BSCAI President's Message
September/October 2009

Our Commitment to the Environment

On April 28, 2008 (Earth Day), Great River Energy opened its newly built LEED-certified headquarters in Maple Grove, MN. As part of the corporation’s commitment to the environment, it was determined that the building would be constructed and maintained in accordance with recommendations from the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Council. Great River Energy sought a janitorial service company that could comply with its high standards of sustainability and environmental consciousness. After going out for bid to janitorial companies, they awarded Harvard Maintenance, Inc. with the janitorial bid. As president of Harvard Maintenance, I can proudly say that our commitment to LEED certification and our Green Seal GS-42 Green Cleaning Service Certification company-wide is a major national undertaking that affirms Harvard’s commitment to green cleaning. By extension, we are fulfilling the requirements of the USGBC and the LEED rating system. What does this mean for us in terms of being a leader in the industry? It has helped us in procuring bids such as the Great River Energy. Taking these extra steps shows our prospective clients that we are serious about what we do, and it has helped to set us apart from the competition. At BSCAI’s upcoming 2009 Executive Seminar in Chicago, IL, attendees will hear how leadership is not something that can be taught; rather, it must be learned. I’ve seen first-hand through my leadership in BSCAI, as well as with my company, how it can be extremely tough to navigate and provide direction to get ahead in this industry. Harvard has found success in building on what we know and do best. We have many locations throughout the United States from our bases in New York and reaching across the nation. We are continuously looking for the best way to improve and better our company. The success story above is one of the ways we further established our identity. Regardless of the size of your firm, as entrepreneurs you need leadership skills to survive in this tough economy. I often hear from my non-sales staff that cost (price) can be an overriding factor on new as well as existing business. LEED certification and value-added service can make a difference. And some of my best ideas on how to retain and secure new customers come from my involvement in BSCAI and its educational and networking events. I’m going to be in Chicago on October 8-9 for our Executive Seminar and hope to see you there, as well. I would love to share a couple of company growth ideas with you.   Stanley K. Doobin