Over the past year there has been evidence of a trend of manufacturers touting their Made in USA labor workforce. Please take a few minutes watch these inspirational videos.

Jeep®

The things we make, make us. Crafted right, right from the start. The All-New 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee. Conceived, forged and stitched with pride and passion because Grand is a title earned.

Chrysler headquarters, Auburn Hills, MI

Click on photo to go to video

New Balance

New Balance is the only athletic shoe manufacturer still making shoes in the US. They are proud of that commitment. They are proud of the workers in their five New England factories. And proud to say that 25% of their shoes sold in North America are made or assembled right here. Click on photo to view video.

Mitchum

Films highlight hard-working Americans from various vocations. The films will appear online at the http://www.mitchumhardestworking.com site, on TV and in live screenings. Click on photo to view video.

These U.S. companies now have the honor to enhance their Made in America brands with the Made in USA logo on their websites, products, packaging and marketing materials.

“Consumers are becoming increasingly interested in buying goods made in America because they associate them with higher quality and reliability than products made in other countries. There has been no consistent way of identifying for consumers which companies manufacture here in the States. Now, the Made in USA Brand Certification Mark provides that consistency and identification.” -Marcie Gabor, President, Made in USA brand.

Made in USA Brand Certified Businesses:

Acrilex

Jersey City, NJ

www.acrilex.com

Acrilex, Inc. is a leading producer and distributor of high-end custom-colored acrylics headquartered in New Jersey. They manufacture Acriglas® acrylic sheet for architectural application and displays. They provide custom fabrication services and are one of the largest stocking centers in the U.S. of plastic sheets, rods, tubes, and extrusions for manufacturers. They’ve an environmentally friendly “green stream” philosophy: %100 surplus non-saleable material is recycled.

Alpacas of Madison County

West Jefferson, OH

alpacasofmadisoncounty.com/index.htm

With a mission to breed superior alpacas and offer the best prices, terms and services, this alpaca farm on Little Darby Creek offers alpaca sales, breeding, fiber sales (raw form or made into socks), and agisting.

American Energy Systems Inc

Hutchinson, MN

www.magnumheat.com

American Energy Systems Inc. is a recognized leader in automated combustion technology. They have 35 years experience developing multi-fuel heating appliances and are industry leaders in Flex-fuel/Biomass and Corn burning technology. Their American built products include: the MagnuM and Country Flame line of Corn, Wood Pellet, Agri-fuel and Flex-fuel appliances and the MagnuM and Country Flame wood burning appliances. Both lines offer state-of-the-art fireplace inserts and free-standing models, furnace and boilers too. Twenty-one models qualify for energy efficiency tax credits through 2010.

Arts A Poppin’

Indianapolis, IN

www.indyarts.org/organizations.aspx?ty=alp&lr=a&id=504

“Arts A Poppin’ is an artisans-based fine art and craft gift shop. All art is made by local, regional and national artists. Pottery, jewelry, woodwork, metalwork, glasswork, textiles, prints, cards, soap and other items are offered. “Artists at Work” demonstrations are given throughout the year.”

Carol Wells Artist

Spring, TX

www.watercolorpetportraits.com

Carol Wells paints keepsake pet portraits. She captures each pet’s unique personality, starting with a pencil sketch on fine watercolor paper, or on canvas for oils, followed by layers of color. A percentage of each portrait commission is donated to the animal rescue group of the client’s choice.

Christmas Spirit® Shop

Bar Harbor, ME

www.christmasspiritshop.com

Since 1990, this family business has been providing Maine/USA-handcrafted Christmas ornaments and personalized services.

Crosby & Taylor

Eugene, OR

www.crosbyandtaylor.com/

Crosby & Taylor are artisans of pewter gifts. Their pewter measuring spoons and cups have been featured on Paula Deen’s show and magazine.

Dynic USA Corporation

Hillsboro, OR

www.dynic.com

Dynic USA was established in 1988 as a manufacturing center for impact printer ribbons. In 1991, the company’s role was expanded to include the marketing and manufacture of thermal transfer ribbons and coated fabrics. Dynic USA serves the markets of North America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon, Dynic USA also has a distribution center in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Front Gate

Crown Point, IN

www.facebook.com/pages/Crown-Point-IN/The-Front-Gate/240206980716?v=info

The Front Gate specializes in one-of-a-kind, USA-handcrafted primitive furniture, candles, and home décor.

