ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, is pleased to announce 24 ISSA member companies have successfully achieved Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) Advanced by GBAC certification or CIMS-Green Building (CIMS-GB) Advanced by GBAC certification in the first quarter of 2024. CIMS certification and CIMS-GB certification help to set cleaning organizations and their green cleaning operations apart in the marketplace. It also helps to meet the growing demand for the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. CIMS and CIMS-GB certification are required in many cleaning service bid specifications as customers look for an effective way to identify high-quality providers committed to customer satisfaction. Relevant for in-house operations and outsourced building service contractors of all sizes, CIMS leverages five core elements of management best practices and requires participants to meet 100% of the mandatory elements and 60% of the recommended elements, per section. An ISSA-accredited third-party assessor completes an on-site evaluation to validate that the cleaning operation follows documented systems and processes that support cleaning for health. CIMS-GB takes this certification a step further, placing much greater emphasis on green cleaning and sustainability. “Earning CIMS Advanced by GBAC certification allows an organization to separate itself from the competition by demonstrating a dedication to a higher standard of cleanliness,” said ISSA Senior Director of Education Brant Insero. “Using CIMS encourages service providers to manage their organization in a manner that is predicated on ensuring quality, efficiency, and overall customer satisfaction.” Maintenance Resources Inc. has achieved certification to CIMS Advanced by GBAC, while Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire, JKSM Commercial Cleaning & Maintenance, ServiceMaster Commercial Systems, Service Star Building Cleaning Inc., and TRK Investments LLC have certified to CIMS with Honors Advanced by GBAC. Davolt Community Advocacy, Regency Cleaning Services Inc., and Southern New Hampshire University have achieved CIMS-GB Advanced by GBAC certification, while the following 15 organizations have achieved CIMS-GB with Honors Advanced by GBAC certification: A1 Cleaning Services AHI Facility Services Inc. Alabama Cleaning Service Ambassador Services LLC Blackstone Consulting Inc. Collins Building Services Inc. Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley Green Apple Commercial Cleaning H4 Enterprises LLC Job Options, Inc. Native Resource Development Co. Inc. Nobis Enterprises, Inc. Terra Klean Solutions, Inc. UG2 Vanguard Resources Inc. For more information about CIMS Advanced by GBAC, visit www.issa.com/cims. About GBAC, a Division of ISSA The Global Biorisk Advisory Council™ (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, helps organizations demonstrate their commitment to protecting the health and well-being of their customers and employees in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. GBAC provides the training, education, consulting, accreditation, and certification services needed to help shape a healthier and safer world for everyone, everywhere. GBAC STAR™ facilities and organizations use their accreditation to support and show their commitment to health and wellness, and a more sustainable, resilient world. In addition, GBAC STAR Accreditation can support an organization’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by assisting in achieving their environmental, social responsibility, and governance (ESG) objectives. For more information, visit www.gbac.org.
As part of International Cleaning Week (March 24–30), ISSA hosted a luncheon at the association’s Rosemont, Illinois, headquarters during the afternoon of March 27 recognizing recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2023 Safer Choice Partner of the Year Award. Safer Choice is a voluntary EPA program that certifies cleaning and other products made with ingredients that are safer for people, pets, and the planet. EPA developed the Partner of the Year Awards to recognize partners and stakeholders who have furthered the safer chemistry and safer product goals of the Safer Choice program. Recipients have demonstrated active and exemplary participation in the design, manufacture, selection, and use of products with safer chemicals. Safer Choice is a voluntary EPA program that certifies cleaning and other products made with ingredients that are safer for people, pets, and the planet. EPA developed the Partner of the Year Awards to recognize partners and stakeholders who have furthered the safer chemistry and safer product goals of the Safer Choice program. Recipients have demonstrated active and exemplary participation in the design, manufacture, selection, and use of products with safer chemicals. Debra Shore, regional administrator for U.S. EPA Region 5, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, was the guest speaker for the event. Five ISSA member companies and the association itself were recognized by Shore for their contributions in advancing safer products and chemical solutions. The ISSA member companies represented at the event include: Holloway House Inc. Jelmar LLC PurposeBuilt Brands/Weiman Products LLC Rust-Oleum Corp. State Industrial Products. “There is no better time to recognize safer and greener cleaning than during International Cleaning Week,” said ISSA Government Affairs Director John Nothdurft. “Thank you to Regional Administrator Debra Shore and EPA Safer Choice for recognizing the advancement these companies and others in the industry are making in creating products that are safer for human health and the environment.” For more information about ISSA’s government affairs efforts to promote sustainable cleaning, please contact ISSA Government Affairs Director John Nothdurft.
