ISPA/SPSC Named to 2005 Associations Advance America Honor Roll

Furniture World News

The International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) and the Sleep Products Safety Council (SPSC) have been named to the 2005 Associations Advance America Honor Roll, a national awards competition sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Washington, DC. ASAE recognized ISPA for its proactive advocacy efforts to help develop a national standard to improve home fire safety. The SPSC was honored for its aggressive work to reduce bedroom fires through research and consumer education focused on fire prevention. For example, the SPSC initiated a multi-year research project to develop a science-based method for testing the fire performance of mattresses when exposed to an open-flame. The mainstay of the SPSC program is its safety hangtag, which contains useful information in a bilingual format to help consumers use mattresses safely. Among other things, the hangtags warn consumers about the dangers of using candles in the bedroom and the risk of unsupervised children playing with matches and lighters accidentally igniting their mattresses. Participating manufacturers buy the hangtags from the SPSC and attach them to each mattress that they sell. Since the safety hangtag program began in 1986, over 200 million mattresses have carried this important product and fire safety information, and hangtag sales fund the SPSC’s research and other consumer education programs. The SPSC also provides fire prevention tips to kids, parents and teachers through its Web site, www.SafeSleep.org, aimed at the “at risk” population of children who are typically the victims of bedroom fires. The SPSC has established collaborative partnerships with other organizations such as the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), the Lighter and National Candle Associations and the U.S. Fire Administration to improve the effectiveness of these programs. Now in its 15th year, the prestigious Associations Advance America Awards program recognizes associations that propel America forward with innovative projects in education, skills training, standards setting, business and social innovation, knowledge creation, citizenship, and community service. Although association activities have a powerful impact on everyday life, they often go unnoticed by the general public. “The efforts of ISPA and the SPSC to further home fire safety truly embody the spirit of the Associations Advance America campaign. It is an honor and an inspiration to showcase this activity as an example of the many contributions associations are making to advance American society,” remarked Associations Advance America Committee Chair David Gabri, President and CEO, Associated Luxury Hotels International. ISPA Chair David Orders (Park Place Corporation) expressed the industry’s gratitude to ASAE for this tremendous recognition. “The mattress industry is committed to offering safe and comfortable products that allow consumers to start everyday with a good night’s sleep.” For more information on the SPSC’s public education initiatives and programs, contact Pat Martin at 703-683-8371. Established in 1915, the International Sleep Products Association, www.sleepproducts.org is the trade organization for mattress manufacturers and their component suppliers around the world. ISPA hosts the biennial ISPA EXPO trade show and publishes BedTimes and Sleep Savvy magazines. The Sleep Products Safety Council, www.safesleep.org is a non-profit organization established in 1986 by the mattress industry. SPSC’s mission is to provide consumer safety information, support scientific research, and promote activities aimed at reducing hazards associated with mattresses and other sleep products.