Energy savings of up to 15%

Advantages of PCM ceiling panels stem from the fact that they support thermal comfort with no mechanics, energy expenditure, or fossils fuels to burn! A valuable, sustainable solution for a world prioritizing decarbonization, ceiling panels with PCM technology can reduce energy costs and consumption by as much as 15%.* By enabling energy savings, these ceilings offer advantages including:

• Reduced reliance on fossil-fuel powered HVAC systems
• Less wear on HVAC systems — critical to facilities with aging systems and strict budgets
• Improved thermal comfort — especially well-suited for changing climates or environments with daily hot-cold fluctuations
• Ability to enhance indoor environmental quality with features like acoustical sound blocking and absorption
• Easy installation and little-to-no maintenance

Energy-saving ceiling products also fit into the thermal comfort portion of the WELL Building Standard and can contribute to energy and atmosphere credits for LEED.

Up to 50% in tax credits

While the above advantages can work to help a facility realize ongoing savings related to lower energy consumption and less reliance on mechanical heating and cooling — a project owner can get a “head start” on cost benefits because PCM ceiling panels qualify for certain tax credits. Projects utilizing energy-saving ceiling panels may qualify for Investment Tax Credit (ITC) 48E, which was introduced under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and offers tax incentives for investments in clean energy technologies. Because of their thermal energy storage properties, most projects using PCM ceiling panels may qualify:

• Up to 40% federal tax credit
• Additional 10% tax credit if the project is deployed in an “Energy Community.” (i.e., a Brownfields site or fossil-fuel-dependent community)

When investing in energy-saving ceilings for a project, consider a solution that helps you maximize tax savings opportunities. For example, when installing an Armstrong Templok Energy Saving Ceiling, the ceiling panels, and associated grid, trim, and labor all qualify for tax credits under ITC 48E. Moreover, these panels are made in the U.S.A. of domestic and global content, meeting a requirement for additional tax savings.**

Qualifying energy saving ceiling projects include those of taxpayers and non-taxpaying entities and span multiple sectors, including:

• Public — such as government entities
• Private — corporations, healthcare facilities and others
• Education — K-12 and higher education
• 501 (c)(3) charitable organizations

The list of ideal projects is extensive and includes K-12 schools, public and private universities, dorms, museums, hospitals, nonprofit offices/facilities, military bases, courthouses, faith-based buildings, convention centers, and arenas — to name a few. In addition to getting information from the ceiling manufacturer, it’s important to consult your tax advisor to confirm qualification of your project.

More affordable, more sustainable

Thanks to tax credits, the use of energy-saving ceilings could make your next construction or renovation project more affordable. And, with PCM technology helping reduce energy costs, the impact on your bottom line won’t stop there. You can learn more about energy saving ceilings and related tax credits by visiting Armstrong Ceilings.

Notes:

• *Cooling energy savings according to research estimates measured in lab tests. Results may vary.
• ** This article lists various federal tax credits and deductions that your project may qualify for when purchasing Armstrong TEMPLOK Energy Saving Ceilings. Please consult your own tax attorney or advisor.
• LEED is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council; WELL Building Standard is a trademark of the Well Building Institute.

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“You grow up thinking it’s supposed to be a man until it’s you,” Withrow says. “In every movie and TV show it’s always a guy in a suit that’s the CEO. It’s never a woman. I had to really stop the ‘prove everybody wrong’ mindset and start proving myself right. I did all the things that I was supposed to do. I did the trainings, I took all the certifications, I took the classes. I had to switch my mindset and tell myself that I was on the right path.”

There’s no hiding Withrow’s work. Her input on the field has to be able to speak for itself. If the grass is dying or something looks off, that reflects on her. She aims to make the field look pristine before and after every event that takes place at the stadium.

“I put out a good product every day,” Withrow says. “I put 100 percent in every day. I make sure this field is safe and playable for everybody who wants to come out on to it after a concert, circus or whatever they want to throw out here. Myself and my team bust our butts to make sure you never know another event took place here.”

By continuing to give it her all every day, the Greater Nevada Field was named the 2022 Professional Baseball Field of the Year by Sports Field Management Association. The SFMA Awards committee selected the field based on its quality as impacted by staffing, budget, use, monthly maintenance and visual story documenting the challenges and success throughout the course of the year.