GreenBird

Cincinnati, OH

www.greenbirdhouse.com

Greenbird™ is a Cincinnati-based company dedicated to designing and supplying earth friendly products. They feature a heavy-weight, recycled/recyclable paper birdhouse made to provide habitat for a single mating season. Milk paint kits—truly “green” paint—for decorating the birdhouse and seed pies are also available.

Hicks Distributors, Inc

Sellerville, PA

www.hicksdistributors.com

Hicks Distributors, located in Sellersville, PA, is a family owned kitchen cabinet and bathroom distributor to the building trade since 1993. They specialize in working with customers of builders and remodelers of custom kitchens and baths in Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties.

KENT Systems

Loveland, CO

www.kentsystems.com

KENT Systems designs, manufactures, and distributes Quick Couplings, Tube Fittings, and Media Bags. Their product is a diverse line of interchangeable couplings for fluid, vacuum and pneumatic applications featuring simplicity of use, less moving parts, lead free materials, a cam activated shut-off valve, and customized options.

Lori Liz

Encinitas, CA

www.LoriLiz.com

Lori Liz makes special handcrafted kidswear: hair clips, Flair Bandies™, headbands, onesies, T-shirts for girls and boys, burp cloths, dresses, and 18″ doll clothes.

Mosaic Photo Quilts

Burlington, NJ

www.mosaicphotoquilts.com/

Mosaic Photo Quilts offers custom designed, handmade photo quilts, wall hangings, and photo books. They also offer photo scanning and digital conversion services.

Mumoocie

Orlando, FL

www.mumoocie.com

Mumoocie is a luxury pillow manufactured in Orlando, Florida. Its innovative curved torso shape simulates lying down next to a loved one. The outer cover is designer fleece that retains heat and scent, and for added comfort, there is an optional voice recorder so that a personal and loving message can be heard and played. This mom-inspired design originated to offer comfort to her child who could not sleep alone. The pillow allows for security and comfort in the aide of sleep. Mumoocie is for everyone: children, adults, elders in nursing homes, patients, military families, and even pets with separation anxiety.

Norwalk Custom Order Furniture

Norwalk. OH

www.norwalkfurniture.com

Norwalk Furniture is custom furniture. It offers 500+ unique upholstered furniture styles and 850+ covers in fabric and leather that allow unlimited possibilities for you to create your own style.

Penguin Love

Mesquite, TX

stores.ebay.com/Penguin-Love-Molds

Penguin Love makes hand poured, three-dimensional silicone and urethane soap and candle molds. Silicone can withstand temperatures of 300 degrees, and urethane can withstand temperatures of 200 degrees. Both are perfect for candle and soap making. The molds are soft and flexible and can be turned inside out.

Perfection Packaging, Inc.

Columbus, OH

www.perfectionpkg.com

Perfection Packaging, Inc is a family business partnering with the manufacturing and distribution community for nearly 40 years, specializing in food packaging plants. We are bar coding and imprinting equipment and supplies experts. It is our mission to deliver quality products at very competitive prices. We offer consulting, material testing, package design, and marketing.

Production Intercom

Lake Barrington, IL

www.beltpack.com

Production Intercom are U.S. manufacturers of theatrical intercom and broadcast products, featuring headset intercom systems. Our products deliver on innovation, performance, value, and durability. We offer the best customer service in the industry.

Rainbow Bell Music

Overland Park, KS

www.rainbowbellmusic.com

“Rainbow Bell Music is the premier provider of quality hard-to-find and original sheet music for music programs of all kinds, and for educational and performance purposes. This store offers musical compositions for colored bell systems, handbell and handchime choirs, and social interest groups.”

Sandow Media

New York, NY

www.giftsanddec.com

Sandow Media Corporation is a cutting-edge publishing company. Sandow Media Corporation builds uniquely positioned publications that thrive in both print and online.

Gifts & Decorative Accessories is a monthly magazine founded in 1917, and with a circulation of 27,000, Gifts & Decorative Accessories serves retailers, manufacturers, and vendors of general gift products, decorative accessories, stationery, greeting cards, collectibles, personal care products, jewelry, and gourmet food items. Industry news, trade show news, new product introductions, and trend information highlight Gifts & Decorative Accessories‘ monthly coverage. From breaking news to daily headline grabbing information, www.giftsanddec.com is the site to read in the gift industry. With more than 31,000 unique visitors a month, our site keeps the gift industry in tune with its business and the world around.

SCHULTE

Cincinnati, OH

www.schultestorage.com

Schulte is a 90-years-strong building products manufacturer of specialty storage systems. Schulte and its flagship freedomRail line of adjustable storage have received numerous awards and recognitions from the builder community.

