ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, revealed the 2024 ISSA Achievement Awards honorees. The annual awards program recognizes cleaning and facility solutions industry professionals who are committed to driving the industry forward through their positive contributions in their businesses and beyond. These four honorees will be recognized Nov.19 during the ISSA Spotlight Event and Awards ceremony at ISSA Show North America 2024, which takes place Nov. 21-24 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. “As ISSA continues to champion excellence in the cleaning and facility solutions industry, we are grateful for the dedicated individuals who drive innovation and uphold the high standards that define our association,” said Matthew Schenk, ISSA 2024 Board President. “Congratulations to this year’s Achievement Award honorees. I look forward to honoring their remarkable contributions at the upcoming celebration in Las Vegas.” The 2024 Achievement Awards and their recipients are: The ISSA Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual who, in the opinion of the ISSA board, deserves recognition for substantial contributions to the advancement of the industry and/or to ISSA over a significant period. This year’s recipient is Walter Dethlefsen, Network Services Co chief operating officer. Over his 40-year career, all with Network Services, Dethlefsen has brought together the top independent distributors, manufacturers, and customers to create lasting partnerships and business growth. He has a remarkable ability to connect people and find common ground. The Jack D. Ramaley Industry Distinguished Service Award, reserved for individuals with at least 10 years of outstanding service to the professional cleaning industry, will be presented to Carey Jaros, GOJO CEO. Jaros exemplifies the values that define our industry. Her character, professionalism, kindness, and innovative thinking shine through in all she does. Jaros is a strong advocate for cleaning and facility solutions, consistently giving back to the industry by mentoring, supporting emerging leaders, and championing women in our field through the ISSA Hygieia Network. She generously shares her time and expertise in countless ways, making an impact that resonates across our community. The Manufacturer Representatives’ Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes individuals who support manufacturer representatives, the industry, and ISSA, will be awarded to John Carroll of TPC Enterprises. Carroll’s professional journey began in 1973, where he built a solid foundation in direct sales for various manufacturers. By 1992, Carroll transitioned to become a manufacturers' representative, providing support to the industry even after his retirement. His passion for fostering growth continued in 2023 when he took on a new role as an industry consultant, helping emerging manufacturers make valuable connections with established reps. The ISSA Rising Star Award in Honor of Jimmy Core acknowledges one of the class of 30 ISSA Emerging Leaders who has made positive contributions to their organization and the industry. Konstantin Ekelman, BradyPLUS director of sales, receives this year’s honor after being selected through an industry voting process. Ekelman brings a unique blend of professionalism, humility, and innovation to his role. He leads a highly respected team of sales professionals, earning admiration from colleagues and customers alike. His approach is built on fostering strong relationships, treating everyone like extended family. His care for both his team and clients forms the foundation of his leadership, creating a culture of trust and growth. Join ISSA in celebrating these four Achievement Awards recipients at the ISSA Spotlight Event and Awards ceremony on Nov. 19 at 9:00 a.m. PST at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Register now for ISSA Show North America 2024 here. For Las Vegas hotel and travel discounts, visit www.issashow.com/en/travel.
The ISSA Hygieia Network Forum, showcasing an exceptional lineup of panels and sessions designed to support career growth and success for women in the cleaning industry, will be held Nov. 18 from 10:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the ISSA Show North America in the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Join an inspiring group of industry leaders and strategists who are ready to share their expertise and guide you in navigating your professional journey with confidence. Featured panels include: DEI Resource Library Panel Moderator: Dr. Felicia Townsend, ISSA Hygieia Network Program Director Panelists: Katie Snider, Network Distribution chief human resources officer; Melanie Sergejeff, Maintex vice president of people and culture; and Rebecca Stanonik, Essity human resource director 10 Years of Hygieia and Beyond Moderator: Carey Jaros, GOJO president and CEO Panelists: Linda Silverman, Maintex board of directors, executive chair; Lydia Work, American Paper Converting president; Laura Craven, Imperial Dade vice president of marketing; and Susan Gambardella, Kimberly-Clark Professional president of North America Additional forum highlights include: Women in the Workplace 2024 Findings—Explore the latest research on women in corporate America to gain invaluable insights for your professional advancement. Susan Gambardella, president of North America, Kimberly-Clark Professional, will introduce the session speaker, Christina Adams, McKinsey & Company. Networking Lunch Session | Emergent Leadership: Thriving in Dynamic Environments— Engage in meaningful conversations and expand your network during this interactive session lead by Dr. Tatum Thomas of DePaul University. Additionally, receive a personal welcome from ISSA Hygieia Network Co-Chairs, Kim Price, vice president of market sales at Georgia Pacific, and Maureen Carroll, sales director at Essity. For more information on the event or to register, click here.
ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, is proud to announce the inaugural class of ISSA Emerging Leaders for 2024. This prestigious group of 30 industry professionals represents the next generation of visionaries in the global cleaning and facility solutions industry. They have been selected from a group of more than 100 nominations of industry professionals under the age of 40 for their outstanding contributions, leadership, and commitment to driving the industry forward. The 2024 Emerging Leaders Class includes professionals from various sectors of the cleaning industry, including manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, distributors, building service contractors, in-house service providers, and residential cleaners. These individuals have demonstrated excellence in leadership, innovation, and a dedication to enhancing the cleaning and facility solutions industry worldwide. “We are thrilled to introduce this dynamic group of global emerging leaders,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. “Each of these individuals has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to excellence and innovation in their respective fields. We look forward to their continued contributions as they help shape the future of the cleaning and facility solutions industry.” The ISSA Emerging Leaders Program was created to foster professional development and recognize up-and-coming talent within the cleaning community. As part of the program, these individuals will have access to networking opportunities, leadership training, and exclusive resources aimed at furthering their careers and contributions to the industry. The 2024 Emerging Leaders class includes: Jack Anderson, Nilfisk Inc.business development manager, robotics Patrick Bannon, Tennant Co. director of industrial sales, U.S and Canada Lauren Belskie, Imperial Dade marketing operations manager George Boutsalis, Impact Cleaning vice president David Bradley, Penn State University custodial programs supervisor Jacob Buchholz, Buck Services Inc. warehouse coordinator Ashley Butler, GP PRO vice president and general manager Nate Calvert, KCooper Brands Inc. vice president of marketing and business development Juan Campos, Servicon assistant portfolio manager Ian Charlery, A1 Cleaning Services CEO Alex Crowley, Vonachen Group chief people officer Martine D’Amour, Diversey director of business development, ed/gov Nathalia De Oliveira, Partner Facility Solutions president Konstantin Ekelman, BradyPLUS director of sales Benjamin Fernandez, Verde Clean operations manager Adam Fox, S.P. Richards Co. vice president of marketing Andrew Gower, Avision field sales consultant Bethany Harrington, Western Maintenance Sales principal Carl Keil, Core America vice president of consulting operations Cheyn Knizeski, HHS director Jessica Laws, New Hanover County Government custodial crew leader Moshe Lewis, GOJO Industries corporate account director Daniel Lowery, CCS Facility Services vice president, corporate services Courtney Marcotte, Kimberly-Clark Professional capability development manager Alicia Navarro, Sunbelt Rentals market sales leader Sabine Rguig, Brenntag business development manager for HI&I North America Noah Scott, Elite Building Services director of digital solutions Lyana Spinner, All Seasons Cleaning owner Dinesh Wadhwani, ThinkLite Air CEO Chase Yacko, Canberra Corp. vice president of sales and marketing As part of the Emerging Leaders Program, one individual will be honored with the ISSA Rising Star Award in Honor of Jimmy Core. Industry professionals can vote now to select a winner from this group to receive the prestigious title. The recipient of the Rising Star Award will be announced at ISSA Show North America on Nov. 19.
The Indoor Environmental Healthcare and Hospitality Association (IEHA), a division of ISSA, will hold the 34th annual 2024 IEHA Housekeeping Olympics on Nov. 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. PST, at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Housekeeping teams, including hometown Las Vegas teams from Bellagio® Hotel, Resort World, Sahara, Aria, Vdara, Mandalay Bay, Virgin, and others, will compete for the prestigious grand prize trophy. The IEHA Housekeeping Olympics are hosted in conjunction with ISSA Show North America, the cleaning industry’s largest annual event, which takes place Nov. 17-21 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. "The Housekeeping Olympics offer a unique platform for cleaning professionals to unite, celebrate their skills, and engage in friendly competition," says IEHA Executive Director Michael Patterson. "This event not only showcases the expertise within the cleaning industry but also honors the dedication and hard work of every participant." This event allows companies and individuals to highlight their expertise and dedication to excellence through exciting cleaning challenges. Participants will represent their organizations and compete for top honors in events such as precision bed-making, mop relays, and rapid vacuum races. The Housekeeping Olympics is a platform to showcase the industries' best practices, techniques, and innovations. “IEHA invites cleaning professionals worldwide to join us at the Housekeeping Olympics and display their exceptional skills and teamwork," Patterson said. "This event offers an exciting atmosphere and the chance to build lasting connections.” For more information about the event, visit the Housekeeping Olympics website.
