July 25, 2004

By: Stacey Holz
Website: http://www.1st-in-toys.com

Mr. Bertrand is named President and CEO of Mega Bloks, Inc., a Montreal-based producer of educational construction toys

Marc Bertrand has been named to the Board of Directors of the Toy Industry Association, Inc., the trade group for the North American toy industry, TIA President Tom Conley has announced. Mr. Bertrand is President and CEO of Mega Bloks, Inc., a Montreal-based producer of educational construction toys.

Mr. Bertrand will serve an unexpired term of a TIA director who left the industry, and will then be eligible to serve two, consecutive two-year terms of his own. The TIA Board of Directors consists of 15 members, who are selected by the nominating committee , and who serve two-year terms.

Each director may succeed him/herself once. The Board meets three times per year to discuss industry issues, create initiatives and implement programs that further the trade group's goals of service and assistance to its member companies.

Marc Bertrand joined Mega Bloks Inc. in 1985, concurrent with the launch of the company’s first product, an oversized construction block for preschoolers. From 1991-1996 he served as Executive Vice President, and was named to his current position in February 1996.

Under his tenure as President and CEO, Mega Bloks’ sales quadrupled to US$220 million, establishing the company as the fastest growing brand in the construction category. Mr. Bertrand spearheaded an initiative that built low cost manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and expanded the brand internationally by forming local sales teams and subsidiaries worldwide.

He also assisted in the creation of R&D teams that develop 'hybrid' products, which merge blocks with electronics and traditional toys under the MEGA BLOKS brand platform.

About The Author:

Stacey Holz is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-toys.com.  Find fun kids educational toys and children’s wooden toys you enjoyed as a child.