The International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) has elected Therapedic International President and CEO Gerry Borreggine of Voorhees, NJ, its new chair at its annual industry conference. Borreggine said the key agenda item for the trade association will be stronger industry advocacy in Washington and state capitals where new legislation threatens the economic recovery of the sleep products industry.
“Our industry needs a strong voice in Washington and in state capitals where legislation threatens the economic recovery of our members. ISPA’s strongest work has always been as an advocate and first line of defense for the industry, almost like an insurance policy, for the continued health of the sleep products sector,” said Borreggine.
He added that creating greater value for members was also a key agenda item.
“The value proposition for current and former members must be so strong that large companies understand the importance of their participation, and smaller members can’t exist without it,” he added. “We need to continually reassess organizational priorities and make sure we are doing what members want and need.”
Borreggine replaces Don Wright of Chattanooga, TN and the chairman of Wright of Thomasville, who served as chair of the association for the past 18 months.
“I am proud of the achievements we have made during my term to restore ISPA’s fiscal health by trimming expenses and increasing effectiveness, efficiency and revenues. Moreover, we stabilized the organization during a time of unexpected leadership change and refocused our priorities on core principles,” said Wright.
“On the revenue side, we have seen increases from key programs like our bi-annual EXPO and new members. Likewise, we have taken important steps to reduce costs including staff, and even leasing vacant space in our headquarters building to third-party tenants to defray operating expenses,” he added.
ISPA President Ryan Trainer said he was grateful for Wright’s stewardship these past few years, and welcomed Borreggine’s agenda for the future.
“The changes at ISPA over the past year or so really are transformational to make the organization much more vital to the business interests of our members,” he said. “We are making significant investments as well to improve our communication with members, including enhancements to our website, a greater footprint in social networking, and a facelift for our industry publications.”
Borreggine is a 34-year veteran of the mattress industry. He began his career in 1977 as an executive with “40 Winks,” which was a leading sleep products retailer in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area with 23 stores. He joined Therapedic International, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of sleep products, in 2003 as vice president of sales and marketing. One year later, he was appointed its president and chief executive officer.
He became active in ISPA more than 20 years ago when he was the first retailer asked to join the board of the Better Sleep Council, the consumer education arm of ISPA to help consumers learn more about the health benefits of getting a better night’s sleep. He became the chair of the Better Sleep Council in 1999 and served in that role for five years. He joined the ISPA board in 2008 as a trustee, became an executive committee member and ultimately vice chair of the group two years ago.
Wright has held numerous positions at Wright of Thomasville over a 34 year period with the home furnishings industry leader in marketing services and support, including his most recent as chairman.
He has been active in ISPA for many years as well, serving as a trustee of the Better Sleep Council, head of the Events Planning Committee, chair of the Suppliers Council, a trustee, executive committee member and then vice chair. Wright was the first industry supplier to serve as chair of the organization.
ISPA also elected other new officers and trustees at its annual meeting.
Ron Passaglia, the president and chief executive officer of Restonic Mattress Corp., was elected vice chair. Trustees elected to new two-year terms included: Aslan Cohen of Spring Air Mexico; Bill Creekmuir of Simmons Bedding Co.; John Larsen of Lady Americana/Sound Sleep Products; Kathryn Roedel of Select Comfort Corp.; Scott Veitzer of Omaha Bedding Co.; Brandon Wolf of Wolf Corp. Trustees re-elected to an additional two-year term, included: Rick Anderson of Tempur-Pedic International; Michael Crowell of Flexible Foam Products; Eric Hinshaw of Kingsdown; Ralph Rossdeutscher of Natura World; and Dean Woods of C.J. Hodder Lumber Co.
Established in 1915, the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the growth, profitability and stature of the mattress industry. As the industry’s trade organization, ISPA represents nearly 650 mattress manufacturers and suppliers throughout the world.
ISPA provides a wide range of services that benefit its membership. These include exclusive industry surveys and statistics, advocacy support, educational offerings, the industry’s ISPA EXPO trade show, safety research through its Sleep Products Safety Council, consumer research and education through its Better Sleep Council, publications, the ISPAEarth™ Industry Sustainability Initiative and more.
To learn more, visit www.sleepproducts.org or contact info@sleepproducts.org.