<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" media="screen" href="/~d/styles/rss2full.xsl"?><?xml-stylesheet type="text/css" media="screen" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~d/styles/itemcontent.css"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>The Step2 Company Press Room</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/index.cfm</link><description>News, specials, and more related to high-quality Toys and Home &amp; Garden products by Step2.</description><language>en</language><managingEditor>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</managingEditor><lastBuildDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:38:02 PST</lastBuildDate><generator>Blogger http://www.blogger.com</generator><openSearch:totalResults xmlns:openSearch="http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/">74</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex xmlns:openSearch="http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/">1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage xmlns:openSearch="http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/">25</openSearch:itemsPerPage><image><link>http://www.step2.com/blog</link><url>http://www.step2.com/blog/images/blogbuttons/feedburner.gif</url><title>Step2: the Blog</title></image><atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="self" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheStep2CompanyBlog" type="application/rss+xml" /><atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="hub" href="http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com" /><item><title>Step2 Company Earns ISO Certification</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2009/11/step2-company-earns-iso-certification.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:38:02 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-6805663975313418467</guid><description>Company Recognized For Commitment to Excellence and Quality AssuranceSTREETSBORO, OHIO — November 11, 2009 — The Step2® Company is proud to announce that it has recently been awarded ISO 9001:2008 certification from STR-Registrar, LLC an ANSI/ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) Accredited Certification Body for its plant and office locations in Streetsboro and Perrysville, Ohio and their&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=fg8WlCCrlbY:MbM_HVbDe-Q:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=fg8WlCCrlbY:MbM_HVbDe-Q:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total></item><item><title>Step2.com Earns the BizRate Platinum Circle of Excellence</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2009/10/step2com-earns-bizrate-platinum-circle.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:25:55 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-7210711654511015360</guid><description>Consumers Recognize America's Largest Toy Maker as "Excellent" Overall in Customer Service and SatisfactionSTREETSBORO, OHIO — October 14, 2009 — Recognizing its excellent customer service and consistent positive customer feedback, The Step2 Company's online direct sales channel at www.step2.com has earned BizRate's 2009 Platinum Circle of Excellence.The Step2® Company is a family company with&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=-4_4tA7-EbM:IHQApwFCRtk:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=-4_4tA7-EbM:IHQApwFCRtk:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total></item><item><title>Step2 and Infantino Toys Recognized For Safety, Creative Play and Durability</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2009/10/step2-and-infantino-toys-recognized-for.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:10:18 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-3719667502575763167</guid><description>STREETSBORO, OHIO — October 13, 2009 — Recognizing innovation, creative play and safety, The Step2 Company® has received an unprecedented number of awards from The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, the toy industry&amp;apos;s leading independent consumer reviewer of children&amp;apos;s toys and media.  The prestigious Oppenheim Awards recently honored The Step2 Company, the nation&amp;apos;s largest preschool and&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=zfJxB-VUzj4:a1R57sHx2_M:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=zfJxB-VUzj4:a1R57sHx2_M:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total></item><item><title>Play Kitchens: Great for Creative Play and Inspiring Love of Cooking</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2009/09/play-kitchens-great-for-creative-play.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2009 06:46:07 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-3604498657905182470</guid><description>Step2 Announces the "Ultimate Play Kitchen Guide" and Creative Kids in the Kitchen ContestWin a Frigidaire Kitchen Suite and Deluxe Step2 LifeStyle Kitchen!STREETSBORO, Ohio — September 15, 2009 — From top chefs to top-rated cooking shows, America's love of cooking is one of the latest trends to hit homes around the country. Just in time for the holiday wish lists The Step2® Company, the nation's&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=O9u5I1BTE_c:5xneDgGp4HU:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=O9u5I1BTE_c:5xneDgGp4HU:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total></item><item><title>Step2 Receives Governor's Excellence in Exporting Award</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2009/09/step2-receives-governors-excellence-in.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2009 06:22:39 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-4685664939501981785</guid><description>Brian McDonald, Step2 VP International Sales, Governor Ted Strickland and Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Director of the Ohio Department of Development
