ISSA Timeline History
From its humble beginnings to its current international influence, ISSA has consistently demonstrated a commitment to advancing the entire cleaning industry, setting the stage for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all. Join us as we look back at a century of accomplishments, milestones, and dedication that has shaped ISSA into the voice of the industry and a tireless advocate for changing the way the world views cleaning.
Alfred Richter founds what will eventually be known as ISSA under its original name of National Sanitary Supply Association (NSSA) and hosts the inaugural association meeting in July in St. Louis.
Thirteen manufacturers participate in the first-ever NSSA convention in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
NSSA continues to blossom, averaging 350 members per year with annual conventions throughout the United States. The 1946 Convention hosted 3,000 attendees and 100 standard booth exhibits.
With attendee numbers on the rise, the 1950 convention is held at The Conrad Hilton in Chicago. This growth in venue size was a major step forward for the association.
Development of “Who’s Who at the Trade Exhibit,” a trade show guide designed to provide free info to manufacturer exhibitors and distributor attendees.
In a nod to its continued expansion, NSSA changes its name to the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA).
To support a growing membership and operations, ISSA purchases its first building on Elston Ave. in Chicago, Illinois.
First issue of ISSA Today, previously known as Brooms, Brushes & Mops, is published.
Cleaning industry manufacturer representatives are afforded the right to vote.
ISSA crosses the pond and for the first time exhibits internationally at the Europa Clean trade show in Birmingham, England.
ISSA Silver Membership is established, allowing retired members to remain active in the association.
ISSA introduced a bill to reauthorize the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
The ISSA Foundation is incorporated in Illinois as a standalone 501c3 charitable organization. Supported by the generous donations of ISSA member companies, the foundation’s core program has awarded hundreds of annual college scholarships since its inception.
ISSA designs and releases the EZ Trainer Custodial Training Program, a new sales techniques training program for the cleaning and janitorial supply industry.
ISSA expands internationally and begins accepting members outside of the United States and Canada.
In Chicago during the 73rd annual ISSA Show, ISSA hits the world wide web, unveiling its first-ever home page on the internet, ISSA.com.
The ISSA board votes to open the trade show to end users, such as building service contractors (BSCs) and in-house service providers (ISPs).
ISSA partners with Amsterdam RAI to host ISSA/INTERCLEAN trade shows across the globe.
ISSA’s international membership continues to thrive, topping more than 1,000 members in Europe alone.
ISSA opens membership to include end users, including BSCs and ISPs and rebrands itself from the International Sanitary Supply Association to its current name of ISSA.
ISSA establishes the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS), the first consensus-based management standard that outlines the primary characteristics of a successful, quality cleaning organization.
ISSA rebrands with a new brand promise, “Changing the Way the World Views Cleaning,” and a new tagline, “Advancing Clean. Driving Innovation.” As part of the brand refresh, ISSA introduces the Value of Clean® toolkit to help members better position cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment, and an improved bottom line.
ISSA enters into a period of acquisitions that sees the association actively acquiring or merging with key facility management and end user entities, including:
- Cleaning & Maintenance Management (CMM) magazine
- Cleaning Management Institute (CMI)
- Cleanfax magazine
- Indoor Environmental Healthcare and Hospitality Association (IEHA)
- Association of Residential Cleaning Services International (ARCSI), now known as ISSA Residential
- Independent Office Products & Furniture Dealers Association (IOPFDA), now known as Workplace Solutions Association (WSA).
Internationally, ISSA also merges with the Canadian Sanitation Supply Association (CSSA), to form a new ISSA Canada division, expanding across six continents, with new offices in Australia, Canada, China, Italy, Mexico, and South Korea.
The ISSA Foundation is re-launched as ISSA Charities with three distinct signature programs:
- ISSA Scholars: Providing four-year university scholarships to ISSA Member companies and their immediate families. Part of the original ISSA Foundation, founded in 1988.
- Cleaning for a Reason: A network of residential cleaning company partners who provide free home cleaning to cancer patients.
- ISSA Hygieia Network: Founded by Ilham Kadri, former CEO of ISSA-member company Diversey, dedicated to advancing women and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the cleaning industry.
ISSA forms a partnership with Informa Markets on ISSA Show North America and establishes a network of global ISSA trade shows.
The Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) merges with ISSA to become GBAC, a Division of ISSA.
ISSA launches the Rethink What Clean Means Campaign to emphasize the value of cleaning and hygiene to consumers and facility decision-makers. The campaign features a viral video campaign, “Howie Clean It,” featuring comedian and renowned germaphobe Howie Mandel.
Representing the Global Cleaning Community
- 10,500 member companies in 105+ countries
- The global voice for the cleaning industry
- The leader in cleaning education, training, standards and certifications
- Connecting the entire cleaning value chain for business opportunities and growth