“It’s humbling,” Withrow said while accepting the award. “Being recognized by my peers means the world to me, and this honor has been a career goal since I began working in the industry.”

Taking Chances

Withrow credits her work ethic to being a “two feet in” type of person. This mindset has helped her in her career and allowed her to take chances that other people would have hesitated at. When she was looking to go to college for sports turf grass management, she contacted the Arizona Diamondbacks on their website and asked if she could shadow the head groundskeeper for a day and they said yes.

“To have an 18-year-old girl message a professional baseball team is kind of random for most people,” Withrow says. “I knew I was curious about it and I wanted to be all in.”

Withrow was able to work with the Diamondbacks for two days and after that she knew there was no going back. Because of this experience, she has made an effort to become a mentor to young women that are looking to join the industry.

“On the off chance a young girl who’s really into facilities, sports or some sort of male-dominated industry sees someone like her can make or break that choice for her to move into that field,” Withrow says. “It’s hard to navigate just high school and then everything else that happens after that. I’m just here to help as much as I can.”

Withrow credits Nicole Sherry, head groundskeeper for the Baltimore Orioles, for being a mentor to her when she first started with the Reno Aces.

“Getting to see Nicole growing up made it an easier decision for me to take this job. If she could do it, I could do it,” Withrow says

Still, the sports world is becoming more diversified. Just this past summer, the Little League Softball World Series had its first-ever all-women grounds crew.

“There was five generations of female groundskeepers there,” Withrow says. “It’s really cool progression to actually see. You’re also building these connections with people that you’ve always wanted to talk to but have never gotten the chance. It’s also giving young girls an opportunity to meet five generations worth of groundskeepers and listen to their stories. I would’ve died for this opportunity when I was in high school.”

Going Viral

Still, recruiting more women to join the industry can be a daunting challenge. For Withrow, though, the only way to maintain progress is to keep showing up and taking on these jobs.

“When I first got my promotion to be head groundskeeper I had to do a ton of interviews because, at the time, I was the only female head groundskeeper in all of minor league baseball,” Withrow says. “People wanted to talk about it — which was great, but it stressed me out. I’m such an introvert, and I have this job because I like being behind the scenes. I know that 16-year-old me would’ve really benefited from seeing my interview on TV. The more that I do the more that young girls will see it. The internet is a big place and the algorithm you’re given can either give you a singing cat or it can give you me.”

Withrow has taken to social media to pull back the curtain on grounds management. In her popular TikToks and tweets, she can be seen painting the field, mowing the grass and even chasing an occasional bird or two off the property.

Showing off what grounds management looks like behind the scenes has helped Gen Z grasp that it’s much more than a labor-intensive job, and that there is an actual science behind it.

“People love to know what they don’t know and TikTok is the place to learn about random stuff,” Withrow says. “There’s niche parts of every job, it’s not what you stereotypically think.”

Viewers leave a wide array of comments on Withrow’s videos, but the most often one is “how do I get into this?” Last summer, Withrow was able to hire crewmembers because they found out that she was hiring through her videos.

“You’re able to show people the job and they can decide whether or not they are interested in it,” Withrow says. “But sometimes a video lands on someone who doesn’t like their major [in college] and then the wheels start spinning on how they can do something like this, too.”

For Withrow, though, grounds management and sports have proven to be more inclusive than she would have ever thought — it just took changing her own mindset to be able to see that. While she doesn’t regret working hard to prove that her existence within the industry was on purpose, she wishes she knew that the industry actually accepted her right away instead of rejecting her.

“I have yet to find a reason why women can’t be in this world,” Withrow says. “I can’t think of a single one. The only reason people don’t do it is because they are afraid. Ask the questions, put yourself out there. If this is something that you are passionate about or think you could be really good at it or put out a positive output into the world, then just try it.”

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This agreement adds to the more than 100 stadium and entertainment venues that ABM services in the U.S., including six for Major League Baseball with the addition of Tropicana Field. Through this partnership, ABM will serve as a single source for deploying a professional workforce dedicated to delivering outstanding janitorial services that enhance the fan experience across over one million square feet of stadium space at the two venues.

