Saturday, December 29, 2012

Letter from Chinese Slave Laborer "Made in China"

Did you ever hear the one about the guy who opened a fortune cookie and inside the fortune read "Help, I'm an imprisoned worker in a Chinese Fortune Cookie Factory."  Well the joke no longer seems so funny as we learn about the real life version.

This Christmas we learned about Halloween items sold in the USA produced in Chinese slave labor camps under threat of violence.  Julie Keith of Damascus, Oregon found a handwritten letter placed in old Halloween decorations from an imprisoned worker imploring her to help by giving the letter to the World Human Right Organization.

This story caps off a year muddled in stories of poor working conditions in China.  Conditions are poor enough for the laborers who make your iPod to commit suicide.  Is it really worth the small savings?   Inexpensive Chinese goods come at a price.  In October we learned that Foxconn put up to 200 14-16 year old "interns" on the manufacturing line.  The minimum working age in China is 16.  They will likely be working 60 hours at 18.  It's not enough that paid workers make next to nothing and work in horrible conditions but they need to get kids to work for free?

Foxconn manufactures the iPad, iPhone, iPod, Kindle, Playstation 3, and the Xbox 360.
 
Today many Americans are asking themselves what do we do?  What is our responsibility as ethical consumers?  We might not have realized it is this bad as we now learn of a unique letter placed in Halloween decorations by an imprisoned Chinese worker. 

The letter that Julie Keith found in old Halloween decorations urged her to take action to help the workers who are now slaves after committing small crimes.  Many of these Chinese workers are held without a trial.  They're held without trial for crimes like theft, prostitution, and abusing drugs. The United Nations Human Rights Council reports that 190,000 Chinese citizens are locked up in 320 "re-education" centers in 2009, this is in addition to the 1.6 million people who were jailed in their prison system.  The 50 year old "re-education" through labor program is known as "laodong jiaoyang." Isn't this enough for you to spend a little more energy seeking American products when utilizing your buying power?

The letter from the imprisoned worker reads,


"If you occassionally buy this product, please kindly resend this letter to the World Human Right Organization.  Thousands [of] people here who are under the persecution of the Chinese Communist Party Government will thank and remember you forever.  This product produced by Unit 8, Department 2 Mashanja, Labour Camp, Shenyang, Liaoning China.  People who work here, have to work 15 hours a day without Saturday, Sunday break and any holidays, otherwise they will suffer torturement beatings, rude remarks, nearly no payment (10 yuan/month).  People who work here suffer punishment 1-3 years on average without Court Sentencing many of them are Falungong practitioners who are totally innocent people only because they have different beliefs than the Chinese Communist Party Government.  They often suffer more punishment than others."

The Halloween decorations were purchased at Kmart, they released a statement:

"Sears Holdings has a Global Compliance Program which helps to ensure that vendors and factories producing merchandise for our company adhere to specific Program Requirements, and all local laws pertaining to employment standards and workplace practices. Failure to comply with any of the Program Requirements, including the use of forced labor, may result in a loss of business or factory termination. We understand the seriousness of this allegation, and will continue to investigate."




Friday, December 28, 2012

Poof Slinky & Other Products

Slinky is a well known toy, but did you know it is made in America?

When the Slinky was made in the 1940s, shortly after inventor Richard James created James Industries. James used spring steel to create his product and it was a big hit; he sold his entire inventory of 400 within 90 minutes. James Industries stayed alive for over 45 years and eventually sold it in 1998 to Poof Products, Inc. Thanks to Richard James, the slinky was developed in America and made in America and thankfully Poof Products, Inc. is keeping the tradition going!

Poof Products continues to sell slinkies made in America as well as some of their other products. The products made by Poof are easy to find and easy to buy because they are available in over 25 different stores as well as Amazon. Poof sells Slinkies, magic sets, mini construction sets, science kits, board games, as well as dog slinkies and upgraded versions of the slinky such as ones with gold plating. Poof's headquarters are in Plymouth, Michigan just south-east of 8 mile and west of Detroit. For being a fairly new company, just hitting their 23rd anniversary this year they have become very popular among gifts for children and employ over 200 American citizens who pay taxes and spend their income in America!


      

Manufacturing in China keeps American companies afloat

In an article by Michael Ruhlman about the "Made in America" segments that ran throughout the month of December on ABC News arguments are made that Chinese manufacturing is vital to American companies.  The article posits that the cooking tool company in which the author is proud to be part of, relies on inexpensive Chinese manufacturing to stay afloat.  He argues the business is positive for America because it uses American shipping materials and shipping from UPS.  They also pay a lawyer and accountant, and reinvest all their profit.

