As ISSA president, I want you to know that our board of directors fully supports advocacy as a core pillar of our mission. It’s not something extra. It’s something essential.

And I say that, not just as your president, but as someone who, not long ago, wasn’t involved in this kind of advocacy at all. I wasn’t going to Washington for the ISSA Clean Advocacy Summit. I wasn’t at the table. But that has changed.

Taking a seat at the table

Now we are at the table—and our seat only gets stronger every time people like you show up. Every time we bring real-world experience and authentic voices into the policy process, we’re helping to shape a better future for our industry.

Let me give you a quick example from my home state of California.

Just last year, Assembly Bill 2364 was introduced. It was a workloading bill that would have imposed a maximum production rate of 2,000 square feet per hour per worker. For those of you in the industry, you already know how disconnected that is from reality. This would have impacted everything from riding a sweeper in a warehouse to detailed terminal cleaning in an operating room.

The bill wasn’t just off base—it was way off the mark. It didn’t reflect the way cleaning really gets done. Fortunately, John Nothdurft and our ISSA Government Affairs team responded with clarity and strategy. But they also knew that wasn’t enough. Policymakers needed to hear from the people on the ground—those who manage teams, oversee contracts, and work in every type of facility.

My team stepped in to help bring that real-world context to the conversation. And what happened was powerful. When lawmakers heard directly from professionals, they responded. Many admitted, “I had no idea,” or “No one ever explained that to me.” That’s the power of showing up.

Advocacy efforts can make a difference

Because of our collective efforts, the bill shifted from a rigid mandate to a more thoughtful study process. I now have the honor of representing California contractors on that study team—but really, I see myself representing all contractors. Because what happens in one state has the potential to ripple across the country.

This experience reinforced something I deeply believe: We may not be professional policymakers, but we are professionals. We understand the challenges, processes, and people who make this industry work. That’s why your voice matters. We are undeniably more effective when we’re unified and grounded in experience.

And if you’re feeling unsure or nervous, you’re not alone. It’s my first time, too. I was a freshman on the Hill during the recent Clean Advocacy Summit, but I’ll be a sophomore next year. We’re learning and growing together, with the support of leaders like John Nothdurft, Stacey Seiden, and the entire ISSA team.

When we get involved with advocacy efforts, we’re not just showing up for ourselves—we’re showing up for an industry that deserves to be heard, an industry that supports every place people live, work, play, worship, learn, and heal.

That deserves a voice at the highest level. And I’m proud to be standing with all of you.

Laurie Sewell is the president of ISSA. With over 30 years of industry experience, she is CEO and president of Servicon Systems Inc., a leading provider of environmentally sustainable cleaning and maintenance services.