Cintas Corp. has announced the top 10 finalists in its 11th annual Cintas Custodian of the Year contest. From now through April 12, the public can vote for their favorite custodian at custodianoftheyear.com. “Every year we receive thousands of heartfelt nominations and inspirational stories,” said John Rudy, Cintas senior marketing director. “It’s not an easy decision to make, but this year’s top 10 finalists are exceptionally deserving of recognition for the hard work they contribute to their schools as well as their communities.” The winning custodian will receive US$10,000 and an additional $5,000 in Rubbermaid Commercial Products and Cintas products for his/her school. The winner’s school will also receive a facility assessment and consulting package from ISSA and Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) Advanced by GBAC certification, valued at $20,000. The nine runners-up will each receive $1,000 from Cintas, a cleaning supply package from Rubbermaid, and free tuition to one ISSA Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) virtual training event, valued at up to $1,500. The finalists’ schools will also receive a cleaning supply package from Rubbermaid Commercial Products. In addition, the top three finalists will receive an all-expense paid trip for two to the ISSA Show North America 2024 in Las Vegas in November, where they’ll be recognized for their accomplishments. “It’s important to recognize all that custodians do to create a safe and welcoming learning environment,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. “This year we have an outstanding line-up of finalists who go above and beyond to be a positive role model to students and their schools.” To learn more about the 10 finalists and to cast your vote, visit custodianoftheyear.com.
Friday, March 1, is Employee Appreciation Day for 2024. Originated by employee engagement consultant Dr. Bob Nelson in 1995 in collaboration with his company, Workman Publishing, the day has since become a time set aside in the United States and other countries to recognize workers for their efforts. Promotional product provider HALO Branded Solutions has published an online guide that outlines 10 ways managers can celebrate and recognize their employees on this day. Here, from that list, are just a few simple but meaningful ideas that you can use to thank your team for their hard work: Recognize someone—Take the time to specifically thank and honor employees who have done outstanding work. Write a note—Leave personalized notes in your own handwriting for your employees, expressing your appreciation. Give the gift of time—Extend paid time off that the employees wouldn’t normally receive, like the ability to leave early that day or take a longer lunch. Plan a special meal—Make the typical meal break a celebration, with catered food, tokens of appreciation, and verbal expressions of your thanks. Spread the word— Via your typical business communications (emails, memos, social media, meetings), announce Employee Appreciation Day to your crew and let them know the ways you are planning to celebrate. If your team includes employees who work remotely, make sure that anything you are doing to show your appreciation takes them into account as well. Time off and physical gifts, such as an emailed gift card, can apply to both in-house and remote workers. For even more ideas on how to show appreciation to your employees, check out Tips for Celebrating Employee Appreciation Day.
Tennant Co. has announced the finalists for its fifth-annual Custodians Are Key recognition program. First launched in September 2019, the annual program recognizes the work K–12 custodians are doing in educational facilities across the United States. This year’s campaign theme is a school yearbook, providing a look back over the past four years of the contest while highlighting the current and past custodians who keep schools safe, clean, and healthy. Twelve finalists were chosen from a field of nearly 1,400 nominations. Each will receive a US$500 gift card. The grand prize winner will be selected in May 2024 and receives a prize valued at $5,000, while his or her school receives $10,000. The complete list of finalists can be viewed here. “At Tennant, we believe in creating a positive impact by recognizing and honoring those who go above and beyond. These finalists are true leaders, aligning with our mission to create a cleaner, safer, and healthier world,” says Brian Leland, Tennant vice president. “Our team is in such awe of the past nominees over the last four years, so launching year number five serves as a testament to our enduring commitment to community enrichment. We are privileged to continue highlighting the inspiring and dedicated individuals who play a crucial role in keeping schools clean and fostering a conducive learning environment.” For more information on Tennant’s recognition program, visit tennantco.com/custodian.
