CMM spoke with Edward Smith III, an environmental services (EVS) professional for an Alabama school district, about his methods for tackling problem areas in the more than 20 schools he serves. How long have you worked in EVS? Edward Smith: I have worked in environmental services for 25 years and am currently the executive director of facilities at Tuscaloosa City Schools in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where I have worked for seven years. What are some of the biggest problem areas in the facility you clean? Smith: Restrooms are one of our biggest challenges. They set the tone for cleanliness and care of the building. To care for them properly, we maintain cleaning standards that extend during the school day and through any extended hours the building is occupied. How have you solved these problems? Smith: We have established a restroom-cleaning schedule for custodians to follow and provided metered chemicals for restroom use. To make the process easier and eliminate cross contamination, we have created separate custodian carts for restrooms and utilize color-coded microfiber cloths for specific areas and fixtures. We target specific “danger zone” locations, such as under urinals and toilets, for extra cleaning. Additionally, we emphasize that all dispensers must be operational. We also are introducing a new restroom inspection system that will be conducted internally by each district school. What types of cleaning products make the job easier? Smith: We do not use any chemicals or urinal screens with heavy perfumes. We find the more consistently we clean, the less we need to use harsh chemicals. Using equipment and supplies as intended also makes the job easier. Please give a step-by-step account of your problem-solving methods. Smith: When an issue or opportunity arises, we: Listen carefully to gain a complete understanding. Collaborate with all the teams involved and research a remedy. Perform the initial remedy. Assess the situation. Complete the process or repeat it if the remedy didn’t work. What advice would you give to other EVS workers who also struggle with maintaining restrooms? Smith: If I see it, you will see it. In other words, if you notice issues in the restroom, realize that customers and building visitors will see these issues too. Don’t clean in response to complaints. Clean before you get complaints.
Each year, EXHIBITOR Magazine recognizes top-performing convention centers through its prestigious Centers of Excellence program. The 2026 honorees—25 convention centers across North America—represent the best in exhibitor experience, operational performance, innovation, and service delivery. Excellence in today’s meetings and events industry is no longer defined solely by square footage, loading docks, or Wi-Fi bandwidth. In a post-pandemic world shaped by heightened health awareness, sustainability expectations, and workforce safety concerns, the definition of “best-in-class” has fundamentally changed. Increasingly, excellence is measured by how well facilities protect people and support public health. This shift is clearly reflected in the 2026 Centers of Excellence honorees, among which 10 (40%) are GBAC STAR™ accredited and 14 (56%) are LEED certified. Seven facilities among the 25 hold both GBAC STAR and LEED certification: Baird Center, Milwaukee Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, North Carolina Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu McCormick Place, Chicago Seattle Convention Center, Seattle Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C. Creating new venue baselines Trade shows and large events bring people from all over the world together. The convention centers where they gather are complex ecosystems where indoor air quality, surface hygiene, waste management, chemical selection, and cleaning protocols intersect. Before they book venues, event organizers are asking new questions: How is cleaning verified and standardized? What protocols are in place to prevent the spread of infectious diseases? How does the building support healthy indoor environments? What sustainability outcomes can be measured and not just claimed? The convention centers recognized in the 2026 Centers of Excellence program demonstrate that leading venues are responding to these questions by aligning operations with recognized third-party standards, including GBAC STAR Accreditation and the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Cleaning to protect health The Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC), a division of ISSA, The Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions, established GBAC STAR accreditation to help facilities implement the highest level of cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention practices. GBAC STAR is not a marketing label—it is a performance-based accreditation grounded in science, training, documentation, and continuous improvement. Facilities seeking GBAC STAR accreditation must demonstrate: Evidence-based cleaning and disinfection protocols Formal bio-risk management programs Appropriate chemical selection and use Worker training and competency verification Emergency response and outbreak preparedness Ongoing auditing and program review For convention centers, this translates into predictable, transparent, and defensible cleaning operations. GBAC STAR accreditation shows a strong commitment to structured infection prevention and cleaning for health. Accredited