More Resources

Real World

Field trips to local businesses score an A+ with kids.

Field trips aren't just a fun way for kids to escape the classroom anymore-they're also an innovative way to help build business. Marketing expert Susan Singer's field trip program benefits kids as well as her corporate clients. Singer, 48, founded her Chicago-based education marketing firm, CPG Field Trips Factory Inc., in 1992. Looking for a way to boost profits four years later, she hit on the idea of offering field trips to her clients' businesses. Instead of a trip to a zoo or a dinosaur museum, children between ages 5 and 12 visit grocery stores, hospitals, auto dealers, banks and retailers. With the cooperation of many of Singer's business clients, children learn important life skills in the areas of nutrition, health care, safety, financial management and consumer education.

The program benefits the businesses that provide the tours as well. "We've had tremendous success in almost every industry," Singer says. "Kids learn incredible things [on field trips]. And they really retain [the information]: Our research shows they'll be loyal to the companies sponsoring the [trips]."

In fact, in 2000, there was a 5 to 7 percent increase in sales for products featured during store tours and a 4 percent increase in purchases made by families of participating students, according to Singer.

Content Continues Below


Last year, CPG organized more than 3,000 field trips in Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia for more than 90,000 children. CPG enlists the help of educators, focus groups and even children themselves to develop the curriculum used on the field trips.

With current company sales just under $1 million and operations in seven states, Singer hopes to eventually take the program nationwide. "When you hit on something people really need, you don't have to sell it," says Singer. "It sells itself."


Contact Source

  • CPG Field Trips Factory Inc., 1735 N. Paulina, #402, Chicago, Il 60622, (888) 205-8782.

Marketplace

Learn how to distribute a press release

Try our new online printing. theupsstore.com/print
Today on Entrepreneur
Current Issue
Brewing Big (With a Micro Soul)
After 18 years of growth and with annual revenue about to break $100 million, Kim Jordan still maintains New Belgium's freewheeling spirit.
Magazine Resources
Entrepreneur Connect
How do you feel about Windows 7?
Do you use Windows 7 to run your business? If so, why? Is it better than Vista? Let's also hear from the Mac people out there.
Resource Centers
Where Business Gets Done
Revisit the lost art of the meeting, the pitch, the presentation and the all important handshake to close the deal.

Insurance Center
Review your company's needs, save on workers' comp, protect your business from lawsuits and more.

Startup How-To Guides
Step-by-step guides to launching your business.

Commercial Vehicle Center
Get the right ride for your business.


Sign Up for the Latest in:
e-Business & Technology
Franchise News
Business Book Sampler
Starting a Business
Sales & Marketing
Growing a Business

E-mail*
Zip Code*