There are certainly arguments for Chinese manufacturing but we should also keep in mind the arguments for American manufacturing.  The biggest reason to restore American manufacturing is that it creates American jobs.  It's that simple.

Could you imagine the economic impact of the cooking tool company in which it seems Ruhlman and his partner have no employees?  That company might as well be Rada Cutlery producing their cutlery in the USA.

There are some situations in which I am compelled, dare I say forced to buy foreign made products.  Take my Samsung Galaxy or Apple Ipod, I have no American manufactured option.  But instead of buying Michael Ruhlman serving spoons, this one for $33 and this one for $29 I would choose to buy a $14 package of spoons from Rada Cutlery that includes both styles.  Why now would I buy 2 spoons that are made in China for $62 when I could buy better ones made in America for $14? 

It pays to be a smart consumer... pays America.  I'm happy to be a customer.


Saturday, December 22, 2012

Jelly Belly Jelly Beans Made in America

I have been eating jelly beans as long as I can remember. Jelly Belly Jelly Beans are the #1 gourmet jelly bean in the world! And guess what? They are made in America! Based in Fairfield, Ca, Jelly Belly was the first company to make jelly beans with all naturals flavors. They have half the sugar than other jelly beans, and are made with real fruit juice. You can purchase the entire line up of Jelly Belly products from Amazon.

The demand for non-chocolate treats became popular by patriotic Americans after a chocolate shortage during World War 2. In 1960, fourth generation candy maker Herman Goelitz Rowland took over his family’s Oakland California’s candy corn business and expanded it with gummi bears and jelly beans. In 1976, the first eight flavors of Jelly bellys were born.

These delicious treats soon caught the attention of president Reagan and jelly belly jelly beans became a staple in the oval office. They were the first jelly beans in space, given as a surprise to the crew of the Challenger space shuttle in 1983.

They offer a wide variety of flavors including blueberry, buttered popcorn, and strawberry cheesecake. Jelly Belly’s are fat free, gluten free, and kosher. Jelly Belly makes sugar free jelly beans, and sport jelly beans that contain electrolytes and vitamins for athletes. This company does not let any of their product go to waste. The jelly beans that don’t meet quality standards are repackaged and sold as Belly Flops. Jelly Belly also makes Chocolate Dips, which are jelly beans covered in chocolate. Jelly Belly hires union workers and has over 700 employees. Jelly Belly and The Made in America Store teamed up to bring consumers the world’s most famous jelly bean.

We will have an article soon about Russell Stover candies also made in America.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Crayola Crayons are Made in America

Who hasn't used a Crayola Crayon? Crayola's wax crayons are a part of American culture, and every child's art during their pre-school and elementary years. Crayola initially started as Binney and Smith and in the early 1900s they really got in the swing of manufacturing wax crayons.  The first Crayola crayon was made in 1903.  Before that point Binney & Smith was known for pigments and carbon black pencils. Crayola products are a great gift to give to children around the time of the holidays and as a birthday present. The items available from Crayola are also great back to school gifts that every kid will love.  Today, Crayola estimates that 99% of Americans are familiar with the Crayola name.

Headquartered in Northampton County, Pennsylvania with manufacturing in Bethlehem, PA as well Crayola employs over 1,000 people.  While they do have production in Mexico and International sales offices, they are now owned by American mega-corp Hallmark.  Hallmark is based out of Kansas City and generates over 4 billion dollars a year in revenue which in turn sends a nice chunk to the American government in tax dollars.  Between the cards and the crayons, this is one American company that warrants our purchasing power, and no doubt at some point in your life you already have.

By 1998 they had 120 colors available to consumers.

Crayola also produces silly putty, modeling clay, Liquitex products and many other products that are focused around allowing children to have fun with art.


Monday, December 17, 2012

Microbrews made in the USA and guide to American beers

I love good beer!  Great beers are made all around the world.  Certain styles of beer from Germany, Belgium, Ireland are world renowned for being the original of it's class.  Whether it's an English ale, Guinness, Belgian Dubbel, Hacker-Pschoor, Heineken, or another great imported beer you can bet there is a craft brewery in America making a comparable beer. Sure the imports taste great, and maybe they originated the style, but decrease your carbon footprint and keep your money at home!

Here in Philadelphia I've found some great microbreweries near me, and no matter where you are in the US you can find a great craft brewer producing excellent beer near you.  My favorite breweries within 100 miles of Philadelphia are Dogfish Head, Flying Fish, Yards, Philadelphia Brewing Company, Weyerbacher, and Flying Dog.  These breweries combine to employ hundreds of Americans, and with the millions of dollars in sales, they also generate a nice chunk of tax revenue for the American government.  Of course, you'll have your own favorites based on where you live, and maybe my local beers don't reach you.  Please seek out the American Microbrewed beers that are made in your area.  By reducing the transportation distance of your beer you'll be helping the environment while helping to employ Americans!

