Editor’s Note – July/August 2024

Harrell Kerkhoff

As the summer continues to fly by — which summers often do — it’s not too early to start planning for the ISSA Show North America 2024, held November 17-21 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, in Las Vegas. It’s the second straight year that this venue is hosting the event.

ISSA Show North America is billed as: “The premier event for the worldwide cleaning industry, providing a unique platform for information, education, innovation, networking, and commercial opportunities. With a focus on pushing the industry forward, the show brings together leaders to exchange knowledge and create cutting-edge solutions.”

Included is a three-day trade show with an expected 600-plus exhibitors showcasing products and services within six pavilions.

Last year, 12,506 people attended ISSA Show North America, according to an ISSA 2023 Demographic Report on the event. Of that total, 17 percent were international visitors, with the top five countries represented being Canada, Mexico, Japan, Brazil and China.

An attendee profile from last year’s event showed: 42 percent were Distributors & Wholesalers; 32 percent Building Service Contractors; 14 percent In-House Service Providers; 6 percent Associate Services; and 6 percent Residential Cleaners.

Last year’s Demographic Report also listed the top four reasons people attended. They were: To discover new products & innovations; Stay up to date on market trends; Source new suppliers; and, Network with peers and industry professionals. Meanwhile, the top job functions of attendees at last year’s ISSA Show North America were: 28 percent — Vice President/Executive Management; 21 percent — Sales/Marketing; 19 percent — Manager/Supervisor; 15 percent — Operations/Office Management; and 9 percent — Other (includes contractor, sourcing, specialist, finance, field crew).

This year’s ISSA Show North America promises to be just as popular. Visit issashow.com/en/home.html for more information.

The cover feature for the July/August 2024 issue of MSN focuses on Iowa-Des Moines Supply, and its subsidiary, Baker Paper & Supply, the latter of which is in Cedar Rapids, IA. Both distributorships have a long legacy and are focusing on greater modernization and market expansion for the years ahead.

“Our two locations serve the same industry segments and carry most of the same inventory,” Iowa-Des Moines Supply CEO Todd Weidmaier said. “All things being even, I think it helps that we are an Iowa-based organization, with our dollars staying in the state. Many of our customers appreciate doing business with somebody in Iowa. As an independent business, I would estimate that 95 percent of our customers are also independent companies.

“As businesses — including many distributors — get larger, it seems end-users have a tougher time receiving a hands-on approach to their facility maintenance needs. That includes the availability of training, product demonstrations/free samples, and timely communication,” he said. “Possessing such capabilities, however, has allowed us to survive and thrive. We stick to what we believe in, which is remaining loyal to our customers and suppliers. That has worked well for us and will continue as we grow. Our main objective is to run an efficient operation and to be easy to do business with. We want to take problems off the ‘plate’ of our customers, not create more.”

The July/August issue of MSN also includes the following:

• Advertorials highlighting ice melt manufacturers XYNYTH, Morgro, and CP Industries;
• Annual Buyers Guide focusing on mop, brush, and broom suppliers;
• An article asking the question, “Can You Afford To Exit Your Business?”; and,
• Thought leadership articles tackling the following subjects: Replacement Parts, Automated Solutions, Infection Control, and Hand Hygiene.

I would like to thank everyone for their continued support of Maintenance Sales News. Please send news items and story ideas to my email address at: harrellk@rdgmedia.net.

Harrell Kerkhoff

Editor, Maintenance Sales News Magazine