This agreement comes with a strong commitment to local hiring and community engagement within the Tampa Bay area. As part of the terms, ABM and its regional partners will pursue a goal of 38% inclusion of minority, women, and disadvantaged enterprises (MBE/DBE/WBE) and will prioritize local suppliers. Additionally, both stadiums will leverage ABM’s extensive experience in sustainability and waste management, working to deliver zero waste and achieve a 90% or better landfill diversion rate as it has at other stadiums across the country.

Art Rodriguez, vice president of Operations, Sports and Entertainment at ABM, stated:

It’s an exciting time for St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay as the region has experienced rapid growth over the past few years, along with a resurgence in tourism that is now above pre-pandemic levels. We’re pleased to partner with the Rays and Rowdies organization to provide locals and other visitors with an exceptional experience to pair with their teams’ successes. By partnering with us, both teams can now focus on other important aspects of the game while leveraging our expertise to ensure a world-class fan experience.

Currently managing over 1,100 U.S Green Building Council LEED-certified registered sites, ABM will use its expertise to ensure that the unique indoor environment at Tropicana Field will become even more sustainable. Additionally, ABM will implement green cleaning within Tropicana Field and at Al Lang Stadium, to create a healthier environment indoors and outdoors.

Rays and Rowdies Chief People and Culture Officer Jenn Tran commented:

We are thrilled to begin our work with ABM. This is an opportunity to leverage ABM’s extensive expertise to enhance gameday and event experiences across the board for our fans.

Rays and Rowdies Chief People and Community Officer Bill Wiener, Jr., remarked:

ABM is dedicated to creating a clean and safe environment through locally sourced and diverse hiring. Their efforts will complement our own comprehensive commitments to workforce diversity while serving the community we’ve been proud to call home for the past 25 years.

For more information about ABM’s offerings for sports and entertainment facilities, visit ABM.

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GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger stated:

It was a privilege for our scientific advisory board to work with NADCA on this multi-authored paper which provides actionable steps to make facilities safer during and beyond the pandemic. Achieving peer review and publication means that our paper has met standards for quality and importance to global health.

The paper was published in the GBAC-TIPS Journal, an open access journal founded by The Infection Prevention Strategy (TIPS) to advance innovations, ideas, and processes that make a difference in global health. The journal aims to provide access to evidence-based science through both peer-reviewed and perspective articles. The paper will also be indexed into Google Scholar and ResearchGate for the global scientific community to reference and cite in future publications.

“This accomplishment further demonstrates how GBAC prepares the world to respond to current and future biological crises,” said GBAC Senior Director and TIPS Co-Founder Michael Diamond. “The GBAC-TIPS Journal makes crucial scientific research and information like this paper accessible to the public to promote collaboration and make strides in improving public health.”

Composed of international leaders in the field of microbial-pathogenic threat analysis, mitigation, response, and recovery, GBAC provides training, guidance, accreditation, certification, crisis management assistance and leadership to government, commercial and private entities looking to mitigate, quickly address and/or recover from biological threats and real-time crises. The organization’s services include biorisk management program assessment and training, infectious disease and biological material response and remediation, the GBAC STAR Facility and Service Accreditation Programs, training and certification of individuals, and consulting for building owners and facilities managers.

The “Biological Air Quality Considerations for Non-Healthcare, As Built Environments” paper is available on the GBAC-TIPS Journal website.

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Aramark provides concessions operations serving 29 professional sports franchises in five different leagues in addition to over 90 different colleges and universities. This expertise will enhance the service at all University of Arizona sports venues while prioritizing food and beverage quality, efficiency, safety and enjoyment for fans at home events.

University of Arizona Vice President and Director of Athletics Dave Heeke stated:

Our athletics department remains focused on providing a first-class experience at all of our venues as we begin to welcome fans back to the stands. This new partnership with Aramark for concessions service will improve this important element of our fan experience and enhance the overall atmosphere for our loyal supporters coming to cheer on the Wildcats in person.

Aramark will expand cashless payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay while increasing the number of points of sale throughout stadiums. Concession locations will also begin to feature food, snacks, beverages, wine and beer in the same locations for expedited service as well as new and improved-quality menu items.

Aramark President and CEO of Sports and Entertainment Alison Birdwell commented:

We are proud to partner with the University of Arizona to enhance its world-class athletics program through gameday experiences that showcase Aramark’s commitment to hospitality and passion for service.