SC Johnson Professional has announced the finalists for its 2023–2024 Happy Hands dispenser design contest. The contest, now in its seventh year, called for K–12 students to design and submit original artwork for a soap dispenser that promotes proper hand hygiene. The public is invited to vote for its top pick from a group of five finalists in two grade categories (K–5 and 6–12) through February 29. The design with the most votes in each category will be announced on or about April 1 and will receive the top prize—a US$300 gift card, a $1,000 donation to the school, and up to 1,000 manual soap/sanitizer dispensers featuring the winning design. To view the finalists and cast your vote, visit SC Johnson Professional’s website.
ISSA Scholars, an ISSA Charities™ signature program, has opened its scholarship applications for the 2024–2025 academic year. Employees of all ISSA member companies and their families are encouraged to apply now through April 12, 2024. There are also opportunities for member companies to donate to a scholarship fund or develop a new fund to support our efforts. “Our commitment is not just to financial support but to nurturing the future leaders of the cleaning industry. As ISSA Scholars continues to invest in the potential of bright minds, we proudly extend scholarships to deserving students, empowering them to reach new heights in higher education,” said ISSA Charities Director of Development Sandy Wolfrum. “We’re eager to see this year’s exceptional applicants!” On an annual basis, ISSA Scholars awards scholarships to students who showcase outstanding academic and leadership qualities. These scholarships serve as a beacon of support, alleviating the financial strain of tuition for individuals affiliated with ISSA member companies, including employees and their immediate family members, as they embark on their educational journeys at accredited four-year colleges and universities. This year, ISSA Hygieia Network, an ISSA Charities signature program dedicated to the advancement and retention of women in the cleaning industry, has increased the ISSA Hygieia Network Scholarship from US$3,500 to $5,000. Applicants for this scholarship must be a female employee of an active ISSA Member company and have a minimum two years of experience in the cleaning industry. The funds can be used toward any level of undergraduate or post-graduate degrees. With the support of generous ISSA member companies, ISSA Scholars awarded $142,000 in financial aid to 49 students in 2023. Member companies looking to provide support can donate to existing funds or develop their own scholarship award. ISSA announces the complete list of scholarship recipients and company sponsors each year. To apply for a scholarship or to donate to ISSA Scholars, visit issacharities.org/issa-scholars/ To create a scholarship fund under an ISSA member company, contact Michon Mohan at michonm@issacharities.org.
European Cleaning Journal (ECJ) has recently announced that the 2024 edition of the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards will take place October 3, 2024, at SUD Lisboa in Lisbon, Portugal. ECJ’s seventh-annual awards program honors manufacturers, distributors, facility managers, and building service contractors for their contributions to the cleaning industry in Europe. Submission are now being accepted through April 30, with the finalists being announced in July. The 2024 edition will feature 10 categories, with the winners selected from an independent panel of judges. “The European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards are gathering momentum every year. Last year was a record-breaker for entries, and the awards dinner in Dublin was a tremendous success.” said Michelle Marshall, ECJ editor and founder of the awards program. “So, we are hoping for even more companies and individuals to get involved in 2024. It’s always such a privilege to read such inspiring stories from around the countries of Europe.” For more information and to view last year’s winners, visit echawards.com.
