ISSA’s Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) will hold a two-hour virtual carpet care certification workshop, “Key Elements to Superior Carpet Care Virtual Workshop,” taught by carpet cleaning industry veteran Jeff Cross on Monday, November 9 from 12-2 p.m. ET. This workshop aims to empower facility service providers to train their staff on the ins and outs of professional carpet care, including spotting and stain removal, daily care, interim maintenance techniques, and deep cleaning using extraction. Upon completion of this course, attendees will have the knowledge to sit for CMI Carpet Care Certification, which applies to managers, front-line workers, and supervisors utilizing cleaning techniques to care for carpets in private and public facilities. Supply-chain professionals are also encouraged to participate to benefit their facility service provider customers. Attendees will receive the ISSA Cleaning Management Institute Carpet Care handbook and be able to take the online exam to earn CMI certification. This course is a CMI-verified course compliant with the ISSA Training Standard. The Key Elements to Superior Carpet Care workshop is an extension of the ISSA Show North America 2020 Virtual Experience, which will take place November 16-19, though the workshop incurs an independent registration fee of US$175 for ISSA members and $350 for nonmembers. Register for the carpet care workshop today, then register for an all-access pass to ISSA Show North America Virtual Experience.
ISSA Hygieia Network, an ISSA Charities signature program dedicated to the advancement and retention of women in the cleaning industry, announced that it will host the virtual educational session, “Building a Thriving Culture Through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” on Tuesday, November 17 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CST during the ISSA Show North America Virtual Experience. All ISSA Show attendees are invited to attend the free event. “Although our event and awards reception will look quite different this year, we feel it’s more important than ever to address the value of diversity in the cleaning industry and recognize the outstanding women and organizations that have stepped up during this difficult time,” said Meredith Reuben, ISSA Hygieia Network chairwoman. “We look forward to sharing our programs with everyone virtually.” The educational session will feature two inspiring speakers, including Erin Mitchell Richeson, Kimberly-Clark Professional vice president of diversity and inclusion, and Ravi Saligram, Newell Brands CEO. Shortly after the session, ISSA Hygieia Network will announce the winners of its annual awards on at 5:15 p.m. CST. Submit your nominations for ISSA Hygieia Network’s Member of the Year and Rising Star of the Year award now through Wednesday, October 14 at https://www.research.net/r/ISSAHygieiaNetwork. The two award categories include: The Hygieia Member of the Year, which recognizes the ISSA Hygieia Network member’s involvement (individual or company) in activities that fulfill the organization’s mission and vision. The Rising Star of the Year, which honors one woman aged 45 or younger who has made achievements and demonstrated consistent upward mobility in her career within the industry. Nominations are open to the public and will be evaluated by a select group of jury members. To learn more about ISSA Hygieia Network and its signature programs and upcoming events, visit www.hygieianetwork.org.
ISSA Show North America Virtual Experience is providing a full education opportunity with various virtual workshops that will enable participants to earn valuable cleaning and maintenance certifications. One such workshop, the ISSA Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) Hard Floor Care Virtual Certification Course on November 5 teaches facility service provider managers, front-line supervisors, and specialty technicians to maintain new and unique floor coverings, such as polyvinyl sheeting, rubber, bamboo, laminates, and more. Participants will receive the ISSA CMI Hard Floor Care handbook and take the online exam to earn CMI certification. Register for the Hard Floor Care Certification Course today, then register for an all-access pass to ISSA Show North America Virtual Experience.
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Water Restoration Technician course gives you the essential knowledge and understanding of moisture and water damage, as well as its effects on a structure and its contents. And now you can achieve Water Restoration Technician certification from the comfort of your own home or office through this virtual workshop, which begins September 22. This three-day online course will focus on the fundamentals of the science, equipment, process, and standards of care as it relates to the effects of water in the built environment and building materials. Don’t wait to register, space is limited to the first 40 registrants. For more information and to register, click here.
