Employee Spotlight:
Felix Plaza
By Susan Minichiello
Felix Plaza has worked for PMI for more than five years and has served as a day porter at Helicopter Support, Inc. (HSI) in Trumbull, CT during his entire tenure with the company. Prior to joining PMI, Felix worked for a Bridgeport, CT company making computer circuit boards.
PMI Operations Manager Wayne Cullen says that Felix has demonstrated exceptional loyalty to PMI and a strong work ethic: In the five-plus years he has been with PMI, he has never called out sick. Wayne also says that Felix consistently goes above and beyond the scope of his work at HSI. In addition to his normal day porter duties, Felix has helped with setting up luncheons, barbecues, special meetings and parties for the facility.
"Felix has forged a special bond with the employees of HSI," says Wayne. "He is always willing to 'go the extra mile with a smile.' His professional attitude and friendly personality make Felix a very important PMI team member."
Felix says he feels good about working for PMI and is proud to be part of the organization. He very much enjoys working at HSI, largely because of the people there. They have made him feel like part of the company family. About two years ago, HSI even honored Felix as Employee of the Month.
"I am a responsible person and I like to do everything right, " says Felix. "I am happy to do my job well." In addition, Felix believes that the green cleaning solutions he uses at HSI are a great idea as they work well and help to keep the planet healthy.
Felix lives in Seymour, CT with his wife, Olga. They have four grown children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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It's Easy Being Green
Photo courtesy: pdphoto.org
Twenty to 50 million tons of electronics waste (often called e-waste) is discarded globally every year. You can log on to mygreenelectronics.org, a site created by the Consumer Electronics Association, to find local electronics recycling drop-off points by zip code and product category. |
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 BOMA Southern CT Events
December 3:
Holiday Party
5:30 pm
GE Guest House, Fairfield, CT
For more information:
www.soctboma.org
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Thank you for taking the time to read Solutions.
We'd like to know what you think. If you have suggestions for future newsletters or comments about this issue, you can contact me directly.
Best Regards,
Matt Ellis
Publisher
matt@ellisstrategies.com
978-887-6561
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Happy Holidays to all! Wow, it's amazing that we are entering the holiday season again. At this time of year I reflect on all of the wonderful people we have as clients, employees and friends. We have had a very successful 2008, and please accept my personal season's greetings for a happy and prosperous new year. We have some exciting new ideas and a rededication to tried and true concepts to help usher in 2009 with the strongest options our firm has ever offered. While I know 2009 will present challenges, we are being proactive and are motivated to meet them head on. 
Best wishes,
Michael Diamond
President
Premier Maintenance, Inc.
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PMI Keeps Eye on Economy, Reasserts Commitment to Helping Clients Manage Costs
By Susan MinichielloIn light of the current economy, building and facility managers are examining expenditures, and the PMI leadership is emphasizing its commitment to assist clients with managing costs for cleaning, maintenance, supplies and energy usage.
"Our approach has always been a partnership with our clients. We have worked to develop the most cost-effective systems for cleaning their buildings," says PMI President Michael Diamond. "While we are hopeful the economy will turn around, we recognize many clients will be focused on cost-cutting ideas."
Through its integrated and holistic approach, PMI helps clients control expenses by examining each client's specific needs and creating a specific plan to meet those needs in the most cost-effective way. A plan could include day cleaning to reduce energy costs at night, waterless mopping to reduce water usage and disposal, and limiting how often cleaners replace trash liners to cut down on costs and waste.
"PMI has always been receptive and responsive in working with us," says Dave Truedson, who works for a PMI client in Norwalk, CT. "On more than one occasion, PMI has quickly implemented changes that have helped us to immediately reduce cleaning expenses. This is just one aspect of being a PMI client that we appreciate and value highly."
PMI is also committed to using ecologically-friendly and Green Seal-certified cleaning products, which are frequently more cost-effective. Many are highly-concentrated and require dilution, which results in a lower yield price than the traditional chemical, toxic solvents. Because green products are inherently safer, maintenance companies do not have to purchase latex gloves for use when diluting these products, as they must when working with the chemical counterparts. In addition, switching from chemical to green cleaners typically improves the health of maintenance staff and building occupants, as well as reduces phosphates in surrounding water supplies.
