BedPost

Insomniaczzz Put the Awe in Awesome

T hey showed no mercy, took no prisoners and like totally rocked the roof off the Baltimore Convention Center Wednesday night. We’re talking about the dudes in black called  the Insomniaczzz who blasted off their Up All Night tour with an amazing debut that blew the crowd completely away. Hundreds of well-lubricated fans donned white “Insomniaczzz: Up All Night” tee shirts, waved their cellphones, clapped and sang along. The only thing missing was the mosh pit.

From the first mind-bending chords of the Beatles’ “Ticket to Ride,” these cats played an electrifying set of select hits and scored an awesome musical field goal for the kickoff party to 2008 ISPA EXPO. Thousands of concert-goers left the scene exhausted and unlike the song, totally satisfied. The action took place in the Camden Lobby, which should be renamed the Atlanta Attachment Arena for the company that sponsored the highly anticipated “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” happy hour party..

Storming the stage were keyboardist Paul Block of Galkin Systems Group, lead vocalist Don Wright of Wright of Thomasville, rhythm guitarist/vocalist Gerry Borreggine of Therapedic Sleep Products, drummer David Orders of Park Place Corp., trumpeter/vocalist Sandy Van Dyke of Hickory Springs, lead guitarist Jeff Miller of BRK Group, and bassist/vocalist/acoustic guitarist Jimmy Malkwiecz of Wickline Bedding. Can you imagine so much talent all on stage at the same time? Helloooo… Do you love Rock n Roll? Well the crowd sure did in a big way, and this band delivered!

They did stuff by Van Morrison, Stevie Wonder, Eagles, Stones, it’s tough to say what the high point was. Well maybe not. Between the blistering version of Viva Las Vegas performed by Wright in a full Elvis (including huge black pompadour, who knew) to the bodacious “Honky Tonk Woman” finale complete with enthusiastic audience participation from assorted groupies and fans (including the editor of this blog), it was about as much fun you can have when you’re not selling mattresses. I mean this was so not your Daddy’s EXPO kickoff…

In short, the only thing hotter than the dogs were the Insomniaczzz. Atlantic Attachment – and the Insomniaczzz – kicked off ISPA’s EXPO in a way that everyone--and our eardrums-- will long remember. Watch for the fan club near you!

….Karl (Would I Lie to You) Kunkel  Nancy (Born to Run)  Shark

Mattress Discounters opens doors to international colleagues

About 150 mattress manufacturers from some 30 countries got a good look Tuesday at how factory-direct Mattress Discounters runs its plant and produces its Comfort Source beds in Upper Marlboro, Md.

It was all part of the ISPA EXPO 2008 factory tour, which has become a tradition for international mattress makers attending the show.

The retailing side of Mattress Discounters—currently 143 company-owned stores concentrated in New England and the Washington, D.C., area—started 30 years ago. The retailer opened the 105,000-square-foot Upper Marlboro factory 17 years ago. 

The plant’s approximately 35 workers—the number adjusts up and down seasonally—turn out about 500 mattresses and box springs a day.

Mattress Discounters keeps it simple, explained Mike Eppinger, senior vice president. The factory produces just seven mattress models, all with Bonnell innersprings, though the company is testing a visco-elastic bed.

“That narrow range helps us to be very efficient and productive,” Eppinger told the visiting manufacturers.

The Comfort Source innerspring models have retail price points from $269 to $899. The retailer also carries beds from other manufacturers, including Sealy, Simmons and Tempur-Pedic.

The plant is especially proud of its workers. It hasn’t experienced a lost-time injury in nearly two years and 90% of its employees have been with the company for 10 years or more, Eppinger told the group.

Mattress Discounters strives to keep its workers happy. A recognition program encourages employees to nominate co-workers who exemplify core principles such as teamwork, commitment, integrity and professionalism. Winners receive a trophy, a cash award and a day off with pay.

The company also provides on-site English as a Second Language classes for workers, most of whom are from El Salvador. When they complete the program, the employees “graduate” and are awarded certificates.

