Celebrity Outreach for 2009

LaJobi cribs chosen by A-list celebrities during 2009 included:

Chyler Leigh of “Grey’s Anatomy”

Marcy Rylan of “Guiding Light”

LAJOBI AWARDS & ACCOLADES

April, 2009 - Babi Italia’s Eastside Lifestyle™ Crib and Combo by LaJobi, Inc. won the Buzzillions® Reviewers’ Choice™ Award for Best Overall Lifestyle Crib & Combo for First Time Parents - Babi Italia’s Pinehurst Lifestyle™ Crib Also Named Finalist

January 2009 - Metroplex Baby MetroMoms Presents: The Best & Hottest Products From Pregnancy To Preschool™ -- The Metro Lifestyle Crib is named “Best Convertible Crib”

September, 2009 – LaJobi’s Lifestyle® cribs are named Consumer’s Digest Best Buy (premiere selection) for 2009, and LaJobi’s Classic cribs named Best Buy for the mid-range selection for 2009.

May, 2009 – LaJobi’s Dakota crib by Graco wins iParenting Media 2009 “Outstanding Product of the Year”Award

November, 2009 : Babi Italia by LaJobi, Inc. Wins the Buzzillions® Reviewers’ Choice™ “Most For Your Money” Award.

September 2008 – People Magazine’s Celebrity Baby Blog votes Bonavita’s METRO crib “Best Convertible Crib”.

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Baby & Kids Magazine

LaJobi Announces Company Promotions

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Robert J. Rusnack and Brian Hultz were promoted from within juvenile furniture creator LaJobi Inc., to CFO and director of sales and customer service, respectively.

Rusnack came to LaJobi in 2005 with more than 18 years of diversified financial experience. He previously served as controller for LaJobi, where he was responsible for all accounting, budgeting and finance operations. In his new role, Rusnack will continue to work with the company's parent organization in implementing financial strategies for LaJobi's five brands of juvenile furniture and related accessories, which include Bonavita, Babi Italia, Europa Baby, Graco and Nursery 101, as well as Serta crib mattresses.

Hultz joined LaJobi in 2008 with an 18-year record of driving sales in the juvenile furniture industry. Prior to his promotion, he served as national sales manager for LaJobi, where he was responsible for territory sales growth of 18 percent during his tenure. He also managed 10 independent sales representatives throughout the U.S., the customer service department, and was responsible for distributors in Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. In his new role, Hultz will be responsible for driving all aspects of sales and customer service programs.

Kids Today

LaJobi Promotes Robert Rusnack, Brian Hultz
December 15, 2009
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Increased growth led to Hultz's new position

CRANBURY, N.J. – Juvenile furniture designer, manufacturer and distributor, LaJobi, Inc. has promoted Robert J. Rusnack to chief financial officer and Brian Hultz to director of sales and customer service, a new role for Hultz and for the company. They both report to Larry Bovina, president.

Rusnack came to LaJobi in 2005 with more than 18 years of diversified financial experience. He previously served as controller for LaJobi, where he was responsible for all accounting, budgeting and finance operations. In his new role, Rusnack will continue to work with the companies’ parent organization in implementing financial strategies for LaJobi’s five brands of juvenile furniture and related accessories, which include Bonavita, Babi Italia, Europa Baby, Graco and Nursery 101, as well as Serta crib mattresses.

“It is with great pleasure to announce the promotion of Robert J. Rusnack to chief financial officer for LaJobi,” said Bovina. “Robert has been instrumental in helping our company to grow and to make our transition into the Kid Brands, Inc. family very smooth. We are confident that in his new role he will ensure continued growth and profitability for the company.”

From 2000 to 2005, Rusnack served as controller and vice president of finance for Langeveld Bulb Company, one of the world’s leading flower bulb marketers based in Holland. During his tenure, Rusnack was responsible for $80 million in revenue and managing all accounting, budgeting and finance operations, as well as re-structuring company wide corporate insurance programs.

From 1986 to 2000, Rusnack held a range of high-level finance roles with companies such as IKON Office Solutions, a provider of innovative document management systems and services; American Signature commercial printing company; and Airshield International Composites & Subsidiaries.

Hultz started with LaJobi in 2008 with an 18-year proven track record of driving sales in the juvenile furniture industry.

He previously served as national sales manager for LaJobi, where he was responsible for territory sales growth of 18% during his tenure. He also managed 10 independent sales representatives throughout the United States, the customer service department, and was responsible for distributors in Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.

In his new role, Hultz is responsible for driving all aspects of sales and customer service programs for their five brands of juvenile furniture and related accessories.