SME Software

Hayden, ID

www.smartermanager.com

SME Software develops manufacturing management software. They have 23 years experience creating software solutions. Their manufacturing execution software services include ongoing customer support, customized SMARTer training, on-site training, custom programming and development, and sensible solutions for all implementation needs.

Subway Ceramics

Verona, WI

www.subwaytile.com

Subway Ceramics offers traditional tilework collections that are true reproduction standard for the classic subway tile that graced the early 20th Century American home.

Sunburst, Inc.

Lawrenceburg, IN

www.thermalweedcontrol.com

Sunburst, Inc is a thermal vegetation management technology developer and vendor featuring modern flaming for weed control.

SweetSoaps.com

Fanwood, NJ

www.sweetsoaps.com

SweetSoaps.com is a small, handcrafting business located in central New Jersey. All of SweetSoaps products are handcrafted in the USA using only the best ingredients and fragrances. Our mission is to bring beauty, fun, and quality to your every day through the use of our products. SweetSoaps is an eco-friendly company that recycles all packing materials as well as being energy conscious in our manufacturing process. We view ourselves as a customer service/product development company. We offer custom photo and logo soap, specialty soaps, and candles.

Velvet Ice Cream

Utica, OH

www.velveticecream.com

Headquartered at Ye Olde’ Mill in Utica, Ohio, Velvet Ice Cream has been a family owned and operated business for nearly 100 years. Founded in 1914 by family patriarch Joseph Dager, Velvet has been run by four generations of the Dager family. Each year, Velvet produces more than five million gallons of ice cream, which can be found in freezer cases throughout the Midwest and Florida. The historic Ye Olde’ Mill, which houses the company headquarters, an ice cream museum and restaurant, attracts more than 150,000 visitors a year.

Wapiti Silver Company Inc

Gardiner, MT

Wapiti Silver Company Inc specializes in Montana agates, elk ivory, custom cut stones, and sterling silver and gold jewelry.

Wholesome Hide

Bedford Park, IL

www.wholesomehide.com/index.html

Wholesome Hide makes and sells rawhide dog chews. Their natural processing method maintains the “Collagen Flavor Layer”. Wholesome Hide is the only rawhide treat produced entirely in the USA from USA beef hide.

Made in USA Brand Certification Mark

U.S. manufacturer’s need a Renaissance. To help kick start the Manufacturing Renaissance their products need to be clearly identified and labeled Made in USA for consumers with a consistent certification logo.

Studies show that the consumers pay attention to the country of origin and that using a Made in USA logo increases sales.

According to a 2007 Gallup Panel survey, 72 percent of Americans are paying more attention to the origin of products. And sales of products bearing American-made logos were 4 percentage points better than those without the logos, according to a controlled study last year by Jon Krosnick, professor of communications, political science and psychology at Stanford University.

So many U.S. manufacturers qualify for Made in USA status, but they don’t take the important step to claim it on their products and an awareness opportunity to consumers is lost.

The Made in USA Brand certification mark logo accreditation is available to businesses based in the United States that complete the online application at http://www.madeintheusabrand.com/form/ and certify they meet the accreditation standards. The next step is downloading the Made in USA Brand certification mark logo. There is no fee.

Using the Made in USA Brand logo gives manufacturers a chance to be a part of the Manufacturing Renaissance. Using the Made in USA brand logo can increase sales, enhance and build their brand, expand their customer base, differentiate them from their competition, add purchase influence at the point of sale, enable them to tell their Made in the USA story and even strengthen their brand for exports.

Read USA Today’s article: How U.S. can launch a manufacturing renaissance

Answer: To stand out from your competition.

Studies show that countries of origin have an impact on the customer’s willingness to buy a product.

83% of respondents said they would buy “Made in America” products as their first choice if given the option between goods made in the US and those made abroad.” -Survey by FIND/SVP

While many U.S. companies qualify for Made in USA status, they don’t take the important step to claim it and an awareness opportunity is lost.

Identify for your customers your U.S. country of origin on your products by using the Made in USA Brand Certification Mark Logo.

Customers want products that offer innovation, quality, safety and reliability. They want products that come from a “known” source, not an ambiguous location.

