Dozens of cleaning industry professionals from across the United States converged on ISSA’s Rosemont, Illinois, headquarters for the 2024 Business Growth Strategies Conference. This exclusive three-day event took place June 11-13 and featured nearly 20 cleaning industry thought leaders who shared their expertise on such topics as optimizing performance practices, enhancing sales techniques, improving worker retention, and other topics designed to boost the business of the building service contractors (BSCs) and residential cleaners in attendance. Business Growth Strategies’ distinguished keynote speakers included Ricky Regaldo, CEO and founder of Route; Dean Mercado of Online Marketing Muscle; and Debbie Sardone of Debbie Sardone Consulting. The trio shared real-world advice on some of the most pressing issues facing our industry. Attendees also participated in multiple interactive panel discussions, allowing them to share new ideas and innovations in a spirited back-and-forth setting. In addition to the educational offerings, this year’s Business Growth Strategies also provided attendees with the opportunity to network with other like-minded business leaders and share their success stories. “We are beyond grateful for the participation of so many individuals that shared their stories, knowledge, and expertise with a new network of friends,” said ISSA Chief Global Education Officer Brant Insero. “We witnessed new relationships and bonds with likeminded executives created within a purposely designed intimate setting. These are the moments that ISSA fosters with our members. We are already beginning to explore ways to make Business Growth Strategies stronger for next year.” Special thanks to the event’s sponsors, Sunbelt Rentals and ThinkLite, whose gracious support enabled this year’s Business Growth Strategies to be a huge success.
As the hard floor market share increases, facility managers and contractors are looking for expert guidance on the latest flooring materials, tools, and technology. Look no further! Cleaning & Maintenance Management is bringing practical hard floor solutions to the industry in a special webinar presentation: Hard Floor Heroes. From 1–2 p.m. CT on Thursday, June 20, CMM will present a free one-hour, fast-paced webinar, during which attendees will learn: Identification and maintenance procedures for hard floors. The top floor care challenges and how to address them. Steps to protect surfaces through the power of floor finishes and sealants. Tips to help you tackle scratches, scuffs, and stains with confidence. Strategies to increase productivity and do more with modern tools and processes. In addition, attendees can engage with our panelists during the webinar and during a dedicated Q&A session. The expert panel for this webinar includes: Jeff Cross (moderator), ISSA Media Director. Dane Gregory, IICRC-approved instructor and 3-D Corporation president. William Washington, SSC Services for Education unit director. Josh Sowl, Cummins Facility Services district manager. Register today and pose your question now or during the live webinar, brought to you by Ecolab Inc.; EnerSys; Nilfisk; and Americo Manufacturing Co. Inc. By registering, you also will receive a link to the recorded webinar after the live event has ended.
On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, join the ISSA Hygieia Network for its upcoming networking and leadership conference—Workplace Allies: The Power of Having Someone in Your Corner. This information-packed conference, which includes a networking lunch, will take place from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Spartan Chemical Co. Inc.’s headquarters in Maumee, Ohio. “We’re excited to announce our latest networking and leadership conference,” said ISSA Hygieia Network Program Director Dr. Felicia Townsend. “We have assembled a fantastic lineup of speakers and invite people to come and learn about the significance of workplace relationships and developing allyships.” Attendees will gain new strategies on how to become better advocates and supporters of employees from every level in their organization. Additionally, they will receive insights into how they can make their organizations more inclusive for everyone to thrive and discover how securing mentors, sponsors, and peer relationships can help them reach their goals. “We’re especially honored to have Kim Graham Lee, Chief Allyship officer and former CEO of Integrating Women Leader’s Foundation (IWL), kickoff the event with her workshop, The 3A’s of Allyship: Awareness, Authenticity, and ACTION!” added Townsend. “This will be a great opportunity for attendees to learn how gender bias shows up in the workplace all too frequently and devalues women.” Other guest speakers include: John Swigart, Spartan Chemical President Cali Sartor, Spartan Chemical Vice President of Marketing and Advertising Rachel Sanchez, Prestige Maintenance USA CEO As part of this can’t-miss event, all attendees are invited to join a special Cleaning & Cocktails Reception and Fireside Chat taking place June 4 at 5:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Toledo/Perrysburg in nearby Perrysburg, Ohio. This conference is sponsored by Spartan Chemical. Registration is open now, with pricing starting at US$89 for ISSA Members and $119 for nonmembers. Group discounts are also available. To learn more and register, visit https://events.issa.com/events/hygieia-networking-conference-ohio-2024/ About ISSA Charities ISSA Charities™ is the charitable and philanthropic arm of ISSA and the worldwide cleaning industry. A 501(c)(3) organization, ISSA Charities’ mission is to make the world a cleaner, healthier, better place to live by sponsoring, funding, and operating charitable and social programs directly connected to the cleaning industry. Our Signature Charities are changing the way the world views cleaning: Cleaning for a Reason provides professional home cleaning for cancer patients; the ISSA Hygieia Network advances women, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the cleaning industry; and ISSA Scholars supports youth with scholarship aid and seasonal internships. To learn more about ISSA Charities and to make your own donation, visit issacharities.org.