venues recognize that cleaning is not simply about appearance. It is about risk reduction, workforce protection, and occupant safety and confidence. Cleaning as essential infrastructure As the global voice of the cleaning industry, ISSA plays a central role in elevating cleaning from a custodial function to a recognized public health service. Through GBAC, professional training programs, standards engagement, and evidence-based guidance, ISSA supports facilities across the built environment in implementing Cleaning for Health™ principles. This approach emphasizes: Risk-based cleaning strategies Safer chemistry and responsible product selection Measurable outcomes instead of visual inspection alone Worker health, safety, and professionalization Alignment between facility management, sustainability, and health goals The Centers of Excellence honorees illustrate how convention centers are operationalizing these principles by embedding cleaning into broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks rather than treating it as a back-of-house activity. Designed to support health While GBAC STAR focuses on operational health protection, LEED addresses how buildings are designed, renovated, and operated to support environmental and human health outcomes. LEED-certified buildings demonstrate performance in: Indoor environmental quality Ventilation and airflow effectiveness Energy efficiency and emissions reduction Water conservation Waste diversion and recycling Responsible materials selection LEED certification provides planners and exhibitors with verifiable sustainability data, helping organizations meet corporate sustainability commitments while selecting venues aligned with their ESG goals. Selecting a convention location For event professionals, selecting a venue is no longer just a logistical decision; it is a risk management decision. Venues aligned with GBAC STAR™ and LEED provide: Evidence-based cleaning and bio-risk, management Reduced reputational and operational risk Integration of cleaning, sustainability, and health into core operations Alignment with corporate sustainability reporting In competitive event markets, these factors increasingly influence attendance, exhibitor retention, and long-term brand reputation. Venues investing in health and sustainability are also investing in business resilience and long-term relevance. Envisioning the future The Centers of Excellence convention centers are not simply hosting successful trade shows. They are redefining responsible venue management. By investing in GBAC STAR accreditation, LEED certification, and ISSA-aligned best practices, these venues demonstrate leadership that extends beyond the event floor by committing to healthy indoor environments supported by science.
CMM spoke with Gregory Gardner, director of environmental services (EVS) at a Georgia hospital, about the critical role of EVS staff in preventing the spread of infectious pathogens in healthcare facilities. How long have you been working in EVS? Gregory Gardner: I have worked in environmental services for 15 years. I am currently the director of EVS at Memorial Hospital and Manor in Bainbridge, Georgia. Which infectious diseases does your facility contend with the most this time of year? Gardner: We see a lot of cases of norovirus, flu, and COVID-19 in the winter. Which infections/pathogens are your facility most concerned about? Why? Gardner: We are most concerned about the spread of C. diff, COVID-19, and the flu. Patients and visitors have numerous opportunities to spend time in common areas within the hospital, and that opens up the possibility of cross-contamination. What cleaning protocols do your EVS teams follow to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases? Gardner: Our daily cleaning protocols in patient rooms and public areas include wiping down high-touch surfaces, as well as surfaces closest to the patient. We clean waiting-room furniture, public restrooms, and high-traffic spaces multiple times each day. In addition, we perform blitz cleaning in various common areas of the hospital and manor, including sweeping; mopping; wiping down tables, chairs, walls, and vents; and dusting high surfaces. Then we perform audits to ensure rooms are cleaned correctly and thoroughly and that soap and sanitizer dispensers remain stocked. What is your facility’s top challenge regarding infection prevention? Gardner: We have a problem with family members of patients who don’t follow instructions for infection control precautions. They do not feel that these precautions should apply to them and don’t understand the impact of not following the processes. What are your biggest staff challenges? Gardner: It is important that the EVS team perform its tasks consistently, focusing on safety and using personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly. To accomplish this, PPE requirements must be in effect, including when patients leave the hospital or transfer to another facility. Staff must educate family members and visitors on the importance of PPE and enforce its use. What are the most common misconceptions about infection prevention? Gardner: Many people mistakenly believe their actions don’t affect infection prevention. In reality, the actions of everyone in the building affect infection prevention. For example, hand hygiene is essential, along with keeping each individual’s environment clean. Infection control is not just housekeeping’s job.
