Issue link: http://digital.corporatepress.com/i/445610
Facilities Manager | january/february 2015 | 49 The feedback has been extremely positive, leading us to expand the pro- gram. With two more sessions com- pleted, the desire to participate contin- ues to grow. More than 70 individuals have passed the exam so far, and I have requests for another session. "This training validates what I think we already know, that OPP comprises extremely bright, knowledgeable, and qualified professionals," said Flynn. "The credentialing demonstrates the individual's and OPP's commitment to the institution and the profession." BUILDING RESPECT AND CAMARADERIE Overall, both the knowledge and team building aspects have been tremendously successful. Respect for others' skill sets and challenges have improved greatly, but so has the sense of camaraderie among the employees. "The biggest thing I learned wasn't necessarily course content, but the six weeks we spent together over lunch learning the material together," said Beth Clark, budget analyst. "It's great that we have all been successful, but I think the best outcome was the sense of camaraderie that was built among the people who went through it." Ultimately, this is not the only and final answer to the challenge, but I can say without equivocation that if man- aged effectively, the CEFP and EFP certification can serve as an effective tool to improve team building, professional development, and overall morale. Steve Maruszewski (sxm37@psu.edu) is the assistant vice president, and Susan Bed- sworth (sbj5001@psu.edu) is the marketing and communications coordinator, for Penn State's Office of Physical Plant, University Park, PA. This is their first article for Facilities Manager. To learn more about APPA's certification program, visit credentialing.appa.org. GILSULATE ® 500XR The global economy and environmental demands have dramatically impacted the energy genera- tion and distribution marketplace trifold. Owners are experiencing the skyrocketing maintenance and operating costs coupled with dwindling budg- ets; Gilsulate ® 500XR is the proven solution. Gilsulate ® 500XR offers a multitude of benefits with key points such as: long-term reliability, no maintenance system, superior BTU reductions, cost-effectiveness, flexibility, simplistic design & installation making it the overall value and choice owners are seeking today! GILSULATE ® 500XR Gilsulate International Incorporated • 800-833-3881 • 661-799-3881 • www.gilsulate.com IT'S TIME TO MAKE THE CHANGE! IT'S TIME TO MAKE THE CHANGE! US PATENT 4,231,884 UNDERGROUND CONTROLLED DENSITY INSULATING FILL and CORROSION PROTECTION SYSTEM THERMAL ENERGY CORP (TECO) CHP EXPANSION PROJECT GILSULATE ® 500XR HAS BEEN THE SYSTEM INSULATING/PROTECTING TECO' S STEAM/COND./PUMP COND. FOR 25 YEARS! "FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION FOR TECO. " NATIONAL CENTER THERAPEUTICS MANUFACTURING - TEXAS A&M 24 " HDPE CWSR INSULATED WITH GILSULATE ® 500XR. A&M' S CAMPUS DISTRIBUTION MASTER PLAN FOR CWSR/HWSR RECENTLY CHANGED FROM PIP TO GILSULATE ® 500XR. "OVERALL I HAVE A BETTER APPRECIATION FOR HOW DIFFERENT AREAS OF OPP WORK." – Madeline Cantu