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ISPA Announces Bedding Industry Award Winners

April 9, 2014  by in Bedding, Product   

The awards were presented last month during the 2014 ISPA Expo Industry Breakfast in New Orleans.

Bush received the Russell L. Abolt Exceptional Service Award, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual member on behalf of the International Sleep Products Association. Bush was nominated by his peers for having exemplified the highest level of career devotion to the well-being and betterment of the bedding industry. His exemplary involvement with the industry includes serving as a past chair of the supplier’s council, a member of the Better Sleep Council, Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, and other key bedding industry events and programs.

“The highlight of EXPO was the gathering of our team to join the industry in honoring Jimmy Bush with the Russell L. Abolt Exceptional Service Award," said Dave Colburn, president and CEO at HSM. "His tireless work in the industry has helped shape our company into the bedding solutions provider we are today. We are so proud of the lasting contributions he has made, not just to the bedding industry, but also to HSM.”

Bush’s son, an HSM employee, and daughter were in attendance for the presentation, as were many of Bush’s friends and colleagues.

“I had the pleasure of working closely with Jimmy Bush for 11 years and have known him for over 20," said Sandy VanDyke, owner of Interwoven Group. "Jimmy has served HSM in various capacities. However, his heart has always been with the bedding industry. In our corporate meetings Jimmy was recognized as the ‘go to’ guy whenever there were questions regarding the bedding industry. It’s easy to see why he is a deserving winner of this award.”

Tramel received the Robert MacMorran Memorial Award in recognition of his outstanding service to the mattress industry. The award was created by the ISPA Suppliers Council in 1979 to recognize those individuals in active pursuit of commendable service to the sleep products industry. Tramel served as ISPA’s chairman of the board, on the Finance Committee, and the Better Sleep Council.

Tramel’s family and friends were there to honor him.

“When you reach a certain point in your life, you finally learn who you can trust and who really matters to you," said Don Wright, chairman and senior vice president of business development at Wright Global Graphics. "Kerry Trammel is one of those people who make it into that smaller circle. He is also the guy you want on your side if the going gets tough. He has integrity, and determination, and respects the value of a good friend.”

“I was not fortunate enough to meet Robert MacMorran in person but I have had the privilege to know several of the previous winners of this prestigious award quite well," Tramel said. "Each of these men exemplified tremendous character and an unwavering commitment to the bedding industry. To even be mentioned with men of this quality is an indescribable compliment, and I am forever grateful.”