The Handmade Toy Alliance Launches New Website
This past month, the Handmade Toy Alliance (HTA) launched a new web site with improved member and navigation features.
Online, August 3, 2010 (Newswire.com) - This past month, the Handmade Toy Alliance (HTA) launched a new web site with improved member and navigation features. The updated site will allow the HTA to more easily support small batch manufacturers and specialty retailers as well as share information with the public.
"Since our inception in November of 2008, and later incorporation in April of 2009, the HTA has grown by leaps and bounds - now supporting over 400 small businesses nationwide," stated Randy Hertzler, Board Member and owner of EuroToyShop (PA) and BigWindow LLC (www.bigwindow.net), a web design and programming company. "The new site will allow us to connect with members quicker and easier with new forums, interactive features and an eventual marketplace."
"This has been a massive undertaking," Hertzler shared. "Since we began as a grassroots organization, our information was stored in 3 or 4 different locations and formats. Installing the new web site allows us to organize our data in one central location and helps to move our alliance forward as it develops into a professional trade organization."
"We were lucky that Randy was able to combine his experiences as a toy store owner and programmer for our cause," said HTA vice president Dan Marshall of Peapods Natural Toys (MN). Artwork for the new site was also donated by graphic designer Lizzie Sorensen (www.lizziesorensen.com). "Many hours of work went in to this effort which will benefit our members for years to come," Marshall added.
The HTA includes retail stores, toymakers and children's product manufacturers from across the country who want to preserve consumer access to unique handmade toys, clothes and all manner of small batch children's goods in the USA. Formed in November of 2008 in response to the CPSIA, HTA members are parents, grandparents and consumers who are passionate about their businesses as well as the safety of the children in their lives. While in support of the spirit of the law, the unintended consequences of the CPSIA have motivated members of the HTA to work to enact change at a federal level. For more information, visit www.handmadetoyalliance.org.
Dan Marshall, co-owner
Peapods Natural Toys & Baby Care (St. Paul, MN)
Tel. 651-238-8398
dan@peapods.com
Jill Chuckas, Owner, Designer
Crafty Baby (Stamford, CT)
Tel. 888-788-5168
jill@craftybaby.com
Cecilia Leibovitz, President
Craftsbury Kids (Montpelier,VT)
Tel. 802-223-7143
ceci@craftsburykids.com
Mary Newell, Owner Terrapin Toys
(Eugene, OR)
Tel. 541-461-1585
hta@softdough.com