Conley departs as TIA makes U-turn
The US trade body had announced only last week that it had decided upon 100 Church Street (above) as its new home but now says that it intends to continue looking, as the building will not satisfy its needs.
The TIA Board says it has committed to itself to finding a new home for the toy industry and a location for the 2006 American International Fall Toy Show by December 15th.
Meanwhile, in the midst of such indecision, president, Tom Conley, has resigned ?for personal reasons? but will be staying on until March 1st next year, to guide the association through Toy Fair and the transition to new leadership.
?Tom has accomplished a great deal during his time as President,? said Arnie Rubin, TIA Board chairman and president of Funrise. ?We appreciate his contribution to the industry and we know we can count on his leadership through the transition,? he added.
Conley said: ?These next few months will be very important for TIA, with a number of major items on the agenda. I am happy to stay on to help the association through this period.?
A search committee will be formed immediately to identify Conley?s replacement. Conley joined TIA in September, 2001. Prior to TIA, he was president of the Metals Service Center Institute, formerly known as Steel Service Centers Institute.
