CEOs: Urge Your Governor or Mayor to Prioritize Toy Businesses as they Restart the Economy

March 31, 2020 | Toy company CEOs are encouraged to send a grassroots letter to their governor or mayor, encouraging them to prioritize toy companies as they look to reopen businesses and restart the economy.

The letter outlines how U.S. companies that manufacture toys in America are disproportionately affected during the COVID-19 crisis and emphasizes the need to keep distribution centers open to meet global consumer demand for toys, which are keeping 1 billion children that are now out of school engaged in home learning.

“More than ever, it is essential that toys remain available and accessible to families, with some of our members even reporting an increase in orders over the past couple of weeks, but many are having trouble meeting that demand,” said Ed Desmond, executive vice president of external affairs at The Toy Association. “Toy company executives are encouraged to contact their governor or mayor. We all need to work together to ensure the government understands the important role toys play in providing comfort, happiness, and learning to families during these unprecedented times.”

In addition to details above, the letter underscores the emotional benefits of toys and play as well as the toy industry’s vital economic impact of $97.2 billion. It also emphasizes the toy industry’s ability and commitment to safeguarding all employees from transmission and infection.

Toy company CEOs that want to have their voices heard are encouraged to add company-specific details (including measures that will be taken to keep employees and customers safe during the pandemic), to this letter and send it to their governor/mayor.

Toy professionals who want to get involved at the grassroots level can also do so by personalizing this letter and sending it to their local legislator.