The document summarizes the 2015 PRSM National Conference, which celebrated the association's 20th anniversary and was attended by over 2,000 professionals. It discusses Bryan Walker being elected the new president for 2015-2016. Walker's theme is "Elevate Your Game" to elevate the role of facilities management professionals and the industry as a whole. The conference provided opportunities for networking, learning about vendors' solutions, and ensuring understanding of the millennial generation now entering the workforce. Kirk Beaudoin provides parting remarks as the past president, encouraging full contribution and continued membership growth for the association.

1. SIGNPOST
16 I ProFEssioNAl rEtAil storE MAiNtENANCE I www.prsm.com
PrsM2015 National Conference
More than 2,000 Professionals Celebrate 20 Years
2015-2016 PRSM President
Bryan Walker of The Container
Store Welcomes Attendees
Although it’s not the only highlight in the asso-
ciation’s calendar year, our National Conference
unites a large portion of the retail facilities com-
munity to discuss business and share solutions
to common issues. I trust you feel the same way.
Ifyou,likeme,wereoneofthe500retailermem-
bers in attendance, the opportunity to network
with your peers was matched only by the scope
and breadth of the supplier partners who were
there, hoping for the opportunity to meet with us
and learn about our needs. There were more than 350 vendors on the exhibit
hall floor this year, and I’ll bet one or more were able to help you with your
problems and challenges.
My colleagues on the PRSM Board of Directors elected me as the associa-
tion’s leader for the year, and I am honored and sincerely appreciate the trust
they’ve placed in me. Please reach out to me, whenever you believe I may be
able to personally assist you throughout this year.
PRSM’s theme this year is “Elevate Your Game.” I think this is a great
follow-up to Kirk’s urging us to “Be Great,” and it aligns perfectly with my
passionforelevatingtheroleoftheFacilitiesManagementProfessionalwithin
their organizations and elevating the FM industry as a whole.
This is a time of great change, not only in our industry, but in the business
worldandtheentireworldaroundus.Iremember,nottoolongago,discussing
thefactthatthemillennialgeneration–thosebornbetween1980and1997–
were“coming”…were“ontheway”tojoiningusintheprofessionalworkplace.
Well folks, the millennial generation isn’t coming, it’s here. The oldest
millennials turn 35 this year, and their generation is becoming an increas-
ing force in the business world and in the FM industry. In fact, according to
Pew Research, the millennial generation will surpass the baby boomers in
population this year.
What this means for the way we manage our store FM needs is still being
defined, butone thingis certain:Understandingthenewgenerationand their
needs, wants and communication styles is essential to ensuring that there’s a
seamless transition as those of us baby boomers and Gen-Xers gradually pass
the torch on to those who will follow.
AsImyselfgetnearertoretirement,Iaskmyselfthequestion,“Whatarewe
leaving them as our legacy?” Well, as PRSM celebrates its 20th Anniversary
this year – and looks forward to the next 20 – I think we can all be proud of
how far we’ve come, and the path we’ve laid out for the future.
Throughout the coming year, you’ll see PRSM members collaborating,
connecting and contributing to the process by which we stay educated —
through webinars, white papers, Best Practices and Professional Retail Store
Maintenance magazine to help us stay equipped when duty calls.

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www.prsm.com I MAY•JUNE 2015 I 17
rejuvenates the retail industry
of Collaborating, Contributing and Connecting!
Farewell from Immediate Past
President, Kirk Beaudoin,
adidas America, Inc.
What an incredible National
Conference, and a wonderful oppor-
tunity to celebrate PRSM’s 20th
Anniversary! This was one of the
most enjoyable conferences I have
attended, and I hope you enjoyed the
show as well.
As I pass the gavel on to President
Bryan Walker, I’d be remiss if I
didn’t acknowledge some people for
their efforts.
To my fellow members of the 2014-2015 Board of Directors,
the Governance Task Force, my Advisory Committee, and espe-
cially Patricia Dameron and the entire PRSM staff: Thank you
all! I’d also like to thank the leadership at adidas, Nic Vu and
Josh Noda, for their support and allowing me the time required
to serve as president. Finally, thank you to Danny Giesbrecht
(my manager at the time) who provided encouragement and told
me that if I didn’t run for president I would regret it later, and
I’m very glad I did.
Finally, my parents have instilled in me many values that have
made me the person I am today, and I thank them for that. As
I think back to my first job 30 years ago, I remember my mom
telling me, “They are paying you for 100 percent, and if you don’t
give them your best, give them back your paycheck because you
didn’t earn it.” Though I am much older now, that little jewel
has stuck with me, and it relates perfectly to the final message I
shared with you during the opening session…
The difference between winning and losing, first and second
place, and being good or great is not that much. We must make
an extra effort to dig a little deeper in order to give our all.
It has been a tremendous honor to serve as your president
this past year. I trust I have served you well. And remember, no
matter what you do, don’t be good…BE GREAT!
As I shared in the opening session, our PRSM community is
strong and our members are engaged. But there is always room
for added contributions. Membership growth is always a focus.
Members, WE NEED YOU!
If you have clients or peers who aren’t currently members, tell
them about PRSM and highlight the benefits of membership.
Help us continue to strive to be the “must-belong-to” association.