Gregg Samson has left Moore Push Pin Co; The company revealed that he wanted to move in other directions. We wish him all the best for his valiant efforts to make this all American picture hanging manufacturer a vibrant and dynamic company.
Don Dow of Artograph reports that his daughter Jennea had a baby on February 11th. The boy (Drew) was 9 ½ lbs and both are doing great.
It’s Official:
Effective immediately, Chartpak will have the exclusive North American distribution rights to the premium brands of Schmincke. The premium brands include Mussini Artist Oils, Horadam Watercolor and Gouache, Schmincke Artist Pastels. “These brands compliment our Grumbacher premium artist brands” stated 
Steven W. Roth, President and CEO of Chartpak.
The Grumbacher and Schmincke relationship dates back to the early 1900s. Grumbacher distributed Schmincke colors until World War II when Grumbacher began to manufacture its own line of premium colors in the United States. “This renewed partnership is a continuation of our mission to provide artists with the best art materials the world has to offer,” said Mr. Roth.
On Valentines Saturday, National Public Radio reported that about 25,000 people nationwide went to the card-making event at Michaels stores. Stuart Aitken, the company’s chief marketing officer says that a bad economy can be good for craft sales. “During down economies, customers tend to go back to basics, and Arts and crafts are the most basic form.” says Aitken. Listen to the actual audio report by clicking here:
NPR “Get Crafty” on Valentines Day
In related news, Michaels CEO Brian Cornell announced that Philo Pappas will be joining the company on February 23 as Executive Vice President – Category Management. Philo is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and brings 27 years of retail merchandising from such companies as Lechmere, Tweeter, The May Company, and Staples. Reporting directly to Philo will be Eric Dickenson, Patty Fletcher, Rich Gartmann, Kathy Lacks, David Mitchell, Alison Norton and Becky Velez.
Crayola Wins Two Toy of the Year Awards! In New York City last week, Crayola won its first ever Toy of the Year Award (TOTY) Award) from the Toy Industry Association during its annual award ceremony to recognize the industry’s best and most innovative toys. 
Color Wonder Magic Light Brush won Activity Toy of the Year, which recognizes a toy that inspires creative play through various forms of activity. 
In addition, Crayola 3D Sidewalk Chalk took home the TOTY for Outdoor Toy for the Year, which focuses on toys designed for outdoor play.