FOUNDER & CEO BRENDA BERG VOTED ONE OF TOP 200 LEADING MOMS IN BUSINESS
For Immediate Release
Contact: Erin Lane May 4, 2009 919.747.8522
(Raleigh, NC) Scandinavian Child, a Raleigh-based juvenile brand builder and product distributor, announced today that it has been recognized as one of the country’s top 200 mom-owned businesses in StartupNation’s 2009 Leading Moms in Business Competition (http://www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-2009). The competition, sponsored by VerticalResponse, recognizes the achievements of mothers running outstanding businesses.
Scandinavian Child was founded in 2002 by mother of two, Brenda Berg, after discovering the now-popular Svan High Chair in Sweden while pregnant with her first child. From the start, Brenda had a multi-brand strategy, expecting that she would find ‘neat little brands’ in Scandinavia to add to the collection. That didn’t quite happen, as wonderful brands from across the globe started finding her.
Scandinavian Child’s family of products now includes the classic Scandinavian design of Svan, timeless nursery furniture from Cariboo of New Zealand, the innovative Micralite TORO stroller from the UK, the original Beaba Babycook from France, and products that combine luxury and necessity from lillébaby. All of these products meet the company philosophy of “Designs Without Compromise”.
“I am honored to be recognized along with such an extraordinary group of business moms,” said Brenda. “Many of these businesses have inspired me along my journey, and it is my hope that my story will inspire other moms to create a business out of their life’s passion.”
Berg’s involvement in the juvenile products industry has also inspired her passion for children’s product safety. Currently the Vice Chairman of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) Board of Directors, Berg is also a voting member of two American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) committees; setting safety standards for juvenile products. She also has lobbied on Capitol Hill for more consistent and viable safety standards and spoken to several groups about the importance of product safety standards and certifications.
A little known fact compels her to speak out: most products are not regulated by mandatory standards.
"Moms across America were honored in this year’s ranking, showing that they’re capable of starting and running successful businesses while managing to balance family, career, home and self," said Rich Sloan, co-founder of StartupNation."Well over 600,000 votes were cast in support of several thousand contestants. What an incredible achievement to be named a winner, and what an inspiration for anyone looking to start their own business.”
"It’s challenging for anyone to start and run a successful business – particularly in this economy. These women are setting the standard for innovation and creativity," said Janine Popick, founder and CEO of VerticalResponse.
StartupNation (www.startupnation.com) launched the first annual Leading Moms in Business Competition in January with the support of VerticalResponse (www.verticalresponse.com) to recognize the achievements of mom entrepreneurs across the US. Winners were selected and ranked according to public votes accumulated from January through March, 2009. The elite 200 win bragging rights, promotional support, and digital winner’s emblems recognizing their achievements as the Leading Moms in Business.
About Scandinavian Child
Scandinavian Child was established in 2002 with the business idea of bringing innovative, functional, yet stylish children’s products to North America. The company now represents six brands from around the globe including: Svan of Sweden, Cariboo of New Zealand, Monarch, líllébaby, Beaba, Micralite and Anka by Svan, a line commissioned by Scandinavian Child to offer parents great design at an exceptional price point. Built on the company philosophy, “Designs Without Compromise,” all of the products in the Scandinavian Child collection must meet the company’s demanding criteria: safety, usefulness, eco-friendly design, style and superior quality, and be JPMA certified. (www.scichild.com)