Yesterday was the start of International Housekeepers Week (IHW) and Environmental Services Week (EVSW). Have you thanked our housekeeping and cleaning workers today? Although this year’s event is toned down due to the pandemic, that doesn’t mean your company or facility can’t commemorate its hard-working housekeeping and EVS staff. Michael Patterson, executive director of IEHA, a Division of ISSA, plans to celebrate the week by posting daily messages to thank cleaners via social media and IEHA's intranet. He suggested several way facilities can honor their housekeepers and EVS staff. “A thank you from management and staff goes a long way,” Patterson said. “A different specialty treat, such as a breakfast or lunch every day, and tangible rewards at the end of the week will tell workers how important they are to everyone.” One hotel chain is celebrating the outstanding contributions of its housekeepers through a contest. Days Inn Canada announced that until September 22, hotel general managers can nominate their housekeeping associates for the “Great Service Deserves to Be Recognized” contest. Housekeepers can be nominated based on their accomplishments, guest and/or co-worker feedback, and their contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nominees will have a chance to win prizes including a mattress set and gift cards.
As the coronavirus can spread through droplets in the air, indoor air quality (IAQ) is more important than ever. Learn about Identifying and Solving Indoor Air Issues at a workshop offered November 12 as part of the virtual education package leading up to ISSA Show North America Virtual Experience, November 16-19. This workshop will help facility managers and service providers identify air and surface issues, prevent potential health risks from poor IAQ, and avoid potential litigation issues that could result from building-occupant complaints. Additionally, it will teach participants to foster healthier and happier building occupants by solving IAQ problems before they become systemic. This workshop demonstrates a team approach to resolving IAQ issues. Register for the IAQ workshop today, then register for the all-access pass for ISSA Show North America Virtual Experience.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, The Experience Conference and Exhibition has been canceled. The Experience Conference was originally scheduled to take place September 9-11 and was later rescheduled to November 19-21. Organizers made the decision to cancel the in-person event following discussions with the Nevada Governor’s Office and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are deeply saddened to confirm that the 2020 The Experience Convention and Trade Show to be held in Las Vegas Nevada has been canceled,” said Larry Cooper, manager of The Experience Events. “Our show has been canceled by the State of Nevada restrictions due to the lack of progress with COVID-19.” According to the show organizers, their next in-person show will take place in Charleston, South Carolina, April 19-21, 2021. For more information on upcoming Experience Events and online education opportunities, visit www.experiencetheevents.com.
As ISSA Show North America Virtual Experience, November 16-19, gets ready to kick off its educational offerings, participants can get a jump start through a Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) workshop, Train the Trainer, offered in four-week sessions. Train the Trainer prepares supervisors and managers to successfully implement a quality training program for their cleaning organizations. It outlines frontline procedures and proper teaching methods to improve team efficiency. This certification is ideal for individuals who will train their team in industry best practices that solidify quality results. Now more than ever, it is crucial for cleaning professionals to elevate the standards of cleaning excellence and efficiencies in all areas of their facilities. The virtual Train the Trainer Workshop utilizes the CMI Custodial Technician Basic and Advanced level certification courses as a foundation for the technical skills being implemented. Each phase of Train the Trainer will include in-depth discussions, presentations, and homework assignments. The course will be held once a week—October 29-November 20—from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. CST. Register for the workshop today and register for the all-access pass for ISSA Show North America Virtual Experience.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage on, now more than ever it is crucial for cleaning industry professionals to elevate and enhance their cleaning and efficiency practices within their operations. This month’s CIMS ISSA Certification Expert (I.C.E.) webinar, which takes place September 15 and 16, gives attendees the unique opportunity to help change the way the world views cleaning. For the first time ever, ISSA is offering participants the convenience to achieve I.C.E. certification remotely. No need to travel—attain certification from the comfort of your home, office, or wherever you might be remotely working these days. “2020 has been a trying year for everyone,” said Charlie Janowicz, CIMS account executive. “This two-day webinar provides attendees with the skills and knowledge to become an indispensable resource during tough times by providing real-life solutions to the challenges their organizations are confronting. Everyone from cleaning contractors and in-house service providers to distributors and manufacturer representatives can elevate their company and raise its bottom line through the CIMS I.C.E. program.” For more information and to register, click here.
