Rewarding important work

I am writing this on the final day of the ASHE 47th Annual Conference & Technical Exhibition in Tampa, Fla. This truly has been one of the highlights of my presidency. The event offered so much, from the keynote speaker whose words inspired us to be better leaders, to a fascinating look at health care commissioning to updates on the Joint Commission, to an evening of fun and networking at the Florida aquarium. I have so many memories, but there are those that have special meaning.

This year, nearly 50 ASHE and Florida Healthcare Engineering Association members gathered together to do a revitalization project at Tampa's Cypress Point Park. It was a wonderful experience—the ability to give back to a city and a community was unique. As we cleared the area of debris, gardened and installed trash cans and park benches, I knew we were leaving Tampa a little better and more beautiful than before we came.

ASHE members are always looking for ways to better serve their communities. Whether it's working in a park or keeping medical equipment and the environment of care in working order, we are always thinking of others. However, from my experience, we rarely give ourselves the recognition we deserve. That is why an important part of the conference is taking time to recognize our members and celebrate their significant achievements.

This year we recognized more than 20 members for their outstanding service to their organizations and the industry. They included William E. "Ed" Tinsley, P.E., CEM, HFDP, CHFM, CHC, of TME Inc., Little Rock, Ark., who received our Crystal Eagle award; and Steve Vinopal, CHFM, of Mile Bluff Medical Center, Mauston, Wis., who received our President's Award. Additionally, three members received our ASHE fellow (FASHE) designation and seven members received our ASHE senior (SASHE) designation.

Other honors included our Excellence in Health Care Facility Management Award, which went to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston; numerous Level of Affiliation Awards that went to ASHE chapters across the country; and many more Certified Healthcare Constructor and Certified Healthcare Facility Manager designations.

ASHE members bring their experience, dedication and professionalism to their jobs every day, and in recognizing their accomplishments, we seek to reflect at least a little of that important work back on them.

Terry L. Martin, CHFM, SASHE