Made in America!

A couple of months ago I made a sales call to the fabulous Show of Hands Gallery in the Cherry Creek North neighborhood of Denver.  I love this gallery and really wanted to partner with them.  So I was a little nervous when I opened the door and made my way to the check out counter to begin my pitch.  I brought along Coco the Wee Dog for support.

Coco was a hit ~ particularly when the gallery operators learned that yes, I really do make Coco and his fellow Wee Ones in my little home studio, right here in Colorado.  They explained how hard it was to find quality toys that are actually made in America.  The rest is history ~ many of my Wee Ones are now residing at Show of Hands and sales are thru the roof.  (I say with enormous gratitude!)

But since that day when I learned how unique it was to have a product "Made in America" the thought has stuck with me.  I've become much more aware of how special it is to find something to purchase that is actually "Made in America."

I decided to emphasize that in my marketing ~ in the labels (above) I sew into each little Wee One (and everything I create).  I added it on my business card as well as any print marketing I do (brochures, invoicing, flyers).

So you can imagine the feeling of validation I felt last night when listening to our President address the Nation about jobs and how important it is to see those three words around the world ~ "Made in America."  An excerpt from his speech:

Today you [Congress] passed reform that will speed up the outdated patent process, so that entrepreneurs can turn a new idea into a new business as quickly as possible.  That's the kind of action we need.  Now it's time to clear the way for a series of trade agreements that would make it easier for American companies to sell their products in Panama, Colombia and South Korea -- while also helping the workers whose jobs have been affected by global competition.  If Americans can buy Kias and Hyundais, I want to see folks in South Korea driving Fords and Chevys and Chryslers.  I want to see more products sold around the world stamped with three proud words:
"Made in America."
** President Barack Obama, September 8, 2011

I couldn't agree more.

(Labels printed by the wonderful Priya Creations)