STREETSBORO, OHIO, September 3, 2009 — The Step2 Company, LLC announces its selection as one of 27 Ohio export leaders to be honored recently in Columbus for their successful strategies in global trade. Step2 is the largest toy manufacturer in the U.S. and&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=hhC19YIUmdE:jUq5WaX1J0g:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=hhC19YIUmdE:jUq5WaX1J0g:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total></item><item><title>Step2 Wins Two National Parenting Center Awards</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2009/05/step2-wins-two-national-parenting.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2009 13:58:12 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-2152390973201444519</guid><description>STREETSBORO, OHIO — May 5, 2009 — The Step2® Company has earned yet another prestigious award for the company's line of products. The National Parenting Center has honored Step2's Sand &amp; Water Transportation Station and Thinkativity's Feed &amp; Learn Singing Croc with a seal of approval for price, packaging, design, stimulation, desirability, age appropriateness and creativity.The Step2® Company,&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=Ux68kRoDIm8:Ot1oWw94yww:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=Ux68kRoDIm8:Ot1oWw94yww:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total></item><item><title>Fun in the Sun with New Outdoor Toys</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2009/05/fun-in-sun-with-new-outdoor-toys.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2009 13:46:51 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-748648229839456860</guid><description>(STREETSBORO, OHIO) — May 6, 2009 — Let the outdoor fun begin! As more families keep close to home this spring and summer, America's largest toy manufacturer is turning up the heat on creative play with new products designed for fun in the sun. With new outdoor toy introductions like the Sand &amp; Water Transportation Station™, Nature Station Playhouse™ and Water Rush Quarry™, Step2® is helping turn&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=uJcMRZmivUo:7KBA4ds2qQY:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=uJcMRZmivUo:7KBA4ds2qQY:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total></item><item><title>Step2 Toys Named #1 in "Buzzillions Reviewers' Choice Awards"</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2009/04/step2-toys-named-1-in-buzzillions.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2009 07:52:48 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-2039346937642976118</guid><description>Consumers Choose America's Largest Toy Maker for Best Toys for FamiliesSTREETSBORO, OHIO - April 1, 2009 — Step2 children's toys are the favorite brand for fun toys that foster creative play, according to hundreds of grandparents, working parents and families across the country taking part in the Buzzillions Reviewers' Choice Awards. Receiving an unprecedented 55 honors, the Step2 toys were noted&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=9moHBpWWxRY:thHgvWVN8CU:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=9moHBpWWxRY:thHgvWVN8CU:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total></item><item><title>Skyward Summit Wins Best New Outdoor Toy Award</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2009/02/skyward-summit-wins-best-new-outdoor.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:30:32 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-5861617178526645527</guid><description>America's Largest Toy Manufacturer Is Honored by the British Toy &amp; Hobby Association's UK Toy Fair
STREETSBORO, OHIO — February 10, 2009 — The Step2 Company®, the nation's largest preschool and toddler toy manufacturer, famous for its signature play kitchens, houses, ride on toys and outdoor toys, has earned yet another prestigious award — this time from outside the United States. At last month's&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=pfcMSNSk3os:m9dPOvAVtJs:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=pfcMSNSk3os:m9dPOvAVtJs:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">2</thr:total></item><item><title>Step2 Toy Brands Win Record Number of Top Awards in 2008</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2008/11/step2-toy-brands-win-record-number-of.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:50:15 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-6873529399585392558</guid><description>Toy Experts Deem Retro Play Kitchen &amp; Infant Activity Center Hot Picks for the Holidays
STREETSBORO, OHIO (November 12, 2008) — Holiday shopping season is here, and the nation's toy experts have made their top-toy list and parents are checking them twice. For The Step2® Family of Companies, more Step2, Infantino and Thinkativity toys are featured on premiere toy lists than ever before making hot&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=pH8XEibd468:iSKYvdHudcU:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=pH8XEibd468:iSKYvdHudcU:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">3</thr:total></item><item><title>Have a Happy Step2 Halloween?</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2008/11/have-happy-step2-halloween.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:59:27 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-7866617864182787408</guid><description>Occasionally, Step2 fans send us pictures of our products in unique situations.  This Halloween, we received just such a picture from Nancy in Rhode Island—and we just can't resist sharing it with the world!  Here's what she had to say:

We call our KidAlert! by name, it's "Michael".  So, when the kids are getting ready to play outside, I say, "Don't forget to take Michael with you."  It has&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=KzLPLlt_CxE:JnBUYrnOKMA:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=KzLPLlt_CxE:JnBUYrnOKMA:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">3</thr:total></item><item><title>Step2 50's Diner Wins Top Awards for 2008</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2008/10/step2-50s-diner-wins-top-awards-for.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:16:21 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-968398101655555528</guid><description>Toy Experts Expect Retro Play Kitchen to be Hot Pick for the Holidays(STREETSBORO, OHIO) — October 7, 2008 — Holiday shopping season is just a few weeks away, and already The Step2 50's Diner play kitchen has rocked its way to the top of several of the country's most notable hot toy lists. Recent accolades include topping Toys"R"Us "Fabulous 15" holiday toy list for 2008, ranking among FamilyFun&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=HA7RFOlFSzI:K913RwGnB5U:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=HA7RFOlFSzI:K913RwGnB5U:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total></item><item><title>Step2 50'S Diner Play Kitchen Named "2008 Hot Toy" by Toys "R" Us</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2008/10/step2-50s-diner-play-kitchen-named-2008.