NEWS
KATHLEEN MCHUGH
TO
RESIGN
AS
ASTRA PRESIDENT
Effective October 6, Kathleen McHugh will resign as president of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA). She has been a member of ASTRA for more than 15 years, helping to create its annual trade show, ASTRA’s Marketplace & Academy, and grow the organization in both size and importance. “It will be difficult to leave an organization with such an important mission and so full of many valued friends, colleagues, and mentors,” says McHugh. “However, ASTRA is well positioned to continue growing and to bring to fruition the businessstrengthening programs we have worked together to create. I see my departure as a leave-at-the-top-of-your-game proposition, and I’d like to thank all of you who supported me with your wise counsel, your fresh ideas, and your unwavering commitment to ASTRA’s work.” The ASTRA board will have an opportunity at its next meeting to discuss the direction, skills, and traits for new leadership to inform a search committee headed up by ASTRA Board Chair Michael Levins and Chair-Elect Dean May.
ON THE COVER: PATCH PRODUCTS’ DELUXE TALL-STACKER PEGS & PEGBOARD SET IS DESIGNED FOR SMALL HANDS AND YOUNG MINDS. THE 11.5-INCH SQUARE LAURI CREPE RUBBER PEGBOARD HAS 100 HOLES, SO KIDS CAN MAKE LOTS OF DESIGNS. TURN TO PAGE S17 FOR MORE FROM PATCH.
SPECIALTY TOYS & GIFTS
S2
PROPEL EQUITY PARTNERS ACQUIRES BUZZ BEE TOYS
Propel Equity Partners, a private equity firm, has acquired Buzz Bee Toys, which specializes in active play toys. The acquisition marks the eighth by Propel Equity since August of 2012 on behalf of Alex Brands.
WTHRA REVISES DATES WEST 2016
FOR
TOYFEST
During the annual Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA) membership meeting in March, the WTHRA board voted to adopt the following revised schedule for ToyFest West 2016, which will take place at the South Point Hotel Casino & Spa in Las Vegas: Sunday, March 6, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Monday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Tuesday, March 8, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition, the annual Gala will be moved to the last night of the show in celebration and appreciation of the buyers, vendors, and representatives.
MAY/JUNE 2015