ISSA works to increase appreciation for the “complete value of clean.”
As the leading trade association for the commercial cleaning industry worldwide, ISSA is committed to helping its members change the way the world views cleaning. The association’s vision for the industry is one where cleaning is viewed as an investment in human health, the environment and an improved bottom line. ISSA membership includes more than 6,100 distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, building service contractors, in-house service providers and associated service members.
The association is headquartered in Lincolnwood, Illinois with regional offices in Amsterdam, Netherlands; Leicester, United Kingdom; Monterrey, Mexico; and Shanghai, China. ISSA regularly works with more than eighty-five associations, alliances, advocacy groups and government agencies around the world to promote the value of commercial and institutional cleaning. In fact, ISSA works closely with the Association of Residential Cleaning Services International (ARCSI) to share relevant resources for companies that offer both residential and commercial services.
The association leverages its many industry relationships to increase customer appreciation for the complete value that cleaning can bring to them. ISSA recently released the Value of Clean paper to educate decision makers regarding the financial benefits of cleaning. In addition, ISSA members have access to the Value of Clean calculator and sales materials, which can further help them communicate their cleaning companies’ positive impact on their clients’ bottom line.
ISSA helps increase professionalism and member success by offering business tools, educational products, free online videos, industry standards, publications, and legislative and regulatory services that specifically focus on the commercial cleaning industry. The easiest way to access them all is via issa.com.
Of particular note is the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS), the first consensus-based management standard that outlines the components of a successful, quality cleaning organization. Cleaning companies can certify to the standard, as well as to its Green Building module, as a way to differentiate themselves from the competition and demonstrate their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
The newest free tool from ISSA, launching in May, is Transpare, an online product registry that helps purchasers compare green cleaning products based on their environmental, health and safety attributes.
For face-to-face business opportunities, ISSA, along with Amsterdam RAI, hosts ISSA/INTERCLEAN®, the world’s largest cleaning trade shows. These events are held in North America, Latin America and Europe. The ARCSI annual convention is held annually in conjunction with ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America. This year, it will be in Las Vegas, November 18-21.
ISSA’s support is for employees at all levels of your business. Purchasers can find specific cleaning products in the ISSA online buyer’s guide. Staff members can search the online library for articles or videos, and supervisors can search the website for a variety of management and leadership tips.
Dianna Steinbach is the Director of Industry Outreach for ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association. She has conducted seminars and webinars for ISSA in the U.S., Africa and Europe. To join or learn more, click here.
