This year marks the celebration of ASHES' 25th anniversary‚ a milestone that carries with it a significant measure of growth, commitment and excellence!

Based on my 16-year membership with this organization, I continue to be impressed with the level of loyalty and commitment from the members, board and staff. This is truly a high-performing team that demonstrates
dedication to the professionalism of environmental services.

My first ASHES annual conference was the 1996 show in Nashville, Tenn., and I arrived not knowing what to expect. Over the course of the four days, I attended multiple sessions. The caliber of the educational offerings far surpassed anything I had ever attended elsewhere!

Additionally, through the networking opportunities I was introduced to many other environmental services professionals who were dealing with the same challenges I was. I left Nashville rejuvenated, educated and energized to lead my environmental services team to the next level.

As I review the history of ASHES over the past 25 years, I can't help but marvel at the visionary nature of the earliest activities that led us to 2010. The organization's leadership and membership have continued year after year to address the rapidly changing challenges that the environmental services professional faces and to provide solutions that propel the organization and its membership forward.

Indeed, the tenacity of our leadership has been a significant factor in ASHES' growth and development, and I would like to personally thank each of them for their commitment and support.

This year on Sept. 26-30, the ASHES Annual Conference & Healthcare Marketplace will once again be held in Nashville. To honor ASHES' 25th anniversary, we will be showcasing ASHES' rich history. For more information, log on to ASHES' Web site at www.ashes.org. I hope you will be there for the celebration.

Meanwhile, call me at 678-843-7081 or e-mail me at fnemetz@sjha.org anytime!

Fiona Nemetz, CHESP
Director of Environmental Services, Transport, Safety and Parking
Saint Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta
Atlanta

Sidebar - ASHES insight

Plan now for the annual conference

Make ASHES' Annual Conference & Healthcare Marketplace your most important destination this year!

Get motivated with innovative, multidisciplinary education sessions. Discover advanced technologies and solutions by visiting the exhibits. Acquire new contacts, exchange ideas with colleagues and enjoy multifaceted activities in a relaxing environment. Expand your knowledge and integrate fresh ideas into your work.

It will be held Sept. 26-30 in Nashville, Tenn., with exhibition dates on Sept. 27 and 28. For more information, go to www.ashes.org.

ASHES offers online CHESP study group

ASHES is offering an online Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Professional (CHESP) Study Group, which will start on April 26 and last six weeks. CHESP candidates or potential candidates will collaborate, interact, review material and help each other prepare for the exam. It focuses on the following content areas: Regulatory Compliance, Design and Construction, Environmental Sanitation, Waste Management, Textile Management, and Finance and Administration. For more information, visit www.ashes.org.