Aramark serves major educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, sports teams, healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 19 countries around the world with award-winning food, facilities and uniform services.

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Successful GBAC STAR facilities are able to demonstrate that correct work practices, procedures and systems are in place to prepare, respond, and recover from outbreaks and pandemics.

GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger stated:

The GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation program is used by facilities around the world to improve their cleaning, disinfecting, and infection prevention readiness. The accreditation seal is displayed everywhere from convention centers and airports to office buildings and schools to restaurants and retail facilities.

Accredited facilities follow GBAC STAR’s strict 20-step program, which includes the proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, and best practices to combat biohazards and infectious diseases, such as the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes Covid-19.

Highlights of the facilities newly accredited in recent weeks include:

Airports

• Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, MI
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (PANYNJ) in New York, NY
• LaGuardia Airport (PANYNJ) in New York, NY
• Newark Liberty International Airport (PANYNJ) in Newark, NJ
• New York Stewart International Airport (PANYNJ) in New Windsor, NY
• Pittsburgh International Airport Landside Terminal in Pittsburgh, PA
• Teterboro Airport (PANYNJ) in Teterboro, NJ

Commercial Offices

• Anago Cleaning Systems in Pompano Beach, FL
• Buz Expressions in Janesville, WI
• Colliers International Columbia in Bogota, Columbia
• Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. in Chicago, IL
• Partnership Tower in Houston, TX

Community Centers

• Edmonds Waterfront Center in Edmonds, WA

Expo and Convention Centers

• Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT
• Hot Springs Convention Center in Hot Springs National Park, AR
• Infinite Energy Convention Center in Duluth, GA
• Italian Exhibition Group – Rimini Expo Centre in Rimini, Italy
• Kyoto International Conference Center in Kyoto, Japan
• Spokane Convention Center in Spokane, WA
• Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo, UT

Government Facilities

• Central Florida’s Visitor Information Center in Davenport, FL
• Destination El Paso Administration Building in El Paso, TX

Hotels

• Alila SCBD Jakarta in Jakarta, Indonesia
• Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD
• Columbia Beach Resort in Pissouri, Cyprus
• Diamonds Dream of Africa in Malindi, Kenya
• Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Lantana, FL
• Embassy Suites Louisville Downtown in Louisville, KY
• Finca Serena Mallorca in Montuiri, Spain
• Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore in Baltimore, MD
• Grand Forest Metsovo in Metsovo, Greece
• Hemingway’s Nairobi in Nairobi Karen, North Korea
• Hotel Eclat Beijing in Beijing, China
• Hotel Orania Berlin in Berlin, Germany
• Hotel Unico Madrid in Madrid, Spain
• Hyatt House across from Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, FL
• Hyatt Regency Ludhiana in Ludhiana, India
• Iroquois Hotel in New York, NY
• Katikies Mykonos in Mykonos, Greece
• Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City in Salt Lake City, UT
• Lotte Hotel Moscow in Moscow, Russia
• Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa/Pellicano Hotels in Naples, Italy
• The Newbury Boston in Boston, MA
• Radisson Baltimore in Baltimore, MD
• Resorts World Las Vegas in Las Vegas, NV
• The Reverie Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Sheraton Redding at Sundial Bridge in Redding, CA
• Sublime Samana Hotel & Residence in Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
• The Terrace Club at Busena in Okinawa, Japan
• Thorngrove Manor Hotel in Stirling, South Australia

K-12 School

• The Earth School in Kigali, Rwanda

 Museums and Cultural Venues

• Grapevine Festival Grounds in Grapevine, TX
• Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, KY

 Retail Facility

• 20 Hudson Yards, The Shops at Hudson Yards in New York, NY
• Roosevelt Collection Shops in Chicago, IL

Salon

• Salon Blanc in Honolulu, HI

Stadiums and Arenas

• Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, TX, the practice facility for the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys
• ASM Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA, home to the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans
• Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA, home to the NFL’s New England Patriots and the MLS’s New England Revolution
• American Family Field/Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club in Milwaukee, WI, home to the MLB’s Milwaukee Brewers
• Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, FL, home to the MLB’s Houston Astros and Washington Nationals during spring training
• ExtraMile Arena at Boise State University in Boise, ID
• Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, OH, home to the MLB’s Cincinnati Reds
• Phoenix Suns Arena in Phoenix, AZ
• T-Mobile Park in Seattle, WA, home to the MLB’s Seattle Mariners
• Target Center in Minneapolis, MN

Theatres and Performing Arts Centers

• Palace Arts Centre in Grapevine, Texas
• Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, FL
• Byham Theater in Pittsburgh, PA
• Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Chicago, IL

Now following GBAC STAR protocols, these facilities go beyond cleaning and disinfection to also include infection prevention best practices.