Although ISSA Show North America is a virtual event this year, that doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on the variety of workshops associated with it. Numerous workshops are being offered in 2020 in the weeks preceding the show, November 16-19, that will help you gather best practices and streamline your operations. For example, Integrating Technology in Workloading Processes, a course from Cleaning Change Solutions to be held on November 4, will demonstrate the integration of technology—such as robotics and autonomous cleaning equipment—with workloading for cleaning efficiency. Participants in this workshop will learn how to route new cleaning tools and the impact this technology has on their organizational culture. They also will discover solutions to avoid potential chaos as their companies adopt new cleaning technology. This workshop will cover many in-depth topics such as communication methods for stakeholders, required training to implement robotic cleaning solutions, and techniques to empower employees to promote cleaning during the integration. The course is suitable for managers, technicians, and frontline supervisors. Supply-chain professionals also are encouraged to participate to assist their facility service provider customers. Register today for Integrating Technology in Workloading Processes and register for an all-access pass to ISSA Show North America Virtual Experience.
Like other 2020 events, Environmental Services Week (EVSW) / International Housekeepers Week (IHW), September 13-19, will look different this year. But even though there will be no in-person events, IEHA, a Division of ISSA, is planning to recognize EVS workers and housekeepers. [caption id="attachment_538" align="alignright" width="182"] Michael Patterson[/caption] Michael Patterson, executive director of IEHA, a 1,300-plus professional member organization for persons employed in facility housekeeping at the management level, answered CMM’s questions about the importance of the upcoming week. CMM: Why do you think it is important to celebrate International EVSW/IHW? Patterson: It is very important that our housekeeping or environmental staff be recognized for the invaluable work that they perform in their facilities all over the world. In this time of COVID-19, they are playing a vital role in helping to keep everyone safe through proper cleaning and disinfecting. CMM: Does IEHA have any events planned September 13-19? Patterson: IEHA will post messages daily to thank cleaners via social media and our intranet. We will also reward 15 frontline staff with a one-year membership and scholarship to take our Certified Environmental Services Specialist (CESS) course at no cost through IEHA’s learning management system. COVID-19 has curtailed any in-person events. In past years, there have been formal ceremonies at chapter meetings. All members are encouraged to include the celebration in their budgets. This has generally been embraced by facility administrators. However, we will continue to push our members all over the world to celebrate and recognize their staff during this special week. CMM: How can facilities recognize their housekeepers during that week? Patterson: They need to communicate to everyone in the facility the importance of this week. A thank you from management and staff goes a long way. A different specialty treat such as a breakfast or lunch every day and tangible rewards at the end of the week will tell workers how important they are to everyone. CMM: When was IHW founded? Has IEHA been involved from the beginning? Patterson: IHW/EVSW was founded in 1985. It began as a directive from an IEHA president to recognize staff in all facilities involved in housekeeping. We are now celebrating our 35th year of this important week. CMM: What are the objectives of the week? Patterson: The objective has and always will be to celebrate our heroes in housekeeping and environmental services. The housekeeping and environmental services frontline employees are so important and should be recognized for their contributions. They are the blue-collar work force that truly make a difference by keeping buildings clean and properly disinfected.
ISSA’s Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) concluded its first ever virtual Train the Trainer course in the 56-year history of the organization. “In comparison to our normal in-person format, I feel the online version was actually more intense” said Brant Insero, ISSA Director of Education, Training, Certification, and Standards. “We constructed the course carefully to allow us the opportunity to blend learning styles while keeping each attendee engaged over the course of four weeks.” The virtual Train the Trainer offered: Guest speakers and subject matter experts Software demonstrations Interactive breakout rooms Asynchronous online learning Synchronous online learning Weekly homework assignments Final exam. “The virtual format forced class attendees to be very disciplined to not only attend each class but, turn in their weekly assignments before the due date,” said Insero. Each attendee was allowed six days to complete their assignments. Individuals who submitted earlier than the due date would receive feedback from their course instructor. “As attendees turned in their final exam, this might have been the most fun! Each attendee is required to turn in a short, pre-recorded video of them instructing,” Insero said. CMI will host a virtual Accredited Auditing Professional workshop on September 2 and has planned for more virtual events in 2021. Visit www.issa.com/cmi-events for future workshop opportunities.
This issue features: Back-to-school cleaning; green cleaning for COVID-19; equipment rental market trends; steps to sustainable revenue growth; and more!
