International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)

The International Sanitary Supply Association, commonly referred to as ISSA, is a US nonprofit organization that serves as a global community for professionals in the cleaning industry. Established in 1923 by Alfred Richter, it was initially known as the National Sanitary Supply Association (NSSA). The association was formed with the goal of fostering an exchange of ideas among industry professionals to enhance their business endeavors.

History and Evolution

ISSA began its journey in July 1923 with a meeting of seven sanitary supply distributors in St. Louis. John Opie served as the first president, while Alfred Richter acted as the vice president. Over the years, NSSA evolved to accommodate the growing needs of the global cleaning industry. In 1967, the association's name was changed to the International Sanitary Supply Association under the leadership of President Gordon Bodek, recognizing its expanded international presence. This strategic move facilitated ISSA's transition into a worldwide organization.

By 2005, the association had further evolved to include cleaning service providers, resulting in the name change to ISSA — The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association. This change underscored ISSA's comprehensive commitment to the entire cleaning industry, encompassing distributors, manufacturers, and service providers.

Purpose and Activities

ISSA's primary mission is to serve as a leading resource for information, education, networking, and commercial opportunities within the cleaning industry. The organization promotes industry growth and advocates for its members at governmental levels, ensuring collective voices are heard. ISSA offers various programs and resources, including CIMS (Cleaning Industry Management Standard) certification, which helps organizations follow industry best practices, and GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Council), which focuses on biorisk management.

ISSA organizes an annual trade show, known as the ISSA Show, featuring more than 700 exhibitors and offering educational sessions to keep professionals updated on the latest technologies and trends.

Membership and Influence

As of recent years, ISSA has over 9,200 member companies across multiple sectors, including distributors, manufacturers, service providers, and associated service members. Its membership base spans various industries, including K-12 schools, universities, airports, government, healthcare, and more. The association represents a significant influence in the global cleaning industry, recognized by its presence in over 134 countries.

ISSA's commitment to education, networking, and standardization has made it a pivotal organization for professionals seeking to enhance their business operations and contribute to the broader goals of cleanliness, health, and sustainability.