The Balloon Council Reponds

Balloon sales from gift giving occasions like Valentine's Day are extremely important to the financial health of our industry. Unfortunately, additional balloon sales also brings negative publicity regarding power outages which overshadows our industry.

On February 28, 2012, in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, The Balloon Council wrote a letter to the editor, Don't Bring Back Balloon Ban Bill, in response to an editorial published February 16, Bring Back Balloon Ban Bill.

The original article was prompted by reported power outages on or around Valentine's Day in various California communities blaming errant metallic balloons. The writer was misinformed in his assessment of California Balloon Laws but balloons were blamed for outages with no way to prove otherwise. Damage is done to the balloon industry's image each time balloons are blamed for an outage.

The message is clear, we must as an industry take control of our own destiny and prevent metallic balloons from escaping. Please be a Responsible Balloon Retailer and educate your customers  Why Weight?  

Helium Inhalation Tragedy

A fourteen year old Oregon girl died last month when she inhaled helium from a pressurized helium tank at a party. Read full report here. While helium inhalation deaths are rare they are completely avoidable. As an industry we must be reminded that it is our responsibiltiy to advise and warn customers against the dangers of helium inhalation. Visit the IBA Web site to learn more about Why Not Inhale Helium. 

Benefits of IBA (More than a Directory)

IBA offers:

•  Resources
• Education resources, industry updates, helium reports
•  Networking
• Annual Conference, State of the Industry Breakfast
•  Discounts
• Office Depot, Staples, Group Health, Distributor Discounts
•  Programs
• Bring Balloons! Marketing slogan
• September is International Balloon Month

Mission Statement 

The International Balloon Association (IBA) is a network of manufacturers, distributors, decorators, retailers, and entertainers who believe in keeping the Balloon Industry safe, financially sound and steadfast for the enjoyment of current and future generations. The IBA provides leadership and guidance on behalf of the industry.

Ongoing objectives of the International Balloon Association are:

• Collaboration - IBA brings industry members from all channels together to create programs and campaigns that benefit the industry as a whole.
• Coordination - IBA is there when our industry needs to band together and address critical issues.
• Communication - IBA provides an open and neutral platform to communicate issues to all industry members. 

Click here to read IBA's Constitution and Bylaws