Industry News

Norma Ireland, owner of The Chalkboard stores in Illinois, is at home recovering from a brain aneurysm and surgery that occurred in February. In addition to running four stores, Norma has been very active in our industry and in NSSEA, serving as its chair from 2005 to 2006. Updates on her progress are available on the website NormaIreland.org, which includes notes from her husband, Ken, along with photos. As of March 11, there had been 21,282 visits from 817 different computers logging in to check on Norma. 

Bretford, supplier of technology and media furniture, has appointed Stewart Long to the newly created position of director of operations. Long brings 27 years of experience in the furniture industry to Bretford, with more than 15 years of senior-level manufacturing expertise in both wood and metal construction.

On The Mark Press has hired Ian Fullerton as its new in-house sales representative. Fullerton spent the last 17 years in sales in the banking industry where he won numerous awards for his excellent sales efforts and outstanding contributions to the bank.

Also, On The Mark has named Cameron Marketing Services national sales group. Cameron Marketing has 21 years of proven experience in selling to educational dealers and catalog houses. To reach a sales rep, call 800-292-3665.

Richard Creason, 61, founder and president of Manning’s School Supply, died in February at his home in Beaumont, Texas. His wife of 35 years, Corinne Manning Creason, daughter Catherine Nicole Creason and son Christopher Charles Creason survive him. Richard was active in NSSEA throughout his career. “He generously aided many in his local community and helped make NSSEA a better trade association,” said Tim Holt, NSSEA president and CEO.

Frog Street Press, a publisher of early childhood educational products and services, has acquired Incentive Publications, a publisher of middle school and elementary school products. Frog Street and Incentive Publications will continue to operate autonomously while benefiting from operational, product development, sales and marketing synergies.

Draper, manufacturer of gymnasium equipment, projection screens, window shades and lifts and mounts for flatscreens and video projectors, received the 2007 Environmentalist of the Year Award from the Three Rivers Solid Waste Management District, based in Henry County, Indiana, the location of Draper’s corporate headquarters.

Draper was also recognized for its GREENGUARD Children and Schools products that are certified for low VOC emissions, as well as shade products that are PVC-free and 100-percent recyclable.

Educators Publishing Service, a division of School Specialty that produces research-based reading intervention resources, has acquired Sitton Spelling, a unique spelling instruction program for grades one through eight.

Jonti-Craft’s Sproutz 4 Station Art Center received a Teachers’ Pick award from Instructor magazine, which called it the “Best Earth-Friendly Innovation.” Teacher testers carefully evaluate every product chosen as a Teachers’ Pick. The Sproutz 4 Station Art Center features material made from recycled wood waste and formaldehyde-free resin.

Jim and Karin Rohrer have launched a new rep firm to serve dealers in the northeast, named J.M. Rohrer Sales Associates. He has worked in the educational trade in the northeast since 1994, most recently as a partner in McChesney, Rohrer and Associates.

MindWare will serve as the exclusive North American distributor for the UK-based Green Board Game Company. For more information or to request a catalog, visit MindWareWholesale.com

Kimbo Educational awarded Educational and Fun, a Reading, Pennsylvania-based parent-teacher store, with a basket of CDs and DVDs valued at $500. Every order placed with Kimbo at the Ed Expo Show was entered in the drawing. For more information about Kimbo, call 800-631-2187 or visit KimboEd.com.

The School Market Research Institute (SMRI) will offer a seminar in Hartford, Connecticut, on May 8. Bob Stimolo, president of SMRI, and List Account Executive Leah Ackerman will discuss current industry trends and marketing techniques. To learn more, go to SMRIinc.com.

Global Sales and Event Management launched The School and Office Products Network to provide valuable resources for the school and office products industry. This fee-based membership organization will provide its members with industry and consumer trend research as well as other services beginning in the second quarter of 2008. For further information, visit SchoolAndOfficeNetwork.org.

Outset Media, designer, manufacturer and distributor of educational and fun board games, card games and puzzles is joining with Chick-fil-A restaurants to offer American families a selection of Professor Noggin’s games through June as part of the restaurant chain’s Kid’s Meal Program.

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