliver an unforgettable experience for every participant.

Why Volunteer?
You’ll be helping to shape the future of an emerging, high-demand profession while representing an industry that powers every sector of the built environment. From judging and interview stations to orientation and support roles, every volunteer makes a meaningful impact. Students love to meet and be inspired by real professionals in this field.

Important Note on Registration
Unless you plan to judge a competition other than participating with the FMPipeline Team, please sign up through FM Pipeline Team’s official volunteer portal. This allows us to schedule you accurately based on your availability, role preference, and area of expertise. It also ensures you receive the detailed instructions and competition materials that SkillsUSA does not provide. Once registered, we’ll handle your NLSC badge and make sure you have everything you need in a timely manner.

Sign Up Here: https://fmpipeline.org/2025-national-facilithon-event-volunteering/

Thank you in advance for your continued support of our mission to Engage, Enlighten, and Energize the Next Generation of Facility Management  professionals. If you have any questions about the competition or roles available, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Ken Stephenson, CFM – IFMA Atlanta

Suzanne Haerther, USGBC
Carolyn McGary, CFM, CFT, ProFM
National Director, FM Pipeline Team, Inc

The post SkillsUSA National Conference appeared first on Atlanta Chapter of the International Facility Management Association.

The following people helped in multiple ways to make this event a success.

FACILITHON CONTEST JUDGES

Cheryl Waybright

Clara Smith

William Broome

NON-FACILITHON CONTEST JUDGES

LaLarry Anderson

Lyle Gladney

Rebecca Lopez

FACILITHON BOOTH

Suzanne Haerther – USGBC

Samuel Amponsah

Lyle Gladney

Martha Pacini – Leo A Daly

Candace Hight

Marwan Shager – Georgia Tech

INDUSTRY SPEAKER SERIES

Lyle Gladney

Suzanne Haerther – USGBC

Samuel Amponsah

I also want to thank IFMA Atlanta and Belfor Property Restoration for financial support of this event.

All of these contributions will help to bring on the next generation of Facility Managers.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Ken Stephenson CFM

IFMA Atlanta

Facilithon Georgia State Champion

The post Thank you Note to IFMA Atlanta Facilithon Volunteers appeared first on Atlanta Chapter of the International Facility Management Association.

The IFMA Community Service Committee is encouraging all to participate in a Gift Card Drive for Rescuing Hope. Rescuing Hope is a non-profit organization that fights against sex trafficking in Atlanta by educating first responders and providing support to survivors. Our committee goal is to donate a total of 30 gift cards to Rescuing Hope.  These gift cards will be presented to survivors as they meet their individualized plans and education goals.  We are collecting gift cards from Walmart, Kroger, Visa, MasterCard, and QuickTrip in the amounts of $25, $50, and $100.  As of today, we have reached half of our IFMA goal, having received 15 gift cards. A big thank you to all who have donated!  

To learn more about Rescuing Hope, please visit their website at https://www.rescuinghope.com/.

Collection Date:  March 6^th, 2025 – Drop-offs at Atlanta Workplace

Secondary Collection date: March 26^th, 2025 at the IFMA Spring Golf Classic

If you would prefer to make a online donation, Rescuing Hope has given us the option to use their donation page https://www.rescuinghope.com/donate/ . In the comments section add “IFMA Atlanta Gift Card Drive”.

The post IFMA Gift Card Drive – Halfway to Goal! appeared first on Atlanta Chapter of the International Facility Management Association.

I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays and was able to relax and spend time with family in between the chaos of work and responsibilities. 2024 was an amazing year with 2025 shaping up to be even better! We have the best members, associates, and business partners in the state and together we will see tremendous growth and opportunities this year.

Now let’s get to the next item on the agenda….The Spring Golf Classic!

We are returning to Bear’s Best this year and expect an amazing outing and networking opportunities for everyone to enjoy! We have some new ideas to incorporate from our last outing which will help navigate the course for sponsors and make the outing more enjoyable. I’m excited to get out in the warmer weather and the outing is right before Master’s week so you can get your swing and clubs warmed up before you visit Augusta!”

The link is below so you can register your team and also view the sponsorship opportunities if not already a Business Partner.

Spring Golf Classic 2025 – Atlanta Chapter of the International Facility Management Association

See you all Soon!

Trenton Patterson

IFMA Atlanta President

The post Happy New Year IFMA Family, appeared first on Atlanta Chapter of the International Facility Management Association.

They work with trade associations including Associated General Contractors of Georgia (AGC Georgia) and Construction Ready to do this. AGC members work with students in the classroom then hold competitions in various construction trades in Regional competitions around the state.

The Regional winners then compete in state level competitions that are run in the SkillsUSA Georgia Conference Construction Expo.

The competitors at the state level have opportunities to demonstrate their skills, network and meet prospective employers. Companies who participate in the Expo get to see the students at work.

The FMPipeline Team (a 501C3 nonprofit corporation) runs the Facility Management Competition called FACILITHON as part of the SkillsUSA GA Conference and will have a booth in the Construction Expo on February 20-21, 2025, all at the Georgia World Congress Center. IFMA Atlanta is supporting this effort and needs two things from our membership:

1. People to help staff the booth during the competition.
2. Funding to defray the cost of the booth ($1,000) or to sponsor prizes for the FACILITHON competitors. This can be done by sending a check with memo “for SkillsUSA Georgia Facilithon Support” to:

FM Pipeline Team, Inc.

6107 South Ct.

McFarland, WI 53558

In addition to the opportunity to see the competitors at work, companies who provide people or funding will be recognized at the booth and volunteers will have the opportunity to talk with advisors and parents of the students.

The Expo is not open to the public, so take advantage of this opportunity to spend some time with your fellow IFMA Atlanta members and the next generation of FM.

Please let me know if you will be able to help in any way.

Ken Stephenson- Academic Relations Committee

The post AN INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SKILLSUSA GEORGIA CONSTRUCTION EXPO appeared first on Atlanta Chapter of the International Facility Management Association.

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