Challenge yourself to find craft beers that include all American hops and grains as well! Common American hops include Cascade, Citra, Centennial, Chinook, Nugget, Columbus, Tomahawk, Zeus, Simcoe, Crystal, Willamette, and Warrior.  Drink your beer out of an American made Pint Glass!

Below is a list of some great import beers and a similar American microbrew you should purchase instead.  If you click the import beer name you will be directed to a list on Beer Advocate of the best beers in that class in order, make sure you choose American!

Guiness Irish Dry Stout made in the USA substitutions:

1. Cadillac Mountain Stout, Bay Harbor Brewing, Maine
2. Great Lakes Wolfhound Stout, Great Lakes Brewing Company, Ohio
3. Black Sun Stout, Three Floyds Brewing, Indiana

Belgian Tripel made in the USA substitutions:
1. Damnation Batch 23, Russian River Brewing, California
2. Allagash Tripel Ale, Allagash Brewing, Maine
3. The Tide And It's Takers, Anchorage Brewing, Alaska
4. Sawyer's Triple, Stone Brewing, California

Bass or Boddingtons English Ale made in the USA substitutions:
1. Scallywag Extra Pale Ale, Skull Coast Brewing, South Carolina
2. Ipswich Original Pale Ale, Ipswich Ale Brewery, Massachusetts
3. Urban Wilderness Pale Ale, Sleeping Lade Brewing, Alaska
4. Axes of Evil, Gigantic Brewing, Oregon
5. 5 Parrel Pale Ale, Odell Brewing, Colorado

Franziskaner or Ayinger Hefeweizen made in the USA substitutions:
(many of these beers are rated higher than the German beers!)
1. Live Oak Hefweizen, Live Oak, Texas
2. Dancing Man Wheat, New Glarus Brewing, Wisconsin
3. Dry Dock Hefeweizen, Dry Dock Brewing, Colorado
4. Drunk Monk Hefeweizen, Three Floyds Brewing, Indiana
5. Sierra Nevada Kellerweis, Sierra Nevade, California

India Pale Ale made in the USA substitutions:
1. Blackheart, Three Floyds Brewing, Indiana
2. 1800 Old English IPA, Minneapolis Town Hall, Minnesota
3. At Her Majesty's Pleasure, Pipeworks Brewing, Illinois
4. Great Lakes Commodore Perry IPA, Great Lakes Brewing, Ohio

Amstel Light made in the USA substitutions:
Try Sam Adams Light, Sankaty Light, Zion Canyon Jamaican Style Lager, Yuengling light.
Did you know? While very well known "American" breweries like Miller, Coors, and Bud are produced in the USA it is important to note that they are now all owned by foreign companies.  Coors is Canadian, Miller is UK owned, Anheuser-Busch is Belgian.  Drinking these beers helps keeps Americans manufacturing beer, but some of the tax revenue leaves America.
The following is a list of the largest microbreweries (also support the small ones!) in America from Sloshspot.
  1. Boston Brewing Company, Boston MA
  2. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Chico CA
  3. New Belgium Brewing Company, Fort Collins CO
  4. Spoetzl Brewery, Shiner TX
  5. Pyramid Brewries, Inc., Seattle, WA
  6. Matt Brewing Company, Utica NY
  7. Deschutes Brewing Company, Bend OR
  8. Boulevard Brewing Company, Kansas City MO
  9. Full Sail Brewing Company, Hood River OR
  10. Harpoon Brewery, Boston MA
  11. Alaskan Brewing and Bottling Company, Juneau AL
  12. Magic Hat Brewing Company and Performing Arts Center, South Burlington VT
  13. Anchor Brewing Company, San Fransisco CA
  14. Bell's Brewery, Inc., Kalamazoo MI
  15. Shipyard Brewing Company, Portland ME
  16. Summit Brewing Company, St. Paul MN
  17. Abita Brewing Company, Abita Springs LA
  18. Gordon Biersch Brewing Company, San Jose CA
  19. Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn NY
  20. Stone Brewing Company, Escondido CA
  21. Rogue Ales, Newport OR
  22. Long Trail Brewing Company, Bridgewater Corners VT
  23. New Glarus Brewing Company, New Glarus WI
  24. Kona Brewing Company, Kahlua-Kona HI
  25. Dogfish Head Brewing Company, Milton DE
  26. Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Paso Robles CA
  27. Great Lakes Brewing Company, Cleveland OH
  28. The Lagunitas Brewing Company, Petaluma CA
  29. Flying Dog Brewery, Denver CO
  30. Sweetwater Brewery, Atlanta GA
  31. Bridgeport Brewing Company, Portland OR
  32. Rock Bottom Brewery, Louisville CO
  33. Odell Brewing Company, Fort Collins CO
  34. BJ's Restaurant and Brewery, Huntington Beach CA
  35. Victory Brewing Company, Downington PA
  36. Mac and Jack's Brewery, Redmond WA
  37. Lost Coast Brewery and Cafe, Eureka CA
  38. Big Sky Brewing Company, Missoula MT
  39. Pete's Brewing Company, San Antonio TX
  40. Otter Creek Brewing Company, Middlebury VT
  41. Karl Strauss Brewing Company, San Diego CA
  42. Breckenridge Brewing Company, Denver CO
  43. Gordon Biersch Brewery, Chattanooga TN
  44. Anderson Valley Brewing Company, Boonville CA
  45. Boulder Beer Company, Boulder CO
  46. North Coast Brewing Company, Fort Bragg CA
  47. McMenamins, Portland OR
  48. Utah Brewer's Cooperative, Salt Lake City UT
  49. Capital Brewing Company, Middleton WI
  50. Blue Point Brewing Company, Patchogue NY


