Articles

Introducing ISSA Charities

Categories: Cleaning Best Practices, ISSA Insights

To better promote ISSA’s humanitarian objectives, ISSA Charities, ISSA’s charitable arm, has been reimagined, revitalized, and reinvigorated to do even more good! The exciting new ISSA Charities umbrella organization will officially launch at the ISSA Show North America 2018, October 29-November 1, in Dallas, TX. 

Philanthropy is Fun

To help spread the word about the reenergized ISSA Charities, the organization is kicking off the ISSA Show week Monday evening with Party for a Purpose, an event boasting a vibrant, social atmosphere. Then, on Wednesday evening, is the ISSA Backlot Bash—a huge outdoor party featuring food, drinks, entertainment, and more—to also benefit the various deserving causes ISSA Charities supports. These can’t miss events are just two examples of how the refreshingly novel ISSA Charities is bringing enthusiasm and liveliness to humanitarianism.

Party for a Purpose

Hosted at Topgolf Dallas—located at 8787 Park Lane—Party for a Purpose is guaranteed to be THE place to be Monday, October 29, 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., for those eager to start their trade show week by having fun while giving back. The Topgolf venue has something for everyone: Golfers of all skill levels, even those with no prior experience, can try hitting golf balls into designated targets to score points in a pressure-free and fun environment. Want to get a few pointers from a pro on your swing? You got it! Experienced golfers can challenge themselves by playing one of the more difficult game modes, while those looking for a little serious competition can enter a tournament to compete for bragging rights and prizes.

Not fond of golf? Prefer to sip on a cocktail, take a load off your feet, and enjoy some delicious hors d’ oeuvres? No problem! Come for the party and mingle with your fellow industry professionals in a casual environment that’s conducive to building and cementing lasting relationships. All this—food, drinks, golf, and camaraderie—for a US$125 donation that benefits the ISSA Charities’ services. (The tournament requires an additional $100 contribution.) To reserve your ticket, be sure to add Party for a Purpose to your ISSA Show registration form at www.issa.com/register.

ISSA Backlot Bash

The ISSA Backlot Bash is sure to be the hottest, most rockin’ party in Dallas, Wednesday, October 31! This event takes place 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., right outside the Omni Dallas Hotel, which is attached to the convention center, making it extremely convenient to drop by. The all-industry-inclusive bash will feature live entertainment, food, drinks, and special celebrity appearances. (Rumor has it the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders are even planning to crash the party.) The ISSA Backlot Bash is included in the All-Access Pass or can also be added a-la-carte for $99 when registering to attend the ISSA Show at www.issa.com/register. And proceeds benefit the worthy causes supported through ISSA Charities.

ISSA Hygieia Network Events

The ISSA Hygieia Network (IHN), one of the ISSA Charities’ programs, will also be hosting events at this year’s show. IHN was formed a few years ago to provide ongoing education, networking, professional development, and personal recognition to women working in, or associated with, the cleaning industry. This network of leading women will hold its annual reception/awards ceremony, Tuesday, October 30, 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., in the Trinity ballroom at the Omni hotel. The event also will reveal the future vision of the organization and details about its new mentoring program.

Additionally, in keeping with its vision of empowering and advancing women in the industry, IHN will host an educational session, led by Neen James, Monday, October 29. This session will be dedicated to coaching women on finding strategies for prioritizing what gets your attention in the work environment, making deliberate choices, and creating an organization framework for success (see page 56 for an article by James). For more information on IHN and its events, contact Hannah Kennedy at [email protected] or 847-982-0800.

Cleaning for a Reason

In the past decade, thanks to Cleaning for a Reason, more than 1,200 residential cleaning companies have provided free home cleaning to more than 30,000 patients undergoing cancer treatments at a commercial value exceeding $10 million. Last year, Cleaning for a Reason officially joined the ISSA Charities family and as such will have a strong presence at this year’s show: Information on the organization’s work will be available in the ISSA Charities Booth, located next to registration. And in the ISSA Residential Pavilion, Booth 1353, famed promoter and CEO of Dallas-based Real News PR, Jeff Crilley, will be encouraging Cleaning for a Reason participants and show attendees to be interviewed in a Today Show-like format to further promote the work of this amazing ISSA Charities program.

On a Mission

The mission statement of the ISSA Charities, Cleaning as Charity, is a key pillar to ISSA’s overarching goal to change the way the world views cleaning. Given this reimagined charitable vision, now is a great time for you and your organization to join the association’s efforts to improve and change lives. By doing so, not only will you make a beneficial and charitable contribution to society, but your participation will also have a strong positive influence on your business, your association, and the cleaning industry at large.

Today, social concerns are at the forefront of our lives and culture. These issues are so important, especially with younger generations, they can make or break the success and profitability of companies across all industries. Businesses that involve themselves in the improvement of society also attract better employees (see page 12).

Yet aside from all the positive effects on any business that stems from a commitment to humanitarian action, the most important reason to engage in this work is that society has a need. The thing that humanizes us above all else is our desire and willingness to help others, and never has charitable work been both so necessary—and possible. ISSA Charities offers an easy and diversified way to make a difference and engage in life’s most fulfilling work—helping others—while lifting the profile of the cleaning industry overall.

Looking Back & Forward

For more than 25 years, ISSA has provided scholarship support to bright, capable individuals pursuing a formal education degree. During this time, thanks to the support of ISSA member companies, nearly $4 million in scholarships has been granted to more than 1,000 recipients. ISSA is extremely proud of its member companies for their generosity. Additional historic ISSA-lead philanthropic work includes the popular Exhibitor Product Donation program, back again this year (see page 46), and critical disaster-relief support.

ISSA’s vision of the future includes elevating the impact of these programs—and so much more. We have only just begun our Cleaning as Charity mission. In the future, as individuals, organizations, and an association, we will make our mark on society by building impressive, meaningful, and impactful works of charity centered on—and directly connected to—the cleaning industry that has given many of us so much: More students need our support, through both merit-based and needs-based scholarships, and our internship program is growing and attracting talented youth to our industry and our organizations.

Providing additional support to women in the cleaning industry through the IHN involves even more education, professional development, and networking. Organizations with middle and senior management teams that are gender-balanced consistently enjoy better bottom-line results. This means that IHN is not only working to improve the industry for women at all levels, but also to improve the industry overall.

As we expand and build upon the success of the Cleaning for a Reason program, ISSA Charities is aiming to serve more than 500,000 households annually in the United States alone. These households need our support during cancer treatment, one of the most difficult times a person, spouse, or family can experience.

At the ISSA Charities, past success inspires a hope-filled future. Thank you to all the organizations that support ISSA Charities, and we look forward to continuing our collective growth during this year’s show and beyond.

How to Get Involved

• Stop by the ISSA Charities booth. For a more in-depth conversation about the ISSA Charities and its vision for the future, visit us next to registration in the main lobby of the Dallas Convention center, where all our charitable programs will be featured.
• Become a member. When you stop by the booth, ask about our membership program so you can join and help shape ISSA Charities’ future. Donate to our annual fund; ask about our signature sponsorship programs to take advantage of customized, co-branded, cause-marketing resources.
• Visit Cleaning for a Reason. Visit Booth 1353 in the Residential Cleaner Pavilion to learn more about the impact this organization is making across the county.

About the Author.

Tracy Weber is the manager of the ISSA Foundation. She can be reached at [email protected]; phone, 847-982-0800.