Articles

100 Years!

Categories: ISSA 100th Anniversary, ISSA Insights, Straight Talk!

Normally, when someone gets older, they don’t want to talk about their age. Just ask my wife. She claims to be a perpetual 28 years of age. And right now, since I didn’t edit this out before going to print, I’m glad she never reads my articles.

ISSA is getting older. But we do want to talk about it—all year long. We have reached 100 years, and in my mind, we are just getting started. Although ISSA has accomplished much over the years, uniting the industry, and helping it grow, I feel there is a huge opportunity ahead. Just reflect on how we all responded to the pandemic, how cleaning is now recognized as an essential service, and consider all the opportunities we have now to build on the momentum.

We also have the Rethink Clean campaign, featuring comedian and germophobe Howie Mandel, now an honorary member of ISSA. While this campaign started in 2022, it’s really going to impact our 100th year as we focus on the business-to-business component of this project. As an ISSA member, I invite you to visit rethinkclean.org and use the assets created for you.

As part of our 100-year celebration, I’ve engaged in dozens of video interviews with key ISSA member organizations. One of my favorites is with Andy Clement, the chief customer officer at Kimberly-Clark Professional (KCP). I mention this interview specifically as a favorite because, in 2022, KCP celebrated 150 years, a huge milestone. I also enjoyed this interview because I learned some critical information on how paper tissues and paper towels were born. Watch it. You won’t regret it.

There are numerous activities and projects you will see roll out from ISSA this year to celebrate its 100th year, and you will enjoy something truly superb at ISSA Show North America 2023, coming November 13-16, 2023, in Las Vegas.

Your ISSA media team has something to offer you as well. In this issue, you will see a selection of top influencers and thought leaders who have helped shape our industry. In future issues, you will see spotlights of influential products, brands, an industry timeline, and thoughts and predictions of the future.

Yes, ISSA is 100 years old now, but we aren’t feeling our age. We are just getting started. Visit issa.com/100 and stay up-to-date and celebrate with us. 

About the Author.

Jeff Cross is the ISSA media director, with media brands that include ISSA Today, Cleaning & Maintenance Management, and Cleanfax. He can be reached at [email protected] or 740-973-4236.