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The Toy Association™ and People of Play™ Announce Merger

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Association Elevates its Focus on Creativity, Innovation & Consumer Engagement for the Toy Industry

NEW YORK, Aug. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Toy Association™ announced today that People of Play™ (POP) and its assets will be merging into the Association and that Mary Couzin, founder of People of Play, will be joining the senior leadership team at the Association. Couzin will be responsible for guiding the future and growth of this new addition to the Association, effective immediately.

People of Play’s wide range of assets and events, including Chicago Toy and Game (CHITAG®) Fair®, The Toy & Game Innovation Excellence Awards (The TAGIEs™), the Bloom Report, Young Inventor Challenge®, Toy & Game Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference, Play in Education and POP Platforms, and the People of Play Holiday Guide will join The Toy Association’s portfolio of world class events including Toy Fair™ New York, LA Fall Preview and The Toy Foundation’s Toy of the Year® Awards.

Mary Couzin, founder of People of Play, stated: “Who knew that over 20 years ago, when I started Chicago Toy & Game Group, now People of Play, and hosted our first big event, the Chicago Toy & Game Fair, to promote play, we would add so many events and initiatives as well as have such an amazing, long-lasting effect on the industry. By joining The Toy Association with their additional resources and new vision, we can strengthen our brands for generations to come. I’m thrilled that People of Play will continue to grow and flourish and want to thank everyone who has been a part of our initiatives. As we have shown, everything is possible when people of play collaborate.” 

Adding People of Play allows the Association to build on its ongoing strategy of creating meaningful experiences that connect the industry and consumers. Aligning with People of Play creates a deeper relationship with the inventor and design community, putting greater focus on creativity and innovation, one of the cornerstones of the toy industry. Additionally, with the Chicago Toy and Game Fair, People of Play will leverage The Toy Association resources to continue to grow one of the preeminent consumer experiences during the all-important holiday season.

“We saw the opportunity to be a catalyst for creativity and innovation by aligning with Mary Couzin and People of Play and utilizing our assets and experiences to help People of Play and its events grow,” said Greg Ahearn, president and chief executive of The Toy Association. “Mary, a toy industry Hall of Famer, has built an amazing community with some of the most unique events, consumer engagement moments, compelling content, and industry resources and we are excited to have her and People of Play as part of The Toy Association. With People of Play and The Toy Association working together, the possibilities are endless.”

The 22nd annual holiday Chicago Toy and Game Fair, North America’s largest consumer toy & game fair, will take place on November 9 and 10 in Rosemont, IL. The event is open to the public with experiential and immersive events and interactive exhibits and activities for all ages. The 17th annual Toy & Game Innovation Excellence Awards (the TAGIEs), celebrating toy and game excellence worldwide, will take place on the evening of November 8th at Joe’s Live in Rosemont, IL. If you are an inventor or student designer with ideas to pitch, sign up at the premier and largest Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference. For more information visit www.peopleofplay.com and www.toyassociation.org.

About The Toy Association™ toyassociation.org / toyfoundation.org / thegeniusofplay.org / playsafe.org

Founded in 1916, The Toy Association™, Inc. is the business trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Toy Association leads the health and growth of the U.S. toy industry, which has an annual U.S. economic impact of $102.8 billion, and its roughly 900 members drive the annual $41 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Toy Association serves as the industry’s voice on the developmental benefits of play and promotes play’s positive impact on childhood development. The organization has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, government, consumers, and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.

As a global leader, The Toy Association produces the world-renowned Toy Fair™ in New York City; hosts marketplace activities in Los Angeles; engages in state, federal, and international advocacy on behalf of its members; sustains the Canadian Toy Association; acts as secretariat for the International Council of Toy Industries and International Toy Industry CEO Roundtable; and chairs the committee that reviews and revises America’s widely emulated ASTM F963 toy safety standard. The Toy Association’s philanthropic arm is The Toy Foundation™, a 501 (c)(3) children’s charity that acts as the uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry. To date, The Toy Foundation has delivered the joy of play to 32 million children in need worldwide.

