ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

The ISSA Hygieia Network (IHN) - which works to eliminate gender discrimination and encourage diversity in the cleaning sector - announced the winners of its 2016 ISSA Hygieia Network Awards at a ceremony during the ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America exhibition in Chicago last week.

Recognising the outstanding contribution she has made to the advancement and retention of women within the cleaning industry, Janelle Bruland was named Member of the Year. Bruland is president and ceo of Management Services Northwest, a regional facility management company in Bellingham, WA, offering services from cleaningthrough to complete facility management.

The Eidyia Award, which recognises companies or individuals leading efforts to reduce illiteracy rates within the cleaning industry's workforce, was presented to the Asian-American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA). Founded in 1989, AAHOA is dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of its members through programs and initiatives in advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, and community involvement.

The Rising Star of the Year Award, which is open to women aged under 35 who have demonstrated their commitment to further the ideals and objectives of the ISSA Hygieia Network, was awarded to Paige Horn, chief operating officer from Dixie Paper Co and Dixie Packaging.

Man of the Year was Michel Landel, group ceo of Sodexo. And Sodexo was also a winner in the
Employer of the Year category, where it was judged to be the company that best promotes women's interests and gender equality in the professional cleaning sector.

The judging panel included Dan Weltin, editor-in-chief, Trade Press Media Group; Jeff Tafel, executive director, IFMA Foundation; and Michelle Marshall, editor, European Cleaning Journal (ECJ) and executive producer of EC Television.

"The ISSA Hygieia Network Awards truly represent the very best work being undertaken currently in eliminating gender discrimination and encouraging diversity," Ilham Kadri, chair of the ISSA Hygieia Network and president of Sealed Air's Diversey Care division commented.

"Over the next year, we will build further on the excellent work that the network is already doing with exciting additions to the program, such as mentorship, regular webinars, and other education opportunities."

For more information: www.hygieianetwork.org