After Eppinger hit the highlights of the company’s structure and operating philosophy, the tour began.

The international visitors were particularly interested in Mattress Discounters’ methods of recycling waste, its just-in-time manufacturing process, its decision last year to switch to single-sided mattresses and its experiences producing mattresses complaint with federal open-flame standards.

Get ready to spring forward...daylight savings starts this weekend!

We lose an hour, so you're going to have to make a special effort to get enough sleep before traveling to Baltimore for EXPO next week. It's tough to stay at the top of your game while you're on the road, especially when you're on your feet in an exhibit hall all week. So, we thought we'd offer a few tips for staying healthy...Baltimore-style.

Eating Right
Like your mama always said, three meals a day. Don't skimp on any meals, especially breakfast, to keep you going through those long days. Baltimore is full of great places to eat--lots within walking distance. There are even a few that put special emphasis on healthy eating: Ixia, for seafood with an Asian air; Boheme Cafe, for an organic twist on Inner Harbor dining; and Helmand, Afghan food for the adventurous diner.

Working Out
All of our EXPO hotels have exercise facilities, and all of them have 24-hour access. Isn't it nice to know you can work out at 3 a.m.?

Down Time
You can't get most out of your EXPO time without making sure you squeeze in a little R&R during the week. The most important thing? (You know the answer.)
Getting a good night's sleep! Making sure you get enough sleep every night is the best way to boost your physical energy, work productivity and mental acuity. It'll also keep your attitude upbeat while you're making those important business connections.

Speaking of which, May is Better Sleep Month!
We're gearing up for the 2008 campaign under the theme "Let's Get Physical" - a great time for manufacturers and retailers to be partnering on special events and promotions. You'll hear more about it at the Better Sleep Council session on Thursday afternoon, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. The BSC is unveiling the findings of its latest wave of research on consumer attitudes about sleep, mattresses and shopping--you don't want to miss it!

Our ears were ringing, and for good reason. This article just came in from the Baltimore Sun. Talk about staying healthy! http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.ci.transfat05mar05,0,4959195.story

                      - Nancy Butler, editor-in-chief, Sleep Savvy

Baseball. Ahhhhh.

  Just saying the word "baseball" is like taking in a breath of fresh air on a warm, spring day, isn't it?
It's as American as apple pie, Chevrolet, NASCAR, or...steroids.
(Uh, yeah, we won't even go there. *coughs* Roger Clemens)

But in all truthfulness, baseball is a great sport. There's a certain camaraderie that's associated with baseball, that, in my opinion, isn't seen among any other sports out there. It starts with the rebirth of the year--spring, and ends right when Mother Nature is settling down for her long, winter nap. I could get really poetic here, but I won't. Because really--do poetry and baseball go hand in hand? No siree.

The point is that baseball is a great foundation for what ISPA EXPO 2008 has in store during its Welcome Reception. (Between you and me, when I found out that the reception was going to overlook the Orioles' Camden Yards, my heart leaped with joy.)
Granted, I'm a bit of an enigma, my Mom still doesn't understand how I grew up loving sports so much, but even the non-sports fans can appreciate the social networking that baseball creates.

During the "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" reception, (sponsored by Atlanta Attachment Company) there will be ballpark food, baseball games, and lively entertainment (rumor has it this may involve something called the "wall of wii")--all this while you network with customers and colleagues. That, my friend is what we call a Triple K right there.

Oh, and don't forget about the debut concert by the Insomniaczzz! If baseball isn't your thing, I guarantee these guys will be by the end of the night.

The Welcome Reception is sure to be a "hit" (get it?) so be sure and join us at Camden Yards on Wednesday, March 12th, from 5-6:30 pm!

                        - Karin Dillner, ISPA communications manager by day, baseball fanatic by night

ISPA EXPO is muy caliente

ISPA's upcoming EXPO in March promises a wide variety of activities--both on the convention center floor and after-hours. Personally, I'm into crab cakes and Edgar Allan Poe stories. So, if I do get a little downtime...

