Jones Elected Chairman of ISPA Board of Trustees

Furniture World News

Ron Jones, chairman and CEO of Sealy Inc., was elected chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA). Jones, who was elected at the Association's April Board meeting in Alexandria, VA, will serve a one-year term. Jones has served on the Board for the past three years; most recently as vice chairman of the mattress industry organization. "I am enthusiastic about taking on the role as ISPA chair," said Jones, "and I'm excited about the possibilities in the upcoming year. Though the mattress industry is a very competitive industry, ISPA is close-knit community of companies that recognizes the possibilities of what can be achieved through collaboration and cooperation." Jones said the Association would continue to address the regulatory challenges that the mattress industry faces. "On ISPA's agenda this year, we will continue our efforts to help the industry develop an open-flarne flammability standard that would require mattresses to be resistant to ignition by matches, lighters, candles and the like." "Also, the Association will pursue a national used bedding law that would require renovated mattresses to meet sanitation thresholds prior to re-sale." Jones added that the Association would continue to support its work in collaboration with the Better Sleep Council (BSC), an affiliate organization established by ISPA in 1978 to educate the public about the importance of sleep and mattresses. "Through the BSC, we will focus on elevating the retailers' appreciation of the industry and their understanding of the value of the product and improve the overall perception of the industry in the eyes of the consumer." Jones joined Sealy, Inc. as chairman and CEO in 1996 and has been in the home furnishings industry for more than 13 years. Prior to joining Sealy, Jones served eight years as president of Masco Home Furnishings, Inc. Established in 1915, ISPA is the trade organization for mattresses manufacturers and their suppliers around the world. ISPA hosts the biennial ISPA Expo trade show and convention (next held in Denver, CO, March 6-9, 2002), and publishes.BEDtimes magazine.