Trade Associations
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from national and international trade associations influencing the debate on federal policies.
Featured Stories
Top Toy Trends of 2019 Announced at Toy Fair New York
NEW YORK, Feb. 17 -- The Toy Association issued the following news release:
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- Unboxing 2.0, Compound Crazy, Throwback Toys, Foodie Fun, Inspirational & Aspirational Play, and Explosive Entertainment Named Biggest Trends of the Year
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New ways to explore the unboxing craze, compounds including slime, putty, and sand that foster creative play, and toys that prepare and inspire children for the future are just a few of 2019's biggest toy trends announced today by The Toy Association at its 116th North American International Toy Fair.
"Parents and kids today are looking for toys and
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NEW YORK, Feb. 17 -- The Toy Association issued the following news release:
* * *
- Unboxing 2.0, Compound Crazy, Throwback Toys, Foodie Fun, Inspirational & Aspirational Play, and Explosive Entertainment Named Biggest Trends of the Year
* * *
New ways to explore the unboxing craze, compounds including slime, putty, and sand that foster creative play, and toys that prepare and inspire children for the future are just a few of 2019's biggest toy trends announced today by The Toy Association at its 116th North American International Toy Fair.
"Parents and kids today are looking for toys andgames that are fun, engaging, and keep them coming back for more, but that also enrich the play value to help build lifelong skills," said Ken Seiter, executive vice president of marketing communications at The Toy Association. "The toy industry is doing an amazing job of providing innovation along with classic toys and games to deliver cutting-edge playthings to the toy aisle. The top trends announced today reflect a continued demand for toys that include a surprise element, toys that tap into nostalgia, playthings that encourage kids to try out different activities and explore new worlds, and unique licensed-based toys that enhance developmental skills through play."
The Toy Association's team of trend experts predicts that 2019 will see some of the most creative and imaginative new products to hit store shelves in recent years. The team meets with hundreds of global toy companies throughout the year to track the latest developments in toys and youth entertainment. At Toy Fair New York, the team combs through thousands of products on the show floor before making an official announcement of the year's hottest trends at a "Toy Trends Briefing" for media, buyers, and other show guests. The briefing was held this afternoon at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center; products shown during the presentation will be hitting stores in time for holiday '19.
A summary of the top six trends follows:
* Unboxing 2.0
* Unboxing continues to be a big trend as kids love the surprise element of unwrapping a toy and enjoy searching for rare or limited-edition versions. Unboxing goes to a whole new level in 2019 with added play patterns and features that extend the elements of surprise by encouraging new ways to play with the toy, making this trend more than just unwrapping and collecting. This is done when the unboxing play becomes "part of the story," such as a secret decoder or unique packaging that transforms into storage or playsets, etc.
* Compound Crazy: Dough, Slime, Sand and More....
* Creative and reusable compounds like slime, kinetic sand, dough, putty, and others are popular not only on their own such as in playdoh sets or as part of the slime craze, but also within the unboxing trend, where compounds are being seen as another layer kids have to "dig through" to get to the prize - adding even more suspense to the toy. Activities that are compound-based are a good way to get kids to tap into their creative side, allowing them to familiarize themselves with different textures and styles of design and construction. According to The Toy Association's Genius of Play initiative, creative play provides children the freedom to explore new possibilities and to learn to think outside the box, enabling them to practice original thinking and devising unique solutions to challenges they face - a skill kids will likely need later in life. This element of educational value is sure to get parents on board with the craze for compounds.
* Throwback Toys
* 2019 will usher in big anniversaries for some of the entertainment world's most beloved characters and movies, as well as iconic toys and games that will ignite a wave of nostalgia for parents and grandparents back to their childhood. Parents are looking to share toys and characters that played a big part of their childhoods with their kids and this will include classic low-tech playthings.
* Foodie Fun
* From trendy foods to farmer's markets to food trucks, there are a myriad of scrumptious and creative ways that food and drink items have made their way into the toy aisle as popular playthings. This is a reflection of the strong priority that millennial parents have placed on being health conscious and fundamentally aware of where their food is sourced. It is also apparent that both girls and boys are equally interested in toys and games that reflect the foodie culture. In addition, from fruity to spicy to even off-putting or gross-out smells, scented toys have become a must-have item for kids, who find it fun to pick a scent that appeals to them and to collect characters, toys, backpack charms, and other playthings that consist of a favorite smell.