About People of Play peopleofplay.com

People of Play (POP) leads the global toy and game industry in promoting innovation, creativity, and connectivity. A one-stop source of community for toy industry veterans, newbies, inventors, buyers, educators, influencers, media, consumers and people of all ages who love to play, POP hosts a wide range of events. This includes the Chicago Toy & Game (CHITAG) Fair, the Toy and Game Innovation Excellence Awards (the TAGIE’s), Young Inventor Challenge (YIC), PlayCHIC, Play in Education (PIE) Conference, Toy & Game Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference, People of Play platform and newsletters, and People of Play Holiday Guide.

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SOURCE The Toy Association

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The Estonian Cleantech Association Highlights Key Industry Trends for 2025

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Details key trends impacting cleantech industries and shaping environmental regulations, regional policies, business innovation, and growth opportunities in the U.S. market and globally.

TALLINN, Estonia and NEW YORK, Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Estonian Cleantech Association today highlighted key trends impacting the cleantech industries and shaping environmental regulations, regional policies, business innovation, and growth opportunities in the U.S. market and globally.

“We are seeing increased interest from our members in entering the U.S. market, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, energy storage, and circular economy solutions,” Kädi Ristkok, CEO, The Estonian Cleantech Association. “

“The U.S. market, while complex, offers immense potential for Estonian cleantech companies,” said Kädi Ristkok, CEO, The Estonian Cleantech Association. “We are seeing increased interest from our members in entering the U.S. market, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, energy storage, and circular economy solutions.”

Key trends identified by The Estonian Cleantech Association include:

Growing Demand for Energy Independence and Resilience: The U.S. prioritizes domestic energy production and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains. This creates a strong demand for innovative technologies such as renewable energy generation, grid modernization, energy efficiency, and demand management solutions from Estonian companies like GriRaven, Fusebox, Futugrid, Bisly, and R8 Technologies.Focus on Data Center Efficiency: The rapid growth of the data center industry in the U.S. presents significant opportunities for solutions specializing in energy-efficient cooling solutions. Estonian companies like Greenergy Data Centers are developing cutting-edge solutions such as advanced cooling technologies, which are crucial for reducing operational costs and meeting sustainability goals.Advancements in Storage Technology: The electrification of transportation and the increasing demand for energy storage solutions are driving innovation for technologies like supercapacitors, hydrogen electrolyzers, and generators. Estonian companies developing advanced storage and battery materials and technologies like Galtech technologies, Skeleton Technologies, Elcogen, Stargate Hydrogen, Zero Terrain and PowerUp are well-positioned to deliver solutions for this growing market.Emphasis on Supply Chain Security: The U.S. government actively seeks to diversify its supply chains and reduce reliance on critical imports. Estonian companies like UpCatalyst offer solutions for vital raw materials and advanced manufacturing can play a crucial role in strengthening U.S. supply chains.

Estonia is known as the “Unicorn Nation,” boasting the highest number of unicorn companies per capita. Estonia is widely recognized as the world’s most advanced digital society. New businesses can establish a company in just 15 minutes and file taxes in three minutes. This digitally advanced ecosystem has accelerated innovation and growth for Estonian companies, supporting exporting products and services to over 120 countries worldwide.

The Estonian Cleantech Association is a business association representing the interests of clean technology companies. The association unites and represents cleantech companies engaged in the development, commercialization, usage, financing, and other ways of supporting products, services, and processes that have a positive impact on the environment and climate.

For more information on The Estonian Cleantech Association, visit https://www.cleantechestonia.ee/ and contact them at info@cleantechestonia.ee.

For media inquiries, contact Carol Hickins, U.S. Public Relations for Trade Estonia at press.usa@eis.ee.

This project is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.

Trade Estonia

Trade Estonia is part of Enterprise Estonia. As a state organization, Trade Estonia helps Estonian companies to establish themselves in international markets. With a focus on future technologies and pioneering projects, Trade Estonia provides Estonian companies access to market analysis and marketing strategies. It creates the conditions for them to operate successfully on a global scale. Trade Estonia not only promotes the development of new business areas and the establishment of strategic partnerships but also facilitates access to international networks, thus contributing to the global competitiveness of Estonian companies.