With its detailed client consultation and planning, along with the use of innovative and cutting-edge methods and products, PMI offers clients the best service combined with real opportunities for savings.
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PMI Receives Green Award
By Susan Minichiello
 Conscious Decisions - a group dedicated to educating the public on responsible environmental practices and headquartered in Fairfield, CT - presented PMI with one of its premier Green Coast Awards. PMI has been recognized in the category of "Leader in Green Cleaning/Commercial." Award winners were chosen through online voting that took place between April and October on the Conscious Decisions online magazine Web site.
"PMI's Green Clean Program puts the company at the top of its industry," according to event organizer Daphne Dixon. "PMI received this award because of the long-standing commitment the company has shown towards environmentally-responsible cleaning practices."
The Green Coast Awards honor and recognize businesses and organizations throughout Fairfield County for acting socially and environmentally responsible, promoting sustainability, having high ethical standards and making conscious decisions to improve local communities and the health of the planet.
"We are thrilled to receive this award," said PMI President Michael Diamond. "We believe strongly in green cleaning and have taken action to promote it to our staff and clients. It is an honor to be recognized by a group like Conscious Decisions."
This marks the first year of the Green Coast Awards program. Award recipients were announced at the First Annual Green Faire, sponsored by Conscious Decisions and held at The Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford, CT on October 4. The Green Faire featured more than 40 local and national exhibitors and provided an opportunity for people to learn how to live green and responsible lives. Green Coast Award winners also were honored at a private reception at the Marriott Hotel and Spa in Stamford on November 5.
Conscious Decisions provides information that enables individuals to make eco-smart decisions to improve the environment, their personal health and the health of their communities. In addition to the Green Faire and Green Coast Awards, Conscious Decisions sponsors Our Green Universe, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development and preservation of native plants and habitats, and the Fairfield County Green Guide, a listing of green and responsible businesses and services.
"As we continue to recognize businesses and organizations like PMI, host events and promote green services," said Dixon, "we hope to advance environmentalism and socially-responsible living in ways that will have a real impact on individuals, communities and the world."
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A Few Issues Facing Employers in the New Administration
By Glenn A. Duhl, Esq.
The voices of American citizens were heard loudly on November 4, 2008, as Senator Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States. The main reason for his victory was the failing U.S. economy. This is a fact not lost on President-elect Obama who recently stated in an interview that the United States is "facing the greatest economic challenge of [its] lifetime." This begs the question: how will these policies impact business owners?
At the top of the domestic agenda will be the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, or the "card check" law. President-elect Obama has vowed to secure passage of the Act, which would enable unions to avoid a private-ballot election when a majority of employees sign a "card check" endorsing a union as their representative. The Act also requires binding arbitration in the event that a union and employer are unable to reach an accord on a collective bargaining agreement. This can result in a third party dictating the terms of the collective bargaining agreement between the parties. The Act would also potentially lead to increased labor costs for employers, forcing them to terminate or lay off workers to maintain their bottom lines. Employers should take proactive measures to combat the potential ramifications of the Employee Free Choice Act in the event that it passes.
Another staple of the new political agenda is an anticipated 3% tax increase on businesses earning more than $250,000 annually. "Joe the Plumber" came to symbolize the plight of small businesses during the presidential campaign. Republican nominee Senator John McCain maintained that a tax hike would keep "Joe the Plumber" from fulfilling his dream of owning his own business, because he would be unable to afford to own the business after the proposed tax increase. President-elect Obama denied this was the case, saying that a majority of small businesses make less than $250,000 annually. If President-elect Obama follows through on his campaign promises, businesses earning more than $250,000 annually will be hit with a tax hike.
Presidents do not always follow through on campaign promises. Even when a President does attempt to keep his promises, he is often met with stiff opposition from the opposing political party. Whether President-elect Obama will be able to have his proposals passed remains to be seen. The Democratic majority in Congress will make the new President's life easier, but it remains to be seen whether these anticipated changes will help small businesses and their employees.
Glenn A. Duhl is a management employment and litigation lawyer at Siegel, O'Connor, O'Donnell & Beck, P.C., (860) 280-1215, gduhl@siegeloconnor.com. He represents management in preventive employment law and litigation of all employment matters. Please visit www.siegeloconnor.com.
The information contained in this article is general in nature and offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered and should not be construed as legal advice.
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