Buy American Candles - Our Own Candle Company

There are many American candle companies to choose from, but today I want to feature Our Own Candle Company. This great American candle is produced in New York where they also have two retail stores. Their candles are made with lead free wicks, burn cleanly, and have no wax hangups. Their flavors are all named creatively and have tons of scent. For example a Smell My Nuts candle, Hot Apple Pie, Lemon Pound Cake, Buttercream, Orange Creamsicle, Snickerdoodle, and Fried Ice Cream.

To purchase their candles use the links I've provided to Amazon or visit a retailer that sells their candlesOur Own Candle Company makes candles that burn for 30-100 hours. The 30 hour candles are available in packs of 4 with a total of 120 hour burn time. All of these candles are proudly made in the United States of America.

For a detailed description of the scents offered by Our Own Candle Company please see Candlefind.


Sunday, December 16, 2012

K'NEX Toys are made in the USA

Recently Obama helped put K'NEX toys on the "Made in America" map by visiting their factory and showing off that American manufacturing is alive and well.  Based in Hatfield, PA K'NEX toys are building pieces that allow children to explore and use creativity.

Colorful rods, connectors, and bricks let kids build big models that move. While building and playing kids are also learning and developing fine motor skills. K’NEX encourages creativity, problem solving, and spatial thinking. K’NEX building sets are designed to give children age appropriate building experiences and to encourage them to use the parts to build anything they can imagine.

For example, KID K’NEX allows younger kids to enjoy building fun with big, chunky pieces that are easy to manipulate while the Thrill Rides building sets allow more advanced builders to create working roller coasters and amusement park rides.

K’NEX is the winner of over 200 awards and manufactures bricks, rods, and connectors in the United States using environmentally friendly practices.



 

From K'NEX website: This Is What We Believe:

We believe that the company can be financially successful while behaving in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

We believe that our product, K'NEX, is unique and worthwhile; that it is capable of enriching the lives of those who use it, both through pure enjoyment and through its educational impact; and that these genuine qualities must be sustained with all the innovation and creativity we can muster.

We believe that K'NEX is as safe as human ingenuity can make it, and we must make this intrinsic in every design we devise and publish.

We believe that the company has a responsibility to provide a safe and fulfilling work environment, and an opportunity to grow and learn.

And This Is Why We're Here:

To be a profitable and successful company, while acting in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Unless we achieve these goals, nothing that follows below will long be possible.

To provide safe, effective, innovative, and distinctive brands that truly delight the senses of sight and touch at every age, and tickles the senses of humor and wonder.

To respect the intelligence of our customers by providing products and designs that do exactly what we advertise they will, without artifice, deception or puffery.

To value and respect our co-workers, to be concerned about and contribute to their well being, and to act with integrity so as to deserve their trust.

To provide meaningful work, fair compensation, and a safe, healthy work environment that encourages openness, creativity, focus, self-discipline and growth.

To acknowledge the value of each person's contribution to our goals.

To foster teamwork in our tasks.

To work together to contribute to the long-term value and sustainability of our company.

To encourage diverse perspectives and talents that will enrich K'NEX, and Lincoln Logs as a product and to broaden the base of understanding among all the people who work with us at K'NEX.