Attendees need to circle their calendars for the seminar on Tuesday, March 11th, at 2 p.m. I predict we will see a heavy turnout for this pre-conference seminar: "1633: What to Expect One Year Later." (Has it really almost been a year now? Wow.)
The event, sponsored by Stork Twin City Testing, will have a solid panel of experts offering their opinions on how the mattress industry has been fairing with 1633, and they will probably give us a hint on where 1633 will take us this next year.

Panelists will consist of Bob Sabalaskey, VP of manufacturing and product engineering for Lily Management Group, independent consultant Scott Frisch, and Heather Sonabend, a compliance officer for the Consumer Product Safety Commission. We should get a good range of perspectives on FR matters during this panel.

Bob will discuss some 'hot' topics (I'm sorry, I had to), like ways that bedding manufacturers are refining their compliance efforts, based on LMG's ongoing experience.

Scott gave me a little teaser on his focus, mentioning that he is "going to talk about the three roads mattress manufacturers have taken in response to the regulation, with an emphasis on 'compliant winner'--the people who really tackled this regulation the right way."

Heather, who joined the CPSC 18 months ago, has been assigned to specialize in the mattress industry. I'm sure recordkeeping will be mentioned, so get your notebooks out.

Mary Toro, associate director for the CPSC's Office of Compliance and frequent contributor to ISPA events, will attend EXPO too. As I'm writing this, she is actively working to arrange for a table or booth so she can exhibit CPSC materials for the attendees.

The EXPO itself is a great way to absorb in one setting that myriad of things happening in our industry. We'll see new products, processes and service galore, which will help drive the industry forward for a 'sizzling' 2008.
I'll see you there!
                                    -Karl Kunkel, Senior Editor, BedTimes/Sleep Savvy

Attention mattress industry: We now have groupies

What do you get when you pour a little foam, mix in a few springs, add a label to the ticking, convert it to a bed and toss in some jazz and rock 'n roll? No...you don't get a vibrating bed, you get none other than the hippest group the mattress industry has ever seen--the Insomniaczzz!
Trust me, you don't want to miss the stage premiere of the Insomniaczzz at ISPA EXPO.

To the left, Insomniaczzz band members, plus a few groupies or two...

This amazing industry band, led by Don "Rock On" Wright of Wright of Thomasville, has been a dream of its members for many years. Discussed at recent ISPA meetings over a beer or two, finally someone said, "let's do it," and thus, the Insomniaczzz were born. Who knew the industry was hiding so many talented musicians and vocalists behind their beds?

Fresh from rehearsals in Las Vegas and ready to strut their stuff, the Insomniaczzz will open the ISPA EXPO Welcome Reception Wednesday evening at 5pm.
To get a sneak peak of their latest rehearsal video, click here.
Thank you to Atlanta Attachment, sponsor of the "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" Welcome Reception, for inviting them to perform.

Band Members:
Don "Rock On" Wright - (Wright of Thomasville) band leader, leader singer and percussion
Paul "Van Daggers" Block - (Galkin Automated Products) keyboards and vocals
Gerry "Old Zappa" Borreggine - (Therapedic Int'l) rhythm guitar
Jim "D.J. Jazzy" Malkiewicz - (Wickline Bedding) bass guitar
Jeff "Speed Wizard" Miller - (BRK Group) guitar
David "Axl" Orders - (Park Place Corp.) drums
Mark "Mister Slick" Quinn - (Leggett & Platt) harmonica
Sandy "Maverick Insane" VanDyke - (Hickory Springs HS Converting) trumpet and vocals

Set List: (We promise, despite the theme, it won't put you to sleep)
A Hard Day's Night
Brown Eyed Girl
Honky Tonk Women
Let's Spend the Night Together
Moondance
Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours
Take it Easy
Talking in Your Sleep
Ticket to Ride
Tossin' and Turnin'
Viva Las Vegas
Waiting on the World to Change
Wild Night

