My Ideal HomeHome Improvement Ideas and Advices

The festivities are well under way at Grand Central Terminal in New York City, where Consumer Reports is celebrating 75 years of empowering consumers and impacting the marketplace. The party is set up in the Vanderbilt hall, and the public is invited to tour the non-profit organizations history, see elements from the latest tests and digital products, and meet with more than 100 experts. (Learn more about the 75th anniversary celebrations.)

Many staff members are rotating through manning the hall, welcoming guests and answering questions. I pulled the opening shift this morning and found it quite rewarding.

We had hundreds of people pour through, with many subscribers recognizing products from recent tests, such as the Nissan Leaf, and even recognizing some staff members who have been featured in print or in video.

To a person, everyone I spoke with came away with a newfound appreciation for the expertise and level of detail that goes into our testing programs. Many specifically noted how they appreciate that Consumer Reports is independent and not beholden to outside interests, manufacturers, or even advertisers.

The guests that seemed to get the most from the experience met with experts in different subject areas, such as Cars, Home, and Health, raising questions about products and services, and asking those little questions that they have long held and didnt know where to turn for answers.

As a staff member, it was a rewarding experience, and I do hope the guests found the tour of Consumer Reports past, present, and even future well worth the time. Several people I spoke with came into the city specifically to attend the event, which is being held this year in place of the usual annual open house at our Yonkers national headquarters.

If youre in the area, please stop by. You may learn a bit more about this impactful institution that has long fought for the consumer. Plus, you may get a burning question or two answered.

Learn more about Consumer Reports history in the video below and by browsing our special 75th anniversary section.

Also read: Bloomberg declares today Consumer Reports Day