* Inspirational and Aspirational Play
* Whether it's a fashion designer, a chef, or learning to build a robot, there is a growing trend of toys, games, and activities that can help prepare and inspire kids for the future. These playthings incorporate features that enhance learning, such as using innovative technology, nurture a child's natural curiosity, and motivate them to explore skills and interests that could potentially lead to their future career path. According to The Toy Association's Decoding STEM/STEAM report, toys play a crucial role in teaching STEAM concepts to kids by helping develop these necessary skills and competencies through play. In addition, the report said toys can motivate kids to get excited about new areas, make mistakes without fear, and help facilitate collaboration among peers.
* Explosive Entertainment!
* In 2019, the entertainment industry has a number of family-friendly movies sure to delight the kid in all of us. From live-action remakes such as The Lion King and Aladdin, to Toy Story 4 to the next Star Wars and Avengers installments, not to mention the hugely popular Frozen is finally getting a sequel in 2019, it should be a busy year not only on the big screen, but also for licensed toys and games. Licensing continues to be a huge part of the toy business, representing about 30 percent of all U.S. toy sales. These playthings continue to be enhanced - infusing popular licensed properties in all types of unique products from plush to playsets to tech toys.
Additional information about these trends is available on-site at Toy Fair in the Press Center (through 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 19 in the South Concourse, above Hall E) or via e-mail to The Toy Association's public relations contact listed on this release. A video of the presentation will be available for viewing at ToyAssociation.org in the coming days. Visit TheGeniusofPlay.org to learn about the many developmental benefits of play.
[Category: Recreational Goods/Services]
National Wild Turkey Federation: Schueler Earns Conservation Award
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 16 -- The National Wild Turkey Federation issued the following news release:
Dean Schueler, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has volunteered for the National Wild Turkey Federation for more than two decades, living the mission of the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage. His efforts earned a Roger M. Latham Sportsman Wild Turkey Service Award from the NWTF.
"I am honored and humbled ... It truly is the highlight and culmination of 26 years of volunteering with the NWTF," Schueler said. "Any success that I have had in my volunteer
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 16 -- The National Wild Turkey Federation issued the following news release:
Dean Schueler, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has volunteered for the National Wild Turkey Federation for more than two decades, living the mission of the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage. His efforts earned a Roger M. Latham Sportsman Wild Turkey Service Award from the NWTF.
"I am honored and humbled ... It truly is the highlight and culmination of 26 years of volunteering with the NWTF," Schueler said. "Any success that I have had in my volunteerefforts would not have happened without the love and support that I have from my family, the incredible chapter volunteers that we have and a genuine love of the wild turkey. This is an honor I will treasure highly."
Schueler received one of five Roger M. Latham Sportsman Wild Turkey Service Awards at the 43rd annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show. Mossy Oak is the official convention sponsor.
Sustainable populations of wild turkeys across the state have been the focus of Schueler since he first volunteered with the NWTF. In addition to habitat enhancements to create a wildlife haven on his own property, he worked to improve the state's turkey numbers through the Target 2000 trap and transfer program. He has served on the South Dakota State Board since 1995.
Schueler has supported wild turkey research, participated in meetings with the state's game commission and currently is one of three NWTF representatives in the Turkey Stakeholders Group. This workgroup had a hand in rewriting and implementing the state's wild turkey management plan.
"Dean is truly dedicated to the wild turkey, the NWTF and the organization's conservation mission," NWTF CEO Becky Humphries said. "We are proud to honor him with a Roger Latham award and are thankful to have him in the trenches working for the wild turkey and the NWTF."
The NWTF presents Roger M. Latham Sportsman Wild Turkey Service Awards to members who are not employed as professional wildlife managers but have made significant contributions to wild turkey conservation.
[Category: Animals]
NWTF Announces Inaugural Class for Grand National Calling Championships Hall of Fame
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 16 -- The National Wild Turkey Federation issued the following news release:
Nobody could have predicted how successful the National Wild Turkey Federation's Grand National Calling Championships would become when they first were held in 1977. However, the competition has grown to be one of the most important and storied calling competitions in the country.
To commemorate the long line of individuals who made their mark on the sport of competitive turkey calling and the championships itself, the NWTF created the GNCC Hall of Fame and announced its inaugural class.
Rob
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 16 -- The National Wild Turkey Federation issued the following news release:
Nobody could have predicted how successful the National Wild Turkey Federation's Grand National Calling Championships would become when they first were held in 1977. However, the competition has grown to be one of the most important and storied calling competitions in the country.
