The Balloon Council (TBC), an organization of retailers, distributors and manufacturers, was formed in 1990 to educate consumers and regulators about the wonders of foil and latex balloons and the proper handling of them.

An industry has grown from a handful of small manufacturing companies, which supported family-owned distributors and retailers, to one that now produces products that are an intregal part of festivities in this country and abroad.

At the time that TBC was established, several state legislatures were considering well-intentioned but ill-conceived laws, which would have severely limited consumers rights to obtain full enjoyment from balloons. These legislative attempts were based on rumor, inaccurate news reports and "expert" assertions.

TBC's product labeling, media relations, public awareness and legislative initiatives have helped curb this negative trend by diligently setting the record straight whenever and wherever possible.