Media Contact

Carol Hickins, Trade Estonia, 1 6463453954, press.usa@eis.ee, https://tradewithestonia.com/ 

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SOURCE Trade Estonia

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Trojan Battery Celebrates 100 Years of Innovation, Leadership, and Powering the Future

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SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif., Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —  Trojan Battery, a global leader in deep-cycle battery and lithium-ion technology, proudly marks its 100-year anniversary. Founded in 1925, Trojan has revolutionized industries worldwide with innovative battery solutions, from golf cars to renewable energy systems. Today, the company celebrates a century of milestones, reflecting on its rich legacy and looking toward the future of energy storage.

Trojan Battery revolutionized industries worldwide with innovative battery solutions and now celebrates 100 years.

About Trojan Battery
Since its inception, Trojan Battery has been at the forefront of power innovation. The company’s mission is simple: to deliver reliable, high-performance energy storage solutions that have empowered equipment across multiple industries. Trojan’s deep-rooted values of innovation, quality, and sustainability have remained steadfast over the decades. From pioneering deep-cycle technology to leading advancements in lithium-ion batteries, Trojan continues to shape the future of power.

Key Milestones and Achievements
Trojan Battery’s journey is one of continuous innovation:

1925: Founded by George Godber and Carl Speer, Trojan started as a small automotive battery repair shop.1952: Pioneered the first deep-cycle golf car battery, which transformed the electric golf car industry.1980s: Launched Maxguard® Advanced Design Separator, improving battery life and performance, solidifying Trojan as a leader in the golf car market.1992: Established the Santa Fe Springs Technology Center, a hub for groundbreaking R&D, which has fueled Trojan’s innovations for decades.2018 Trojan Battery Company joined C&D Technologies to become the leading global manufacturer of high-performance batteries for Stationary and Motive markets.2023: Launched Award Winning maintenance free AES AGM batteries delivering consistent, unrivaled high output and up to 3x the cycle life of standard AGM batteries.2023: Launched Trojan Lithium 24V, 48V GC2 batteries allowing customers to go farther and charge faster, with no maintenance.2024: Debuted the Lithium OnePack™ 48V battery, offering up to a 60-mile range on a single charge, revolutionizing the performance of golf cars and utility fleets.

Driving Industry Leadership
Trojan Battery’s ability to adapt and innovate has been its greatest strength. The introduction of the GC2 48V Lithium-ion batteries and AES AGM batteries, offering three times the cycle life of traditional models, exemplifies the company’s forward-thinking approach. Trojan’s batteries power 98% of the top golf courses in the U.S., a testament to the reliability and quality the company is known for.

This dedication to excellence has garnered Trojan Battery numerous accolades, including the 2023 Gold LLEAP (Leadership in Lift Equipment and Access Platforms) Award, Rental’s 2023 Editor’s Choice Award, and FacilitiesNet’s Vision Award for Power & Renewable Energy. In 2024, Trojan’s AES AGM batteries were named Product of the Year by the IAPA (International Awards for Powered Access) and won the ISSA Show North America Innovation Award, further cementing Trojan’s leadership in innovation.

Trojan Battery’s commitment to sustainability extends across its product design, recycling practices, and manufacturing processes. In battery design, Trojan incorporates 80% reclaimed materials in new lead-acid batteries, while high-quality materials and proprietary technologies ensure extended battery life, reducing the need for replacements. Trojan’s lead-acid batteries are 99% recyclable, and the company provides convenient, safe recycling options for customers, reflecting its dedication to environmental responsibility. In manufacturing, Trojan consistently invests in innovations and upgrades to minimize its carbon footprint, including a continual reduction of CO₂ emissions per unit produced. These efforts reflect Trojan’s holistic approach to sustainability, ensuring its products and practices contribute to a more sustainable future.

Trojan Battery’s extensive global network of distributors, sales offices, and manufacturing facilities positions the company as a worldwide leader in battery solutions. A network of more than 600 dealers and locations spanning the globe allows Trojan to respond quickly and efficiently to customer needs, providing local support and service no matter where its customers are located. From North America to Asia, Trojan Battery Company provides customers with high-quality products and reliable support they can count on.

