President’s Letter | Early September 2010 … WHERE TO NEXT?

As toy companies transition from summer to preparations for the upcoming holiday season, TIA President Carter Keithley provides the first of a series of regular updates on the Association’s recent activities and a look forward to what’s on the horizon.

TSCP is behind us.  The proposed program was a worthwhile initiative that influenced emerging regulations, demonstrated our industry’s commitment to enhanced toy safety, and generated favorable notice from government and the media.  But ultimately, the requirements to fulfill the new federal toy safety standards did not support a centralized conformity assessment system for toys. 

From August, 2007 to April, 2010 development of TSCP absorbed much of TIA’s resources and efforts.  But while that program has been placed on the shelf, TIA has not lost its focus on helping its members in this area.  The CPSC testing and certification regulations as proposed are very substantial, and every company making or importing toys sold in the U.S. will have to abide by those regulations.  So when the final CPSC regulations are published we will launch an information and education program to assist small to medium size companies to conform.

In addition, last October, the TIA Board adopted a Strategic Plan as a roadmap for the association’s work from 2010 to 2012.  In fulfillment of that Plan, watch for the following from us:

• Innovations to make the Toy Fair and Fall Toy Preview more valuable to participants
• Re-structuring of TIA membership to enlarge the association and be more inclusive of enterprises in the toy industry
• Further enhancement of our newly developed and very effective advocacy capabilities
• Strengthening of our financial position to assure long-term stability and resources to meet industry needs

It has been a while since I provided regular messages to you about our activities.  Beginning with this letter, I will help to keep you updated on our missions and our efforts going forward.  And since effective communications are a two-way street, I hope I will hear from you whenever you have suggestions or concerns.  TIA’s only reason to exist is to serve your companies.

Kind regards to all,

 
Carter Keithley
ckeithley@toyassociation.org