Articles

The Makeup of ISSA

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

The world now knows that ISSA is celebrating 100 years of existence. You can see the story and keep up with all the details at issa.com/100.

Many moving parts make up ISSA, and as the association celebrates its 100-year anniversary, there are plans to continue to grow and add more member benefits—after all, ISSA is here to serve you, our valuable members.

Keep reading and be sure to take advantage of all ISSA has to offer you right now.

ISSA Charities

This is the philanthropic arm of ISSA. ISSA Charities™ has three signature programs: Cleaning for a Reason®, the ISSA Hygieia Network®, and ISSA Scholars. Each program helps people in need in various ways. Cleaning for a Reason provides free housecleaning services for cancer patients and their families.

The Hygieia Network advances women in the cleaning industry, a movement that is really starting to make a difference when you look at the landscape of leaders.

ISSA Scholars provides university scholarships to ISSA member companies’ staff and families, all of whom will make up the slate of future leaders in our industry. Supporting any programs that are part of ISSA Charities means you are helping advance cleaning and those who work in the industry.

Government affairs and advocacy

Everyone needs a solid advocate, and the cleaning industry has one. The ISSA government affairs and advocacy department advocates for policies that create a legislative and regulatory environment so the entire supply chain can thrive, from manufacturers down to end users. It’s an “all hands on deck” approach, and ISSA members are actively involved in working with ISSA to ensure federal, state, and local regulators and policymakers keep the cleaning industry in mind when creating legislation and regulation. This department is your own lobbying arm to ensure you are represented where it matters most.

Standards and certifications

ISSA is the leader in setting standards for proper cleaning and industry certification. These standards are used by top cleaning companies and cleaning management around the world. Facilities that conform to these standards are some of the cleanest buildings around, and service companies that achieve these standards are recognized for having higher quality, stronger service reputation, and a proactive cleaning response.

Inside this division of ISSA are all the educational opportunities and programs you need to empower your organization.

GBAC

The Global Biorisk Advisory Council™ (GBAC), a division of ISSA, helps organizations demonstrate their commitment to protect the health and well-being of their customers and employees in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. GBAC provides the training, education, consulting, accreditation, and certification services needed to help shape a healthier and safer world for everyone, everywhere.

GBAC STAR™ facilities and organizations use their accreditation to support and show their commitment to health and wellness and a more sustainable, resilient world. In addition, GBAC STAR Accreditation can support an organization’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by assisting in achieving its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives and responsibilities. 

ISSA Media

ISSA’s media team provides the editorial content you need in real time. From its three print publications to website content, newsletters, digital products, and its ever-growing video programming, ISSA media educates, informs, and keeps you up to date on the cleaning, maintenance, and restoration industries.

Take advantage of the daily news feed, educational articles, and video programs such as Straight Talk!, GBACtv, ISSA Alerts, Take 5 With Cleanfax, and many others—all of which have their own podcast platforms as well. ISSA media gives priority to its members regarding their news releases and announcements.

Worldwide

ISSA was founded in the United States but has grown globally in the past 100 years. We represent everyone in the industry, no matter where you call home. ISSA has four regional portals: Canada; Latin America; Europe, the Middle East/Africa (EMEA); and Oceania. Each one is staffed by dedicated ISSA association professionals who are ready to answer your questions, provide you with the guidance you need, and help you with your challenges and the mission of your organization. 

Associations inside ISSA

With growth comes acquisitions, and ISSA has led the charge in uniting everyone in the global ISSA community.

The Association of Residential Cleaning Services International (ARCSI) is the residential arm of ISSA and is dedicated to improving the standard of professionalism in the residential cleaning industry.

The Indoor Environmental Healthcare and Hospitality Association (IEHA) is committed to and focuses on bringing health care environmental services and hospitality facility managers to the forefront. IEHA provides members with an array of channels through which they can achieve personal and professional growth.

There are many more, such as the Canadian Healthcare Housekeepers’ Association (CHHA) and the Independent Office Products & Furniture Dealers Association (IOPFDA).

ISSA Show North America

This is what has made ISSA what it is today, with the very first trade show—different name, a much smaller venue, different era—nearly 100 years ago. ISSA Show North America is the brand, the mark, and the driver for which ISSA is best known for. And now, by partnering with Informa Markets, the global leader in trade shows and events, ISSA Show North America is stronger than ever. We are currently preparing for ISSA Show North America 2023, November 13-16, in Las Vegas. Visit issashow.com and don’t miss a thing.

There’s more!

We aren’t done yet. As part of ISSA, there are additional benefits, such as the member directory, webinar center, discount programs, business tools, market research, tools for your human resource department, online events and workshops, networking opportunities, and so much more. It’s all there for you to use, manage, and grow your organizations. Now, just dig in. Make issa.com your favorite landing page. 

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.