“We are very pleased to announce this well-deserved promotion. During his time with LaJobi, Hultz has shown a keen awareness of the industry and its environment,” said Bivona. “With the tremendous growth we’ve experienced over the past three years, now is the time to have a focused leader in sales. We are confident that Brian Hultz will continue to deliver while leading our sales and customer service initiatives moving forward.”

From 2003 to 2008, Hultz served as the director of sales and as the national sales manager of Simplicity, Inc, where he was responsible for sales growth from $12 million to $87 million. Hultz also served various roles at Graco Children’s Products, Inc., from 1990 to 2003, where as national sales manager he was responsible for $17 million in sales.

All Reviews

Bonavita's Seaside Collection Baby Crib
November 19, 2009
View Article by Dawn Allcot

Perfect for any nursery décor, the new Seaside Lifestyle crib from Bonavita exudes casual elegance. With honest lines and relaxed vintage appeal, the crib serves as the centerpiece to your new baby’s sanctuary.

Available in Dark Walnut or Classic White finish – suitable for a baby boy or baby girl – the Seaside Lifestyle crib comes with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty. The crib features a dual leg design for easy conversion from a crib to a toddler bed, day bed or even a full-size bed. The quality of this convertible crib ensures it will last as your child grows.

Bonavita’s Seaside collection also offers a dresser, chest and nightstand, with stylish natural accent baskets to keep necessities close at hand.

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ConsumerReports.Org

Featured In Consumer Reports
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The Lauren Convertible 3250282 is part of the crib test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, crib models like the Lauren Convertible 3250282 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Safety:

Safety score incorporates compliance with federal and voluntary safety standards, drop side saftety (where applicable) and mattress support security. CR's tests do not address the durability issues associated with recent recalls that could impact safety.

Construction:

Construction incorporates drop side hardware, general construction quality (including tpes of hardware used, e.g. the use of allen bolts, barrel nuts and the like; use of screw insert sleeves rather than placing screws directly into wood, etc.), sample and design defects, if any, and ease of assembly (which includes ease of following instructions for assembly). After testing, all cribs were examined for degraded operation (for example, the drop side movement had become stiff or got stuck), wobbliness or other wear.

Ease of use:

Ease of use incorporates drop side operation (where applicable), ease of moving the crib, and ease of adjusting the mattress support.

BabiesToday

The Right Baby Gear For Baby's Safety
Monday, October 26, 2009
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"Cribs, usually used cribs, are the leading cause of death to infants out of all the nursery products," says Nychelle Fleming, a spokesperson for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). "We see on average about 32 deaths annually."

The Right Baby Gear for Baby's Safety"If you're buying a new crib in the U.S., you can feel pretty good that it's a safe crib," says Leah Severson, author of Bargain Buys for Baby's First Year (Griffin, 2000) and mother of two. "The government has certain safety standards that all cribs must meet."

The Dakota Crib by Graco is the first Graco crib to be eco-friendly. It is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). All wooden components are sustainable woods from responsibly managed forests and are certified to the standards of the FSC by the Rainforest Alliance SmartWood Program. All finishes are water-based and packaging is from recycled or recyclable materials. The crib also features no moving parts and has a three-position mattress platform that adjusts easily as Baby grows, converting easily to a toddler and day bed. The crib is JPMA, ASTM and CPSC safety certified.

PregnancyToday

The Dakota Classic Crib by Graco
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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The Dakota Classic Crib is the first dakota classic crib by gracoGraco crib to be eco-friendly. It's certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). All wooden components are sustainable woods from responsibly managed forests and are certified to the standards of the FSC by the Rainforest Alliance SmartWood Program. All finishes are water-based and packaging is from recycled or recyclable materials. This crib features no moving parts and has a 3-position mattress platform that adjusts easily as Baby grows, converting easily to a toddler and day bed.

Young House Love

Fab Freebie: Crib Your Enthousiasm
Monday, October 19, 2009
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In honor of our new nephew’s arrival this week (he’s scheduled to come via C-section on Wednesday!) we’ve got the mother of all baby-themed giveaways courtesy of LaJobi Industries. They’re the makers of stylish baby and youth furniture and this week they’re giving away an eco-friendly crib and crib mattress to one lucky parent (or parent-to-be).

The Dakota crib by Graco is their first environmentally friendly crib – it’s made from sustainable woods, the dark walnut finish is water based and all the packaging comes from recycled materials. Plus, it looks pretty darn good. You can read all the nitty-gritty details about it on Walmart.com, since they’re the exclusive retailer of the Dakota line (which also includes a changing table).

