Taking Action to Elevate Industry-Impacting Issues &
Expand Resources for Members
At the forefront of The Toy Association’s work on behalf of the greater toy community is our year-round commitment to tackling issues affecting members and their ability to successfully do business.
“Although many legislatures are currently adjourned for summer recess, our team remains at work 365 days a year to ensure forward movement on the issues that matter most to our members,” said Ed Desmond, executive vice president of global government & regulatory affairs (GGRA) at The Toy Association. “From our continual advocacy for legislation that tackles the threat of unsafe counterfeit toys sold online to our active involvement in policy discussions related to children’s online privacy and safety, The Toy Association is working to ensure our members’ voices are heard at all levels of government.”
One such priority issue the Association has been dedicated to is the passage of the SHOP Safe Act, which would protect consumers from harmful counterfeit products sold online and support legitimate businesses by ensuring a safer, more reliable marketplace. It was a key topic of discussion last week when Toy Association President & CEO Greg Ahearn, along with members of the GGRA team, including Desmond, Joan Lawrence, Jos Huxley and Owen Caine, met with key members of Congress and other government officials. During one-on-one meetings with Congressmen James Clyburn (D-South Carolina), Jerry Nadler (D-New York), and Rob Wittman (R-Virginia, co-chair of the Toy Caucus), the Association was able to convey the critical importance of the legislation for consumer protection and how counterfeit toys also undermine the hard work that legitimate companies put into ensuring their products are safe.
Additionally, The Toy Association team met with representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration (ITA) to strengthen existing alignments and explore new opportunities that will enhance support for members. As a result of the meeting with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Association is exploring membership with the Chamber to provide expanded resources in critical areas for small and emerging businesses, such as intellectual property protection.
Engaging in these discussions is integral to The Toy Association’s robust advocacy efforts and assists toy companies of all sizes navigate the often-complex regulatory landscape.
To learn more about the Association’s ongoing advocacy work or to get involved, contact Ed Desmond, executive vice president of global government and regulatory affairs.
This article was provided by The Toy Industry Association.
