In 1999, ISSA opened its trade-show doors to building service contractors and other facility service providers for the first time. Contracting Profits was there with educational programming for the new ISSA audience. Our collaboration was a success, so we’ve done it for every open show since. The next show, ISSA/Interclean 2005 in Las Vegas, is no exception, and we’ll be presenting seminars on diverse topics, from green cleaning to benchmarking to partnering with your distributor.

A few years ago, we published the first “BSC Guide to Distributors,” which also has continued annually. This year’s installment is available in the print edition, we hope you’ll be able to refer to our resource throughout the year, if you need a supplier. (One of the main reasons BSCs switch distributors is cost, so this month’s cover story explains how distributors can help you through the next round of price increases.)

Whether you’re developing a bond with a new distributor, or nurturing an existing relationship with a longtime supplier, strong partnerships are what makes this industry tick, and we’re proud to announce an expansion of our own collaboration with ISSA. We’re pleased to be the official publication for ISSA contractor news. You’ll see “ISSA Reports” in the pages of Contracting Profits every month.


Stacie H. Rosenzweig, Editor