New York, New York – August 26, 2015 | The Toy Industry Association (TIA), the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages, will kick off its 100th anniversary celebrations on September 17, 2015 with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Toy Halls of Fame Exhibit at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. The special event will honor those who have contributed to the toy industry’s evolution and success and celebrate TIA members who have brought the magic of play to generations of children. The festivities will continue throughout TIA’s centenary year in 2016 with a variety of playful events and programs.
“TIA is incredibly proud to serve a highly creative industry that is dedicated to brightening the lives of children through skill-building toys and games,” said Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of the Toy Industry Association. “We look forward to honoring our members’ many accomplishments over the past 100 years, and to ushering in a new century of innovation, growth and success for the entire North American toy industry!”
The inaugural celebration of TIA’s centenary year will take place on September 17th at a ribbon cutting ceremony and formal affair honoring the new, state-of-the-art Toy Halls of Fame Exhibit at The Strong. The celebration will continue in 2016 with a variety of events and exciting initiatives. A commemorative book written by industry veteran Chris Byrne, The Toy Guy®, will tell the industry’s story through the association’s accomplishments and member milestones. The book will debut at the Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards in February 2016, alongside a striking visual timeline showcasing significant moments in TIA history from 1916-2016. The timeline will remain on display throughout the 113th North American International Toy Fair, the largest toy and youth entertainment product marketplace in the Western Hemisphere.
The celebration will continue with the Genius of Play initiative, TIA’s consumer-facing movement which provides families with the information and inspiration they need to bring toys and play that build confidence, critical thinking, and other valuable skills into children’s lives.
Since 1916, TIA has worked closely with government, consumers, and its members to ensure safe and fun play and to raise awareness of the important developmental benefits of toys and play. From identifying a code of ethics in manufacturing and advertising to leading the charge on toy safety, for the past century TIA has been committed to the prosperity of the industry as it evolves in changing times.
With philanthropy central to the association’s mission, the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) was founded in 1961. Since that time, TIA members have generously donated millions of toys to children in need and contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant funding to global children’s charities and partner organizations that help underserved children across the country.
“TIA has had a momentous impact on the industry, providing invaluable leadership, resources and support to toymakers, retailers, distributors, inventors, and other play professionals,” said Neil Friedman, chairman of TIA’s Centenary Committee and president and CEO of Alex Brands. “With more than 40 years of experience in the industry, I have witnessed TIA stand by its members, adapt rapidly to change, educate the public on toy safety and the benefits of play, and steadily advance industry safety standards, innovation and philanthropy.”
To find out more about the Toy Industry Association, visit toyassociation.org. For more information on the Genius of Play, visit thegeniusofplay.org. Information about the Toy Halls of Fame at The Strong can be found at museumofplay.org/exhibits/toy-halls-of-fame.
About the Toy Industry Association
Toy Industry Association™, Inc. (TIA) is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and bringing toys and youth entertainment products to kids of all ages. TIA’s 750+ members account for an estimated 90% of the annual $22 billion U.S. domestic toy market. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety, including responsibility for the development of the first comprehensive toy safety standard. TIA members and staff continue to work with government officials, consumer groups, and industry leaders on ongoing programs to ensure safe play. TIA serves as the industry’s advocate on legislative and trade issues; enhances the image and growth of the industry by promoting toy products at its trade shows and events, in the media, and via other means; and fosters philanthropy to children via the Toy Industry Foundation and its Toy Bank. In 2016, the TIA will celebrate its 100-year anniversary.
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