FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 28, 2023 – Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) 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 incredibly proud to have achieved this certification. It showcases the dedication of our teams and BDI’s commitment to delivering exceptional quality service. This recognition signifies our ongoing promise to provide outstanding services to our customers. I would like to thank our business partners for their continuing support, which enables us to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals living with disabilities.”
Veronica Rohlack, VP of Administrative Services
BDI has been delivering quality end-to-end facilities management, including janitorial services, for over 30 years. Currently, the organization offers custodial services at 30 locations. Among these, nineteen locations operate under Ability One federal and state contracts, securing employment to 72 individuals. 75 percent of whom are people living with disabilities. Furthermore, the organization provides janitorial services at an additional 11 commercial locations, employing 22 individuals.
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 Bobby Dodd Institute 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 BDI, visit www.bobbydodd.org.
For more information about CIMS certification, visit cims.issa.com.
About Bobby Dodd Institute
Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping people of differing abilities maximize their potential through supportive services. BDI offers a continuum of support for all ages, stages, and levels of need for people with disabilities and their families. BDI also operates several social enterprises to fund its programs and to place people with differing abilities in inclusive-minded workplaces. These business services include:
- contact center and switchboard operations
- mailroom management
- facility management supply chain and logistics solutions
BDI began as a program at All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) in 1960. After decades apart, the two organizations merged in 2018 to reconnect their shared mission and better serve those with disabilities. BDI is proud to carry on the legacy of the former Georgia Tech football coach, dedicated volunteer, and passionate advocate of individuals with disabilities—Bobby Dodd. BDI serves people of differing abilities throughout Georgia and has worksites in five states.
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.
