Several employees of National Consumer Panel attended the “Best Companies to Work for in New York” awards ceremony on April 10 in Albany, New York.
Already honored to be a recipient of the award for eleven years in a row, the team was thrilled to learn that NCP placed in the top ten for the second year in a row.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized in the top ten again this year.” said National Consumer Panel COO John Toomey. “This wouldn’t be possible without our employees’ dedication to our mission and our clients. Congratulations to the NCP team and all the companies recognized.”
About Best Companies to Work for in New York State
The annual list of the 2025 Best Companies to Work for in New York was created by the New York State Society for Human Resource Management (NYS-SHRM) and Best Companies Group.
This statewide survey and awards program is a research-driven program from Best Companies Group designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in New York, benefiting the state’s economy, its workforce and businesses. The assessment process examines company practices, programs and benefits and also surveys employees for their perspective. Businesses that meet certain criteria are then considered the Best Companies to Work for in New York.
An organization must meet the following requirements to be considered for participation:
· Be a publicly or privately held business
· Be a for-profit, not-for-profit business or government entity
· Have a facility in the state of New York
· Have a minimum of 15 full-time or part-time employees working in New York
· Must be in business a minimum of one year
Best Companies Group is an independent firm that manages Best Places to Work programs on state, regional and national levels around the world. It conducted the survey, and then evaluated the results and determined the best places of employment in the Empire State. The 2023 Best Companies to Work for in New York list is made up of 90 companies.
For more information on the Best Companies to Work for in New York State program and to register to attend the awards dinner, please visit
www.BestCompaniesNY.com.
About National Consumer Panel
The National Consumer Panel is an operational joint venture between the two leading longitudinal consumer insights providers in North America – Circana and NielsenIQ. NCP’s panel – comprised of U.S. consumers carefully selected across a multitude of key demographics – provides the highest actionable consumer data available to support the needs of both Circana and NielsenIQ.
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Today, April 14th, is National Gardening Day. It seems like there’s a day for everything, right? This day encourages seasoned gardeners, as well as beginners, to grab a shovel, plant some seeds, and kick off a season filled with colorful flowers and/or garden-fresh produce.
There’s something satisfying about planting a tiny seed and watching it grow into something vibrant and alive. Gardening isn’t just about pretty flowers or fresh vegetables, it’s a way to slow down, reconnect with nature, and create something of your own.
Whether you have a large backyard, a small patio, or just a windowsill with enough light for a few herbs, anyone can grow a garden. You don’t need to be a pro or have a green thumb.
I’ll be sharing some tips I came across about gardening for beginners. Before getting started, it’s best to be realistic about how much work you want to do, and how much time you have to care for your new garden.
What do you need? Every beginner gardener needs a few essential tools: garden gloves; pruning shears; watering can; hand trowel; hose; garden kneeler; leaf rake; and a shovel or spade.
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NCP Blog: Maximize the Benefits of Store Loyalty Programs
NCP panel members represent consumers all across the country by sharing their shopping experiences and opinions. If you’re not a panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, click here or go to the Join NCP section of the blog!
We’ve all been there: standing at the checkout counter when the cashier asks, “Are you a member of our rewards program?” I know that I’m often in a hurry and don’t want to sign up for more texts or emails, but sometimes the rewards program can be really valuable, especially if it’s a store I shop at frequently. If your answer is usually “No, I don’t want to give out my information”—you might want to reconsider.
Store loyalty programs have come a long way, and these days, they offer way more than just the occasional coupon. From exclusive discounts to personalized perks, joining can actually save you serious money and enhance your shopping experience.
According to research by Forbes, 46% of consumers are willing to pay more for items from companies that have good loyalty programs. What’s more, 39% of shoppers have chosen one brand over another— even if it’s more expensive— to earn more points in their rewards program.
Here’s why it’s worth saying yes the next time you’re offered the chance to sign up.
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NCP In The Know: Springtime Vibes
NCP panel members represent consumers all across the country by sharing their shopping experiences and opinions. If you’re not a panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, click here or go to the Join NCP section of the blog!
As the days get longer and the flowers start to bloom, we asked you to spill the (garden) tea on all things spring—and you delivered! From favorite outdoor activities to spring cleaning habits, gardening wins (and woes), and the little joys that make this season special, your responses painted a colorful picture of how we really feel about spring.
Ready to dig in? Let’s see what’s sprouting in the world of warmer weather, fresh air, and muddy boots.
