BOMA Greater Hartford President Ron Eddy says the change fits with the greater importance more building owners and managers are placing on the competition. "That's what they expect. Generally we're trying to emphasize the prestige of winning and the buy-in among the membership."

Eddy is wrapping up his first year as President of the BOMA Greater Hartford chapter and he's noticed many changes in the way members approach the TOBY. "This year we had a new category for building engineers and we had five entries. That was more than we expected for a new competition."

"We have been actively trying to increase awareness of the TOBYs in Greater Hartford," says Sharon Moran, Executive Director of Southern Connecticut BOMA and Greater Hartford BOMA. "The TOBY is a very prestigious award and property managers are very proud when they win."

Moran says the group is getting greater participation from suburban building managers, expanding the reach and value beyond the city centers.

PMI President Michael Diamond says the TOBY helps build awareness of how buildings are maintained and creates a stronger sense of connection among building owners and managers. "We have been supportive of BOMA's efforts because it's good for the real estate community. We want to play a role in helping strengthen these kinds of programs."

Diamond, Moran and Eddy are all in agreement that building owners and managers are more focused on the environmental aspects of their business. "The green initiative has become really big; it is the buzz this year," says Moran.

Ron Eddy is President of BOMA Greater Hartford and the Director of Property Management for Griffin Land

Eddy, who aside from serving as President of his BOMA chapter is also the Director of Property Management for Griffin Land, says he's keenly aware of the growing green movement. "There are so many more low-cost or no-cost alternatives these days. From the perspective of building owners and managers, they're placing more importance on the environment. It's becoming a pitch point for attracting new tenants."

"It's starting to tip the scales," says Diamond. "We're seeing clients asking for green programs so we can help them be more environmentally conscious and be better corporate citizens."

As a provider of cleaning and maintenance systems, PMI believes offering green alternatives is a critical way to add value for clients. "One of the roles PMI has is to recognize that clients are interested in these things, so we try to bring as many options to the table as possible," Diamond says.

BOMA is working behind the scenes to make going green financially attractive to building owners and managers. Among the efforts they're exploring: incentives from utility companies and government tax credits for buildings that aggressively reduce energy consumption and waste. And, as Eddy reminds us, there is also a TOBY category for energy management systems, refuse removal and recycling.

October 5^th marked an exceptional casual Friday at Premier Maintenance: all 13 employees in the Milford office participated in the 12^th annual Lee National Denim Day to support breast cancer research, education and advocacy.

Through this event, each participating employee wore denim in exchange for a $5 contribution to the Women's Cancer Programs of Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF).
               

Marie Johnson, executive assistant to PMI President Michael Diamond, initiated PMI's involvement in this year's Lee National Denim Day. Marie had been participating in the event for several years prior to joining PMI in May 2007. When she asked Michael if PMI could play a part, he responded with an enthusiastic "Yes!" and said that the company would match any funds raised by participating employees.

"Lee National Denim Day is extremely important to our employees, as many of them have been personally touched by the disease," said Diamond. "We enjoy participating tremendously because it empowers everyone to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer, it's a great educational program within our work walls, and it is so easy for us to implement."

Since the inception of this grassroots awareness- and fund-raising event in 1996, Lee Jeans has raised more than $66 million for the fight against breast cancer.

Through the Women's Cancer Programs of EIF, these funds support accelerated treatment research, increased patient access to clinical trials and a breakthrough project to develop a blood test for early detection. The funds also sustain grassroots education and advocacy programs nationwide.

PMI is proud to have a successful first year of participation under its belt and has already committed to taking part in next year's event.