Executive’s message from Jane Mele

Welcome to the summer addition of our Newsletter.  As temperatures heat up, let's find some cool new ways to network and educate ourselves in the coming months.  Here are some resources available to you within your profession. The first one is the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA). IFMA is a not for profit organization focused on education. You do not have to be a member to pull valuable information from their main web site: www.ifma.org. You can find local job postings, education for career advancement (CFM and PFM) and make sure you look at today's Tools & Resource tab. Two of them under "Issue Briefs" are information about Greenhouse Gas and Indoor Quality.   As a member of your local chapter, which provides educational programs and networking opportunities, you will meet your peers within other organizations.

Another resource is the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Their focus is on an environmentally and socially responsible work environment. Their web site is: www.usgbc.org. You can download LEEDS rating checklist, check out their press releases and you can also become a leader by getting your LEED-AP accreditation. If you need more information please call me.

I hope you have a great summer.

Jane Betsekas Mele

Product of the 2nd Quarter, 2007: Maxon Empower

Maxon Empower delivers an office to be admired. A complete system with the options you need. Empower offers the sophisticated styling with segmented panels accented by intuitively round trim, refined glass options and a parade of fabric and laminated choices that will enliven your office. Please visit the Maxon Empower Product Page on our website.

• 3" Thick Tackable Monolithic & Segmented Panels
• Powder Coated Radius Trim
• Removable skins for fast, economical refurbishments & reconfigurations.
• 170 glass size options
• Identity styles for sophistocated placement of your logo or art
• All-metal trim, top caps and posts for increased longevity

Job of the Quarter – Media News (aka California Newspaper Partnership consolidation)

Recently more than fifty California newspapers consolidated into one; the California Newspaper Group. About the move, Doug Ryle of Media News said, "MB Contract Furniture's role in the relocation of the California Newspaper Group from San Jose, Oakland & Walnut Creek to San Ramon was accomplished with efficiency and economy.”

Geoff Cunningham is the MB Contract Furniture Account Manager on this job, which involved both the delivery and installation of new, used and remanufactured furniture and the moving of a variety of offices during the three months between mid February and mid May, 2007." Congratulations to the entire crew.

Employee of the quarter – Patty Foster

Patty, who just celebrated her second anniversary with MB Contract Furniture, was made employee of the quarter for her outstanding work with vendor’s discounts in Accounts Payable.

Patty originally hails from the San Jose/ Morgan Hill area. Her husband Dale and their two daughters Megan and Katie reside in Clayton. Patty has worked in Accounts Payable and Worker’s Comp for the last twenty-six years.

Concerning MB Contract Furniture, Patty says, “It is good to be heard. I love and respect my co-workers almost as much as I do the Oakland A’s. Just kidding. I am honored to be the MB employee of the quarter.”

Service of the Quarter: Routine Service

At MB Contract Furniture our “Service Agreements” are based upon the notion that we can provide whatever product is necessary at the time the service is performed, usually within a week. This “routine” service is performed on a regular basis.

It is our job to preview and group the service events at the same location for the sake of economy. On the appointed day we dispatch our professional installers to perform the service work. The scope of service is from adjusting parts of cubicles to installing keyboard trays to fixing chairs.

Feedback from our service clients indicates that we are quiet, quick and efficient. We can provide you with our feedback samples upon request. Learn more about the services MB Contract Furniture provides on our website.

Recipe of the Second Quarter

Black Bean Chili with Lean Beef and Summer Veggies (Serves 12)

• 1 pound lean beef, diced into ˝” squares
• (4) 14 oz. can of black beans, rinsed and drained
• (2) 14 oz can of 99% fat free beef broth
• (4) 14 oz cans diced tomatoes
• 2 green peppers chopped
• 2 large red onions chopped
• (4) hot red peppers, minced
• (1/2) head cauliflower chopped
• (2) average zucchini, sliced
• (3) ears of corn, use sliced off kernels
• (1) bunch cilantro diced
• (3) Teaspoons of crushed garlic
• (4) Tablespoons of chili powder
• (2) Tablespoons of black pepper
• Olive oil spray

In a large soup pot spray the bottom with olive oil, brown the beef on all sides and remove. Ad olive oil spray as necessary and in the beef juice add the peppers, onions, hot red peppers, and crushed garlic. Grill until onions are transparent.

Ad everything except the zucchini to the pot, bring to boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Ad the zucchini and simmer five minutes. Enjoy.

Richard Allen