ASTRAlogoThe American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) will honor Jonny Girson of The Learning Tree toy stores with ASTRA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The annual awards ceremony will take place on June 8, during the annual Marketplace and Academy at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC.

A 20-year veteran in the toy industry, Girson founded The Learning Tree in Prairie Village, Kan. and became an ASTRA volunteer leader. Girson also served on the ASTRA board of directors, and as its chair during a critical time in the organization’s development. Today he serves as chair of the Good Toy Group and on several manufacturers’ retail advisory boards.

In addition, Katherine McHenry, owner of Building Blocks Toy Store will receive the Retailer Excellence Award. Schylling will receive the Manufacturer Excellence Award, and Sandy Ruben from Sandy Ruben and Associates will receive the Sales Representative Excellence Award.

About the author

Maddie Michalik

Maddie Michalik

Maddie Michalik was the Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book from 2020-2022. She was also a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider.

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