Be sure not to miss CMM’s upcoming FREE webinar, Indoor Air Quality 2.0: Shaping IAQ now and into the future, on April 11 at 1:00 p.m. CT. This online seminar delves into the future and present advancements of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Packed into a succinct one-hour format, it is designed to shed light on the pivotal aspects and innovations shaping the landscape of IAQ within commercial environments. The session is geared toward professionals engaged in facility maintenance and infection prevention, aiming to enhance their understanding and application of cutting-edge IAQ solutions. By joining this webinar, participants will gain insights from leading experts versed in both the current state and anticipated progress of IAQ technologies and methodologies. The discussion will span a range of critical topics: An explanation of “sick building syndrome” and its relationship to building related illness (BRI) The use of monitoring and do-it-yourself testing to respond to occupant complaints Strategies for creating better, cleaner air in older buildings An overview of “smart buildings” concerning IAQ and how monitoring can help make the smart building smarter Upcoming industry developments to improve IAQ into the future Practical steps to improving IAQ now, including dilution, fresh air make-up, and IAQ equipment The webinar will feature an interactive segment, allowing attendees to pose their most pressing questions to our panel of seasoned IAQ professionals during a dedicated Q&A session. This is an invaluable opportunity for anyone involved in facility management to engage directly with experts and receive advice tailored to their specific challenges and concerns. This webinar is brought to you by Innova Nanojet Technologies Limited. Register for the free webinar today!
International Cleaning Week takes place March 24–30, 2024. The week-long event hosted by ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, is a global celebration to honor frontline cleaning professionals and advocates for the industry. For four consecutive years, ISSA has hosted National Cleaning Week at the end of March. Based on the event’s tremendous success in the United States, this year ISSA is expanding the reach of this week-long event to also highlight the industry’s positive impact on the economy as well as the value of clean as it relates to improving public health. “ISSA is thrilled to build on the success of National Cleaning Week by hosting the first International Cleaning Week,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. “This expanded scope reflects the value of clean and importance of cleaning for health worldwide, as well as ISSA’s international reach.” International Cleaning Week represents a unique opportunity to celebrate the Value of Clean®, raise public awareness, and honor your peers. Supporting cleaning industry companies and organizations can partner with ISSA to further spread public awareness. This Wednesday, January 31, ISSA will host a free, one-hour webinar offering insight and ideas for organizations to leverage International Cleaning Week in their customer outreach and internal communications. Register at issa.com/ICW2024webinar. International Cleaning Week offers something for everyone, including: Marketing– Use this week to increase sales for your company. Run special promotions to generate interest in your service or product while helping to raise awareness for the importance of cleaning. You can also utilize the International Cleaning Week Partner Toolkit which is packed full with template graphics, social media posts, and e-newsletter language. Help Us Make It Official – Located in the U.S.? Help ISSA by submitting a proclamation to designate an official week of cleaning for your state and/or city. ISSA has prepared a template proclamation, but we need your help submitting proclamation requests by February 16. Help us reach our goal of designating a cleaning week in all 50 states. If you’re interested, please contact ISSA Senior Government Affairs Manager Stacy Seiden. Education – During International Cleaning Week, ISSA will offer membership and educational resource discounts as well as exclusive learning opportunities. Philanthropy– Cleaning for a Reason is an ISSA Charities™ signature program that provides clean homes for cancer patients. International Cleaning Week is the perfect time for individuals to donate and for organizations to become corporate partners. “ISSA would like to especially acknowledge and thank Tork, an Essity Brand, for being a Supporting Sponsor of International Cleaning Week, the exclusive sponsor of our Leveraging International Cleaning Week 2024 webinar, and a Presenting Sponsor of ISSA’s 2024 Clean Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C.,” said ISSA Director of Government Affairs John Nothdurft. “All three marquee events raise the profile of our industry and would not be possible without generous sponsors like Tork.” For more information about International Cleaning Week and to download the partnership toolkit to promote the event, visit issa.com/icw.
