Allied Services Vocational Services Division Achieves Cleaning Industry Management Standard Green Building Advanced by GBAC with Honors Certification

Allied Services Integrated Health System Vocational Services Division has achieved the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) Green Building Advanced by GBAC with Honors certification from ISSA, the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. CIMS GB with Honors is designed to help companies improve cleanliness outcomes, deliver better service and control costs. Certified companies have the necessary structures, processes, procedures, and supporting documentation in place to meet customer needs, while also addressing the heightened demands of cleaning for health and safety.

“We are extremely proud to achieved the CIMS certification. - this is a significant milestone and a testament to the dedication and quality service our teams provide,” commented Stacey Biduck, Assistant Director of Custodial and Landscaping Services, Allied Services.”

“Our clients can be assured that not only are they receiving quality service, but their facilities are cleaned according to industry standards and best practices.”

CIMS GB with Honors is the first consensus-based management standard that outlines the primary characteristics of a successful, quality cleaning organization. It ensures companies follow the proper use of disinfection products and the stringent manufacturer procedures for accurate and effective use. Designed to assist cleaning companies of all sizes, CIMS GB with Honors applies six core elements of management best practices, including:

• Quality systems
• Service delivery
• Human resources
• Health, safety, and environmental stewardship
• Management commitment
• LEED EB: O&M

“Compliance with CIMS GB with Honors means a cleaning organization has the modern systems in place to deliver professional cleaning services, which is crucial for moving forward post-pandemic in today’s competitive market,” said ISSA Director of Education, Training, Certification & Standards, Brant Insero. “We’re excited to welcome Allied Services to a growing list of certified CIMS companies and look forward to continuing our efforts to help providers meet new demands and instill pride in their work.”

To successfully achieve CIMS certification, a facility service provider must meet 100% of the mandatory elements and 60% of the recommended elements, per section. An ISSA-accredited third-party assessor conducts an on-site review to ensure the organization’s activities are consistent with the documented systems and processes.

To learn more about Allied Services, visit alliedservices.org.

For more information about CIMS certification, visit cims.issa.com.

About Allied Services Vocation Services Division
Since 1959, the Vocational Services Division has existed to give individuals with disabilities the opportunity to achieve their full social, vocational, and economic potential. Through specialized training and supervision, individuals learn key work-related skills, allowing them to earn a real wage for a real job. Our employees gain a sense of pride and accomplishment in their achievements and our customers benefit from a trained and eager work force capable of producing consistently high-quality work. We currently provide services to over 500 individuals with disabilities.

The Vocational Services Division provides training and employment opportunities at two vocational centers in Scranton, at the Burnley Workshop in Stroudsburg, and at various satellite locations and partner businesses in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our facilities boast 80,000 square feet of production and warehouse space. We have provided custodial services since 1986 and are currently contracted to perform custodial services for approximately 1 million square feet of space. In addition, we provide landscaping services for over 100 acres of land.

About CIMS Advanced by GBAC
CIMS sets forth a management framework designed to assist building service contractors and in-house cleaning departments to develop and maintain quality, customer-focused organizations. The standard is nonprescriptive, meaning that each organization has the flexibility to choose the most effective ways in which to meet its requirements. CIMS was created through a true consensus-based process that brought together representatives of the cleaning, facilities management, and purchasing communities. ISSA speaks at numerous facility management and purchasing industry events throughout the year to outline the value of working with CIMS certified cleaning companies as well as certifying in-house operations.

About ISSA
With more than 10,500 members—including distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, building service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners and associated service members—ISSA is the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. The association is committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment and an improved bottom line. Headquartered in Northbrook, Ill., USA, the association has regional offices in Mainz, Germany; Whitby, Canada; Parramatta, Australia; Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. For more information about ISSA, visit www.issa.com or call 800-225-4772 (North America) or 847-982-0800.