What puts spring in your step?
– Top Pick: 37% love the warmer weather
– 30% enjoy the season’s sights & sounds
– 22% appreciate longer days
– 10% are all about planting season
– 2% said something else
What’s your least favorite thing about spring?
– 31% say allergies are the worst part
– 31% say allergies are the worst part
– 30% are bugged by insects
– 16% said “Nothing! I love it all.”
– 14% dislike unpredictable temperatures
– 9% aren’t fans of rainy days
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NCP Blog: Spotlight on Panel Members in North Dakota
NCP panel members represent consumers all across the country by sharing their shopping experiences and opinions. If you’re not a panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, click here or go to the Join NCP section of the blog!
North Dakota is a landlocked state in the upper Midwest. It was named after the indigenous Dakota and Sioux people, and it is bordered by Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, and Canada. North Dakota is the 19th-largest state by area, but is the fourth-least populated and fourth-most sparsely populated with a population of just under 800,000 people.
North Dakota was admitted to the Union on November 2, 1889, as the 39th state. Bismarck is the state capital, while Fargo is the largest city. Both cities are among the fastest-growing in the United States.
North Dakota is the No. 1 producer of honey in the nation.
Little Missouri National Grasslands is the largest grassland in the United States at more than 1 million acres and one of three grasslands in North Dakota.
The Enchanted Highway is a collection of the world’s largest scrap metal sculptures constructed at intervals along a 32-mile stretch of two-lane highway in the southwestern part of the state.
North Dakota holds the Guinness World Record for the most snow angels made simultaneously in one place. On February 17, 2007, 8,962 people made snow angels at the state capitol grounds beating the previous record of 3,784.
North Dakota is home to more wildlife refuges (63) than any other state. Wildlife viewing and birding opportunities are abundant.
Famous people from North Dakota include actors Angie Dickinson, Leslie Bibb, and Josh Duhamel; author Louis L’Amour; baseball player Roger Maris; and television personality Lawrence Welk.
Let’s learn about your fellow panel members in North Dakota! Here’s how panel members answered some of our state highlight survey questions.
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NCP Blog: Hello Spring! Simple Ways to Brighten Your Home
NCP panel members represent consumers all across the country by sharing their shopping experiences and opinions. If you’re not a panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, click here or go to the Join NCP section of the blog!
When spring arrives, I like to refresh my home by not only doing some deep cleaning and decluttering, but also by updating my home decor for the new season. To create a bright and airy feeling of spring, I swap out some items for more vibrant colors. Simple changes like replacing throw pillows, comforters, tablecloths, shower curtains, and front door decor instantly make a difference. And, I may even treat myself to some fresh flowers! You get the idea!
A little DIY goes a long way in transforming your home for the season. Whether it’s incorporating spring colors or repurposing items for a fresh look, you don’t need a big budget – just a few creative ideas to brighten and refresh your space.
Let’s explore some simple DIY project ideas I found at itsmynest.com. Hopefully, they’ll inspire us to embrace the season and give our homes a springtime refresh!
Floral Mason Jar Vases You can transform mason jars into pretty vases by tying pastel-colored ribbons around the rims and filling them with fresh spring flowers such as tulips and daisies.
Upcycled Tin Can Planters Create pretty planters using old tin cans. Clean the cans and remove any labels, then paint them in bright, spring colors. Drill small holes at the bottom for drainage before planting.
Painted Terracotta Pots Take terracotta pots and give them a splash of color. Then, plant vibrant spring flowers in them!
Fabric-Covered Flower Pots Choose a variety of floral-patterned fabrics that remind you of spring. Then, wrap the fabric around the flower pots and secure it with glue or double-sided tape.
Lemon and Herb Centerpiece Arrange lemons and fresh herbs, like mint and rosemary, in a glass bowl to refresh your dining area.
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NCP Blog: Spotlight on Panel Members in North Carolina
NCP panel members represent consumers all across the country by sharing their shopping experiences and opinions. If you’re not a panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, click here or go to the Join NCP section of the blog!
North Carolina was the 12th state to join the union on November 21, 1789. Raleigh is the state capital and Charlotte is its largest city. North Carolina is the 28th largest state in the U.S. and is bordered by the states of Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated population of North Carolina is 11,046,024 (July 2024 est.); it ranks as the 9th most populous state.
