CPSIA – Mothering Magazine R.I.P. – Thanks, CPSIA!

Last week, Mothering Magazine announced that its print edition was kaput. [Thanks to the HTA for alerting me to this event.] This 35-year-old publication ceased publishing as a magazine for all the usual reasons . . . and one more: “Many of our advertisers have been hard hit by the economy. Toy manufacturers have been burdened by the cost of complying with the new regulations of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). Many of our sling and baby-carrier advertisers experienced declining sales or went out of business altogether in 2010 as a result of loss of sales due to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls of infant carriers.”

More anecdotes, but sadly no evidence. Just another dead enterprise blaming the innocent and innocuous CPSIA for its troubles. I wonder if there’s a connection there somewhere . . . .

Read more here:
CPSIA – Mothering Magazine R.I.P. – Thanks, CPSIA!

Comfortable Shoes and Other Things to Remember

What to Wear

Deciding what to wear to the event may seem like a daunting task but it really doesn’t need to be.
Business casual is the approach to take. You’ll want to avoid jeans and sneakers. Most importantly, you’ll want to be wearing comfortable shoes. 

For men: slacks and a button down shirt (tie optional).
For women:  slacks or skirt and a blouse.

Handy to Bring Along

- Maps and directions – These can be downloaded here.
- A notepad and pen.
- Pictures or samples of your products. If you bring actual samples, make sure they’re compact. These can be taken along to meetings with legislators to show examples of your work and strengthen your position. If you’re not able to carry your samples when traveling, arrange to have them sent to your hotel, for Tuesday (3/31) delivery.
- Testimony from customers.
- If you’re bringing your children- drawing supplies or other things that will keep them busy.

If you will be checking out of your hotel the day of the event be sure to leave your luggage with the concierge. There will be no place at the event to store your luggage.

Restricted Items

Food and beverages of any kind may not be brought into the Capital Visitors Center. Cameras are allowed, as are strollers. For complete information on what is and is not restricted visit this page.

Event Sponsors

The following is a list of the current organizations who are sponsoring the Rally to Amend the CPSIA.

1. Alliance for Children’s Product Safety
2. American Apparel and Footwear Association
3. American Motorcycle Association
4. American Specialty Toy Retailing Association
5. Aquatic Sports Suppliers Association
6. The Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc.
7. Bicycle Products Suppliers Association
8. Consumer Specialty Products Association
9. Fashion-Incubator Association
10. Fashion Jewelry Trade Association
11. Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA)
12. Handmade Toy Alliance
13. International Art Materials Trade Association (NAMTA)
14. International Sleep Products Association
15. Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association
16. Motorcycle Industry Council
17. National Association of Manufacturers
18. National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops
19. National Bulk Vendors Association
20. National School Supply & Equipment Association
21. Specialty Vehicle Institute of America
22. Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association
23. Toy Industry Association