Technology is taking an old problem—the transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)—and looking at new ways to prevent it. Crothall Healthcare, which provides support services and environmental services (EVS) to hospitals and other healthcare facilities, is one of the organizations implementing automated and smart technology to help stop the transmission of HAIs. In 2019, Crothall Healthcare began a partnership with the American Nursing Association in its quest to reduce the instances of C. diff and other HAIs in the facilities it serves. “The association brought a wealth of knowledge on how to best partner with clinical teams on combating healthcare-associated infections,” said Sophia McCrae, vice president of operational strategy at Crothall Healthcare. “It truly takes a team to minimize the spread of HAIs.” The partnership increased the number of accounts that utilize a hygiene monitoring program using radio-frequency identification (RFID) to track whether healthcare employees wash their hands properly. Washing until the green light For example, a New York hospital, partnering with Crothall, installed RFID sensors on sinks, hand sanitizer dispensers, and soap dispensers, which healthcare employees use before treating patients or cleaning patient rooms. This technology communicates with sensors on staff badges to signal how long the employees are washing their hands. “It’s a hospital-wide initiative; every department is monitored, not just environmental services, to create a culture that prioritizes hygiene,” McCrae said. When employees approach an RFID-equipped sink or dispenser, they see a yellow light to remind them to wash. If they don’t wash long enough to remove germs, a red light flashes. The light remains red until they are compliant; then it flashes green. “Green is clean, bright yellow is a reminder, bright red means stop and rewash your hands,” McCrae explained. Employee noncompliance is reported to a supervisor. However, the system is not solely punitive; it also provides data on compliant employees. “This allows us to recognize and reward compliance,” McCrae said. Since the RFID system was installed in 2021, the hospital has seen higher hand hygiene compliance and experienced increased patient satisfaction regarding hospital hygiene. “Accounts that utilize this system are above the 75th percentile for patient satisfaction, based on surveys,” McCrae said. “When patients see hospital staff washing their hands during interactions, this improves their perception of cleanliness and increases their confidence in safety protocols.” Revealing invisible C. diff spores In addition to improving hand hygiene, technology is tackling challenges in surface hygiene, including detecting when a surface is contaminated with invisible pathogens. “In environmental services, we aim to find the dirt and clean the dirt; find the dust and get rid of it,” McCrae said. “But what happens when you don’t really know what is living on a surface because you can’t see it?” Crothall joined forces with an organization that created a microbiological visualization tool that reveals the presence of C. diff with a unique patented spray. Cleaning staff spray down a surface and wait three to five minutes. Then, using ultraviolet lights and goggles, they can see the illuminated C. diff spores. Historically, Crothall EVS teams have concentrated on disinfecting specific high-touch patient room areas such as bedrails and over-the-bed tables. After testing multiple surfaces with the spray, they have added adenosine triphosphate (ATP) swab testing to additional high-touch areas, such as shower fixtures and glove boxes. EVS crews learn how to use the spore visualization spray in simulation labs. New hires are trained to use it as part of their onboarding. “We are exploring it in about 20 of our accounts today, and we are participating in research with an academic medical center,” McCrae said. “We are seeing significant research outcomes, both quantitative and qualitative.” Automating UVC disinfection Ultraviolet (UVC) light disinfection is not a new technology. However, the most modern units now feature artificial intelligence- (AI) powered automation. Crothall-serviced facilities formerly used AI disinfection units that EVS workers needed to move around a room manually. Now they use fully autonomous UVC systems that are mounted in the corner of the room. “You can tell the system which surfaces to disinfect, and when nobody is in the room, it will automatically turn on,” McCrae said. “It knows which surfaces to attack and the exact height of these surfaces. We can pre-set it to sporicidal mode, and if C. diff is present, it will intentionally target the spores.” McCrae said the automated UVC disinfection system has resulted in a 3-log reduction in C. diff spore counts in facilities that use that system. Enhancing manual cleaning Technical advancements like AI-automated UVC disinfecting systems will not replace the importance of manual cleaning and the need for EVS staff to perform that cleaning. However, they can add an extra level of disinfection that lowers the risk of contracting an HAI. “The technology has resulted in a significant reduction in bioburden,” McCrae said. Spore visualization sprays and other advancements also provide a roadmap that guides EVS teams to the surfaces most in need of attention, so they can distribute their time and effort more effectively. “In cleaning, we always talk about turnaround times and benchmarks,” McCrae said. “Cleaning and disinfection technology helps us understand how much time we are spending on each surface and whether we are spending too much time in one area and not enough time in another.”
