Articles

Time to Celebrate and Advocate!

Categories: Business Management, ISSA Insights

Now is the time to reflect on and celebrate the significant role of the cleaning industry. Its front-line workers have and will continue to play an essential role in maintaining healthy and safe environments for everyone.

While 2020 and 2021 changed the industry, 2022 will be the year to shape its future. As the spotlight on the industry increased during the pandemic, so has the visibility and interest from the media, workers, consumers, policymakers, and regulators.

In 2022 and beyond, ISSA plans to help build on this public acknowledgment of the industry’s positive impact on the economy, as well as the value of clean as it relates to improving public health. During the week of March 27-April 2, 2022, ISSA will be promoting and celebrating National Cleaning Week for the third year in a row.

Leading up to and during National Cleaning Week, ISSA will offer our members opportunities to actively participate in this national recognition of the industry, its workers, and promote the value of clean to the public.

What is National Cleaning Week?

National Cleaning Week represents a unique opportunity to celebrate the value of clean, raise public awareness about the positive impacts of proper cleaning, and promote your business and the cleaning industry. Together, we can continue to change the way the world views cleaning.

As the leading trade association for the cleaning industry worldwide, ISSA believes it is important to take an active role in promoting the importance of cleaning, advocating on behalf of the industry at the federal and state levels, providing education and training, and raising the profile of the cleaning industry. We can change how the world views cleaning by coming together and telling each of our stories during National Cleaning Week.

How can you participate?

ISSA will be rolling out several opportunities—both large and more modest—for you to get involved in National Cleaning Week, including:

Sharing a story with ISSA about how your business or an employee stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Asking your governor to proclaim March 27-April 2, 2022, as National Cleaning Week.

Sharing graphics and information about National Cleaning Week on social media (Graphics will be available for downloading at www.issa.com/NCW ) using the hashtag #NationalCleaning Week.

Running promotions and telling your customers about National Cleaning Week and the Value of Clean.

Giving back and supporting ISSA Charities at www.issacharities.org. Your tax-deductible donation will go a long way in allowing us to clean the homes of cancer patients, advance women in the cleaning industry, and support the future of clean through scholarships and company internships.

For more information and ways that you can get involved with National Cleaning Week, please visit www.issa.com/NCW and/or contact Stacy Seiden, government affairs coordinator, at [email protected].

2022 Clean Advocacy Summit

One major event you won’t want to miss during that week is ISSA’s Clean Advocacy Summit. On March 30-31, 2022, ISSA members from around the country will be in Washington, D.C., participating in this summit.

The impact of government at the federal, state, and local levels on the industry has never been so evident. As I talk to members, I find questions such as these have become commonplace: Am I essential? What products are approved to kill COVID-19? How do I find enough workers?

In addition to ISSA’s direct lobbying efforts, small business owners and cleaning professionals like you are engaging in and effectively changing the way the world views cleaning by telling meaningful stories and educating people about the value of clean. This advocacy has been critical in winning on key legislative and regulatory issues impacting the industry.

Now more than ever, we need your participation and voice to advocate, influence, and make an impact in Washington, D.C.

Much of the cleaning industry—and your business’s bottom line—is impacted by regulations and legislation. Therefore, you need to make your voice heard on the public policy issues affecting your business and the industry. Participating in our democratic process is one of the most exciting and fulfilling endeavors you can do for your profession.

In the mornings of this two-day summit, participants will get up to speed on the pressing public policy issues for the full cleaning supply chain and get the “inside scoop” from Washington insiders about what is happening on Capitol Hill. Then, in the afternoon on both days, participants will apply their new knowledge and skills, meeting with their congressional delegation to advance the industry.

Have you never met or spoken to your elected officials before? Do not worry. ISSA will provide attendees with necessary background information on key issues, training, and even set up meetings with your congressional delegation for you. ISSA’s government affairs team will be there at every step to make sure you are an informed, prepared, and confident advocate for clean. This event is for everyone, from CEOs to front-line employees wanting to make a difference.

National Cleaning Week and the Clean Advocacy Summit are great ways to get involved with ISSA and, in particular, our government affairs efforts. Thank you for everything you have done to enhance public health and contribute to the economy during these uncertain times.

About the Author.

John Nothdurft is the Director of Government Affairs for ISSA. He can be reached at [email protected].