JAN. 6, 2011 -- St. Louis Sprout & About is celebrating a very happy birthday on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011.

"One-hundred and nineteen unique readers visited Sprout on our official first day in business, viewing 624 pages," Maislin said. "From there, people began recommending St. Louis Sprout & About to their friends and family. Throughout our first year, we grew faster than even the Sprout team anticipated."

The first website of its kind in St. Louis, Sprout & About's mission is to connect local families with fun and interesting events and attractions. St. Louis Sprout & About features the most comprehensive event calendar for local families, reviews, tips for outings and adventures, and the latest event and activity news.

Here are some highlights of Sprout's first year in business.
•  The St. Louis Sprout calendar, the heart of the website, listed more than 4,500 events since Sprout's inception. That's more than 12 family friendly events each day.
•  Sprout's web pages have been viewed more than 696,000 times.*
•  The site has logged more than 28,000 unique visitors.*
•  Sprout has done business with 76 advertisers and 3 site sponsors.
•  Sprout readers have named the Sprout Seven, the seven best family events of 2010.
•  Sprout staff have participated in several family-friendly events, including Baby Kid Expo, Festival of Nations and others. Sprout staff have also organized the first Sprout Night Out, with other special events in the works for 2011.

Maislin and Pupillo project even more growth in 2011. On the horizon, readers can expect site upgrades, including a fresh new look. "We'll also be actively involved with more local events, and we will be teaming up with our sponsors to produce a few Sprout-branded events."

Readers can also expect more content, Pupillo said. "I have been very fortunate to work with a team of great freelance writers, and we will be putting them to work to bring readers even more coverage related to events and activities in the metro area."

"We're thrilled to have had such a successful first year in business," Maislin said. "My top priorities have always been to make sure we are relevant to our readers and helpful to our advertisers. I think we've been able to accomplish both."

Reader and Advertiser Testimonials from Sprout's First Year:
•  "I'm a big fan of your newsletter. I think it has very interesting and relevant information about what is going on here in St. Louis. I am new to the area and have already used it to search out different and fun things to do with my kids." - Lise Riet, parent
•  "I suggested your website to all the moms that I am friends with. Being a new parent I really need tips and advice on things to do with the little one. I will continue to refer the site to my friends; I hope it continues to grow!" - Rachel Mefford, parent
•  "St. Louis Sprout & About has been a great resource for YMCA Trout Lodge and Camp Lakewood. Beckie has been adapting the advertising packages to meet our needs for social marketing, and we've seen an increase in buzz about YMCA Trout Lodge and Camp Lakewood as a result. We're looking forward to working with Sprout & About again in 2011! - Melissa Gilliam, YMCA Trout Lodge and Camp Lakewood
• "Working with Sprout is like being with your best friend. They are interested in everything you do, make you feel special, and help you grow. Thanks Sprout and happy first birthday." - Anne Murphy, Third Degree Glass Factory

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