The Power of Connection  
MESSAGE FROM NACFM PRESIDENT HOMER CLARK

It's June 1st and that means our conference is only 12 days away! We will be hosted in Arvada, Colorado by Faith Bible Chapel. There's still time to register! Whatever it takes... drive, fly, train, bus, or carpool, just make your way to Arvada! I want to tell you about a couple of FMs who have struggled to attend the conference in the past and what it's meant to them.

The first FM from Texas became a member and was working toward CCFM certification. While using the NACFM website forum he posted a series of questions about portable basketball goals. He received several responses to his query. One, in particular said, "Friend, I have several of them; all you need to do is come pick them up, pay well below market value and you can have them." Because of his connection with the NACFM and access to the forum, he saved his church tens of thousands of dollars. His Business Administrator rewarded him with a full ride to all the NACFM conferences for the foreseeable future.

The second story is about an east coast FM who managed to persuade his church leadership to send him to the NACFM Conference in Everett, Washington. This happened to be the first year the NACFM had a vendor tradeshow. While visiting the tradeshow he wondered how linking up with vendors from across the country could be helpful. Then a vendor held up a quartz light bulb in his face and said, “If you have these bulbs, I can solve your problems.” Our FM asked what that problem might be. She replied, "You keep replacing bulbs almost every week." She hit the problem squarely on the head. After a short negotiation, the FM purchased new bulbs and adapters and replaced all of his sanctuary light bulbs with dimmable LED lights putting an end to 25 man-hours and $120 in quartz bulbs a week. This earned him future trips to the conference because his leaders understood the value of knowledge and cost-cutting ideas their FM was receiving.

The last story is mine. I was introduced to the NACFM by a contractor manning a booth at a WFX conference. I joined on my own and started connecting with members via the forums. The following year my church sent me to WFX where I met Vanoy Hooker and Dean Johnson. In the fall of that year, Dean came to my area to give a talk on preventative maintenance to a local NACBA group. I was able to attend and even have lunch with Dean afterward. We have been friends ever since. The following year my job and life took a turn for the worst. We started building two additions to our church and remodeling a third. As the facilities manager, I was instructed to stay clear of the project and keep up with the ministry. The church was hiring a liaison to work directly between contractors and the church. Needless to say, I was frustrated. I almost resigned several times. Each time a friend I knew from my association with NACFM prayed over me and guided me to calmer waters and a clearer head. Every time I found myself in a valley of despair there was always a friend from the NACFM to pray with me; someone to talk things through, and help me understand and develop a plan. Joe Mauldin from Texas had some of the greatest wisdom during these times. In that slow Texas drawl, he would simply ask a question that provoked an answer from within that led to peace.

Why am I dedicating this letter to these stories? There are countless other stories to be told. However, it's not only because the NACFM Conference is loaded with great speakers, both motivational and technical. Also included in your conference experience are vendors that cover trades across the spectrum; from flooring to ceilings to cleaning products. All of which by themselves are worth the trip.

What makes our conference so unique, so special is that we have “YOU”. Without You, without your character, experiences, love, and humor, our conference is just another business meeting. Without our members attending we lose that chance to make a friend, a friend with whom we can bond even if he or she is across the country. Via phone, text or email we can connect with that friend we met at the conference. And this is not only a practical business relationship but also an opportunity to pray with your fellow members or be prayed for when the going gets tough. The only way we can grow is IF YOU COME to the NACFM Conference. Come “Move a Mountain” with us. SIGN UP HERE Today to join us in Arvada. It will be a professional and spiritual time of encouragement and learning with a whole bunch of great people. Well worth the time and effort! And, hey, you just might meet your new best friend.

Blessings,
Homer Clark 
NACFM President

It’s Not Too Late to Register! 

Family Night: We are excited to announce that we have secured tickets to the Rockies game on June 14th for the NACFM Conference family outing. The cost is $25/per person and includes entry to the game and transportation. Get more info and your tickets here! 

Attending Conference Vendors: Click below to learn more about each vendor that will be in attendance at this year's conference exhibit hall.

5 Words Media

Automated Logic West

Cool Solutions Group

Green is Greater

Mazevo

PathoSans

RJ Construction

Studio RED Architects

Tarkett Flooring

Tarkett Sports Indoor

Versare

Voceon

Featured Member:
James Lee Burns - Lake Church, Arlington, TX

James Burns has an extraordinary story of coming to faith in Christ as well as the Lord directing his life to the profession of facilities management. James is the facilities director at Lake Church in Arlington, Texas. The church campus covers 170,000 sq ft.

There has been a lot of discussion about cleaning and sanitizing in the last two years. Which ones are most effective? Which ones are safe? Have you considered hypochlorous acid? Hypochlorous acid is produced by the electrolysis of salt and water. It is known to be both highly effective and safe. PathoSans is known as a leader in this technology.

Welcome New NACFM Members!

Douglas Beck

Hurst, TX

Carolyn Cabarcas
McKinney, TX

Kevin Donahoo
Taylors, SC

Eric McMillian
Decatur, GA