But an eco-friendly crib wouldn’t be complete without an eco-friendly mattress to pair it with. So LaJobi is throwing in a Serta Nightstar Eco Firm mattress, which is made from organic cotton layers. Together that’s a $330 package that should help both you and your baby sleep better!

• PRIZE: LaJobi’s Eco-Friendly Dakota Classic Crib by Graco and Serta Nighstar Eco Firm Crib & Toddler Mattress
• TO ENTER: Comment on this post with the words “CRIB ME” and…
• BONUS QUESTION: …tell us what your favorite bedtime story is. Is it a classic like “Goodnight Moon”- or something more progressive like “Captain Underpants?”
• GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Wednesday, October 21st at 8pm EST
• NUMBER OF WINNERS: One
• PRIZE SHIPS: USA only
• USUAL STUFF: One entry per e-mail address is permitted. The winner will be selected using random.org and announced on Thursday. Good luck!

Baby Shop

Fall/Winter 2009

Bedroom - Bedding & Specialty

September 2009

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September 2009
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Kids Today

LaJobi moves to larger space
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
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LIVE FROM ABC – LaJobi has moved into a larger booth here to spotlight its growing collections.

“We have so much to offer,” said Barbara Rogers, director of marketing and product development. “We have so many case pieces, we went from a 3,000- to 4,500-sq.-ft. booth.”

Debuting here are the Graco Avalon glider and ottoman and the Graco Charleston crib and dressing table. These two collections join others LaJobi has added this year.

Francais has a Lifestyle Crib in antique cream. Case goods are antique cream with a Charleston cherry top and include a five-drawer, small chest, double dresser and nightstand.

“Francais is inspired by an antique collection that looks like someone pulled it out of Grandma’s attic,” said Rogers. “The (case good) tops are distressed and knobs are acrylic.”

Seaside is a transitional, casual collection with baskets in the case pieces in place of the top two drawers. Available in dark walnut or classic white, the collection includes a Lifestyle Crib, five-drawer, double dresser and nightstand.

“People decorate their nursery like they decorate the rest of their house,” said Rogers.

The Shelby Collection features an island crib.

“You can use it in an apartment or smaller home, and it can be put in the middle of the room,” said Rogers. “It has stationary sides and is in compliance with safety regulations, and the rails are shorter for a petite person.”

Nursery 101 is a new brand that launched in June, offering an opening price point.

“It’s targeted to people above the $25k income,” said Rogers. It came about based on research from Mintel, which showed population shifts and the Hispanic market with the fastest growth in birth rates.

“They want beautiful furniture that is quality, but not a high price point,” she said. A package called Baby Room Basics retails at $179 for a crib and changer. Nursery 101 also includes a four-drawer dresser and two other case goods.

ABC Kids Expo - Show Daily

September 13, 2009

Baby & Kids

September 2009

About.com

Top 10 Baby Cribs Under $250

By Heather Corley, About.com
August 2009
View Article

Stylish baby cribs traditionally have an equally fantastic price tag. Thanks to a new crop of budget-savvy parents, baby crib manufacturers now make plenty of budget baby cribs that have all of the style and features of expensive counterparts. The only difference you'll see in many of these baby cribs is the discount price! If you're on a budget, never fear. You can create a stylish baby nursery with less cost than ever, thanks to these great baby cribs under $250.

1. Baby Mod Cadence 4-in-1 Crib
Baby Mod is a division of Million Dollar Baby, a company that sells cribs in higher price ranges at specialty stores. Baby Mod's Cadence crib has all of the style and durability of a higher-priced crib, but it costs less than $250. Rolled edges on the front and back rail, plus curvy, detailed wood on the legs give this crib an elegant look. The Cadence crib is available in four finishes and has four mattress height positions. The toddler bed rail is included with this crib (it's a separate purchase for many cribs) and you can also convert it to a day bed and headboard / footboard (bed rails or frame needed). No drop sides.

2. Graco Dakota Classic Crib
Eco-friendly cribs are quite popular now, but usually the prices are a bit high for budget shoppers. The Graco Dakota Classic Crib offers an eco-friendly option for about $200, though. All of the wooden components are from sustainable forests and are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council through the Rainforest Alliance Smartwood Program. The dark finish is water-based and even the packaging is made from recycled or recyclable materials. The crib has three mattress height positions, caster wheels, and converts to a day bed, toddler bed and full-size headboard. No drop sides.

3. DwellStudio Silver Lake Crib
If you're looking for a sleek, modern crib at a budget price, the DwellStudio Silver Lake crib offers straight white slats flanked by contrasting light or dark wood end rails. Two drawers underneath have heavy-duty metal slides, which is a nice touch at this price range. The crib has three mattress height positions and is made of solid wood. No drop sides. Converts to a full-size bed. About $250.