The cornerstone of success in the building service contractor (BSC) industry is effective leadership. Successful BSCs are powered by leaders who are the driving force behind critical decisions, company culture, engagement, trust, and respect. Are you ready to lead your BSC firm to new heights? The Keys to Unlocking BSC Success: Innovative Business Strategies for Contract Cleaners is a free webinar, being presented by Cleaning & Maintenance Management (CMM) at 1 p.m. CT on December 5, 2023. During the one-hour presentation, you’ll learn how to revolutionize your leadership approach and succeed in a competitive marketplace. This webinar is for anyone who owns, manages, or markets a BSC company and wants to improve business operations while driving revenue and growth. As an attendee, you will take away strategies to improve and enhance the cleaning and maintenance results of your BSC operation. You will learn: How to identify the critical elements of a successful BSC company How to create a positive company culture with effective leadership—not management How to focus on organizational excellence, profitability, growth, and sustainability when hiring employees How to embrace digitalization and technologies like robotics and AI to stay competitive How to transition from “running” your business to “managing” it as it becomes sustainable, focusing on driving revenue, increasing the “value-multiplier,” and leaving a legacy And much more! The expert panel for this webinar includes: Jeff Cross (moderator), ISSA Media Director Jill Frey, President/CEO at Cummins Facility Services Mike Sawchuk, Owner of Sawchuk Consulting Holly Borrego, Head of Cleaning Products and Performance, ISS Facility Services A live Q&A session will round out the webinar. Come prepared with questions specific to your BSC challenges and concerns. Our expert panelists will be ready! Registrants can participate in the live event and will obtain a link to the webinar recording afterward. Click here to register today!