Holly Moore, Maids and More founder and co-owner and CEO, and Summer Abram, the company's co-owner, announced they will speak for the residential track at the ISSA Show North America 2024 in Las Vegas. Attendees can experience and learn from their journey from a startup to a residential-only cleaning company that generates US$7 million in annual revenue. With 16 years in the business, Maids and Moore aims to share the experiences, insights, and strategies that have helped them succeed. Mastering the Sales Process Moore and Abram will discuss the sales process and emphasize the importance of set price sheets and instant quoting. In today’s fast-paced world, potential customers expect quick responses and immediate gratification. By implementing standardized pricing and instant quoting systems, attendees can learn to meet these demands effectively, enhance customer satisfaction, and increase conversion rates. Additionally, they will outline a roadmap for building a high-performing sales team. Learn how structuring your sales department can help you close at least 50% of your leads. From hiring the right talent to setting clear goals and metrics, they’ll also offer practical closing techniques to help you turn interested prospects into loyal customers. Strategic Marketing Investments Marketing is a critical component of business growth, so they will provide a concise yet impactful overview of how much to invest in marketing to generate the correct number of leads. Discover the correlation between marketing budgets and business growth, emphasizing the need to scale your marketing efforts as your business expands. Plus, don’t miss the digital marketing expert who will summarize of effective online marketing strategies, highlighting the channels and tactics that deliver the best return on investment. Leveraging Technology for Efficiency In the final segment of the session, Moore and Abram will discuss the pivotal role of technology in supporting business growth. They’ll further demonstrate how leveraging technology can free salaried employees to focus on revenue-generating or cost-saving tasks. From customer relationship management (CRM) systems to marketing automation tools, the right technology can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and drive profitability. Technology enables businesses to operate more efficiently and focus on strategic growth initiatives by automating routine tasks and enhancing data management. Inspiring the Residential Cleaning Industry This presentation at the ISSA Residential Organization’s National 2024 Convention is poised to be a highlight of the event. The aforementioned practical insights and proven strategies will empower residential cleaning companies to achieve remarkable growth. Whether you’re a startup or an established business looking to scale, this session will provide the tools and inspiration you need to succeed.
ISSA Hygieia Network, an ISSA Charities™ signature program dedicated to the advancement and retention of women in the cleaning and facility solutions industry, is seeking nominations for its annual awards recognizing individuals and companies who embody Hygieia’s mission and vision. ISSA Hygieia Network is now accepting award nominations through Oct. 4. “For the past decade, it’s been a privilege to honor the people and organizations supporting the career development and success of women in the cleaning and facility solutions industry,” said Dr. Felicia L. Townsend, ISSA Hygieia Network Program Director. “We are requesting the industry’s involvement in determining who will be recognized for making a difference in championing ISSA Hygieia Network’s mission of advancing women in the cleaning and facility solutions industry.” The 10th annual awards program acknowledges individuals and organizations who have made a significant contribution to the global cleaning and facility solutions industry. Nominations will be evaluated by a select group of jury members. Winners will be announced at the ISSA Hygieia Network 2024 Awards Reception on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center during the ISSA Show North America 2024 in Las Vegas. The public is invited to submit nominations for six categories: ISSA Hygieia Network Member of the Year, which recognizes a person’s involvement in activities that align with Hygieia’s mission and vision. ISSA Hygieia Network Company of the Year, which celebrates a company’s involvement in activities that align with Hygieia’s mission and vision. ISSA Hygieia Network Rising Star of the Year, which honors a woman age 45 or younger who has made significant achievements and demonstrated consistent upward mobility in their career within the industry. ISSA Hygieia Network Ally of the Year, which recognizes a person who has shown tremendous support toward Hygieia’s mission. ISSA Hygieia Network Mentor of the Year, which recognizes a mentor who has shown great leadership qualities and support to their mentee via the ISSA Hygieia Network General Mentoring or Company Exclusive Mentoring Program. ISSA Hygieia Network International Member of the Year, which recognizes a person’s involvement in activities outside of the U.S. that align with Hygieia’s mission and vision. For more information and to submit your nomination(s), visit hygieianetwork.org/awards/.
