Did You Know? offers a quick look at the broad scope of activities underway within the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Federation of members and partners, highlighting recent accomplishments and new resources related to standardization.
The Toy Association Rebrands with New Name, Mission, and Strategy
The Toy Association, formerly called the Toy Industry Association (TIA), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has announced widespread changes across the organization to meet evolving stakeholder needs. In addition to its new name, the Toy Association unveiled a new mission statement and innovative strategic plan.
The association's rebrand centers on advocating for its members' businesses around the world. It also includes expanded core services and several new ventures, such as Play Fair, a kid and family business-to-consumer event; ShopToys365.com, a business-to-business marketplace for toy retailers and suppliers; and the Genius of Play, an initiative that educates families and consumers on the role of play in childhood development.
"The Toy Association's members are the North Star' of our new strategic direction, assuring that everything we do is about them and their business success," said Steve Pasierb, president and chief executive of the Toy Association. "We challenged ourselves to question every aspect of our reason for being, and found ways to be more agile, more relevant, and more successful at bringing our members best-in-class services and support."
"The global toy and play landscape has transformed dramatically over the last few years," said David Hargreaves, board chairman of the Toy Association. "Our team is effectively overhauling every aspect of the Association with an eye to the future to make certain we continue to provide members with best-in-class resources, business insight, and support to help them grow and thrive."
To learn more about the direction and initiatives of the Toy Association,
AAMI Connects Device Manufacturers with HTM Professionals
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, is offering a new service that facilitates communication between medical device manufacturers and healthcare technology management (HTM) professionals who purchase and maintain equipment for hospitals.
AAMI's A-List offers a platform where technicians, engineers, and other professionals can learn about or offer feedback on medical device products and services. HTM professionals join the A-List to receive one or two emails each month about a manufacturer, product, or service. These emails contain information from device manufacturers and service providers who have contacted AAMI seeking to publicize new products or receive input on their products and services from HTM professionals.
Learn more, including how to sign up for the free A-List, in AAMI's news item.
USGBC Webinar to Outline Incentive Strategies for Above-Code Construction
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has announced that it will hold a webinar on commonly used strategies to incentivize and grow green buildings in the private sector.
Attendees will learn about different policies that aim to promote green building, with information on proven, real-life programs that have sparked above-code construction and green building certification, both in the United States and abroad. These programs and policies include density bonuses, tax incentives, expedited permitting, and public recognition and challenge programs.
The free webinar will take place on May 10 from 9:00 to 10:15 am EDT. To learn more and register, see the USGBC news item.
MHI Releases Video on 3D Printing and Supply Chain Technologies
MHI, an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has released a new video as part of its "MHI View" video series. 3D Printing and Technology Convergence addresses the technological revolution centered on 3D printing and its impact on supply chain delivery.
Viewers will hear from Alan Amling, vice president of corporate strategy at UPS, as he explains how supply chains can use new technologies to their advantage when partnering with other industries. The video delves into a number of supply chain technologies beyond 3D printing, including inventory and network optimization tools, sensors and automatic identification, cloud computing and storage, robotics and automation, predictive analytics, and wearable and mobile technology.
Visit the MHI blog to access the video.