The Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) announced the expansion of their Board of Directors. Scott Smalling, President of Simmons Bedding Company’s Specialty Sleep Division, has been named to the SSA Board of Directors. Simmons Bedding Company, which manufactures both innerspring and specialty bedding products, is known for incorporating unique technologies into its mattresses and its use of natural components in its bedding lines.
According to SSA president Dale T. Read, “The Specialty Sleep Association is thrilled to have one of the leading manufacturers in the industry recognize the importance of our organization by joining the board. Simmons has made a definite move into specialty sleep with its ComforPedic® line of memory foam beds and has been an active sponsor and supporter of our ‘Green Initiative.’ Scott’s insight into the specialty sleep category and his drive will surely help the SSA Green Initiative move forward in defining and setting standards for how mattress manufacturers and retailers’ label ‘green’ and natural sleep products like mattresses.”
Smalling currently oversees Simmons’ ComforPedic® and Natural Care® product lines. As the third generation owner of IR Specialty Foams LLC, he started a new division of the family business in 2003 called ComforPedic® where he helped to develop NxG™ Advanced Memory Foam. Smalling has played an instrumental role in bringing several industry innovations to market including Memory/Gel Fusion, incorporating fire protection and promoting Quicker Recovery Memory Foam and Heat Dissipating Memory Foam.
“My goal in joining the Specialty Sleep Association Board of Directors is to help create a sustainable platform that will foster innovation, support our manufacturers and improve sleep quality,” said Smalling. “Similarly, I am looking forward to exploring the next step in the organization’s Green Initiative.”
Atlanta-based Simmons Bedding Company is one of the world's largest mattress manufacturers, manufacturing and marketing a broad range of products including Beautyrest®, Beautyrest Black®, Beautyrest NxG®, Beautyrest Studio™, BeautySleep®, ComforPedic by Simmons™, Natural Care®, and Beautyrest Beginnings™. Simmons Bedding operates 19 conventional bedding manufacturing facilities and one juvenile bedding manufacturing facility across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Simmons Bedding also serves as a key supplier of beds to many of the world’s leading hotel groups and resort properties. Simmons Bedding is committed to developing superior mattresses and promoting a higher quality sleep for consumers around the world. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.simmons.com.
Founded in 1995, the SSA is a national not-for-profit organization created to facilitate the growth and positive awareness of the specialty sleep category. Its members develop and/or sell specialty sleep products, including air, flotation, latex, foam and adjustable sleep surfaces, and related merchandise. SSA membership is comprised of more than 100 manufacturers and retailers ranging from small, family-owned businesses to large corporations. Retailers interested in learning more about air, water, memory foam, latex, gel, adjustable beds and green or all natural sleep products should contact SSA Executive Director Tambra Jones, tambra@sleepinformation.org. Visit www.sleepinformation.org.