ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - (Tuesday, March 2, 2021) Spectra has announced that both the Atlantic City Convention Center and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, have achieved Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities. Under the guidance of GBAC, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, Spectra, who provides Venue Management, Food Service & Hospitality, and Partnerships to the facilities, have implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention in its facilities. 

As the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation, GBAC STAR™ helps organizations establish protocols and procedures, offers expert-led training and assesses a facility’s readiness for biorisk situations. The program verifies that Spectra at both the Atlantic City Convention Center and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall implements best practices to prepare for, respond to and recover from outbreaks and pandemics.

“As the only major venues in the State to receive this GBAC STAR accreditation for cleanliness and safety protocols, this recognition demonstrates the diligent work being done by Spectra Venue Management at the Atlantic City Convention Center and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall,” said CRDA Executive Director Matt Doherty. “Offering these high standards to our clients and guests is a top priority.”

“GBAC STAR accreditation empowers facility owners and managers to assure workers, customers and key stakeholders that they have proven systems in place to maintain clean and healthy environments,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “By taking this important step to pursue GBAC STAR, The Atlantic City Convention Center and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall have received third-party validation that it follows strict protocols for biorisk situations, thereby demonstrating its preparedness and commitment to operating safely.”   

“We are honored to receive this accreditation for both the Atlantic City Convention Center and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, two major economic drivers for South Jersey and specifically Atlantic City.  The health and safety of our employees, partners, customers and guests is our number one priority and our team is committed to upholding these required standards of cleanliness throughout our facilities,” said Spectra’s Jim McDonald, General Manager of the Atlantic City Convention Center and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

To achieve GBAC STAR™ accreditation, Spectra was required to demonstrate compliance with the program’s 20 core elements, which range from standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies to personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness and response measures. Learn more about GBAC STAR accreditation at www.gbac.org. 

Both Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center are owned and funded by the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA). Spectra provides both Venue Management and Food Services & Hospitality to both Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center.


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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 accreditation program, 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 9,300 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 Northbrook, 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.  

About Spectra
Spectra is an industry leader in hosting and entertainment, partnering with clients to create memorable experiences for millions of visitors every year. Spectra’s unmatched blend of integrated services delivers incremental value for clients through several primary areas of expertise: Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality, and Partnerships. Learn more at SpectraExperiences.com. 

About the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA)
The only agency of its kind nationwide, the CRDA has used Atlantic City casino reinvestments as a catalyst for meaningful, positive improvement in the lives of New Jersey residents since 1984.  Under the 2011 Tourism District Act, the Authority's mission evolved from statewide projects to becoming the state's key economic development agency for Atlantic City.  CRDA's expanded responsibilities now include land use regulation, tourism marketing and clean and safe initiatives. The CRDA also oversees Historic Boardwalk Hall (the leading entertainment venue of its size in the country) and the Atlantic City Convention Center.  In total, CRDA has invested nearly $2 billion in more than 400 projects statewide, of which $1.8 billion has been invested in Atlantic City, spurring business investments and expansions, and creating permanent jobs in the process. For more information about CRDA and our projects, visit www.njcrda.com, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

For destination photos and videos media may visit www.doatlanticcity.com/mediaonline where dozens of assets are available for download.  For complete Atlantic City tourism information, visit www.doatlanticcity.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.  

About Meet AC
Meet AC, Inc. is a 501(c)(6) organization formed and funded as a public-private partnership by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) to create economic development through conventions, sporting events, film production and group tourism. Meet AC focuses on three primary objectives: sales, marketing and services.

For complete Atlantic City tourism and convention information, visit www.meetac.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.