To commemorate the long line of individuals who made their mark on the sport of competitive turkey calling and the championships itself, the NWTF created the GNCC Hall of Fame and announced its inaugural class.
RobKeck, Terry Rohm and Gene Smith were on hand for the induction ceremony, held during the 43rd NWTF Convention and Sport Show -- Mossy Oak is the Official Convention Sponsor. Ben Rogers Lee and M.L. Lynch received posthumous inductions, with members of their families in attendance.
Keck - Founder
NWTF founder Tom Rodgers asked Keck to develop a calling competition for the fledgling conservation organization, and Keck's vision and attention to detail quickly made the GNCC one of the best in the country. Keck used only the most qualified judges and offered prizes never before seen in the history of competitive turkey calling.
Lee - Ambassador
Lee, a call maker from Coffeeville, Alabama, became an ambassador for both competitive turkey calling and turkey hunting. Lee judged several GNCC and introduced untold numbers to turkey calling. To this day, he is still one of the most admired and beloved turkey callers.
Rohm - Caller
Rohm, Pennsylvania native, won the first two GNCC and then went on to a career in the outdoor industry. Rohm comes from one of turkey callings' most famous families -- Dale Rohm, his father, is a well-known call maker and Robbie, his brother, also is a former Grand National Champion. Rohm now lives in Rutledge, Georgia.
Lynch - Call maker
Call maker, author and one of the most influential call makers of all time, Lynch forged a legacy in the turkey hunting and callmaking worlds. His Foolproof Box call was one of the earliest sold in mass numbers, enabling countless turkey hunters to purchase their first calls.
Smith - Media
Without Smith's photographs and written words, the GNCC's early years would be little more than a footnote. As the first editor of Turkey Call magazine, Smith spread the word about the competition through the pages of the magazine. His stories and images captured the excitement of the event and helped build and grow the sport of competitive turkey calling.
"The impact of the Grand National Calling Championships on the turkey hunting world is immeasurable," NWTF CEO Becky Humphries said. "These calling competition pioneers, turkey call makers, prior champions and ambassadors to the sport of competitive calling have forged their legacy, and we proudly welcome them in to the newly established Grand National Calling Championships Hall of Fame."
[Category: Animals]
Millican Wins National Wild Turkey Federation Award
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 16 -- The National Wild Turkey Federation issued the following news release:
The National Wild Turkey Federation honored John Millican with the C.B. McLeod Award for his career work with the Arizona Game and Fish Department that directly influenced the restoration of the Gould's wild turkey in the southern part of the state.
"It is my honor to receive the C.B. McLeod award in recognition of all the past recipients, volunteers, individuals and groups that have, and continue to answer the conservation and hunting heritage call," Millican said. "I have been blessed to
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 16 -- The National Wild Turkey Federation issued the following news release:
The National Wild Turkey Federation honored John Millican with the C.B. McLeod Award for his career work with the Arizona Game and Fish Department that directly influenced the restoration of the Gould's wild turkey in the southern part of the state.
"It is my honor to receive the C.B. McLeod award in recognition of all the past recipients, volunteers, individuals and groups that have, and continue to answer the conservation and hunting heritage call," Millican said. "I have been blessed tohave been surrounded by family and broad-based support teams that have inspired and supported me in turning conservation strategies into success stories."
Millican, of Hereford, Arizona, accepted the C.B. McLeod Award at the 43rd annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show. Mossy Oak is the official convention sponsor.
The C.B. McLeod Award recognizes individuals who dedicate their lives to wildlife conservation.
For more than two-thirds of his 30-year career with AGFD, Millican worked directly with restoration efforts of the Gould's wild turkey. He participated in the first release of turkeys to the state in 1994, developed the spring survey and rocket netting protocols and was the hunt coordinator for the first U.S. Gould's turkey hunting permit issued in 2002. Millican also assisted with the trap and transfer of more than 600 Gould's turkeys, including the 200,000th wild turkey captured and released in 2011.
In addition, Millican is the president of his local Huachuca Gould's NWTF chapter and serves on the Arizona state board of directors, serving in both regards since 2008. Even in his retirement, he volunteers his time to assist the recipients of the Arizona commissioner's Gould's tags in harvesting their bird.
"Without support from individuals like John, our mission to restore wild turkey populations would never have been complete," NWTF CEO Becky Humphries said. "His efforts for the restoration of the Gould's wild turkey have left a lasting impact in the NWTF's efforts to Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt."