4. Graco Shelby Classic Convertible Crib
This stationary crib has pretty details on the sides that mimic high-end baby furniture. The Graco Shelby Classic 4-in-1 Crib has rolled, sleigh-like sides on top, and features three mattress height positions and a lower profile that makes it easier to reach in to pick up your baby. This crib converts to a toddler bed, day bed and full-size headboard (bed rails or bed frame needed). It's available in a dark cappuccino finish and costs about $230. No drop sides.

5. StorkCraft Meaghan Baby Crib
The side rails of the StorkCraft Meaghan crib are sleigh-style with rolled edges, while the back rail is gracefully arched to create a beautiful focal point for baby's nursery. The crib legs also curve outward and have rounded feet. The Meaghan crib converts to a full-size headboard and footboard. It is available in five finishes and has a single-piece adjustable mattress support. No drop sides. About $250.

6. Da Vinci Jenny Lind Baby Crib
A Jenny Lind crib offers classic styling, usually at a budget price, and this Jenny Lind crib from Da Vinci is no exception. The crib's slats are turned and curvy rather than straight, adding visual interest. Four mattress levels, caster wheels and a "safety glide" drop side system add convenience for parents. A conversion kit is available separately to change the crib into a toddler bed.

7. Dream On Me Sleigh Convertible Baby Crib
Sleek but classic sleigh curves add interest to this crib from Dream On Me. Three mattress heights allow for growing room, while caster wheels and a single drop-side give parents an easier time in the nursery. You can convert this crib to a day bed easily. Five finishes are available, including white, black and wood tones.

8. Graco Sarah Baby Crib
Another 4 in 1 crib, the Graco Sarah crib converts to a toddler bed, day bed and headboard for a full size bed, but has a great low price. The roll top rails on the head and foot boards add a pretty touch, as do the curved corner pieces, while the straight slats look sleek and classic. The three position mattress support offers enough heights to accommodate a growing baby. This crib also has caster wheels and a single drop side.

9. Storkcraft Sandra Baby Crib
This basic baby crib from Storkcraft has pretty, curved end rails and straight slats. The one-hand "list and drop" drop side release is really convenient when your other arm is busy with baby. The Sandra crib offers three mattress heights and caster wheels for convenience. While this crib doesn't offer a lot of frills, it is definitely a cozy space for your baby at a very reasonable price - probably one of the lowest priced full size cribs available.

10. Graco Lauren Convertible Drop-Side Baby Crib
Available in three finishes - white, natural and espresso - the Graco Lauren drop-side crib has a mission-style look with clean lines and a decorative back rail. This crib converts to a toddler bed, daybed and full-size headboard, so you can use it well past your baby's first years. The casters on the bottom make it easy to move the crib around when necessary. Three mattress heights accommodate your growing child safely.

Bedroom Magazine

LaJobi’s First Budget-Friendly & Eco-Friendly Graco Juvenile Furniture Collection

The Dakota Collection Includes Crib, Dressing Table

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August 3, 2009 - Back in June, LaJobi, Inc., a designer, manufacturer and distributor of leading brands of juvenile furniture announced the introduction of The Dakota Collection, Graco’s first eco-friendly nursery furniture to be sold exclusively at Wal-Mart. Known as a quality, trusted name in juvenile furnishings, LaJobi Inc. continues the fine tradition of creating elegant, comfortable nursery furniture with this exceptional line.

“We are extremely proud of the eco-friendly Graco Dakota Collection,” said Barbara Rogers, Director of Marketing and Product Development at LaJobi Inc. “Our designs are ahead of the curve when it comes to innovation and style and with the Graco Dakota Collection, we are also offering consumers an ecologically and economically savvy solution.”

Eco-friendly for the kids’ market on tight budget

While many consumers today strive to purchase eco-friendly products for ecological and health reasons, eco-friendly decorating solutions are also often associated with a high price tag. However, with a manufacturers' suggested retail price of $199.97 and the Dressing Table at $129.97, the Dakota Collection allows budget conscious parents to feel great about providing an environmentally friendly haven for baby.

The Dakota Collection is the first Graco Baby Furniture to be eco friendly, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). All wooden components of the 2-piece collection are sustainable woods, certified to the standards of the FSC by the Rainforest Alliance SmartWood Program.

The Dakota Classic Crib features no moving parts and has a 3-position mattress platform that adjusts as baby grows. JPMA, ASTM and CPSC safety certified, the crib converts to a toddler bed (no guard rail needed), day bed and full size headboard (bed frame and mattress not included). Four sturdy rollers – two which lock – make mobility easy. The crib requires assembly, and comes with a five year limited warranty.

