Venue Prepares for Reopening and Commercial Shows

RICHMOND, VA (AUGUST 11, 2021) – ASM Richmond announced today that Altria Theater has achieved the 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, ASM Richmond has 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 Altria Theater implements best practices to prepare for, respond to and recover from outbreaks and pandemics.

 

“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, Altria Theater has received third-party validation that it follows strict protocols for biorisk situations, thereby demonstrating its preparedness and commitment to operating safely.”   

 

To achieve GBAC STAR™ accreditation, ASM Richmond has demonstrated 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. 

 

“The health and safety of our patrons, guests, and staff is our top priority and receiving the GBAC STAR™ certification demonstrates our commitment to that philosophy and practice,” said Altria Theater General Manager, Glenn Major. “It is time for entertainment to make a comeback, but we have to make sure that we do it right and that our patrons feel comfortable returning to the building.”

 

The GBAC STAR™ accreditation is in addition to ASM Global’s VenueShield plan, which was implemented by the company globally in the Fall of 2020 and put some of the same protocols in place. All of this comes as the venue prepares for its first commercial event since the pandemic caused promoters and touring companies to halt entertainment productions. Altria Theater will host the Southern Soul Music Festival on Saturday, August 14^th. A packed calendar of events continues through the Fall and Winter months. 

 

About ASM Richmond

ASM Richmond is the Richmond, Virginia division of ASM Global, the world’s leading provider of innovative venue services and live experiences. The company manages three local venues including, Altria Theater and Dominion Energy Center on behalf of the Richmond Performing Arts Commission (RPAC), and Bon Secours Training Center on behalf of the Richmond Economic Development Authority. Previously known as SMG Richmond, the company became ASM Richmond in 2019 as a result of the merger between its parent company, SMG Worldwide, and AEG Facilities. ASM Richmond oversees all facets of venue management including, administration and finance, sales and marketing, event production and promotion, and facilities maintenance.

 

About ASM Global

ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. For more information, please visit https://www.asmglobal.com/

 

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.  

 

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