“Trojan Battery’s legacy is one of constant evolution and innovation. We’ve come a long way since our humble beginnings and we are extremely proud to be recognized as the leader in energy solutions,” said Rick Heller, CEO of Trojan Battery. “As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to charging into the next century with the same passion, quality, and commitment to excellence.”

Looking to the Future
Trojan Battery hasn’t stopped at 100 years. The company is committed to furthering its R&D initiatives, focusing on increasing energy density, extending cycle life, and leveraging artificial intelligence for smarter battery management. As the world shifts towards renewable energy, Trojan will continue to innovate, ensuring a more sustainable and empowered future.

For more information, visit www.trojanbattery.com.

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SOURCE Trojan Battery

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CobbleStone® Enters Partnership With SupplyRLink, LLC, Boosting CLM Offerings

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CobbleStone Software has entered into a Reseller and Services partnership with SupplyRLink, LLC, to strengthen its contract management and eProcurement software solutions offering.

PRINCETON, N.J., Jan. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — CobbleStone Software – a recognized Leader in contract lifecycle management (CLM) according to the SPARK Matrix™ Report – is proud to announce that it has entered into a strategic Reseller and Services partnership with SupplyRLink, LLC – an esteemed provider of innovative supply chain optimization solutions. SupplyRLink will expand CobbleStone’s offering of the latter’s industry-leading contract management and eProcurement software solution to organizations seeking to streamline contract and supply chain operations and processes.

SupplyRLink’s expertise in supply chain management makes them an ideal collaborator to bring CobbleStone’s award-winning solutions to a broad pool of organizations in need of a powerfully integrated and centralized experience.” – Mark Nastasi, Executive VP & Founder of CobbleStone

The partnership enables SupplyRLink to provide CobbleStone’s comprehensive suite of CLM solutions, eProcurement tools, and supply chain management features to organizations that need a powerfully integrated solution. As a CobbleStone Reseller, SupplyRLink is equipped to help its clients in procurement, supply chain, and vendor management with the power of CobbleStone operationally efficient and compliance-driven solution.

As a CobbleStone Services Partner, SupplyRLink will facilitate expert consulting and support, and help organizations optimize contract management and supplier relationships.

The partnership is expected to further strengthen CobbleStone Software’s reach to organizations in manufacturing, logistics, and procurement while empowering SupplyRLink clients to achieve better outcomes in contract negotiations and lifecycles.

Click here to learn more about CobbleStone Contract Insight.

Click here to learn more about SupplyRLink.

“We are thrilled to welcome SupplyRLink as a services partner and reseller of CobbleStone Software,” said Mark Nastasi, Executive Vice President & Founder of CobbleStone Software.

“Their expertise in supply chain management makes them an ideal collaborator to bring our award-winning CLM, procurement, and supplier management solutions to a broad pool of organizations in need of a powerfully integrated and centralized experience.”

Contact CobbleStone Software for a free demo.

For more information, email Sales@CobbleStoneSoftware.com or call 866-330-0056.

About CobbleStone Software:

CobbleStone Software is a celebrated leader in contract management software solutions whose flagship CLM software solution – CobbleStone Contract Insight – expedites contract management, vendor management, eProcurement, and eSourcing processes while offering seamless integrations, ease-of-use, and high scalability. CobbleStone’s contract lifecycle management solutions provide simplified contract and vendor tracking, highly configurable email alerts, user-friendly calendar notifications, intelligent contract workflow automation, highly robust security options, streamlined authoring of contract templates with dynamic clauses, centralized revenue/cost management, detailed text indexing and searching, future-minded vendor/client ratings, robust document version control, custom contract management reports, speedy IntelliSign® electronic signatures, more intelligent contracts with VISDOM® artificial intelligence and machine learning, and more.

Follow CobbleStone Software on social media:

> LinkedIn
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To stay up to date on contract lifecycle management industry trends and news, subscribe to CobbleStone’s Contract Insights blog.

Media Contact

Sean Heck, CobbleStone Software, 866-330-0056, Marketing@CobbleStoneSoftware.com, https://www.cobblestonesoftware.com/

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SOURCE CobbleStone Software

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