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:15:34 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-3835938041336422530</guid><description>Top Toy Retailer Reveals "Fabulous 15" Representing the Best of the Season(STREETSBORO, OHIO) — October 1, 2008 —  With the official start of the holiday shopping season just a few short weeks away, Toys"R"Us has announced their "Fabulous 15" hot toys for 2008 and Step2®'s 50's Diner play kitchen tops the list.This highly anticipated shopping cheat-sheet for families represents the definitive&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=Mb7XvLf99po:lrJKwhvduyI:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=Mb7XvLf99po:lrJKwhvduyI:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total></item><item><title>CreativePlayPlus.com Offers Expert Parenting Advice</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2008/10/creativeplaypluscom-offers-expert.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2008 07:57:16 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-6356488057511572932</guid><description>Researchers Blog on Creative Play and Child DevelopmentCase Western Reserve University's Schubert Center for Child Studies partners with Step2Parents have a new online resource, featuring recent research and expert commentary related to child development and creative play for infants and young children. Launched by the experts at Case Western Reserve University's Schubert Center for Child Studies&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=OhGyBrWQtp4:jwKCFnlvWWA:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=OhGyBrWQtp4:jwKCFnlvWWA:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">1</thr:total></item><item><title>Step2 in the News: August Update!</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2008/08/step2-in-news-august-update.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:08:12 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-5254163794640049828</guid><description>Step2 has been showing up a lot in the press lately, and we'd love to share with you links to some of our favorite mentions from recent weeks.  Notable among them was a video posted on Sagan's Universe, seen here:


Sagan's Universe also included a lengthy post on the new 50's Diner: "Video Review: Step2 Goes Retro for Phenomenal 50s Fun!"
City Mama lauded our Fun Flow Play Sink as perfect for&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=k3DKzu4J4N0:WWkfeRwhMhU:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=k3DKzu4J4N0:WWkfeRwhMhU:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">2</thr:total></item><item><title>Sand &amp; Water Cart Makes a Splash with Dr. Toy</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2008/07/sand-water-cart-makes-splash-with-dr.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:00:02 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-5572412084395543118</guid><description>STREETSBORO, OHIO — July 22, 2008 — The Step2 Company®, the nation's largest manufacturer of  preschool and toddler toys and famous for its signature play kitchens, houses, ride on toys and outdoor toys, has earned yet another prestigious award for its line of products. Step2's Sand &amp; Water Cart has been recognized by Dr. Toy as one of the "Best Play and Learn Products." Dr. Toy's Best Play and&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=uUUD1eXnh1k:UQlxVNk8u54:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=uUUD1eXnh1k:UQlxVNk8u54:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">1</thr:total></item><item><title>Step2 Toys Ideal for Children with Special Needs</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2008/07/step2-toys-ideal-for-children-with.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:31:58 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-6673889168866012021</guid><description>STREETSBORO, OHIO — July 24, 2008 — The Step2 Company®, the nation's largest manufacturer of  preschool and toddler toys and famous for its signature play kitchens, playhouses, ride on toys and outdoor toys, has earned yet another prestigious nod for its line of products. AblePlay™, a toy rating system and Web site that assists consumers in selecting the best toys for children with special needs,&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=8-NsRZyBcZo:yUUSuU44BHs:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=8-NsRZyBcZo:yUUSuU44BHs:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total></item><item><title>Step2 in the News: Santa in July</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2008/07/step2-in-news-santa-in-july.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:04:05 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-4884018361693166186</guid><description>The Cleveland-based "Summer Santa" initiative is bringing holiday cheer to flood victims in Iowa in the middle of July.  Step2 was pleased to aid this venture by providing transportation of donated toys to Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, and also joined in the giving with a donation of brand new Step2 and Infantino toys.Read more about this toy donation at gazetteonline.com.&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=o_fZ5i-ND7k:Ietq0WuTU18:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=o_fZ5i-ND7k:Ietq0WuTU18:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">1</thr:total></item><item><title>Step2 Toys on the Web!</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2008/06/step2-toys-on-web.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:26:13 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-4229733174433256216</guid><description>A few of our Step2 toys have recently been reviewed and approved on the internet, and we'd like to share what these people had to say.  Check out the Toy Tips Report that gave our Sand &amp; Water Cart an "A", and also the Classy Mommy review that recommends our Fun Flow Play Sink.Do you blog?  