THIS JUST IN: Conley Resigns From TIA, Flaxman Resigns From Uneeda

Tom Conley Resigns From TIA for "Personal Reasons"

October 28, 2005 — One day after the close of the American International Fall Toy Show, the Toy Industry Association announced the resignation of its president, Tom Conley, for "personal reasons." Conley will remain at his post until March 1, 2006 to "guide the association through Toy Fair and the transition to new leadership," according to a TIA press release. Conley had joined the TIA in September, 2001.

“These next few months will be very important for TIA, with a number of major items on the agenda," Conley said. "I am happy to stay on to help the association through this period.”

“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,” Rubin added.

A search committee will be formed immediately to identify Conley’s replacement.

Flaxman Steps Down From Uneeda

October 28, 2005 — Richard Flaxman, president of the Uneeda Doll Company, told TDmonthly Magazine yesterday that he was leaving Uneeda Inc. to form his own consulting firm to the toy industry, The Flaxman Group. The parting from Uneeda was "very amicable," he said. His resignation is effective as of today.

"It's been 6-1/2 years. I turned this thing into a wonderful doll company," said Flaxman. "It's time to change the course of my life."

The Flaxman Group's first client is a manufacturer that specializes in "plush," said Flaxman.

Flaxman's immediate duties will be handled by Jeannie Fauerbach.