As you may have heard, the 2016 Republican National Convention will be held here in Cleveland. Details are scarce at this point, but BOMA Greater Cleveland has already had preliminary discussions with the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) about what our members can begin to expect. Here is what we know now:

Buildings near the official convention site (Quicken Loans Arena) can expect to begin fielding inquiries from entities interested in renting out space for potential special events (cocktail receptions, breakfast/lunch/dinner for dignitaries, temporary office space, etc...).

BOMA and the GCP will be having ongoing discussions to iron out logistical information and potential ways for our members to highlight their first-class facilities. We will certainly be providing more information as it becomes available. Contact Scott or Janice if you have any questions about the 2016 RNC Convention.  

Pictured above: BOMA Greater Cleveland Cornerstone Partner RWK Services, Inc., poses with Chairman Bill McCarthy, RPA, FMA, SMA, and Executive Vice President Janice Parham in Orlando. More photos of the conference and expo here.    

• This year's Every Building Conference & Expo saw more than 3,200 attendees take in Florida's sunny skies to be part of the commercial real estate event of the year.
• BOMA 360 update: There are now more than 750 buildings in 60 markets with the designation. This was also the first year that buildings from Canada and Japan have achieved the designation.
• View BOMA International President Henry Chamberlain's State of the Industry presentation here.
• BOMA International welcomed three new International Affiliates: Panama, Greece, and Russia.  
• There are now 17 International Affiliates.  
• Dubai will be one of the first countries to adopt the BOMA International-designed global measurement standards that will be released by the International Property Measurement Standards Coalition.  

• The Government Affairs Committee announced three new policy positions: Federal Rule Impacting Local Zoning, Like-Kind Exchanges, and Patent Trolls.

The 2014 Cleveland Green Building Challenge is a program of the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the United States Green Building Council presented in collaboration with the Cleveland 2030 District.

The series is structured on the overall process of optimizing building energy performance: evaluating facility performance (ASSESS), setting goals and deciding on energy efficiency measures (TARGET), implementation of operational efficiencies and building retrofit projects (DELIVER), and measurement/verification of savings (MEASURE). Each event will be focused on a different phase of the process and will be held from 7:30am - 10:00am on the following dates:  

April 29 - ASSESS  

June 24 - TARGET 

August 19 - DELIVER (Register Here)

October 21 - MEASURE 

Watch out for Heat Related Illnesses  

It's hot and humid, and the summer temperatures are climbing! Unless you're in an air-conditioned environment, you're most likely sweating and uncomfortable. You're probably tiring more easily, and you may be working and moving more slowly. What you really need to be concerned about is the heightened risk of heat-related illnesses.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries data, 230 heat-related deaths occurred between 2003 and 2009. 40% of these fatalities occurred in the construction industry. Over that same time period, 15,370 heat-related injuries/illnesses requiring days away from work have occurred. It is necessary for employers and their employees to be able to recognize heat-related symptoms and know what to do to combat heat-related illnesses.

Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms in arms, legs, or abdomen caused by losing body salt while sweating.

What to do: Have worker rest in shady cool area. Hydrate by drinking water, clear juice, or a sport or vitamin drink that contains electrolytes.

Fainting may be a problem in the heat, especially if you spend a lot of time standing in one place.   

What to do: Sit or lie down with feet slightly elevated. Also moving around, rather than standing still, reduces the risk of fainting in the heat. Keep hydrated with clear liquids.

Heat exhaustion can make you feel weak and possibly dizzy and/or nauseous. Other symptoms include headache, chills, clammy skin, and profuse sweating.       

What to do: Rest in a cool spot, preferably sit or lie down with feet slightly elevated, and drink plenty of fluids. If your condition doesn't improve, seek medical attention. Following an incident take it easy for a few days and reduce your pace of activity-especially if excessive heat continues to be a factor.

Heat stroke is life-threatening. Emergency medical attention is required. A victim of heat stroke stops sweating, causing the body to overheat. Symptoms include hot and flushed skin, very high body temperature, confusion, and possibly followed by loss of consciousness.       

What to do: Call 911. Move the victim to a cool place, sponge with cold water, apply ice packs or cold drink cans, or immerse in cold water. Provide water or clear fluids only if the person is conscious.