[Category: Animals]
Hickoff Named Top Communicator by Peers
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 16 -- The National Wild Turkey Federation issued the following news release:
Steve Hickoff received the National Wild Turkey Federation's Tom Kelly Award for his longtime work promoting hunting and conservation as a turkey hunting writer, editor and book author.
"I'm honored and humbled by this award," Hickoff said. "My career goal has always been to reflect the NWTF's steady restoration and conservation efforts on behalf of the wild turkey. As an avid turkey hunter and professional writer, I've always seen myself as the man in the middle -- writing, editing and publishing
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 16 -- The National Wild Turkey Federation issued the following news release:
Steve Hickoff received the National Wild Turkey Federation's Tom Kelly Award for his longtime work promoting hunting and conservation as a turkey hunting writer, editor and book author.
"I'm honored and humbled by this award," Hickoff said. "My career goal has always been to reflect the NWTF's steady restoration and conservation efforts on behalf of the wild turkey. As an avid turkey hunter and professional writer, I've always seen myself as the man in the middle -- writing, editing and publishingwork to reflect our hunting heritage in both print and digital platforms."
Hickoff accepted the award at the 43rd annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show. Mossy Oak is the official convention sponsor.
An NWTF member since the early 1990s, Hickoff writes the "Turkey Calls" column for Turkey Country, the official magazine of the NWTF. He has contributed feature articles to NWTF publications for the past 25 years.
His articles on wild turkeys and turkey hunting also have appeared in Turkey & Turkey Hunting, Outdoor Life and many other national print and online publications. He published two turkey books -- "Fall & Winter Turkey Hunter's Handbook" and "Turkey Calls & Calling" -- and is the editorial director and turkey hunting editor for Realtree.com.
Born and raised in north-central Pennsylvania, he makes his home base in Maine -- when not traveling to turkey hunt, of course.
"Steve doesn't just write about turkey hunting, he lives turkey hunting," said Matt Lindler, NWTF vice president of communications. "He is a hunting guide, an author, an editor and a great friend who is one of the most vocal proponents of the bird, the sport and the NWTF's mission. I cannot think of another individual who deserves this more."
Formerly known as the Communicator of the Year, the NWTF renamed the award in 2018 to honor longtime NWTF advocate and turkey hunting poet laureate Tom Kelly.
Past award recipients, include Will Primos, Michael Waddell, Jana Waller, Brenda Valentine, Steve Rinella, Tom Fegely, Ron Schara, J. Wayne Fears, Grits Gresham, Jim Zumbo, Jim Casada, Glenn Sapir, Col. Tom Kelly, Ronnie 'Cuz' Strickland, Kevin Howard and Ray Eye.
[Category: Animals]
California Superintendent Receives 14th Annual VH1 Save the Music Foundation Award for Distinguished Support of Music Education
LOS ANGELES, California, Feb. 16 -- The American Association of School Administrators issued the following news release:
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- Award Presented During AASA's National Conference on Education in Los Angeles
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Francisco Escobedo, superintendent of the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) in Chula Vista, Calif., is the 2019 recipient of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation's 14th annual Administrator Award for Distinguished Support of Music Education.
This prestigious award was presented in Los Angeles, Calif. at the annual National Conference on Education, hosted by AASA, The School
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LOS ANGELES, California, Feb. 16 -- The American Association of School Administrators issued the following news release:
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- Award Presented During AASA's National Conference on Education in Los Angeles
* * *
Francisco Escobedo, superintendent of the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) in Chula Vista, Calif., is the 2019 recipient of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation's 14th annual Administrator Award for Distinguished Support of Music Education.
This prestigious award was presented in Los Angeles, Calif. at the annual National Conference on Education, hosted by AASA, The SchoolSuperintendents Association.
The award recognizes one superintendent or school CEO who has exhibited outstanding commitment to restoring music education in his or her school district. Escobedo was chosen for his deep commitment to providing elementary students across Chula Vista with a well-rounded education that includes music.
Since 2013, VH1 Save The Music Foundation has donated nearly $600,000 worth of new musical instruments to 19 Chula Vista elementary schools. AASA's National Conference on Education brings public education's best thought leaders together each year to discuss the most critical issues facing the nation's public schools.
"From the beginning of our partnership with CVESD, Superintendent Escobedo has shown exemplary leadership and vision in building music education programs in Chula Vista," said Jaclyn Rudderow, program director for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. "We look forward to our continued partnership as we open doors for every student in Chula Vista to shine and excel through music making."