72% of Americans are paying heightened attention to the country of origin of products they buy.” -Gallup Poll Survey

“Nearly all Americans — 94% to be precise — say they would rather buy food produced in the United States rather than less expensive versions made in China, even if the U.S. products costs twice as much.” -Gallup Poll Survey

Use our Made in USA logo: It will enhance and build your brand, expand your customer base, differentiate you from your competition, add purchase influence at the point of sale, enable you to tell your Made in the USA story and strengthen your brand exports.

The Made in USA Brand Certification Mark Logo is available for unqualified and qualified claims. Unqualified: Make or grow a product or service that is “all or virtually all” made in the United States in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Qualified: Make or grow a product or service that is eligible to make a qualified Made in USA claim containing a description of the extent, amount or type of a product’s domestic content or processing in accordance with applicable FTC laws and regulations.

How do I become a Made in USA Brand accredited business? Join. Non-mandatory. No Fee. The Made in USA Brand certification mark accreditation is available to businesses based in the United States that complete the online application and certify they meet the accreditation standards by clicking the agree button at the bottom of the agreement page. The next step is downloading the Made in USA Brand certification mark.

Read the latest Made in USA Brand Certification Mark news from The Columbus Dispatch.

Velvet Ice Cream has been an American pastime and an American dream since 1914. As seen on their website: The Dream Started With the Cream…
He was only 15 when he came to America in 1903 unable to speak English.  But that didn’t stop Joseph Dager from striving for the American dream.  And who would have imagined that just 11 years later, Joseph Dager’s dream would be reached in the basement of a Utica, OH confectionery with an all-American product. But that’s exactly what happened when Joseph Dager sold his first batch of hand-cranked vanilla ice cream and Velvet Ice Cream was born. Read more.

What is your Made in USA story? Post a comment. Submit photos. Tell your story.

Submit photos to http://www.madeintheusabrand.com/contact_us/

The Made in USA Brand Certification Mark

LaCrasia, makers of Custom Gloves in the United States.

LaCrasia Custom Gloves

LaCrasia is your ultimate destination for gloves. Designing and manufacturing handwear since 1978.

“Consumers are becoming increasingly interested in buying goods made in America because they associate them with higher quality and reliability than products made in other countries. There has been no consistent way of identifying for consumers which companies manufacture here in the States. Now, the Made in USA Brand Certification Mark provides that consistency and identification.” -Marcie Gabor, President, Made in USA brand.

Made in USA Brand Certified Businesses:

Acrilex, Jersey City, NJ

www.acrilex.com

Acrilex, Inc. is a leading producer and distributor of high-end custom-colored acrylics headquartered in New Jersey. They manufacture Acriglas® acrylic sheet for architectural application and displays. They provide custom fabrication services and are one of the largest stocking centers in the U.S. of plastic sheets, rods, tubes, and extrusions for manufacturers. They’ve an environmentally friendly “green stream” philosophy: %100 surplus non-saleable material is recycled.

American Energy Systems Inc, Hutchinson, MN

www.magnumheat.com

American Energy Systems Inc. is a recognized leader in automated combustion technology. They have 35 years experience developing multi-fuel heating appliances and are industry leaders in Flex-fuel/Biomass and Corn burning technology. Their American built products include: the MagnuM and Country Flame line of Corn, Wood Pellet, Agri-fuel and Flex-fuel appliances and the MagnuM and Country Flame wood burning appliances. Both lines offer state-of-the-art fireplace inserts and free-standing models, furnace and boilers too. Twenty-one models qualify for energy efficiency tax credits through 2010.

GreenBird, Cincinnati, OH

www.greenbirdhouse.com

Greenbird™ is a Cincinnati-based company dedicated to designing and supplying earth friendly products. They feature a heavy-weight, recycled/recyclable paper birdhouse made to provide habitat for a single mating season. Milk paint kits—truly “green” paint—for decorating the birdhouse and seed pies are also available.

Hicks Distributors, Inc., Sellerville, PA

www.hicksdistributors.com

Hicks Distributors, located in Sellersville, PA, is a family owned kitchen cabinet and bathroom distributor to the building trade since 1993. They specialize in working with customers of builders and remodelers of custom kitchens and baths in Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties.

KENT Systems, Loveland, CO

www.kentsystems.com

KENT Systems designs, manufactures, and distributes Quick Couplings, Tube Fittings, and Media Bags. Their product is a diverse line of interchangeable couplings for fluid, vacuum and pneumatic applications featuring simplicity of use, less moving parts, lead free materials, a cam activated shut-off valve, and customized options.