The third day of ISSA Show North America 2023 opened with a presentation by Doc Hendley, founder and president of Wine To Water, a nonprofit organization that provides clean drinking water to people worldwide. Since Hendley started the nonprofit in 2004, it has served hundreds of thousands of people across the globe. “We just reached 53 countries and two million people,” he said during his talk. Despite his current success, Hendley, of Boone, North Carolina, said he spent the early part of his life struggling to find his purpose. At first, he wanted to make his mark through athletics as he looked up to his grandfather, who had played professional football with the Pittsburg Steelers. However, Hendley quickly discovered he had no talent for football. He switched his focus to basketball, but his limited skills were soon surpassed by his younger brother, who grew to be six feet, nine inches tall. And his skills in golf were not much better. Next, Hendley considered focusing on scholastics. But he was a poor student, especially compared to his sister, who earned straight As throughout school, with the exception of one B. “I remember she literally wept when she got that B,” Hendley said. “I would have cried too, but tears of happiness, because I never earned anything higher than a B. Most of my grades were Cs and Ds.” After an unsuccessful semester in community college, Hendley went to work with an uncle on a horse ranch in Montana. He envisioned a life the resembled a John Wayne movie. “In reality, I spent 90% of my time shoveling manure, and I couldn’t even afford a place to live, so I slept in the barn,” Hendley said. After his mother convinced him to move back to North Carolina, Hendley landed in the restaurant industry, where he did well. He was promoted to bartender and supported himself while continuing his schooling. Although Hendley enjoyed spending time with the restaurant/bar patrons, he was in a rough patch of his life and one night, found himself drunk on the floor of a seedy bar’s restroom. At that low point, with only one semester left of college, he decided to buckle down. He had recently learned that a substantial number of people in the world do not have access to clean drinking water, a fact that greatly surprised him. So Hendley decided to put together a fundraiser using contacts he knew through the restaurant for food and drink. His first fundraiser was a success, raising US$5,000, so he organized several more. He decided to donate the money to an organization working to provide water to people in third-world nations. But instead of just accepting his money, the founder of the organization invited Hendley to join him. Hendley received training in repairing wells and filtering water and eventually found himself in Sudan, installing water systems for victims of government-sanctioned genocide. The work was difficult and sometimes dangerous, such as the time he was ambushed by a tribe that was enemies of the people he was trying to help. Hendley literally dodged bullets, but he continued the work, created his own nonprofit, and went on to receive several honors, including being named one of CNN’s top heroes for 2009. After Hendley’s spotlight presentation, the show floor opened, and education sessions commenced. A session in the facility maintenance and operations track looked at the conundrum between waste management and infection control. Michael Patterson, executive director at IEHA, a division of ISSA, led the participants in a discussion of the ramifications that occur when hospital workers do not properly dispose of hazardous waste. Several audience members told of being called to the landfill to pick up hazardous waste that was mistakenly mixed in with regular trash. Patterson described the three types of hazardous waste found at hospitals: Infectious, toxic, and radioactive. He explained that improper employee education and training often leads to mistakes in the disposal of this waste. Patterson advised the audience to keep updated records on employee hazardous waste training. This training should also include the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling hazardous waste. Patterson then quizzed the audience on the three requirements the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has for employers: The requirement to provide employees with PPE The requirement to tell employees where they will find PPE in their workplace The requirement to train employees on how to properly wear PPE.
Informa Markets’ ISSA Show North America has announced the recipients of the 2023 ISSA Show Innovation Awards. The Innovation Awards program honors trailblazing companies in the commercial, institutional, and residential cleaning community. “As we celebrate 100 years of ISSA at this year’s show, it’s also important to look towards the future,” said Ed Nichols, ISSA Show North America Show Director for Informa Markets. “This year’s award recipients are truly elevating the cleaning industry and leading the charge for innovation into the next century of ISSA.” [caption id="attachment_21629" align="alignnone" width="476"] GP PRO (Georgia-Pacific)[/caption] GP PRO (Georgia-Pacific) was honored with the Innovation of the Year Award for its Compact Quad® Plus 4-Roll Toilet Paper Dispenser. Designed for maximum waste reduction, hygiene, and ease of maintenance, this coreless toilet paper dispensing system holds up to 6,000 two-ply or 12,000 one-ply sheets. The Innovation of the Year Award Honorees include: PathogenFocus Air/Surface Disinfection Biosecurity by PathogenFocus is a clean tech solution—a chemical free organic technology that protects people and processes. Proline WAVE™ 1-liter manual dispenser by SC Johnson Professional uses the equivalent of 16.9 fl. oz. of recovered coastal plastic waste in its plastic bottles, making it a great choice for facilities that care about sustainability and want a reliable solution for their busy restrooms. All Floor™ cleaning system by Kaivac Inc. is designed to deeply clean high volumes of both hard surface flooring and carpeting on a single platform, with the ability to easily switch between modes for the best of both worlds. Multi-Surface Ceramic Clearcoat PURE AIR Coating by SIMIX LLC transforms all HVAC systems, floors, and roofs into air purifiers that never stop working. Evogen® Tri-Vend High-Capacity No-Touch Menstrual Care Product Dispenser by Hospeco Brands Group provides comfort and convenience for patrons with an inviting, hands-free experience. [caption id="attachment_21632" align="alignnone" width="476"] ABCO Products Corp.