The Biz: Feature Articles

New Fair to Run Concurrently with Gift & Home Textiles Market Week^®

7 W New York continues to be “business central” for the best markets and fairs in NYC. In order to continue to deliver more value to its buyers and showrooms, the building is pleased to announce its latest initiative. This January will be the launch of the first NYC BABY & KIDS FAIR, which will take place on the 11th floor during three days of the 7 W Gift and Home Textiles Market (January 30 - February 1, 2010). Exhibitors will display baby and kids apparel, accessories, furnishings, gifts and textiles to a robust audience of buyers from across the country.

Rebecca Finell, founder of Boon, shares her “Road to Success” with The Giggle Guide^®. Editorial Director David Gaunt recalls, “I remember very well the impact her student design, The Frog Pod made at the JPMA show several years ago. I met her among a group of competitive student designers, and by the next show she was a successful corporate executive, building one of the most exciting new children’s brands in years. I’ve seen a lot, having attended juvenile product shows since 1979, and Boon has been one of the best, and most well-deserved success stories. She understood function and design, plus the importance of brand image.” Her story is a great example of the possibilities of staying true to one’s business vision and being willing to take the risks necessary to succeed.

The air inside our homes and schools can be more toxic than the air outside! Why? Because the very materials and products we use to furnish and maintain our indoor environments can release hundreds of pollutants such as formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone and even biological allergens.

The GREENGUARD Certified Mark on products, ranging from mattresses to fllooring, drywall to paint, offers peace of mind to parents seeking solutions to poor indoor air quality and chemical sensitivities. GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI), considered one of the world’s foremost resources on indoor air quality, will be at The ABC Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, September 13-16, Booth 2135, in the Naturally Kids Pavilion.

It’s been said time and time again, but there’s no denying it — kids are the future. After all, children of today will be affecting the economy and politics of tomorrow — voting with both their ballots and wallets Now, Web sites, designed specifically for kids, provide parents with new tools to teach their kids green values. Crafts, Web games and environmental facts are all communicated through a cast of various green characters, complete with theme songs, colorful graphics, and yes – merchandise. Here’s a look at some our our favorites on the growing online greenscape: Planetpal, Scrap Kins and Treesures.