The performance-based accreditation program is widely regarded as the cleaning industry’s gold standard for safe venues.

On Oct. 26, 2020, the Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) officially announced that it had achieved the prestigious GBAC STAR facility accreditation. Under the guidance of the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), the MCC has implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention.

“We are honored to receive this important accreditation which will allow the Minneapolis Convention Center, a major economic driver for our city and state, to demonstrate to our guests that we have one of the safest and cleanest venues in the nation,” said MCC Executive Director Jeff Johnson. “Our cleaning practices have been a hallmark of our success and something that clients and attendees historically rate as one of our competitive advantages. This accreditation further confirms our dedication to providing visitors a safe and healthy experience while in our facility.”

To achieve GBAC STAR accreditation, the MCC demonstrated compliance with the program’s 20 core elements, which range from standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies to personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness and response measures.

As the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation, GBAC STAR helps organizations establish protocols and procedures, offers expert-led training and assesses a facility’s readiness for biorisk situations. The program verifies that the MCC implements best practices to prepare for, respond to and recover from outbreaks and pandemics.

As a division of the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), GBAC STAR is an industry accreditation that provides third-party validation to ensure the implementation of rigorous protocols in response to biorisk situations. Focused on ensuring a clean, safe and healthy environment, the program establishes requirements to assist venues by providing best practices, protocols and procedures to control risks associated with the COVID-19 virus.

“GBAC STAR accreditation empowers facility owners and managers to assure workers, customers and key stakeholders that they have proven systems in place to maintain clean and healthy environments,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “By taking this important step to pursue GBAC STAR, the Minneapolis Convention Center has received third-party validation that it follows strict protocols for biorisk situations, thereby demonstrating its preparedness and commitment to operating safely.”

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ABOUT GBAC, A DIVISION OF ISSA
Composed of international leaders in the field of microbial-pathogenic threat analysis, mitigation, response and recovery, the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, provides training, guidance, accreditation, certification, crisis management assistance and leadership to government, commercial and private entities looking to mitigate, quickly address and/or recover from biological threats and real-time crises. The organization’s services include biorisk management program assessment and training, Forensic Restoration® response and remediation, the GBAC STAR™ facility accreditation program, training and certification of individuals and consulting for building owners and facility managers. For more information, visit www.gbac.org.

ABOUT ISSA
With more than 9,300 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.