http://www.whitehutchinson.com/ The White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group has extensive experience in the feasibility and design of all types of family and children's leisure and entertainment destinations including agritainment. Many forms of both commercial sector entertainment and cultural facilities can be successfully adapted to become second, and sometimes the most significant, source of income for farms. We have worked with farms to develop and design successful agritainment projects and understand the unique market, financial and management considerations of agri-tainment projects. http://www.whitehutchinson.com/news/agrinews/ Our free Agritainment Today eNewsletter is published quarterly and has extensive coverage of news, trends, information and commentary about family-oriented agritainment attractions. 2005-12-12 http://www.whitehutchinson.com/news/agrinews/2005_05/2.shtml An apple a day keeps the doctor away - but only if you don't go bankrupt on the apples! Gourmet candy apples are the next big thing, in sinfully rich chocolate and caramel incarnations that can fetch (gulp!) $19 a pop at Williams-Sonoma. Your own decadent version could boost sales at the pumpkin patch next Halloween. 2005-12-12 http://www.whitehutchinson.com/news/agrinews/2005_05/3.shtml You scream, I scream, we all scream for low-fat, reduced-calorie, less-sugar ice cream. Ice cream sales have dipped over the last two years as Americans become more health conscious. Yet the frosty treat still remains hugely popular, to the tune of nearly $21 billion a year spent to indulge, including at home and away from home. 2005-12-12 http://www.whitehutchinson.com/news/agrinews/2005_05/4.shtml There is no better time in history to become an agritainment destination, because America is moving into what has been dubbed the 'experience economy.' Turn aspects of your farm into experiences - from u-pick produce to corn field mazes -- and your customers are willing to pay more for the opportunity. Ca-ching! 2005-12-12 http://www.whitehutchinson.com/news/agrinews/2005_05/5.shtml Children are spending more time than ever inside and growing further away from connections to nature. Yet research now indicates the natural world can have a profoundly positive effect on maladies from childhood obesity to depression. Last Child in the Woods explores nature-deficit disorder and is a must-read book. 2005-12-12 http://www.whitehutchinson.com/news/agrinews/2005_05/6.shtml Location-based leisure facilities that depend on a teenage labor force are scrambling to find enough employees these days. What's up - do today's kids no longer care about making a buck? This article offers some surprising statistics and insight into the mystery of the disappearing teen employee. 2005-12-12 http://www.whitehutchinson.com/news/agrinews/2005_05/7.shtml The NAFDMA (North American Farmer's Direct Marketing Association) conference will be held Jan. 13-14, 2006, in Austin, TX. Prior to the convention, there will be bus tours starting in San Antonio Jan. 9 and ending in Austin, as well as pre-conference, full-day workshops in Austin Jan. 12. 2005-12-12 http://www.whitehutchinson.com/news/agrinews/2005_05/8.shtml The movement toward handcrafted and artisan menu items made popular by the fast-growing segment of fast casual restaurants has trickled down to the fast food segment. McDonald's is touting fresh salads, Hardee's is converting to offer handmade milkshakes, and more. Message to LBEs: better get with the program! 2005-12-12 http://www.whitehutchinson.com/news/agrinews/2005_05/9.shtml If you're scratching your head in frustration over how to motivate your Generation Y employees, Getting Them to Give a Damn by Eric Chester needs to be on the top of your list of must-read books. His insights will show you exactly how to harness the talents of the most techno-savvy, independent and adaptable labor pool in history. 2005-12-12 http://www.whitehutchinson.com/news/agrinews/2005_05/10.shtml We've rounded up a number of free ezines that offer great ideas and insight into issues that affect many agritainment businesses, even though none directly target the agritainment industry. Read on! 2005-12-12 http://www.whitehutchinson.com/news/agrinews/2005_05/11.shtml If you think a satisfied customer is automatically a loyal customer, think again. New research shows that 80% of consumers say they've switched brands or changed service providers - even though they were satisfied with the original company. To earn loyalty today, you've got to provide the four keys to good service. Read on to find out! 2005-12-12