ISSA Executive Director John Barrett remarked:

GBAC STAR accredited facilities have the proper procedures, training, chemistry, equipment, tools, personal protective equipment, and infection control in place. Organizations around the world, including many professional sports venues, have found value in the program and are making facilities safer for everyone who walks through their doors.

Barrett continued:

Investing in cleaning, disinfecting, and infection prevention helps organizations reduce the risk of costly closures and outbreaks. By successfully completing the GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation Program, facilities can ensure their cleaning staff understand how to properly address pathogens and uphold cleanliness.

Learn more and apply for GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation on the ISSA website.

Also find accredited facilities and those pursuing accreditation via the GBAC STAR Facility Directory.

Composed of international leaders in the field of microbial-pathogenic threat analysis, mitigation, response and recovery, GBAC provides training, guidance, accreditation, certification, crisis management assistance and leadership to government, commercial and private entities looking to mitigate, quickly address and/or recover from biological threats and real-time crises.

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“MRO” encompasses the wide-ranging products and services needed to keep facilities up and running. In hockey, this includes:

• Mechanical, electrical and plumbing products used to maintain rinks;
• Sanitation and janitorial supplies required to keep facilities clean and safe; and
• Power tools and accessories used by players and equipment managers to prep gear for game play.

The agreement provides Fastenal a presence at future NHL tentpole events including corner in-ice advertising positions and in-arena branding at the NHL Winter Classic, NHL All-Star Weekend, NHL Global Series and NHL Stadium Series.

The NHL will utilize Fastenal’s vast and secure supplier network to provide a variety of MRO supply needs. Fastenal will offer products used to maintain safe environments, including PPE (personal protective equipment), sanitizer, and cleaning supplies.

The NHL will also leverage Fastenal’s inventory management and procurement expertise to benefit the entire hockey ecosystem, including:

• NHL clubs and facilities – The NHL and Fastenal will work together to implement a standardized equipment program that includes state-of-the-art tool carts for visiting team locker rooms at all NHL arenas. The partnership will also focus on helping these venues optimize operations by accessing process improvement tools to simplify procurement, control spending, and visualize inventory.
• Community rinks – In an effort to keep ice hockey sustainable and rink operations cost-effective, the partnership taps Fastenal’s nationwide branch network to offer services to the 4,800-plus community rinks across North America. Fastenal can help these facilities navigate the challenges of aging infrastructure and rising operating costs so that community rinks can continue to operate efficiently while developing future generations of players and fans.

Max Paulsen, NHL director, Business Development, stated:

We are thrilled to welcome Fastenal to the NHL family. Our facility operators, equipment managers and trainers can immediately benefit from Fastenal’s wide assortment of MRO products for all their specialized needs. This partnership reinforces the League’s commitment to community rinks via Fastenal’s industry-leading expertise, product inventory, and competitive preferred pricing, which will ultimately ensure the continued growth of hockey at all levels.

Fastenal President and CEO Dan Florness remarked:

As we discussed a possible partnership with the NHL, it became clear the supply chain strengths of Fastenal, coupled with our steadfast commitment to providing safety solutions during this current environment, could make a positive impact on the League and on hockey facilities throughout North America. We’re excited to connect with the NHL’s avid fan base, and to deepen our connection with a sport that is already loved by many of our employees and customers.

For more information about the NHL/Fastenal partnership, visit the NHL website. Founded in 1967, Fastenal acts as an expert consultant, a logistics company, a technology provider, and more generally, a distributor of wide-ranging industrial and construction products, with over 3,200 in-market locations. The NHL, founded in 1917, consists of 32 Member Clubs, with players from more than 20 countries.

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The study, published in the January 2020 issue of the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) national publication Sports Health, concluded that a program that modifies hygiene behavior by connecting products, people and education can yield impactful infection control results and benefits.

