Spotless Spaces Competition Recognizes Winners

ISSA, the Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions, and Tork, an Essity brand and global leader in professional hygiene, are proud to announce the winners of the second annual Spotless Spaces Competition. From sparkling floors to fresh, inviting spaces, these teams set the standard for cleaning excellence.

“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 well-being 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 recognizes excellence in three categories:

1) Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award Winner: American Museum of Natural History, New York
2) U.S. Spotless Space of the Year Winner: Tampa Bay International Airport, Tampa, Florida (Maintained by Flagship Facility Services, Inc.)
3) International Spotless Space of the Year Winner: Quito Metro Stations, Quito, Ecuador (Maintained by Forto Facilities)

Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award Winner

The Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award honors a facility that demonstrates a best-in-class approach to hygiene for people and planet, identified based on Tork's rigorous set of criteria. The U.S. 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 recognize The American Museum of Natural History in New York as the recipient of the Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award,” shares 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 their commitment to delivering cleaner, safer, and more welcoming spaces for all."

One of innovative practices that the American Museum of Natural History provides is a robust training program. This essential education promotes inclusive hygiene solutions that ultimately deliver a safe and healthy environment.

“Creating a clean, welcoming environment is essential to the visitor experience,” notes Michael S. Freshour, Senior Director of Custodial Services at the American Museum of Natural History. “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.”

U.S. Spotless Space of the Year Winner

“We are incredibly proud of the strong partnership we’ve built with Flagship and deeply appreciate the reliability, dedication, and attention to detail their employees bring to Tampa International Airport," says John Tiliacos, Tampa International Airport Chief Operating Officer.

This strategic partnership, resulting in consistent, meaningful guest experiences, underscores the importance of holding high standards for delivering a quality level of clean.

“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 traveler who passes through Tampa Bay International Airport (TPA),” adds Derrick Deadwiler, Senior Vice President of Operations for Flagship Facility Services, Inc.

International Spotless Space of the Year Winner

“From Ecuador to the world, Forto Facilities demonstrates that ensuring mass transit systems at a spotless standard is possible, 24/7. Being recognized 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,” says Andres Prado, President of Forto Facilities.

The Spotless Spaces Competition was held from March 23 to March 28. This global event calls attention to the cleaning industry’s vital role in protecting public health and driving economic impact. To learn more about last year's winners, click here.