I would like to thank FHEA for allowing me to attend the ASHE 46th Annual Conference and Technical Exhibition which was held  August 2-5 in Anaheim, CA.  I was very proud to be representing FHEA as your State President at the conference. The training and trade show were very impressive. I had the distinct pleasure of seeing our FHEA State Secretary, Rick Zurich, CHE, receive the ASHE Region 4 Emerging Regional Leader Award. I also had the pleasure of accepting the ASHE Platinum Award 2008 for FHEA––our second! Thanks again to our FHEA State Vice President, Mike Barrow, CHE, CHFM for putting together the application. Great job by ALL! We should all be very proud of receiving these awards. ASHE is a great organization and I am very proud to be a member. 

Within our state, District 2 put on an excellent joint lunch in September with Marketing Professional Services (SMPS). The event was sponsored by Gilbane Building Company, Harvard Jolly and TLC Engineering for Architecture.  It was held at the San Jose Country Club in Jacksonville, Florida.  The theme was “Pick a Bone with AHCA” with Skip Gregory, NCARB, Bureau Chief of AHCA Plans and Construction.  The guest speaker was State Representative Charles E. Van Zant.  Representative Van Zant serves on the Healthcare Policy Committee and with Skip was instrumental in bringing back the 80% inspection process for hospitals.  The FHEA board of directors presented Representative Van Zant with a plaque, thanking him for his efforts in that action.  Representative Van Zant’s daughter Kimberly Hanson, P.E. of Elkins Constructors, Inc. was awarded Supporting Member of the Year for District 2 for her insight and role in putting the right people together.  This reversal was a major success for healthcare and FHEA. 

On a sadder note, we learned that long time member Charlie Fuhrer, CHE, passed away suddenly in August.  Charlie was the Facilities Director at Suncoast Hospital in Largo.  Our thoughts are with Charlie’s family at this time.  He will be missed.  

Again thanks to Alethea and all the board members for their total support.  I would also like to thank our members, both active and supporting, who support FHEA and us throughout the year.