My Year as Chair — Reflections on IAMC

Mert Livingstone
IAMC Chair

It is hard to believe that my term as IAMC Chair is almost over, and this will be my last article. It has been an extraordinary year with several major developments, including 1) our first ever international event held in Singapore, with two additional events scheduled in London and Brussels, 2) launch of an additional event format called IAMC Local — events held between Forums in cities where there is a critical mass of IAMC members, with very successful events held in Chicago and Philadelphia, 3) an SIOR-IAMC Collaboration Agreement in which both organizations explore ways to share for the benefit of the members of both associations, 4) our largest Forum ever, held in Austin in May with 433 attendees, and 5) negotiation of a new association management agreement with Conway Data, Inc. (CDI).

I am writing this article following our July board meetings. The IAMC board, committee chairs and staff meet four times per year to review progress and make critical decisions regarding the future of our great association. On reflection of this year, I can tell you there are several critical success factors that make this such a great organization. First, we have an incredibly engaged membership with almost 40 percent of our members engaged and contributing to the organization in some meaningful way. Comparing this to other organizations, this is truly extraordinary. Second, the 15 members of the board of directors are an incredible group of leaders who understand their role in governing this organization and are committed to maintaining the reputation of excellence and quality of this great association. Third, the staff of CDI works tirelessly in the operations and administration necessary to keep our association running smoothly. Fourth, our generous sponsors, many of which have been sponsors throughout our 10 years, continue to provide a strong financial base that fuels our Forums, programs and strategies.

Another factor that makes IAMC such a special organization is the sense of family amongst our membership. Like a family, we have many opportunities to celebrate together; however, this summer we have also grieved together as we learned of the passing of our dear friend Mary Jo Hanover. Mary Jo was a long-term, very engaged member. She represented the state of Louisiana and served as co-chair of the Associate Advisory Committee. Mary Jo was a real friend of the association, and her smile and her infectious positive attitude are surely missed by many of us.

Clearly, this has been a great year for IAMC. As the plans are being finalized for our 10th anniversary celebration, the event will be outstanding. Our host committee representing member groups across the state of Nebraska and City of Omaha have worked tirelessly to ensure we enjoy our time in Omaha. I do hope you are planning to attend, and I look forward to seeing you there. I want to express my thanks and appreciation to all members who have allowed me to serve as your chair. It has been an honor and privilege for me, and I am very grateful for the contributions of so many that make IAMC such a great organization.

Mert Livingstone
IAMC Chair

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IAMC INSIDER

From Site Selection magazine, September 2012

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Name: Todd Clark

Title & Organization: Director of Global Facilities, WMS, Gaming, Chicago, Ill.

Portfolio & Operations: The real estate portfolio consists of manufacturing facilities, offices, technical labs, data centers, sales and field-service locations in 12 countries consisting of more than 1.5 million sq. ft. (139,350 sq. m.) of space. Our main technical center is located in Chicago, Ill. Our corporate headquarters and largest manufacturing facility is located in Waukegan, Ill.

What does your company manufacture?

WMS Industries is a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of games, digital gaming content and gaming machines for the worldwide casino and interactive gaming industries.

To whom do you report?

I report to Scott Schweinfurth, our Executive Vice President and CFO.

How many years have you worked in the profession?

Twenty years.

Where and what did you study?

I'm a graduate of Southern Methodist University, double major — Real Estate & Urban Land Economics, and Finance.

Describe the most important transaction or project for which you were responsible.

All the projects are important to our end users, but one of the most recent, time-sensitive and important projects is the new, five-story Technology Innovation Center facility at our Chicago campus. The building is a very sophisticated, LEED-Platinum building, which will provide a new cafeteria, fitness center, video walls, employee lounge, and auditorium on the first floor. The upper floors were specifically designed for our Game Development studios, with office space, labs, team member collaboration areas, video conference rooms and showroom space. My team acted as the general contractor for the project, and we had to exceed the expectations of our senior management, employees and board of directors with the amenities, design, function and the finish of the space. It was very important to the company that the culture of the company was embodied in the amenities and design of the building.

What is the biggest professional challenge you face on a regular basis?

I believe the biggest challenge is to avoid getting caught up in all of the tactical work and to keep focus on the strategic initiatives. Our department is fairly small and we have to manage multiple functions at any given time, which can range from a facility-management issue to negotiating tax incentives. It can be quite challenging to work strategically and implement new processes or initiatives when you have to continually put out fires.

How is your corporate role evolving?

The corporate real estate executive's role is evolving and expanding to include many more functions and responsibilities that used to be separate and distinct roles within a company. Currently, my team is responsible for Real Estate, Facilities, Design and Construction and Sustainability. Within these categories, we manage lease administration, CAFM, global space allocation, recycling/sustainability programs, plants, artwork, facilities management, project management and global building standards.

Describe how environmental sustainability goals are influencing the nature of your job.

We have stepped up our focus on sustainability and now have recycling programs and LEED-Gold and Platinum buildings. We are in the process of developing a more robust sustainability program with defined goals and objectives.

What is the value of IAMC membership to you?

Like the punch line in the MasterCard commercial, it's "priceless." IAMC provides incredible opportunities to interact with other real estate executives, service providers and economic development professionals at Forums, IAMC Local events and Flash Calls. These contacts have helped me with managing projects around the world, benchmarking, sanity checks, references, referrals and career development. IAMC has provided tools, resources and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Omaha Professional Forum Major Presenter Highlights

The Perfect Ten – Building on the Past;
Creating Our Future

Host hotel, Hilton Omaha
Welcome to Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman will open the Omaha Professional Forum with a brief welcoming message on behalf of the State of Nebraska. Mon., Oct. 14, 8:00 a.m. The Adversity Advantage: Turning Everyday Struggles Into Greatness Erik Weihenmayer is the only blind person in history to climb both Mt. Everest and the Seven Summits. He'll draw from life experiences, his own adversity and conversations with IAMC members to deliver the inspirational and humorous message that "character is forged in the flames of adversity and when done right, suffering can fuel greatness in whatever one endeavors." Mon., Oct. 14, 8:10 a.m. The Extreme Future: The Top Trends That Will Shape the 21st Century Futurist Dr. James Canton will talk about convergent forces that will shape the extreme future: technology, demographics, lifestyles, the work force, the economy, life sciences, security and consumer demands. Corporations will engage in talent wars; health enhancement will become a trillion-dollar business; virtual supply chains and on-demand products will rule; and real-time collaborative organizations will thrive. Mon., Oct. 15, 1:15 p.m.	Supply Chain Visions for Industrial Asset Managers – 10 Ways to Create Competitive Advantage Business Consultant Dr. Kate Vitasek will explain how to leverage supply-chain management practices to improve efficiency, integration and performance. She'll propose 10 ways to create competitive advantage with supply-chain management. Tues., Oct. 16, 8:15 a.m. Creating the WOW! Delivering a World-Class Brand Leadership Coach Chip Madera will deliver a humorous, content-rich message on how to define a world-class brand. Organizations like the Mayo Clinic, Southwest Airlines and Disney receive high ratings from employees and customers by striving for corporate cultures of excellence that fortify their brands in the marketplace. Their experience can teach us what it takes to move our personal and professional brands to a new level. Tues., Oct. 16, 1:45 p.m. Our Incredibly Shrinking Planet Economist Todd Buchholz's Omaha Professional Forum wrap-up session will take you on a tour of the hot spots, from the fragmenting Eurozone, to the confusing dynamics of China. What can the Federal Reserve do to help American consumers keep their composure? How will the U.S. Presidential election impact global businesses? Wed., Oct. 17, 9:00 a.m.