Review the Step2 products you own on your blog and link them to our site!  Then, let us know about it and&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=TTjPh1tcWQk:wg-WHraURto:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=TTjPh1tcWQk:wg-WHraURto:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">6</thr:total></item><item><title>Step2 and Case Western Reserve University Join Together</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2008/06/step2-and-case-western-reserve.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:57:54 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-3082159541562273538</guid><description>Step2 and Case Western Collaborate to Create New Blog for Parents on the Importance of Creative, Imaginative PlayJune 25, 2008 — Streetsboro, OH — The Step2 Company, LLC, the nation's largest preschool and toddler toy manufacturer and the Schubert Center for Child Studies at Case Western Reserve University are pleased to announce the birth of CreativePlayPlus.com, an innovative new blog. Designed&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=VgigENnJTfo:-92FnZhdMGs:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=VgigENnJTfo:-92FnZhdMGs:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total></item><item><title>Canopy Wagon Recognized with Oppenheim Gold Award</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2008/06/canopy-wagon-recognized-with-oppenheim.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:17:35 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-2589532969268380165</guid><description>STREETSBORO, OHIO — June 26, 2008 — The Step2 Company®, the nation's largest preschool and toddler toy manufacturer and famous for its signature play kitchens, playhouses, ride on toys and outdoor toys, has earned yet another prestigious award for its line of products. The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio—the only independent consumer review of children's toys and media—has awarded the Step2 Canopy Wagon&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=j28xjZmn_kk:h031Ouy1u2M:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=j28xjZmn_kk:h031Ouy1u2M:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total></item><item><title>2008 Parents' Choice Awards: Step2 and Infantino Honored</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2008/05/2008-parents-choice-awards-step2-and.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2008 12:47:34 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-727873121848033601</guid><description>(Streetsboro, Ohio) — May 23, 2008 —The Step2 Company is proud to announce that two products in the company's interactive toy brands, Step2 and Infantino®, have received 2008 Parents' Choice Awards. Step2's Sand &amp; Water Cart™ and Infantino's Activity Stacker™ were both honored by the Parents' Choice Foundation, an organization made up of educators, scientists, performing artists, librarians,&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=pIiz2X8F4j0:7utCfbwiptA:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=pIiz2X8F4j0:7utCfbwiptA:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total></item><item><title>The Step2 Company Teams up with Stride Rite</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2008/05/step2-company-teams-up-with-stride-rite.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Mon, 19 May 2008 13:13:40 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-4344841389685153403</guid><description>(STREETSBORO, OHIO) — May 19, 2008 — Scrapbooking is a fun way to share memories with family and friends, and now a new online tool makes it easier while offering a chance to win a backyard full of fun this summer!  stride rite®, the leading premium children's footwear brand, has launched an online scrapbooking site for moms to help share and celebrate the moments of childhood. In celebration of&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=h4jFeyg6kIk:mCXuyQhawQM:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=h4jFeyg6kIk:mCXuyQhawQM:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total></item><item><title>Interactive Toys from Step2 Win iParenting Media Awards!</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2008/05/interactive-toys-from-step2-win.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Mon, 19 May 2008 12:52:23 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-1700296496849647393</guid><description>(Streetsboro, Ohio) — May 15, 2008 — The Step2 Company's® Step2 Fun Flow Play Sink™, as well as the Lil' Lion Happy Hang Out and Loopapalooza by Infantino®, have been recognized by iParenting Media as "Excellent Products of 2008." The group of licensed childcare facilities, schools, and parents that make up the iParenting Media Awards Executive Committee reviewed hundreds of products for&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=CuB8Yhvy69I:QPwGLxgKJAY:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=CuB8Yhvy69I:QPwGLxgKJAY:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total></item><item><title>Step2 Wins Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award</title><link>http://www.step2.com/blog/2008/05/step2-wins-oppenheim-toy-portfolio-gold.cfm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Andy)</author><pubDate>Mon, 05 May 2008 14:58:01 PDT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30986868.post-4943951933714458091</guid><description>(STREETSBORO, OHIO) — April 23, 2008 — The Step2 Company's® Neighborhood Fun Center™ was awarded the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio 2008 Gold Award this week. The only independent consumer review organization, the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, which was founded by the country's most trusted and respected child development experts, recognized the new all-in-one activity center from Step2 for its ability to&lt;div class="feedflare"&gt;
&lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=iJ5FSGQuNb8:S-KKEyVALqo:yIl2AUoC8zA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?a=iJ5FSGQuNb8:S-KKEyVALqo:7Q72WNTAKBA"&gt;&lt;img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheStep2CompanyBlog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</description><thr:total xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0">0</thr:total></item></channel></rss>
