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10 | may/june 2014 | Facilities Manager executive summary executive summary A t its core, APPA is about educa- tion and professional develop- ment, whether delivered through face-to-face conferences and institutes, online learning seminars and creden- tialing programs, from committee and leadership opportunities, or information and research available at your time and place of choice. Given the difference in what membership means to each generation and the expected return it provides, APPA clearly offers an array of programs, products, and services to meet those differences head on. The op- portunities abound! APPA has impacted careers, influenced thinking, advanced research, and supported individuals and their institutions fulfill their educational mission. It's hard to imagine the sheer numbers of people APPA has touched over the past 100 years. Yet that number pales to the number we can possibly reach in the near future through the newly imple- mented Integrated Institutional Membership model. Ultimately, we are transforming individual facilities professionals into higher performing managers and leaders who, in turn, transform their institu- tions into more inviting and supportive learning environments, thereby elevating the recognition and value of educational facilities, and their direct impact on the recruitment and retention of students, faculty, and staff. That's "what" we do—our focus and di- rection, products and services—but "why" do we, collectively, do this? Without APPA and its associated regions and chapters, how well would we be able to deal with the mandates that confront us all? JUST THINK BACK… There was a time when we were just physical plant administrators—the blue- collar steam plant operators that provided heat in the winter, A/C in the summer, and electricity year-round....but that has become an outdated perception. Today, we actively manage the investment of more money every year (if not every day) than any other department on campus. That demands we be recognized and treated as professionals—leaders in edu- cation, not just buildings and grounds. NOW, FAST FORWARD TO TODAY'S NEEDS… How do we recruit and successfully hire and retain the very best? How do we stay on top of our game—knowledge- able of the latest tools, techniques, and technology? How do we continue to boost productivity in the face of dwin- dling resources? How do we get senior administrators and trustees to take our concerns seriously? How do we create a professional work environment where our people are intrinsically motivated, enjoy their work, take pride in their daily con- tributions, and feel like others notice and appreciate their efforts? Answers to these questions and more get us to the heart of "Why APPA?" SO, "WHY APPA?" What moves you? What draws you in? Is it because: • You want and need to be perceived and recognized as a professional? Seems practically impossible without some form of validation of the profession by a larger body of professionals, a richer network beyond ourselves and our institutions alone. • You want and need to have a seat at the decision-making table; hence, real influence? We need to convey the message that we do not reside strictly on the expenditure side of the ledger. Truly effective educational facilities professionals are in the cost avoidance business. Institutions will live with the decisions they make regarding the built environment for decades. • You recognize that "deferred profes- sional development" is a plight more dangerous than "deferred main- tenance?" Deferred professional development looks like a frustrated workforce that exhibits low morale, low self-esteem, and a loss of respect, is full of cynicism, and uses ineffective tools, techniques, and practices. Yet, an investment in professional develop- ment can ward off and prevent these toxic workplace conditions. It can recharge and reenergize, instill hope through exposure to new ideas, tech- niques, tools, and provide a supporting structure in the form of networked re- lationships. Remember, "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." Where else but International APPA, its regions and chapters, would you amass Why APPA? By E. Lander Medlin and Glenn Smith executive summary