Workplace Solutions Association (WSA), Powered by ISSA, has announced the opening of applications for its annual scholarship. Candidates must have graduated from high school or its equivalent before July 1 of the year in which they would use the scholarship and have an academic record sufficient to be accepted by an accredited college, junior college, technical institute, or accredited trade school. Students currently enrolled full time in college or graduate school are not eligible. Employees and immediate family members of all WSA member companies are eligible to apply through March 31, 2024. “Continuing education is necessary to be competitive in today’s job market,” said WSA President Charlie Kennedy. “We encourage all member companies to share this opportunity with their employees and help our students enhance their skills and have access to better opportunities in the workplace.” Created more than 50 years ago, the WSA Scholarship Fund has now awarded more than US$2.8 million in scholarships to deserving families of office products and office furniture dealers and is supported entirely through individual and member contributions. The fund recognized 30 college students receiving one-year scholarships in the 2023–2024 academic year. As part of WSA’s continued collaboration with ISSA, the WSA scholars program will now be hosted and administered by ISSA Scholars, a Division of ISSA Charities. To learn more and apply for a scholarship, visit issa.com/wsa-scholarship.
Cintas Corp. is now accepting submissions for its annual Custodian of the Year contest. Now in its 11th year, the contest calls for elementary, middle, high-school, and college students, in addition to staff, to submit a short essay by February 9 describing why their school’s custodian deserves the award. Cintas will announce 10 finalists on March 5, at which time online voting for the winning custodian will commence on the company’s website through April 12. The finalist receiving the most votes will be named Custodian of the Year later this spring. “Custodians are the force behind a clean, safe, and welcoming space for students to learn and succeed,” said Christiny Betsch, Cintas marketing manager. “For the last 10 years, we’ve had the honor of celebrating one-of-a-kind custodians with remarkable stories. We’re ecstatic to honor custodians once again in our 11th year of this contest.” The winning custodian will receive US$10,000 and an additional $5,000 in Rubbermaid Commercial Products and Cintas products for his/her school. The winner’s school will also receive a facility assessment and consulting package from ISSA and Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) Advanced by GBAC certification, valued at $20,000. The nine runners-up will each receive $1,000 from Cintas, a cleaning supply package from Rubbermaid, and free tuition to one ISSA Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) virtual training event, valued at up to $1,500. In addition, the top three finalists will receive an all-expense paid trip for two to the ISSA Show North America 2024 in Las Vegas in November, where they’ll be recognized for their accomplishments. “It’s important to show appreciation to school custodians for the important work they do in establishing healthy learning environments,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. “ISSA is proud to take part in this contest and looks forward to celebrating outstanding custodians across the U.S.” For more information on Cintas’ Custodian of the Year Contest, visit custodianoftheyear.com.
PathoSans, manufacturer and distributor of environmentally friendly cleaner and sanitizer products, has named Alliance Française de Chicago the recipient of its In Good Company Award. PathoSans’ In Good Company Award recognizes organizations for their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The Chicago-based French language school and cultural center was recognized for its long-standing efforts to educate others, increase transparency, and help improve the safety of cleaning chemicals. “The In Good Company award recognizes organizations that demonstrate dedication to ‘Make Good’ on corporate social responsibility initiatives,” said Ken Campbell, PathoSans director of sales. “It takes leadership and innovation to make good on sustainability promises to stakeholders, and we applaud Alliance Française de Chicago for its adherence to safety and helping to create a more sustainable, healthier world.”
A total of 57 finalists from 28 companies have been selected for the 2024 Kimberly-Clark Professional Golden Service Awards. Founded in 1991, the biannual awards program honors the top contract and in-house cleaning service providers in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The contest called for participants to submit a description of an outstanding industry accomplishment their business achieved. Representatives from the British Institute for Cleaning Science (BICSc) will review each submission and select finalists in 18 categories. The winning companies will be announced at a ceremony hosted May 23, 2024, in London, England. “I would like to thank our sponsors for all their support, including gold sponsor Kärcher and silver sponsors Nationwide, Bunzl Cleaning and Hygiene Supplies, and Soap20, as well as bronze sponsors BioVate Hygienics and EcoBreeze,” said Craig Bowman, Kimberly-Clark Professional general manager for the U.K. and Ireland. “Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit an entry. This year we had more entries than ever before, which we believe is a true reflection of the successful industry we work in. Congratulations to all the 2024 finalists. We look forward to seeing the finalists and our industry peers at the awards ceremony.” For more information on the 2024 Golden Service Awards, click here.
