Update From New York

I recently received an email from a customer (and member of CPSIA-Central) placing an order and noting I had not been very visible on CPSIA-Central lately.  While this is a correct observation, I want you to know I haven't been absent from the cause.  As I get sucked into my trade show season, I am having to balance by CPSIA activities with my actual work.

From the perspective of CPSIA-Central, I am gratified to see that many people have stepped up to the plate and are participating by posting blogs, news links, commenting in groups, etc. 

For your information, here are some of the things I have been working on and some of my random thoughts:

NY Gift Fair:  I have been talking with other exhibitors and some attendees about CPSIA. All the exhibitors I spoke to know about CPSIA.  Although, I know that others are in denial (Jill from Craftybaby has reported this to me).  Some are "compliant already" others are struggling.  All agree the law is ludicrous. Most of those that are "compliant already" seem content to go on with their business without much of a fight.  Others don't seem to be aware of our fight.  I spoke to Hansa (they make cool, likelike stuffed animals) and they say they are compliant but are interested in joining our cause and helping at our Toy Fair CPSIA booth (which is good...we are still looking for more volunteers).

I have created a flyer which I have given go some exhibitors, and will distribute tomorrow morning so it is there when exhibitors arrive in the morning.  I will post it in the NY Gift Fair group if you want to see it, or adapt it for your own use. The important aspect of it is for people to realize there is a fight going on and there are things they can do.  We are not helpless... AND things are progressing.  We need to continue to speak up and invite others to speak up.

I also spoke with show management, but I don't know if they are committed to joining the fight.  At least it won't be a surprise for them when 50% of the handmade & kidstuff section doesn't renew their booth space.

I was able to make contact with the Gift & Home Trade Association (thanks to Cathy of the NY Gift Show management).  They agreed to be signatories on the new NAM petition due to be released at any time. 

I spoke with a buyer that had been in Atlanta and he said that many (I think he said as many as 30) companies at that show told him they are not compliant, and some said they simply cannot become so.  Interestingly, one of those companies is a mass producer of stuffed animals, and based on their tight margins, even they will not be able to afford the testing.  This affects all types of companies.  All of which contribute(d) to our economy.

I also heard that the Kidstuff section in Atlanta was missing many exhibitors, with booth spaces draped over, and other exhibitors being asked to expand into adjacent booth spaces.  Due to the economy, or the CPSIA?  Probably a good dose of both.  As for the NY Gift Fair, it has been very slow show.  Not too surprising considering the economy.  But...do we really need the CPSIA to exacerbate the slowdown?

I have also been communicating with the my Congressman's staffer responsible for Commerce.  I have expressed my disappointment with the letter I received from James McGovern where he praised the Waxman letter to CPSC calling for them to clarify the CPSIA.  I told her that much of the CPSIA is all too clear.  What we need are reforms, and that requires an act of Congress.  We talked further about the coming February 10th deadline, and I explained about the economic disaster awaiting many companies.  Eventually she agreed that she should arrange a call for me with her "boss." 

The important thing to take from this isn't the details of what was said, it is the importance of identifying and developing regular correspondence with Congressional Aides (Commerce), and their counterparts that work for your Senators.  Our best chances of influencing policy is by discourse with those that have influence, and these aides typically influence their bosses.  Since most of us are not able to have a regular discourse (2 way conversation) with our Congressmen & Senators, this is a very good approach.