Still not sold on the Insomniaczzz? Well, if you don't take our word for it, perhaps after reading these *reviews, you'll be among the rest of us at EXPO with your lighters and cell phones waving proudly in the air...
"13 well-chosen rock 'n roll covers, delivered in Insomniaczzz's unique fashion, once again proves that these guys are ahead of their time."  -Rolling Stone
"These guys may be mattress professionals, but don't let that fool you. After watching them in concert, you'll think Alice Cooper and Marilyn Manson are kittens in comparison. Finally, a breath of fresh air...at long last, the music industry has found true rock 'n roll musicians."  -Billboard

*Ok, so maybe these aren't "real" reviews, but they are really, really good, we promise!

Psst! It's almost Valentine's Day! So, how's your relationship...with your customers?

Kurt Ling, president of Customer Kinetics (and former Simmons exec), says the relationship between bedding manufacturers, retailers and consumers could use some serious work. Trouble is, most manufacturers and retailers don't know just how bad it's gotten, says Kurt. He'll be doing a seminar on the subject at EXPO, on March 13.

So, just how bad is it?
Think 'he said, she said.'
Kurt says that when he and his partner in Atlanta-based Customer Kinetics take on a new client, they ask a couple of opening questions: "What do you do better than any other company? What is your greatest strength? What do you do that no other company in your industry does?"
Then they ask the company's customers to see if they agree.
Not only do they agree--which is no great surprise, says Kurt--but they are usually total opposites.
"What the company sees as its greatest strength is what the customer sees as its greatest weakness. It's really fascinating," he says.

Kurt's inviting everybody out there to give him some feedback for his seminar via BedPost. What do you think? Is the relationship between manufacturers, retailers and consumers in our industry really broken? We'll let you count the ways...

Don't hold back--have at it! (We'll be happy to withhold your name so your comments are strictly anonymous.) Then mark your calendar to be on hand for Kurt's EXPO session: "Repairing the Relationship Between Manufacturers, Retailers and Consumers," March 13, from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Blog on.
                                  -Nancy Butler
                                   Sleep Savvy

Barry, bedding, and low-flow toilets

For 25 years, Dave Barry wrote a syndicated newspaper column, tackling the tough subjects--dangers of flying squirrels, the threat of Canadians living so close to the U.S. and the horrors of low-flow toilets. (He wrote a lot about low-flow toilets.) For this he won a Pulitzer Prize. I'M NOT MAKING THIS UP.

He quit writing the columns a couple of years ago. Publicly, he said he needed a break from the pressures of turning out a regular column. But I think Barry realized that low-flow toilets are here to stay--and that depressing fact ate away at his will to write.

(He kept writing books--30 so far, according to his Web site, www.davebarry.com . And, in true Barry style, he writes on subjects--sex, money, aging, politics, history--whether or not he knows much about them. He's also in a band, the Rock Bottom Remainders, with a bunch of other writer-author types. I think it's safe to say his talents lie in writing.)

I was distraught when Barry quit newspapering. My local paper ran him on Mondays and I used his commentary to ready me for all the depressing stuff I'd find in the rest of the paper. Trust me, it's easier to read about war and pestilence when you've just learned about Barry's successful experiment to see if he could set fire to a pair of men's underpants using a Barbie doll. (His daughter was young at the time, but I'm not sure how much that explains...)

So, I was really excited to hear that he'd be the keynote speaker at ISPA EXPO 2008 in March. I think he'll have important insights on all sorts of subjects. But mostly, I want to see how he works toilets into a talk to the mattress industry.
                                                      - Julie A. Palm

An aside: Years ago I worked as a reporter at a small newspaper in Texas. One day, my colleague Steve, picked up the newsroom phone. ON the other end was a guy with a plumbing problem. It seems ballpoint pens (only ballpoint--not felt-tip pens, not pencils) were emerging in the swirl of the guy's toilet water.
Steve, bored with whatever story he was supposed to be writing at the time, headed out to the guy's house where he found what the guy described--ballpoint pens bubbling up. Steve wrote up the story, complete with quotes from the city utility workers saying they had no idea why it was happening. Steve was a thorough reporter.
About a month later, Dave Barry picked up Steve's story and worked it into his own column. Barry did this often, he felt it was important to share significant news events from around the country with his readers.
Steve won several awards from the Associated Press and others for his reporting. None of the rest of us gave a flip about those, but the day he made it into Barry's column--that was the day we knew Steve was really something.

