Made in the USA

There is no doubt about it; the US economy needs some assistance. Many Americans are struggling to find jobs and small businesses around the country are working feverishly to keep their doors open. There are certainly many things that could help the economy, but there is one simple thing that each of us can do; we can buy American.  We can buy items that are Made in the USA. While the poor economy may seem like a fact of life right now, the truth is that as consumers we have more influence on our country’s prosperity than we realize.

It is after all the American consumer that has created the insatiable demand for low cost, low quality items (food, toys, clothing, and otherwise). We have fostered the notion that price is the only area of import, and as such, we have become comfortable with purchasing inferior merchandise. In pursuit of the cheap, consumer choice has forced many U.S. companies to shut their doors because U.S. wages, environmental standards, and the use of superior materials have greater expense associated. As a result, most of the products that American consumers purchase come from countries that offer very low wages, poor quality materials, and substandard environmental practices. In fact, almost daily there seems to be another news story exposing contaminated or toxic food or merchandise being imported to this country, and without fail, the item was inexpensive to produce and export.

Is it any wonder that so few things are made in the USA today? And somehow, there is a gigantic disconnect between the state of our economy and the products that consumers chose to buy. American jobs continue to be moved abroad or are eliminated all together, and we continue to express dismay about the state of the economy. Instead of scratching your head about the economic environment while buying yet another cheap import that will last only one season, buy something of quality. In earnest, they are easy to spot. Once you find a high-quality item, read the label, chances are it was made right here in the USA. Now here comes the hard part, look past the price and look at the duration of the investment. Look closely at the item and realize that it was made by an American worker, right here, and distributed by an American company that hires your friends, neighbors and maybe you. Then look deeper and remember how it feels to buy something well-made and long-lasting - that comes from the country that you love – and realize that it’s worth the price.

Think about how you can support an American manufacturer and how you can move the economy forward. Think about the pride that comes from seeing small businesses in your community and elsewhere thrive. Think about the dignity that comes from supporting American jobs, the pleasure that comes from purchasing superior merchandise that will last, and the honor you’ll feel knowing that you did your part.  Think about Made in the USA.

Embrace Your MOMentum

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