International Custodial Advisors Network (ICAN)
A new association has been born. ICAN is for cleaning related consultants, advisors and educators. The goal of the group is to promote it’s members to prospective customers, to improve the cleaning industry and to let others know that professional consultants are available to assist a manager, owner, company or association in solving a cleaning related challenge or problem.

The group has a website with a directory of it’s members and offers an “Ask the Experts” service via Cleaning Management Magazine where anyone can post a question for ICAN members to answer. So far, roughly two or three questions are being posted and answered each day. The group has membership categories for those actively involved as advisors (primary) and others in the industry that support the group’s efforts (associates) such as manufacturers, associations, individuals and publishers. (more…)

Filed under: Training by William Griffin
Originally Published: CBM August 2004

Tomorrow We Chose a President
By the time you read this, it will all be over. Here’s my prediction. Bush by as much as 10%, but more than likely by 5 to 7%. I just don’t see the country electing a peace nic while we are at war. Beyond that, Kerry is too liberal for my liking. I think people should work for what they get, not have it handed to them as the Democratic Party is known for doing.

I find it interesting how divided the country is on this election. Whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, most people tend to be more emotional than logical in their decision as to whom to vote for. Personally I’m sick of both parties and both candidates. I don’t see either one as inspiring, exciting or insightful.

The country and the world are being strangled by the demand for petroleum and there is no talk of alternative energy sources or energy independence. The Earth is dying from pollution and there is no talk of changing our wasteful ways to save the environment or mankind. (more…)

Filed under: Trade Show, Training by William Griffin
Originally Published: CBM October 2004

We Live in Turbulent Times
There are a lot of things going on in the cleaning industry right now. On the surface things may look normal and calm, but behind the scenes the winds of change are picking up speed and the breeze is blowing in your direction.

What’s different this time is that it’s not just chemicals, equipment and processes that are changing. The fundamental structure of the cleaning industry in the USA is evolving and I don’t think anybody knows for sure where it’s going. Most everyone involved has their own agenda and a direction in which they would like to move the industry, but I see that as much easier said than done. As you read this a number of different special interest groups and industry associations are jockeying for position in order to establish themselves as “the clearing house” that will represent the cleaning industry when it comes to developing what are known as industry standards. (more…)

Filed under: Uncategorized by William Griffin
Originally Published: CBM February 2005