Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 16th April 2026 Issue no. 1206
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Winners of 2nd Annual Spotless Spaces competition announced
ISSA and Tork have announced the winners of the second annual Spotless Spaces Competition. This exclusive ISSA-member benefit showcases the teams that go above and beyond to create safe, healthy, and accessible environments.
"The Spotless Spaces Competition represents the very best of our industry worldwide - where precision, innovation and a deep commitment to excellence come together," says ISSA executive director Kim Althoff.
"These companies are not just raising the bar - they are redefining it, creating environments where health, safety, and wellbeing are protected at the highest level. Their work sets a global standard and serves as a benchmark for what this industry can and should achieve and we applaud them."
The competition recognises excellence in three categories and the winners were:
• Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award: Winner - American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
• US Spotless Space of the Year: Winner - Tampa Bay International Airport, Tampa, FL; maintained by Flagship Facility Services
• International Spotless Space of the Year: Winner - Quito Metro Stations, Quito, Ecuador; maintained by Forto Facilities (pictured)
The Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award honours a facility that demonstrates a best-in-class approach to hygiene for people and planet, selected following a rigorous criterial set by Tork. The US and International Spotless Space of the Year winners were selected through an extensive voting process that engaged both industry professionals and the public.
"We are proud to recognise The American Museum of Natural History in New York as the recipient of the Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award," says Matthew Urmanski, vice president commercial, region North America at Essity. "The Museum exemplifies sustainable hygiene principles through innovative practices that improve operational efficiencies and support better hygiene for all. By implementing a robust training program and adopting hygiene solutions that support inclusive hygiene, The American Museum of Natural History demonstrates its commitment to delivering cleaner, safer and more welcoming spaces for all."
Michael S. Freshour, senior director of custodial services at the Museum, says: "I'm incredibly proud of our custodial team, whose hard work ensures a seamless, and comfortable, experience for every guest. This recognition is a testament to the consistency, professionalism, and care our team demonstrates on a daily basis."
US Spotless Space of the Year winner: Tampa Bay International Airport (TPA), Tampa, FL; maintained by Flagship Facility Services…
"We are incredibly proud of the strong partnership we've built with Flagship and deeply appreciate the reliability, dedication and attention to detail its employees bring to Tampa International Airport," says John Tiliacos, Tampa International Airport chief operating officer. “This Award is a well-deserved recognition of their professionalism and the meaningful impact they make on the guest experience at TPA. It truly reflects the passion and high standards the employees bring to their work every single day.”
Derrick Deadwiler, senior vice president of operations for Flagship Facility Services, adds:
"We're incredibly proud of our team and our partnership with Tampa International Airport. Maintaining a spotless environment in such a high-traffic facility takes dedication, teamwork, and a shared commitment to excellence. This recognition from ISSA reflects the pride we take in delivering a clean, safe, and welcoming experience for every traveller who passes through Tampa Bay International Airport."
International Spotless Space of the Year Winner: Quito Metro Stations, Quito, Ecuador; Maintained by Forto Facilities (pictured)…
"From Ecuador to the world, Forto Facilities demonstrates that ensuring mass transit systems at a spotless standard is possible, 24/7," says Andres Prado, president of Forto Facilities. “Being recognised as the International 'Spotless Space of the Year,' with Metro de Quito stations awarded among the cleanest spaces globally, reflects the standard our team has built through discipline, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to every detail, every day.”
The Spotless Spaces Competition is an important feature of International Cleaning Week 2026, held from March 23-28. This global event underscores the cleaning industry's vital role in protecting public health and driving economic impact.
For more information about the Spotless Spaces Competition, its winners, runners up, and finalists visit:
issa.com/advocacy/international-cleaning-week/spotless-spaces-winners-2026
19th March 2026