The risk of athletes contracting multidrug-resistant infections from bacteria breeding in athletic training rooms is a real concern, points out GOJO. Prior national studies of high school athletic training rooms have suggested over 40% of surfaces may be contaminated with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Co-author Mark LaBelle, MD, University Hospitals Orthopedic Surgery, explained:

Our protocol was based upon principles used in the athletic training rooms in the National Football League and healthcare hygiene best practices. Our simplified protocol proved effective and provides a foundation for preventing infections in student-athletes at the collegiate and high school level not only locally, but across the country

The infection control program was piloted at two high schools and two colleges in Northeast Ohio, including Kent State University. Kent State Associate Athletic Director Trent Stratton said everything they do in their athletic training room revolves around the health and safety of student-athletes. “Even though we may think we’re doing a good job keeping the facility clean, having the stats to support it is extremely beneficial. At the end of the day, an infection can destroy a season,” said Stratton.

Student-athletes are in close contact in the shared environment of an athletic training room, as are those in other workout facilities, and in the presence of poor hygiene and contamination, can be exposed to a variety of germs that cause infection.

For the study, hand hygiene solutions (PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer and PURELL Brand HEALTHY SOAP) and a broad-spectrum one-step surface disinfectant spray (PURELL Professional Surface Disinfectant) were strategically placed throughout the athletic training rooms. Providing proven products and directing proper placement alone resulted in over 60% reduction in total bacteria.

After implementing a comprehensive solution that includes disinfectant products, protocols and educational resources, the participating athletic training rooms experienced a 95% reduction in total bacteria. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, specifically MRSA and Vancomycin resistant enterococcus (VRE), which were found on 24% of surfaces in the training room at the beginning of the study, were eliminated by the end of the study.

Additionally, influenza (the flu), which was initially detected on 25% of the analyzed surfaces, such as front door handles, drawer handles, water bottle lids and water cooler nozzles, was eliminated on surfaces sampled after implementation of the program.

Jim Arbogast, Ph.D., Vice President, Hygiene Sciences and Public Health Advancements, GOJO – inventor of PURELL hand sanitizer, stated:

This study shows that the combination of targeted cleaning, ideal product placement, and simple education plus tools, along with the trusted strength of PURELL products, can significantly reduce pathogens and the risk of infection among athletes and staff. Together, athletes, athletic trainers, athletic directors, and facility managers can sustain a safe environment, keeping athletes healthy and in the game. While this study looked at specific athletic training rooms, these same protocols can be applied beyond, into other areas of the athletic campus frequented by student-athletes, like locker rooms and weight rooms.

James Voos, MD, lead physician for the Cleveland Browns and Division Chief, UH Sports Medicine, remarked:

This collaborative study between University Hospitals Sports Medicine and GOJO demonstrates how organizations committed to the health and safety of athletes can develop innovative, scientifically proven programs that can be practically applied to all sports and levels of competition, in particular close contact sports such as wrestling, hockey, gymnastics, soccer or football — where athletes experience greater incidence of infection.

The full “Infection Risk Reduction Program on Pathogens in High School and Collegiate Athletic Training Rooms” study is available online. For infection prevention resources, including athlete infection prevention and cleaning checklists for optimal protection, and sport-specific athlete education posters, visit GOJO’s Athletic Facilities webpage.

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The industry-leading report identifies six major trends driving the multisite facilities management (FM) industry. They include changing demographics, the rise of multisite entertainment facilities, FM in the financial services industry, microgrids and energy resilience, new FM technology, and small-concept stores. These trends are driving change across the industry and will require facilities executives adapt new strategies and tactics to succeed.

Myriah Kingen, director, Facilities Management at DaVita Kidney Care and board chair of Connex, remarked:

Multisite facilities management changes daily, and the Connex 2020 Trends Report helps our members understand new trends. It also provides insights into the entertainment and financial FM markets, as well as other critical issues.

