Music and Sporting Venues Make Events Safer with GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation

NORTHBROOK, Ill.July 29, 2021—From concerts to sporting events to art exhibitions to weddings, people are rediscovering the joys of attending in-person events as more facilities reopen and lift occupancy limits. This week, Strathmore Hall Foundation Inc. in North Bethesda, Md. has earned GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, for three of its venues: AMP by Strathmore, The Mansion, and The Music Center. Joining the Strathmore facilities with new accreditations are the Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif., numerous commercial offices and hotels, a Maryland-based salon, and transportation provider.

“GBAC STAR accredited facilities know how to effectively clean to uphold the health of all building occupants and visitors,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “With an increasing number of larger venues reopening for events, it’s important to look for the accreditation seal. With the online GBAC STAR Facility Directory, people can easily locate accredited facilities so they know whether best practices are being followed.”

Strathmore brings nearly 400 events to North Bethesda each year, including concerts, festivals, art exhibitions, and more. Its venues are also sought after for private events like parties, training sessions, weddings, and mitzvahs. Meanwhile, the Toyota Arena is a 225,000-square-foot venue that can accommodate more than 11,000 guests. It hosts more than 125 events annually and is home to several sports teams, including Ontario Reign (American Hockey League), Ontario Fury (Major Arena Soccer League), Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario (G League Basketball), and LA Temptation (Legends Football League).

This week, the following facilities have earned GBAC STAR accreditation:

Commercial Offices

  • Les Immeubles HOOPP Realty Inc. A/S Conseillers Immobiliers in Montreal
  • Maintenance Trans-Quebec in Victoriaville, Quebec

Hotels

  • Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas in Encinitas, Calif.
  • Crowne Plaza in Louisville, Ky.
  • Hotel New Otani Tokyo in Tokyo
  • Hotel Okura Tokyo Bay in Chiba, Japan
  • Story Hotel Studio Malm in Malm, Sweden
  • Story Hotel Riddargatan in Stockholm
  • Story Hotel Signalfabriken Sundbyberg in Stockholm
  • The Grove Hotel in Boise, Idaho

Salon or Spa

  • Progressions Salon in North Bethesda, Md.

Stadium or Arena

  • Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif.

Theatres or Performing Arts Centers

  • Strathmore Hall Foundation Inc. – AMP by Strathmore in North Bethesda, Md.
  • Strathmore Hall Foundation Inc. – The Mansion in North Bethesda, Md.
  • Strathmore Hall Foundation Inc. – The Music Center in North Bethesda, Md.

Transportation Provider

  • Traxx Coachlines Ltd. in Edmonton, Alberta

“The GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation program is based on quality management system principles and ensures facilities have a clear map in place for training, preparation, prevention, and more,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett.

Learn more and apply for GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation at gbac.org/star

Find accredited facilities and those pursuing accreditation via the GBAC STAR Facility Directory at gbac.org/directory.

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 and service accreditation programs, 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 10,500 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 Rosemont, 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.

 

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For more information, contact ISSA Director of Communications Jill Nuppenau at [email protected]; phone, 847-982-0800 Ext. 1367.