[/caption] The recipient of the Environment & Sustainability Award, for its dedication to environmental innovation, is Natura Yarn by ABCO Products Corp., the first and only line of Green Seal-certified wet and dry mopping products. Honorees of the Environment & Sustainability Award include: Super Hydro Pod Foaming Hand Soap by Soap2o allows you to completely eliminate single-use plastic and the shipping of water, while saving up to 40% on your costs. Tork Carbon Neutral Dispensers by Tork, an Essity brand, are a line of 11 innovative dispensers that have been certified as carbon neutral. The recipients of the Innovation Industry Choice Awards include: Distributors: Natura Yarn line of mopping products by ABCO Products Corp. Facility Service Providers: All Floor™ cleaning system by Kaivac Inc. Manufacturer Representatives: TOPFILL™ No Touch Counter Mount Soap Dispenser by Kutol Products use an innovative locking refill dock that allows for refilling from above the counter—instead of below—saving labor time, strain, and stress. Residential: SIMPL: Smart Inspect Machine Predictive Learning by SmartInspect™ applies the power of machine learning to your inspection data. About Informa Markets Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate, and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience, and do business through face-to face exhibitions, specialist digital content, and actionable data solutions. As the world’s leading exhibitions organizer, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com. About ISSA With more than 10,500 members—including distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, building service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners, and associated service members—ISSA is the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. The association is committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment, and an improved bottom line. Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., USA, the association has regional offices in Milan, Italy; Toronto, Canada; Sydney, Australia; Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. For more information about ISSA, visit www.issa.com or call 800-225-4772 (North America) or 847-982-0800. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
The second day of ISSA Show North America 2023 started with awards and congratulations at a special spotlight session celebrating the 100th anniversary of ISSA. ISSA Executive Director John Barrett opened the session, thanking everyone present for their dedication and hard work. “You are doing something that truly matters in the world,” he said. Barrett presented a slideshow of ISSA’s history, showcasing its founder Alfred Richter, who began the association in 1923 with seven distributor companies. He shared a black and white picture of ISSA’s 1949 convention, joking, “It kind of looks like the Rat Pack,” as a contrast to the current association, which is much larger with a diverse group of members. “Our members are literally the reason we exist,” Barrett said. In 1967, the association rebranded as ISSA, the name it goes by now, and in 2004, it expanded to include building service contractors and in-house service providers. “Facility providers make up two-thirds of our membership and are the fastest growing group,” Barrett said. Next, Senior Vice Presidents Jon Adkins and Kim Althoff took the stage to announce honorees, including three custodians from U.S. K–12 schools. The custodians—Richard Toomey, Rodney Essner, and David Jeffers—were named the grand prize winner (Toomey) and finalists of the 2023 Cintas Custodian of the Year Contest. After the keynote session, show attendees eagerly flocked to the opening of the show floor, where they explored exhibits of the latest cleaning products and equipment and attended education sessions. At one session, sponsored by ISSA’s Hygieia Network, panelists explored how male allies can help their female colleagues succeed in the cleaning industry. The panelists told the audience they have a responsibility to report any discrimination or sexual harassment that could be holding colleagues back. “As the Harvey Weinsteins of the world were doing what they were doing, a lot of people were standing by,” said Max Langenkamp, Cintas senior vice president of Human Resources and chief diversity officer. “When you see this happening, you have to confront it, you have to intervene.” When asked about their wish list of resources for women in the industry, panelist Shannon Hall, Dustbane Products vice president of sales and marketing, spoke about the importance of mentoring, and panelist Brock Tully, segment vice president for Cleaning and Hygiene at Bunzl Canada, spoke about the courage to speak up against discrimination and harassment. Langenkamp said workers at the middle management could use more resources, as they often don’t receive as much assistance as workers in lower and higher levels. Langenkamp stressed that the United States cannot meet its full potential in terms of labor growth until it accepts a diverse workforce with open arms. In addition to this and other education sessions and networking opportunities on the show floor, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center also housed a lively competition Monday night. Housekeepers at several Las Vegas resorts participated in the 33rd Annual IEHA Housekeeping Olympics at the Michelob Ultra Arena. Cheering crowds shook noisemakers, shouted into megaphones, and blew horns as their colleagues participated in three relay races that included making hotel beds, mopping floors, and vacuuming carpets strewn with colorful debris. “We’re the cheerleaders, the spirit group, we give off good energy,” said Michael Vargas as he cheered on his co-workers at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Other participants included housekeepers at the Bellagio, the Cosmopolitan, Mandalay Bay, and Park MGM.