What has the cleaning industry learned as it transitioned from the first pandemic year to the second? In this episode of BioTalk, a GBACtv production, learn the details about what went well and what didn't in 2021, and what we as an industry need to know right now. Infection prevention experts Patty Olinger, the executive director of the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA, and Dr. Paul Meechan, the former head of safety with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and who now serves on the GBAC scientific advisory board, discuss these topics with ISSA Media Director Jeff Cross. This webcast also digs into the science and the layered support when it comes to cleaning, disinfection, and air purification, and how the omicron variant shouldn’t be considered just another type of “cold”. Olinger and Meechan also discuss the possibility of the end of the pandemic. This webcast is brought to you by our sponsor Breezy.
City size is key when launching a startup, according to WalletHub’s 2026’s Best Small Cities to Start a Business report. WalletHub determined the most business-friendly small markets in the U.S. by comparing over 1,300 cities with fewer than 100,000 residents across 18 key metrics. The dataset includes small-business growth rates, financing accessibility, investor access, and labor costs. WalletHub ranks the top 10 best small cities to start a business as: George, Utah Fort Myers, Florida Washington, Utah Bozeman, Montana Greenville, South Carolina Cedar City, Utah Boca Raton, Florida Cheyenne, Wyoming Ocala, Florida Dover, Delaware St. George, Utah, is the best small city to start a business, ranking among the top cities in the country for both startups per capita and growth in the number of small businesses (nearly 42% between 2017 and 2023). The city also has very cheap office space, costing around US$10.73 per square foot. In contrast, the most expensive city charges nearly $62 per square foot. In addition, St. George has a very high annual job growth rate. “The benefits of starting a business in a small city include lower overhead costs, stronger relationships with customers and the potential to become a big fish in a little pond. But there are drawbacks, too,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst. “Entrepreneurs who want to build a large professional network aren’t likely to make as many connections in a town with fewer residents. Other restrictions might include limited industry options, a less diverse customer base, and difficulty attracting and keeping top talent.” Other key findings from the report include: Bozeman, Montana, has the highestnumber of startups per 100,000 residents, 8.7 times higher than in Austin, Minnesota, which has the lowest. Kentwood, Michigan, has the most affordable office spaces, which are 6.8 times lower than in Mountain View, California, the city with the least affordable. Isla Vista, California, has the lowest labor costs (according to median annual income), which are 9.6 times lower than in Los Altos, California, which is among the cities with the highest. West Odessa, Texas, has the longest work week, which is 1.8 times longer than in Isla Vista, California, the city with the shortest. Wellesley, Massachusetts, has the highest share of the population with at least a bachelor’s degree, which is 14.8 times higher than in Immokalee, Florida, the city with the lowest. To view the full report and the ranking of over 1,300 cities, click here.
