“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” —Helen Keller
As 2017 draws to a close (and what a year it’s been for the publications staff of the International Sleep Products Association and the bedding industry in general!), I would like to take this opportunity to recognize—and thank—the talented team that produces BedTimes, the BedTimes website BedTimesMagazine.com and the BedTimes in Brief email newsletter.
Many of you know the names and faces of our staff, whose tireless work, professionalism, can-do attitude and much-needed sense of humor make this magazine possible every month, but for those of you who don’t, it’s my pleasure to introduce:
Kerri Bellias, vice president of sales, who sells advertising for BedTimes and our sister publication, Sleep Savvy. I am grateful to her for keeping the lights on for us through her perseverance, business acumen and kind spirit.
Julie Lewis Dossey, ad production and sales coordinator, who joined the publications staff last spring and seamlessly stepped in to collect and manage ad materials. I admire her attention to detail, sense of organization and keen wit.
Barbara Nelles, content and digital editor, who leads our digital efforts, maintaining BedTimesMagazine.com and SleepSavvyMagazine.com, posting on social media and overseeing BedTimes in Brief. And, as if that isn’t enough, she also tirelessly serves as our news editor and deftly reports on industry trade shows and events.
Beth English, managing editor, who brings editorial skill, creativity and coordination to the team. Warm, generous and thoughtful, she contributes those intangibles that can’t be itemized in a job description.
Stephanie Belcher, creative director, who designs each issue of the magazine with style and precision. She has worked for the publications for more than 15 years now and continues to offer a fresh perspective and look to every page. We have worked together for many years and her conscientiousness and reliability never cease to amaze me.
Mary Rulli, circulation manager, who makes sure BedTimes is delivered to mailboxes around the world in a timely manner. The ocean of detail it takes to maintain mailing lists and subscriptions is mind boggling, but she manages the process with the efficiency and the patience of Job.
And there are others who contribute to the production of BedTimes. We rely heavily on seasoned freelancers and editors who bring expertise and provide insightful, engaging articles for our pages, including Gary James, Phillip M. Perry and Cindy Sheaffer. I owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Julie A. Palm, who, without fail, is willing to help out whenever and wherever needed. And I extend a special thanks to Dorothy Whitcomb, who, after writing the BedTimes Profiles for more than a decade, retired this year.
Of course, the ISPA staff in Alexandria, Virginia, contributes to BedTimes with data and statistics, information on events, story ideas, encouragement and guidance.
Finally, BedTimes wouldn’t have thrived for more than 100 years without the ISPA members and the bedding industry community who read the magazine, follow us on social media and advertise with us.
I am fortunate and thankful to be associated with dedicated and industrious co-workers, colleagues and readers.
From our team to yours, we wish you a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year.