The Dakota Dressing Table coordinates beautifully to provide a safe area to dress and change baby. Features easily accessible open design with abundant storage space. Includes two fixed shelves for storing clothing and baby's accessories. Changing area equipped with built-in safety strap for added security. Includes four sturdy rollers (2 locking) for ease of mobility. Both the Dakota Crib and Dressing Table come in a warm Dark Walnut finish that is luxurious and stylish. Available at Wal-Mart stores nationally and at www.walmart.com.

Retailers should visit www.lajobi.com for more information on Lajobi Inc. or the Dakota Collection.

New Mom's Handbook

About.com Baby Products

Heather's Baby Products Blog
By Heather Corley, About.com Guide to Baby Products since 2004

Hot Baby Products: Graco Dakota Classic Eco-Friendly Crib
View the article
Thursday June 18, 2009

Eco-friendly baby products and nursery furniture are incredibly popular today, but many times they come with a high price tag. If you'd like to create an eco-friendly nursery for your baby but don't have a big budget, take a look at the Graco Dakota Classic crib. This dark-finish crib has classic lines and is made of sustainable woods, which are certified to Forest Stewardship Council standards by the Rainforest Alliance SmartWood Program. The crib's finish is water-based, and the whole thing is packaged in recycled or recyclable materials.

There are no moving sides on the Graco Dakota Classic crib, which is in line with current crib safety trends. It has three mattress support positions, caster wheels and it converts to a toddler bed, day bed and full-size headboard. It's available for about $200 on Walmart.com. A matching, eco-friendly Dakota changing table is available for about $130.

Trend: Two-tone
Childrens Furniture in two colors
Gerri Hunt and Jenny Heinzen York -- Kids Today, 6/1/2009
View the article

Two tones can be twice as nice, as evidenced by a wave of new products hitting the kids market that feature two-toned finishes. Whether marrying wood tones with cream, black or other complementing woods, or making the leap into bolder color combinations, this hot trend packs double the punch.

LaJobi's Francais collection looks like it was just pulled out of grandma's attic. The case pieces are finished in a distressed antique cream with a Charleston cherry top, with acrylic knobs. Double dresser, $800, 609-409-2495

The Ledger

January 31, 2009
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Kids Today Online

LaJobi debuts eco-friendly Graco furniture collection

Dakota includes crib, dressing table
March 25, 2009
View the article.

The Dakota Collection by LaJobi, Graco’s first eco-friendly furniture, will be sold exclusively at Wal-Mart. The collection includes a crib and dressing table.

All wooden components are sustainable woods

Graco's Dakota Collection by LaJobi is eco-friendly.

from responsibly managed forests and are certified to the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council by the Rainforest Alliance SmartWood Program.

All of the collection’s finishes are water based, and packaging is from recycled or recyclable materials.

The Dakota Classic Crib features no moving parts and has a three-position mattress platform that adjusts easily as baby grows.

The crib converts to a toddler bed (no guard rail needed), day bed and full size headboard (bed frame and mattress not included). Four sturdy rollers – two which lock – make mobility easy. It is JPMA, ASTM and CPSC safety certified. It requires assembly, and comes with a five year limited warranty.

The collection is available in a dark walnut finish is rich and stylish.

The crib retails for $199.97 and the dressing table for $129.97.

Sunfield Sentinel

February 12, 2009

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Serta Perfect Balance crib mattress giveaway

Mar 04, 2009

View the article here.

Sweet Dreams for Your Little One
They say that the secret to a good night’s sleep is a good mattress and pillow. “A worn mattress is like an old running shoe,” says Bert Jacobson, a professor of health and human performance at Okla­homa State University. “It loses its support and its comfort.”Is this true for babies? Just as your own sleep is affected by the type of mattress you have, so does your baby’s crib mattress affect his sleep. Finding the right baby mattress is very important to help ensure a good night’s sleep for your little one.The Serta Perfect Balance crib mattress provides just the right amount of support and comfort, AND it’s eco-friendly!

Made with organic cotton fill, the Serta Perfect Balance crib mattress cradles baby in a healthy, natural environment. Designed with comfort and durability in mind, the mattress features continuous heavy coils, flex mesh support and six-gauge border wire. A heavily laminated cover made without Phthalates protects from dust mites and bacteria, and there are eight air vents keep the mattress fresh while providing a safe sleeping surface. The crib mattress, which also fits a toddler bed and retails for $199.99
My littlest guy has been enjoying a Serta Perfect Balance crib mattress, now maybe your little one can, too! That’s right, you can enter to win a brand new crib mattress!

Bonny Buyer

January 14, 2009
Circulation: 22,500