ISSA successfully hosted the fourth annual 2024 Clean Advocacy Summit, April 10-11 in Washington, DC. A record 120+ cleaning-industry leaders converged on the nation’s capital to advocate for the public-policy priorities for the industry. The 2024 summit was co-hosted by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry; the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC); and the Workplace Solutions Association (WSA), Powered by ISSA

Summit attendees received expert training on chronic labor shortages in the cleaning industry and the need for legal immigration reforms from John Baselice of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, sufficiently funding U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pesticide-registration activities from Laurie Flanagan of DC Legislative and Regulatory Services, and how to be an effective Advocate for Clean from Brad Fitch of the Congressional Management Foundation.

On April 11, summit registrants visited a record 133 congressional offices representing 32 states on Capitol Hill to advance the legislative priorities for the cleaning industry. Also, ISSA advocates used the association’s Advocacy Action Center to send 100+ messages to members of Congress urging them to address labor shortages in the industry and/or appropriately fund EPA pesticide-registration activities as part of the summit.

Additionally, summit registrants advocated for legislation to assist in ending period poverty, including the Menstrual Equity for All Act of 2023 (HR 3646) and Period PROUD Act (HR 4475). U.S. Representatives Grace Meng (D-NY-6), who introduced HR 3646, and Sean Casten (D-IL-6), who introduced HR 4475, spoke with registrants about the importance of their respective legislation and expanding access to free period products.

Members of ISSA leadership, Board of Directors, and Government Affairs Committee also met with the White House Office on Pandemic Preparedness, staff to the President for immigration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safer Choice, and EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention.

Also at the event, the 2024 ISSA Advocate of the Year Awards were presented to Keith Schneringer of BradyPLUS and Jean Marie Pfeifer of Shore to Shore Cleaning. The 2024 ISSA Outstanding Government Service Awards were presented to Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox and U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-7).

“The 2024 ISSA Clean Advocacy Summit would not have been possible without our industry partners,” said ISSA Director of Government Affairs John Nothdurft. “Thank you to the record 11 companies that sponsored this year’s premier advocacy event for the cleaning industry. The summit continues to grow every year. We look forward to hosting next year’s summit, which will likely take place during International Cleaning Week—March 23-29, 2025.”

Sponsors of the 2024 ISSA Clean Advocacy Summit included Presenting Sponsor, Tork, an Essity Brand; Gold Sponsor, Route; and Silver Sponsors: Aunt Flow, Bobrick, Citron Hygiene, Hospeco Brands Group, Imperial Dade, Maid Brigade, MaskIT, Spartan Chemical, and The Vonachen Group.

Here’s what 2024 summit registrants had to say about their summit experience:

“It’s a great opportunity to discuss our issues with elected officials and their staff that affect our industry.” Trisha Holderman, CEO, Elite Facility Systems

“As a first-time attendee, I was nervous and excited. I was paired with some awesome individuals that made the experience more relaxing. The staffers we met with were very engaging. It was an overall nice experience that I would definitely do again.” Kareen Jones, Project Manager, Didlake

“As a manufacturer, the ability to connect and advocate with and for our customers is invaluable. It opens insights on how our products are used and understood, as well as how we can leverage our position with legislators and regulatory agencies to help our downstream customers. It is a great event!” Rebecca Kaufold, Manager of Government Affairs & Sustainability, Spartan Chemical Company

“The ISSA Clean Advocacy Summit allows businesses and individuals to have a voice for their businesses, employees, and industry, and speak to the people that have actual influence over the change that needs to happen. A lot of us think we just have to wait around for changes to happen – this event proves that it’s in our hands to tell decision makers what we want and need.” Krista Plewes, Head of Marketing, Citron Hygiene