Baltimore: So much for you to explore!

You know that ISPA EXPO 2008 will be in Baltimore, Maryland, March 12-15, but did you know all the sights, sounds, eats and oddities that this city has to offer? For instance, did you know that Baltimore was the first city to have an umbrella factory? Or that they were the first city to import and package tea in the U.S.?
Well, neither did we.
(If you have some time to spare, you can find more fun facts about Baltimore here .)

But we knew other cool things about Baltimore. Here we want to share our excitement about Baltimore and show you some of the amazing sights and sounds the city and its surrounding areas have to offer.

The Baltimore Convention Center, where EXPO will take place, is located just steps away from the heart of the city--the Inner Harbor. There, you can enjoy shopping and a wide variety of dining options. Stop by the Power Plant or even take a tour of National Aquarium. Only minutes away from the Inner Harbor are many other surrounding neighborhoods, each offering its own personality and charm.

One great info source is the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association Website. It lists everything and anything you'd need to know about what the city has to offer--from restaurants to day trip ideas. One nifty thing about it: If you decide on a side trip to, say, the Aquarium or want to do the Baltimore Sightseeing Tour, you can buy your tickets from the site!

Like music? Then you're in luck because Baltimore is buzzing with a wide variety of live music. From jazz to 80's pop, to mellow acoustic, Baltimore has it all--and you can find listings of shows and concerts scheduled during EXPO week (March 12-15) here.
Speaking of music, don't forget about the biggest debut concert since the Beatles, our very own Insomniaczzz, who will be performing during EXPO.

We've covered music. We've covered sightseeing. What about restaurants and bars? We asked around and got some great places for you to check out...

Restaurants:

Babalu Grill
Oceanaire
Tio Pepe's
The Bicycle

Bars:
The Owl Bar at the Belvedere
The 13th Floor
The Wharf Rat

Enjoy planning your trip. We can't wait to see you in March.

                                 -Julie A. Palm

**Have you visited Baltimore? Do you live there? What are some of your favorite hotspots? Share them in the comments section for all to enjoy!**

Watch Out World, ISPA Has Joined the Blogosphere!

Welcome friends near and far! We always want to offer the latest and greatest and lead the pack into some of the exciting new technologies of the 21st century, so ISPA has decided to jump on the communications bandwagon and create a fun, new blog. (First BedTimes Bulletin goes html and now this? We're moving at warp speed!)

With EXPO coming up, we wanted to try something new to get out the information, thus the ISPA 'BedPost' blog was born!

Think of this new blog as a way to stay informed - a community of sorts - where you can talk about current and future events, share what's on your mind, pose questions, and most importantly--have a little fun while you're at it. J

Aren't blogs great? Technology isn't so scary after all...

Be sure to log-on every Thursday, when we'll have blogs from Julie Palm, editor-in-chief of BedTimes, Nancy Butler, editor-in-chief of Sleep Savvy, Karl Kunkel, senior editor of BedTimes and Sleep Savvy... and just to mix it up a bit, we'll throw in a suprise blogger or two!
Don't worry, we know you're all busy, so in case you forget, we'll remind you about the new entries in BedTimes Bulletin every Wednesday.

Take a look around, leave a comment or two, and be sure to  check back often. Happy blogging, friends!

-Your tech savvy pals at ISPA

Oh, and P.S., did you know that our industry has a real, live band in the works?
Long live rock 'n roll!!!
The band already has some groupies and they haven't released their first album. They're that good.
Only we've got the first scoop on the "Insomniaczzz", set to debut at EXPO, so make sure and come back for a little visit.J