Connex’s breakdown of the major trends includes:

• Powering up: To avert power loss, businesses are investing in technology that promises energy resilience and sustainability — the ability to keep the lights on or recover quickly, while maximizing renewable energy. Among these technologies, microgrids can keep the power on the longest and boost sustainability.
• Expanding tech options: Facilities managers continually strive to make facilities’ operations more efficient, reduce costs and adhere to increasingly stringent environmental expectations. While there are no one-size-fits-all solutions, FM technology being introduced today can help FMs make progress toward these goals.
• Stronger together: In multisite facilities management, an industry so reliant upon bringing many people to the table, attracting and building a diverse workforce with widely varied perspectives and skill sets is crucial. FM faces a critical labor shortage, and now is the time to create the workforce of tomorrow.
• Action-packed entertainment: People want entertainment experiences — and businesses are listening. Adapting to this market trend, multisite entertainment venues are expanding at a rapid rate. They provide customers the opportunity to create memories, as opposed to simply exchanging money for goods.
• Moving money in the new frontier: In recent years, several large regional and national banks have closed branches, opting for more technology-based customer service portals to reduce costs and streamline customer interactions. But as it turns out, the physical presence of customers is still needed and desired, and facilities of varying stripes are still required.
• Small stores, big concepts: Small-format stores are popping up everywhere. Retail giants hope smaller, more conveniently located stores make it easier for customers to return products — and to buy online and pick up in-store. But will these new formats create unique challenges for FMs?

Download the Connex 2020 Trends Report and 2020 Trends Report Infographic to learn more about the key changes and trends  impacting the multisite facilities management industry today.

The 2020 Trends Report will be a topic of discussion during the Connex2020 National Conference that will be held in Orlando, FL, April 20 – 22 and is billed as the largest annual gathering of multisite facilities management professionals.

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ASM will be headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, with key operations based in West Conshohocken, PA, a suburb of Philadelphia. Led by a highly experienced team, the company will operate a diversified portfolio of arenas, stadiums, convention centers and performing arts centers, with more than 310 venues across five continents.

Wes Westley, chief executive officer and president of SMG, remarked:

This merger is a major step for our industry. We are excited to bring together these complementary businesses to further elevate the standard of excellence in venue management. We plan to accelerate innovation by combining our expertise to deliver increased value and offer enhanced capabilities to municipalities and venue owners worldwide. At the same time, we expect that this transaction will offer employees at both our corporate headquarters and field operations tremendous new opportunities.

Bob Newman, current president of AEG Facilities and formerly a regional vice president at SMG, stated:

It is an honor and privilege to be a part of this exciting new company, which brings together the two organizations where I have worked for the bulk of my professional career. This transaction draws upon the depth of our combined talent and resources to create an organization that will deliver value and long-term success, as well as innovative services to our clients around the world.

Following the completion of the transaction, Newman will be named president and CEO of ASM. Westley will join ASM’s Board of Directors, where he will actively support the merger integration.

Dan Beckerman, president and chief executive officer of AEG, said:

AEG Facilities has flourished under Bob’s leadership since it was established a decade ago, and this combination will position ASM for growth by joining the resources and talents of these two companies. ASM will offer an impressive array of capabilities that will accelerate the development and deployment of new services and bring diverse business, sports and entertainment experiences to municipalities, partners and fans around the world.

Amir Motamedi, a managing director of Onex, added:

With Wes at the helm, SMG became a gold standard in venue management. We are grateful for his stewardship over the last 25 years and look forward to his continued involvement on the board. Looking forward, we are thrilled to be partnering with Bob Newman and the talented AEG team to create a larger, more diverse company to better serve ASM’s clients.

AEG will retain ownership of its real estate holdings outside of this venture, including its entertainment districts and owned venues in Los Angeles, London, Hamburg and Berlin, as well as its extensive development, sports, music and sponsorship divisions. Onex is contributing its entire equity investment in SMG into the merger. The transaction is expected to be completed later this year.

Founded in 1977, SMG provides management services to more than 240 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theatres, performing arts centers, equestrian facilities and a variety of other venues. With facilities across the globe, SMG manages more than 20 million square feet of exhibition space and over 1.6 million sports and entertainment seats. SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services. SMG Europe manages entertainment venues and food and beverage operations at locations throughout Europe.

AEG Facilities operates preeminent venues worldwide across five continents, providing complete venue management as well as specialized programs in operations, guest services, ticketing, booking, sales and marketing. AEG Facilities also provides its clients resources and access to other AEG-affiliated entities to support their success.

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