ISPA Honors Nation, Carlsen

March 18, 2016  by in Industry, Special Events   

Jim Nation, executive consultant for Serta International, and Dale Carlsen, president and CEO of Ticket to Dream Foundation, were recognized for their industry service, during the 2016 ISPA EXPO Industry Breakfast.

“The mattress industry is blessed with many dedicated and hard-working individuals who have devoted their careers to not only their own companies, but also to the bedding industry and the betterment of the world around them,” said Ryan Trainer, ISPA president. “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from and work with these leaders. Their commitment has helped shape the face of today’s industry and the success of ISPA.  We are honored today to recognize Jim and Dale for their contributions and service to the industry and the association.”

Nation received the Russell L. Abolt Exceptional Service Award, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual member on behalf of ISPA. Nation 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 involvement with the industry includes serving as chair of the ISPA board, as a member of ISPA’s executive committee and board of trustees, and on the Better Sleep Council and finance committees, as well as other key bedding industry events and programs.

“I'm honored by the recognition of the award,” Nation said. “I can't help but think of the previous award winners and how much I admired them as business leaders for our industry. In every case, they would dedicate personal time and effort to help grow the industry. Involvement in ISPA has been a way for me to give back to an industry that has been so good to me. For me to receive this award is quite an honor, I hope my efforts have benefited the industry and helped many who are in it today.”

Carlsen received the Robert MacMorran Memorial Award in recognition of his outstanding service to the mattress industry. The award was created to recognize those individuals in active pursuit of commendable service to the sleep products industry as well as the association. Carlsen partnered with ISPA in shaping legislation that became California’s used mattress recycling program launched in December.

“I’ve been in this industry for 35 years and to be honored by those in the industry means the world to me,” Carlsen said.