This month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has removed approximately 230,000 gallons (920 tons) of expired, alcohol-based hand sanitizer and related waste from a warehouse at the former Seneca Army Depot in Romulus, New York, eliminating a significant fire and safety risk to nearby communities. The material was stored in deteriorating containers inside a building without fire suppression systems or active utilities, creating conditions that could have led to a fire or explosion if left unaddressed. “Large stockpiles of alcohol-based flammable materials like this can quickly become dangerous when not properly stored,” said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. EPA began work at the site in September 2025 at the request of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Crews inventoried, repackaged, and consolidated hundreds of pallets and containers of sanitizer and related waste to prepare them for safe removal. EPA then loaded the material into secure shipping containers and transported it off-site to approved recycling and disposal facilities. EPA will continue coordinating with state partners and pursue appropriate enforcement actions to hold responsible parties accountable for the costs of the cleanup. The hazards tied to expired sanitizer are not unique to Romulus. In January 2026, EPA completed a similar cleanup at a warehouse in Niagara Falls, New York, where the agency addressed hazardous conditions involving large volumes of stored sanitizer. EPA also continues to respond to a fire-related incident at the Eco Operations facility in Gorham, New York, where large quantities of expired sanitizer contributed to a major fire in August 2025. Though the product is commonly used in small amounts, stockpiles of this size can create serious fire and safety risks, particularly in older or poorly maintained buildings.
On April 9, hurricane researchers at Colorado State University (CSU) forecasted their first outlook, predicting a slightly quieter hurricane season with 13 named storms. Of the more than a dozen storms, CSU hurricane researchers predicted six will become hurricanes and two of these hurricanes will become Category 3 or higher hurricanes. These numbers are below the long-term seasonal average of 14, seven, and three, respectively. “So far, the 2026 hurricane season is exhibiting characteristics similar to the 2006, 2009, 2015, and 2023 seasons,” said Phil Klotzbach, a senior research scientist in the CSU Department of Atmospheric Science and lead author of the report. CSU researchers anticipate a moderate/strong El Niño being the dominant factor for the upcoming hurricane season. El Niño is a recurring climate pattern characterized by warmer than normal water in the eastern and central tropical Pacific. The weather pattern tends to increase upper-level westerly winds across the Caribbean into the tropical Atlantic. These winds result in increased vertical wind shear which is unfavorable for Atlantic hurricane formation and intensification. Moderate to strong El Niño events generally have a stronger tropical Atlantic vertical wind shear impact than weak El Niño events. In turn, the researchers forecasted a below-average probability for major hurricane landfalls along the continental U.S. coastline and in the Caribbean. The report also includes the following probability of major hurricanes making landfall in 2026: 32% for the entire U.S. coastline (average from 1880–2020 is 43%). 15% for the East Coast, including the Florida Peninsula (average from 1880–2020 is 21%). 20% for the Gulf Coast from the Florida panhandle westward to Brownsville, Texas (average from 1880–2020 is 27%). 35% for the Caribbean (average from 1880–2020 is 47%). Additional CSU forecast updates will be released on June 10, July 8, and August 5. The researchers note that their initial April forecast is historically less accurate compared to those that follow in each season due to the considerable changes that can occur in the atmosphere and ocean between April and the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season from August to October. The entire Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. The most significant hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season was Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane in Jamaica, resulting in nearly US$9 billion in damage and causing 95 fatalities across the Caribbean.
On April 7, a 1.2-million-square foot Kimberly-Clark distribution center in Ontario, California, operated by NFI Industries, was intentionally set ablaze, CBS News reported. A NFI Industries employee, Chamel Abdulkarim was arrested by police on multiple felony arson-related charges for the massive fire that destroyed the building and products inside. Cal Fire officials said that despite the sprinklers being active when the fire erupted, flames ignited throughout the warehouse. Paper goods inside the distribution center, including toilet paper, contributed to the intensity of the blaze, fire officials added. Ontario Fire Deputy Chief Mike Wedell said they had over 140 personnel working to extinguish the blaze. More than 24 hours later, the fire was still smoldering, creating a thick haze of smoke and ash in the immediate area, ABC News reported. No injuries or fatalities were reported from this incident. In a statement issued to media outlets, Kimberly-Clark said its supply chain network "is designed for continuity during disruptions and mitigating actions are already in motion."