ISSA Show North America, the largest and most comprehensive event dedicated to the worldwide industrial, commercial and residential cleaning and facilities industries, opens registration for the upcoming annual gathering (November 17-21 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas). ISSA Show North America, organized by Informa Markets and sponsored by ISSA, convenes over 600 exhibitors from across the entire cleaning ecosystem to showcase the newest products, tools, equipment, and technologies. The event addresses the critical need to enhance safety, sustainability, and efficiency in global sectors including food and dining, hospitality, healthcare, and more. The annual gathering, held in conjunction with the Building Service Contractors Association International’s (BSCAI) Contracting Success Conference, will bring a projected more than 14,000 registered professionals from over 80 countries, with first-time attendance expected to near 30% as observed at the 2023 event. The expansive reach and continued growth underscores ISSA Show North America as a vital touchpoint to gain hands-on experience and education on new innovations, trends, and regulations in one of the most critical and indispensable industries in the world to better utilize resources to advance cleanliness. One of ISSA Show North America’s greatest values to the market is the ability to deliver highly qualified business opportunities across a variety of market sectors every year,” remarks Ed Nichols, Lead Director of ISSA Show North America. “Our industry partnerships allow us to bring a unique blend of distributors, suppliers and trusted brands together to utilize the most science-backed technology, research, and data, to source all kinds of solutions to regulatory, labor, sustainability, and operational efficiency challenges.” North America has become the world’s largest cleaning industry market, significantly contributing to the international market, which is forecasted to reach US$729.47 billion worldwide by 2033. As this space expands, software continues to optimize automated processes to meet demand. New technologies showcased at the ISSA Show North America, such as artificial intelligence (AI) assisted clean tech, autonomous AI-integrated service robots, and automated maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) programs, are enhancing performance. The surplus 170 educational sessions, covering business development, sustainability, career development, and facility operations and management will provide valuable insights for the hospitality, healthcare, residential, commercial and industrial cleaning sectors. These sessions will share best practices, solutions and success strategies to deliver high-quality services, tailored to each sector. Specialized courses for facility service professionals, housekeeping management, facility supply sales, and residential cleaners will also address labor law compliance, informing the industry about regulations impacting cleaning companies, improving the quality and safety of cleaning services. “ISSA Show North America is the single most important event in the cleaning and facility solutions industry,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. “We’re excited to build on last year’s successful show and welcome back the entire industry to the fantastic Mandalay Bay Convention Center this November to elevate their knowledge, expand their network, and explore the latest innovative cleaning products and solutions.” Top-tier leading brands confirmed to attend include 3M Commercial Solutions Division, AmerCare Royal, Aztec Products, Bissell BigGreen Commercial, Clorox Pro, Ecolab Inc., Georgia-Pacific Pro, Kimberly-Clark Professional, Nilfisk, Procter & Gamble Professional, Rubbermaid Commercial Products Inc., Sanitaire, SC Johnson Professional, Sofidel Group, Spartan Chemical Co. Inc., Sunbelt Rentals, and Tork, an Essity brand. ISSA Show North America registration is open now. To attend the much-anticipated show this November, please register at www.issashow.com.
ISSA Show North America 2024, the annual trade show that brings together leaders from the commercial, institutional, and residential cleaning community, is open for industry-wide registration. The annual event showcases the latest products and innovations, engaging education, and numerous networking opportunities to help attendees grow their businesses and advance their careers. Cleaning industry professionals are encouraged to register now for the event taking place November 17-21 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. With dedicated tracks for distributors, building service contractors (BSCs), and facility services professionals, the ISSA Show is the one place you need to be to expand your product line, make your business more profitable, and take advantage of the latest advances in the cleaning market. Register now for ISSA Show North America 2024. For exclusive Las Vegas hotel and travel discounts, visit www.issashow.com/en/travel. For general event information, visit www.issashow.com.