The cornerstone of success in the building service contractor (BSC) industry is effective leadership. Successful BSCs are powered by leaders who are the driving force behind critical decisions, company culture, engagement, trust, and respect. Are you ready to lead your BSC firm to new heights? The Keys to Unlocking BSC Success: Innovative Business Strategies for Contract Cleaners is a free webinar, being presented by Cleaning & Maintenance Management (CMM) at 1 p.m. CT on December 5, 2023. During the one-hour presentation, you’ll learn how to revolutionize your leadership approach and succeed in a competitive marketplace. This webinar is for anyone who owns, manages, or markets a BSC company and wants to improve business operations while driving revenue and growth. As an attendee, you will take away strategies to improve and enhance the cleaning and maintenance results of your BSC operation. You will learn: How to identify the critical elements of a successful BSC company How to create a positive company culture with effective leadership—not management How to focus on organizational excellence, profitability, growth, and sustainability when hiring employees How to embrace digitalization and technologies like robotics and AI to stay competitive How to transition from “running” your business to “managing” it as it becomes sustainable, focusing on driving revenue, increasing the “value-multiplier,” and leaving a legacy And much more! The expert panel for this webinar includes: Jeff Cross (moderator), ISSA Media Director Jill Frey, President/CEO at Cummins Facility Services Mike Sawchuk, Owner of Sawchuk Consulting Holly Borrego, Head of Cleaning Products and Performance, ISS Facility Services A live Q&A session will round out the webinar. Come prepared with questions specific to your BSC challenges and concerns. Our expert panelists will be ready! Registrants can participate in the live event and will obtain a link to the webinar recording afterward. Click here to register today!
The facility management and cleaning sectors, whether outsourced or internal, are on the brink of significant change. While technology is readily available, its adoption has been sluggish due to challenges like limited digital expertise, diverse priorities, and budget constraints. However, by incorporating service robots and smart solutions, these sectors can achieve enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and derive insightful data. Innovations like robotic automation and augmented reality can handle routine and dangerous tasks, allowing staff to focus on specialized work. An educational session at ISSA Show North America 2023, titled Embracing Disruption: The Potential of Robotic Automation and Augmented Reality in Facilities Management, will emphasize the advantages of these technological advancements and provide guidance for their integration. By tapping into these modern trends, facilities management firms can optimize processes, minimize interruptions, and elevate service quality. The session will take place on Monday, November 13, from 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. ISSA Show North America 2023, the annual tradeshow that brings together leaders from the commercial, institutional, and residential cleaning communities, will take place November 13–16 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Learn more about the Embracing Disruption session, along with other educational offerings offered in six different tracks. Register for the ISSA Show today.
ISSA Show North America 2023 is your leading resource for information, education, innovation, networking, and commercial opportunities for professionals within the worldwide cleaning industry. This year’s event will be taking place November 13–16 in Las Vegas, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. In this ISSA Industry Alert, Ed Nichols, ISSA Show North America Director, shares more about this tremendous opportunity to improve your career, better manage your organization, meet industry leaders, and learn about the latest cleaning technology. To learn more about ISSA Show North America, watch the video below. The event is coming up fast, so don’t miss out! Click here to register today!
