[media-credit name=’JEFF SCHORFHEIDE/Herald photo’ align=’alignright’ width=’336′][/media-credit]The CEO of Mattel Inc. discussed the importance of trust at the Madison Chamber of Commerce’s 55th annual dinner Thursday evening.

Mattel, famous for producing Barbie and Hot Wheels toys, has recently recalled nearly 21 million Chinese-made products because of potential dangers from lead paint and small magnets children have reportedly ingested.

“These recalls should never have happened,” Mattel CEO Bob Eckert said. “We have some of the most rigorous standards in the toy industry, but we aren’t perfect.”

In light of the toy recall under Mattel’s brand, Eckert said he is confident upcoming toys will not only be safe for children, but will keep parents confident their children will have responsibly made and secure products.

Recently, Mattel has instituted a three-point check plan requiring all paint be tested before it is used, audits take place and all finished toys be tested before shipment to suppliers.

“To date, we have had no problems with toys produced after we adopted the three-point check system,” Eckert said. “We have completed testing on thousands and thousands of toys that are shipping for the holidays.”

Eckert said the measures Mattel is taking in order to regain and preserve its safety reputation is the companies’ primary initiative, but that alone is not enough.

Eckert recently traveled to China to check the progress of the plan, and said it is doing well.

“I’m confident that our new three-point check system is being implemented, and more importantly that it is working,” Eckert said.

Eckert joined Mattel Inc. in 2000, and said he has since made numerous positive steps to shape the company regarding its environmental, labor and company responsibility standard.

“Trust is a powerful part of our world; I believe trust is a highly relevant factor to business today,” Eckert said. “When my children say, ‘Do you trust me?’ I always respond (to them with) ‘deeds not words.’ I believe this applies to business as well.”

During his speech, Eckert also discussed the effort Mattel makes to keep its consumers informed about audits, both negative and positive.

“I’m proud that we continue to bring transparency to the industry,” Eckert said. “Mattel has been working to address issues openly for many years.”

Eckert added since Mattel’s institution of the Global Manufacturing Practices, the company has succeeded in promoting its core values of trust and responsibility.

According to Eckert, GMP seeks to ensure wages, working and living conditions are fair. GMP also promotes environmental sustainability and conservation.

During the event, other speakers included Lon Sprecher, chair of the Chamber of Commerce, who spoke on the performance of the board.

“We’re focused, we’re engaged and we’re aligned,” Sprecher said. “Each political decision has a significant ramification for the business community.”

Terri Potter, chair of the Regional Economic Development Entity board, spoke on the importance of unity for the regional economy.

“REDE is recognizing that we are stronger when we stand together,” Potter said. “We need to work on initiatives that shape our region.”