VH1 Save The Music Foundation began a partnership in the Chula Vista Elementary School District in 2013 and committed to providing instrumental music grants to all CVESD schools. It is about halfway through the district rebuild with 19 grants in place and looks forward to its continued efforts with the district to ensure all students will have access to instrumental music programs in school.
Escobedo has worked in education for 28 years, including serving the last eight years as superintendent at CVESD, the largest elementary district in California, serving nearly 30,000 students and 3,200 teachers and support staff at 49 schools, including dependent and independent charters.
Under his leadership, CVESD has made great strides in narrowing the achievement gap between English language learners and the overall student population. Student achievement ranks in the top echelon of the county and state, specifically for economically disadvantaged, Hispanic, African-American and English learner students. Local and national awards received by CVESD schools and programs include the prestigious National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST) Gold Award, National Blue Ribbon school honor and multiple California School Boards Association Golden Bell awards.
Escobedo praised the work of VH1 Save the Music Foundation. The foundation not only has invested in CVESD schools through instrument donations, but has helped bring leading musical performers to its schools.
"Save The Music is an amazing partner. Its award is a tremendous honor and one that reflects the work of many individuals and organizations, starting with our board of education," said Escobedo. "Our board has witnessed how the arts have made a tremendous difference for our students and community. Our partners are key to our successes. And our students learn the value of collaboration and working as a team. Alone, any one of our musical instruments can produce a wonderful sound. When you put the full ensemble together, look what happens - great music happens."
Past recipients of this award include: Nancy Sarra, superintendent, Consolidated School District of New Britain (Conn.), Kevin George, superintendent, St. John the Baptist Parish (La.) Public Schools; Russell Freitas, superintendent, Firebaugh-Las Deltas Unified (Calif.) School District, Kristi Sandvik, superintendent, Buckeye (Ariz.) Elementary School District, Reginald Mayo, retired superintendent, New Haven (Conn.) Public Schools; Rita Bishop, superintendent, Roanoke City (Va.) Public Schools; Kathy L. Kelly, superintendent, Columbia Heights (Minn.) Public Schools; Duncan N. P. "Pat" Pritchett Jr., past superintendent, Indianapolis (Ind.) Public Schools; John Lange, past superintendent, Adams County (Colo.) School District 14; Carol Johnson, past superintendent, Memphis City (Tenn.) Schools and current superintendent, Boston (Mass.) Public Schools; Richard Kaplan, superintendent, New Brunswick (N.J.) Public Schools; Eugene White, superintendent, Indianapolis (Ind.) Public Schools; andJames A. Williams, past superintendent, Buffalo (N.Y.) Public Schools.
[Category: Education]
AASA Scholarships Awarded to Top Graduate Students
LOS ANGELES, California, Feb. 16 -- The American Association of School Administrators issued the following news release:
Three of the nation's outstanding graduate students in educational administration have been selected today by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, to receive scholarships, as announced at AASA's National Conference on Education in Los Angeles, Calif.
The conference is serving as a platform to highlight AASA's Leaders Matter campaign, an initiative to showcase school districts where the exemplary leadership of the superintendent has resulted in meaningful outcomes for
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LOS ANGELES, California, Feb. 16 -- The American Association of School Administrators issued the following news release:
Three of the nation's outstanding graduate students in educational administration have been selected today by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, to receive scholarships, as announced at AASA's National Conference on Education in Los Angeles, Calif.
The conference is serving as a platform to highlight AASA's Leaders Matter campaign, an initiative to showcase school districts where the exemplary leadership of the superintendent has resulted in meaningful outcomes forschools and students.
Each recipient received a $2,500 scholarship given in honor of AASA's former executive directors -- Sherwood D. Shankland, Worth McClure, Finis E. Engleman, Forrest E. Connor, Paul B. Salmon, Richard D. Miller and Paul D. Houston.
The 2019 scholarship recipients are:
Terry Dade
Fairfax County Public Schools
Fairfax, Va.
Mit Lee Foley
Saginaw Public School District
Saginaw, Mich.
Oscar Romano
YES Prep Public Schools
Houston, Texas
The AASA Educational Administration Scholarship was created in 1949 to provide incentives, recognitionand financial assistance to outstanding graduate students in school administration who intend to make the school superintendency a career. AASA selects recipients on the basis of their experience and excellence in school administration, personal essays and recommendations from university faculty.
[Category: Education]
