TIA Board of Directors Approves Strategic Plan

October 1, 2012 | The Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) Strategic Plan for 2013-2015 was unanimously approved by the Association’s Board of Directors at its meeting today in Dallas, Texas.

Input from members at large, TIA policy committees and the Board itself kept the plan tightly focused on initiatives that will enhance member value. It includes five strategies – along with related performance targets and a tactical work plan – to assure continuity and growth in key areas, including: 

• Maintaining and strengthening the fiscal health of the Association while continuing to enhance TIA’s leadership in advocacy, industry reputation enhancement, social responsibility, and standards and technical affairs;
• Launching new initiatives to support the global market access of North American toy companies, and providing new industry research and data capabilities;
• Expandingand augmenting the value of TIA’s industry trade shows and events, and addressing the needs of all current and potential members.

“Under the Strategic Plan for 2010-2012, we restored TIA’s financial health, augmented the value of our events, expanded our membership, built our advocacy capabilities, and enhanced our governance structure,” said TIA President Carter Keithley. “The 2013-2015 Strategic Plan builds on this strong foundation and propels us forward with renewed vigor so that we can best serve the evolving needs of TIA’s members and the global toy industry.”

The Board also approved TIA’s budget for 2013 and discussed projections for potential revenues and expenses in 2014 and 2015. Near-future expenditures will support initiatives outlined in the new Strategic Plan.

Also discussed was the possibility of a new collaboration with The Strong in Rochester, NY to co-locate the National Toy Hall of Fame with TIA’s Toy Industry Hall of Fame at the museum.

The Board also approved the election of Shirley Price, President/COO at Funrise Toy Corporation, to fill an at-large position on the Executive Committee. Price has been active in both TIA and the Toy Industry Foundation; she currently serves as vice-chair of both the PlayCon and Toy of the Year (TOTY) committees. Additionally, David Allmark, EVP of Fisher-Price was elected by the Board of Directors to fill a Board vacancy left by the resignation of Chuck Scothon. Mr. Allmark has been with Mattel for more than 15 years and has both branding and international experience.