Mumoocie, Orlando, FL

www.mumoocie.com

Mumoocie is a luxury pillow manufactured in Orlando, Florida. Its innovative curved torso shape simulates lying down next to a loved one. The outer cover is designer fleece that retains heat and scent, and for added comfort, there is an optional voice recorder so that a personal and loving message can be heard and played. This mom-inspired design originated to offer comfort to her child who could not sleep alone. The pillow allows for security and comfort in the aide of sleep. Mumoocie is for everyone: children, adults, elders in nursing homes, patients, military families, and even pets with separation anxiety.

Penguin Love, Mesquite, TX

http://stores.ebay.com/Penguin-Love-Molds

Penguin Love makes hand poured, three-dimensional silicone and urethane soap and candle molds. Silicone can withstand temperatures of 300 degrees, and urethane can withstand temperatures of 200 degrees. Both are perfect for candle and soap making. The molds are soft and flexible and can be turned inside out.

Perfection Packaging, Inc., Columbus, OH

www.perfectionpkg.com

Perfection Packaging, Inc is a family business partnering with the manufacturing and distribution community for nearly 40 years, specializing in food packaging plants. We are bar coding and imprinting equipment and supplies experts. It is our mission to deliver quality products at very competitive prices. We offer consulting, material testing, package design, and marketing.

Production Intercom, Lake Barrington, IL

www.beltpack.com

Production Intercom are U.S. manufacturers of theatrical intercom and broadcast products, featuring headset intercom systems. “Our products deliver on innovation, performance, value, and durability. We offer the best customer service in the industry.”

SweetSoaps.com, Fanwood, NJ

www.sweetsoaps.com

SweetSoaps.com is a small, handcrafting business located in central New Jersey. All of SweetSoaps products are handcrafted in the USA using only the best ingredients and fragrances. Our mission is to bring beauty, fun, and quality to your every day through the use of our products. SweetSoaps is an eco-friendly company that recycles all packing materials as well as being energy conscious in our manufacturing process. We view ourselves as a customer service/product development company. We offer custom photo and logo soap, specialty soaps, and candles.

Sandow Media, New York, NY

www.giftsanddec.com

Sandow Media Corporation is a cutting-edge publishing company. Sandow Media Corporation builds uniquely positioned publications that thrive in both print and online. Gifts & Decorative Accessories is a monthly magazine founded in 1917, and with a circulation of 27,000, Gifts & Decorative Accessories serves retailers, manufacturers, and vendors of general gift products, decorative accessories, stationery, greeting cards, collectibles, personal care products, jewelry, and gourmet food items. Industry news, trade show news, new product introductions, and trend information highlight Gifts & Decorative Accessories‘ monthly coverage. From breaking news to daily headline grabbing information, www.giftsanddec.com is the site to read in the gift industry. With more than 31,000 unique visitors a month, our site keeps the gift industry in tune with its business and the world around.

Join the revolution today. Apply to use the Made in USA Brand Certification Mark. http://www.madeintheusabrand.com/form/

Made in USA Brand Certification Mark Logo

Films highlight hard-working Americans from various vocations. The films will appear online at the http://www.mitchumhardestworking.com site, on TV and in live screenings.

Viewers can compete for the title of hardest working person by submitting films, building social media fan pages, even offering promotional merchandise, and contestants can check on the intensity of their work ethic via a hardest working iPhone app.

The winner receives $100,000 and other Mitchum-themed goodies.

Acrilex provides fabricated plastic components to service the Point-of-Purchase Display, Store Fixture and Plastic Fabricator.

At Acrilex, they make the ordinary extraordinary. Their expert color blenders provide the perfect match to your color sample by drawing from their library of over 30,000 color formulations of Acriglas.

Acrilex customers can be creative and expand their choices by designing their product with one of these special effects: Glitter, Granite & Marble, Fluorescent, Frosted, Pearlescent, or Metallic.
And with seven additional surface textures currently available, Acrilex will further enhance the aesthetic appeal of their design with added 3-dimensional elements.

The possibilities are only limited by their customer’s imagination.

As seen on their website:  “… while other manufacturers overseas can produce pearlescent, marble, granite and metallic colors, none can offer the degree of customization offered by Acrilex, especially in short run quantities, with the consistent quality of Acriglas. And none can turn around and order in less than two weeks.”

Read about Acrilex’s place in the “Green Stream.”

Acrilex

Henry Rifles asks, “If you tossed everything not Made in the U.S.A. what would you be left with?” Click here to see their TV spot that answers that question.

Their pledge: “Henry rifles will only be made in America or they won’t be made at all.” -Anthony Imperato President of Henry Repeating Arms