First License from Cornell + Growing our Private Label Business = Impact in STEAM Learning
Ithaca Toys Company is continuing to grow! Over the past several months, we’ve reached key milestones that allow us to continue working towards our mission. We are so proud of our team and grateful for all the support we’ve received from the Ithaca community and beyond.
Our first leap in growing our revenue came when we received our first license from Cornell University; this partnership will help kickstart Ithaca Toy’s vision to expand its product offerings and community presence. Cornell’s interest in Ithaca Toys Company led to our involvement with The Brooks School of Public Policy, The College of Human Ecology, and The New York State School of Industrial and Labor Relations. We are very grateful to raise awareness of working conditions with people who are policy-involved and passionate about reimagining labor and creative workforce developments. Cornell's license will begin a fruitful relationship where Ithaca Toys Company can create unique Cornell-branded products while promoting the importance of sustainability, tactile learning, and inclusivity in the workplace.
This past spring, Ithaca Toys Company donated a set of 6 maple coasters with a custom-made stand to Cornell Johnson’s annual Community Impact Charity Auction. “Each year, MBA students at the Cornell SC Johnson Graduate School of Business host an annual Community Impact Charity Auction [...] to benefit local non-profit organizations.” (Cornell Johnson Community Impact). Our maple coasters served as a gift to generous donors, promoting the engagement of community impact. We were so happy to continue engaging with the Cornell community and look forward to continuing our work together.
Our past customers have provided positive feedback and comments about their experience with Ithaca Toys:
“We really like the coasters we ordered. Our volunteers loved them too. A lovely gift that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.” - Deborah J. Surine, Cornell College of Human Ecology
“[The founder] was great to work with, he brought me several samples to choose from. He kept me informed of progress and even hand-delivered everything to me (including samples). The final product is absolutely gorgeous. - Sue Sappinton, Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy
Going forward, we are discussing with multiple stakeholders to grow our portfolio of licensing relationships with institutions, individuals, and corporations. We also intend to expand our product lines by repurposing our wood scraps into carving boards, key chains, bookmarks, and other merchandise. Ithaca Toys Company will continue to improve its ways of fulfilling its values in supporting learning, community, workforce development, and sustainability. We welcome more people to join our movement on enhancing the world of education, environment, and experience one Blox at a time.