Every state has their own unique symbols, from birds to flowers to songs and more! Here are some of North Carolina’s official state facts and symbols:
Nickname: The Tar Heel State Bird: Cardinal Mammal: Eastern Gray Squirrel Flower: Flowering Dogwood Tree: Longleaf Pine Song: The Old North State Motto: “Esse Quam Videri” (To Be Rather Than to Seem)
North Carolina got the nickname, The Tar Heel State, because workers there used to sell tar, pitch, and turpentine from the state’s Longleaf Pine trees to be used in wooden ships.
On December 17, 1903, brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright completed the first successful powered airplane flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
The largest mansion in the United States, the Biltmore Estate, is located in Asheville, North Carolina. It has 250 rooms and was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s.
North Carolina is the #1 producer of sweet potatoes in the United States and produces about 15 to 20 percent of the nation’s real Christmas trees.
The Outer Banks, a chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, is a popular tourist destination featuring beaches, state parks, and shipwreck-diving sites, with Roanoke Island being the site of the first English settlement in the New World, now known as the “Lost Colony”.
Famous people born and/or raised in North Carolina include Michael Jordan (born in Brooklyn, NY, grew up in Wilmington, NC), Andy Griffith, Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Julianne Moore, just to name a few.
Let’s learn about your fellow panel members in North Carolina! Here’s how our North Carolina panel members answered some of our state highlight survey questions.
Read full post Previous Post: NCP Blog: Spotlight on Panel Members in New York NCP panel members represent consumers all across the country by sharing their shopping experiences and opinions. If you’re not a panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, click here or go to the Join NCP section of the blog! Up next in our Spotlight on States series: New York! New York, also known as the Empire State, was one of the original 13 colonies and became a state on July 26, 1788. It is bordered by Lake Erie, Canada, Lake Ontario, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Atlantic Ocean. New York’s state capital is Albany, and its biggest city is New York City. As of 2024, the state’s population was 19,867,248. The cities in the state and their suburbs are home to more than four-fifths of the state residents. New York is the country’s fourth-most populous state.I’ve never been a big fan of coffee creamers, until recently when I began making my own iced coffee at home. I wanted a bit of sweetness added to my iced coffee, so I decided to try different flavored creamers. There are so many options out there! One flavor I didn’t expect to like, but ended up loving, is lavender—it has quickly become my favorite. So good!
The coffee creamer market is experiencing steady growth, influenced by changing consumer preferences, economic factors, and product innovations.
For many coffee lovers, a good cup of coffee isn’t complete without the perfect creamer. There are so many options on the market; from traditional dairy-based creamers to plant-based alternatives.
Classic coffee creamers are typically made from dairy such as milk, cream, and half-and-half. But, as dietary preferences and lactose intolerance become more common, non-dairy creamers have surged in popularity. Almond, oat, soy, and coconut milk creamers provide a smooth, dairy-free alternative, while bringing with them their own unique tastes.
Today, the market is filled with a wide variety of flavors of coffee creamers. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular flavors as shared by fullcoffeeroast.com.
Vanilla – A timeless favorite, vanilla coffee creamer adds a smooth and slightly sweet touch without overpowering the coffee’s natural flavors.
French Vanilla – A creamier, richer take on traditional vanilla.
Hazelnut – This nutty, slightly sweet flavor pairs well with the boldness of coffee, making it a popular choice among coffee lovers.
Caramel Macchiato – Caramel-flavored creamers bring a sweet and buttery richness to coffee.
Read full post Previous Post: NCP Blog: The Power of a Shopping List NCP panel members represent consumers all across the country by sharing their shopping experiences and opinions. If you’re not a panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, click here or go to the Join NCP section of the blog! Do you love grocery shopping? Or is it one of those chores you dread? A shopping list is one of the simplest yet most effective tools for managing grocery trips and improving the experience. Whether scribbled on a piece of paper, typed in a phone app, or spoken into a smart assistant, a shopping list helps keep track of what you need, prevents unnecessary purchases, and makes shopping trips more efficient. My mom always had a scrap piece of paper taped to the wall in the kitchen where she kept a grocery list– in fact, I think she still does! Without a list, it’s easy to forget essential items or get distracted by impulse buys, leading to wasted time and money. A well-organized list streamlines the shopping experience, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—getting in, getting what you need, and getting out without stress. In a survey of National Consumer Panel members last year, only 10% of respondents said they don’t use a shopping list. Let’s take a look at the benefits of lists, methods for keeping a list, and how to make the most of a shopping list.