Adapted from The Soul of a Business, by Tom Chappell

 

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Importance of Buying American Products


Importance of Buying American Products    
  Over the last decade, the American economy hasn’t been going on the path that we’ve all wanted and just now we are on the road to recovery. Since Congress is going to keep continuing their bipartisan bickering as Americans we must act. As Americans we want things to get done quickly and efficiently and completely being reliant on the US legislature is not the way to go. In order to solve our economic problems we must buy American made products to boost the US economy. These are the reasons why all of us should be buying products made in the USA rather than the ones’ that come from overseas.

  • America is one of the few countries working on an alternative energy program. Not only will this reduce pollution but it will also reduce prices over time because the need for oil will decrease.
  • The amount of time it will take to pay off the national debt will significantly decrease. Currently, the average American is responsible for $47,000 of our National debt. This can easily be changed by buying American made products.
  • Create more jobs in the USA which will not only make it easier for you to get a job but for future generations and your family members.
  • Most of the jobs that overseas don’t come back; therefore it’s best to start now so we can have job growth rather than loss.
  • Products made in foreign nations do not have the same safety standards we do. Sometimes toys and other products shipped to the USA may have dangerous levels of lead in them. A product made in America would not have this happen because of the safety standards and consumer protection laws.
  • Boosts the American economy and gives investors more reason and confidence to put their money into America.
  • Products made over seas pollute the environment using dangerous processes. The same cannot be said about what is made in America.
  • No minimum wage and less worker safety laws in other countries.
  • If the economy was booming, the value of the dollar would significantly increase over time.
  • Companies would have more money to build infrastructure which would leave room for more jobs.
  • What is known as the domino effect will happen. This starts with people buying American made products, which boosts the economy, and in turn makes wages higher. This allows citizens to spend more money on hopefully another batch of American goods and the cycle just keeps continuing.

Resources for this post:

  1. http://buyamericanproject.org/
  2. http://madeinusaforever.com/toptenreasons.html
  3. http://www.americansworking.com/why.html
  4. http://www.chooseinsulatedsiding.com/why-buy-american-made-products/

Pet Furniture Made in the USA

Ware Manufacturing manufactures a variety of pet products in America to enhance the life of your reptiles, amphibians, dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, and more. Their corporate office is located in Phoenix, Arizona and "made in the USA" manufacturing occurs in Surgoinsville, Tennessee.

The extensive line of pet products made by Ware in the USA can be purchased on Amazon.com.  American Made pet products from Ware have also been spotted at Petsmart.  Research closely, you may find some Ware products are not made in America and are instead made in China. 

Wayfair can help segregate items for your pets that are made in the USA.  If you are viewing a specific item type you can narrow your search by products made in America, in this search you'll find cat trees that are made in America. 

The best deal on a big 71'' cat tree made in America is the $133 Cat Playstation from "New Cat Condos"



Other manufacturers making cat trees in America as seen on Wayfair include:

If you are looking for an  American made Dog House try Our Pets Tuff-N-Rugged Dog House which was the winner of the Consumer Digest Best Buy Award.  Or for only $125 you can purchase the smaller Our Pets Cozy Cottage Dog House also made in the USA!

Want to treat your dog and your eyes to the most beautiful Dog crate you will ever see made in America with American wood?  Try a Dynamic Accents Pet Crate made in the USA!  Or maybe you're looking for a cost effective American made dog crate, look no further than Midwest Life Stages Dog Crate.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Honda builds millionth car in U.S. for export

Honda began manufacturing cars in the USA in 1982.  On December 3rd of 2012 Honda announced that it has made it's 1 millionth vehicle in the United States built for export.  While purchasing a Chevy or Ford may give you an American pride feeling, Honda deserves an honorable mention for the manufacturing jobs it has produced in America.  To date Honda has built over 17 million vehicles in North America with many domestically sourced parts.

The millionth Honda for export was a silver Accord built in the Marysville, Ohio factory.  In 2014 Honda expects to export more cars built in North America than it imports from Japan. 

Many foreign makers export a large amount of their cars made in America, but the trend was started by Honda.  Since 1987 Honda has exported more than $22 billion worth of cars and components from America.  Yes, they make components here and export them for production on their manufacturing lines abroad!





A post on Edmunds from 2006 details some important figures about Honda and the money generated stateside by the automaker:

In Ohio 2006, there were 160 suppliers for the Honda plants. In 2004 $6.8 billion was spent on Honda products. 
North American suppliers totaled 600 putting $13.6 billion into the American economy. 
PROPERTY TAXES PAID IN 2004: $23.6 million 
United Way Contributions: $1.2 million from Associates 
                          $ 900,000 Corporate Match 
Capital investment since 1979 $5.5 billion. 
EXPORTS of 2006; 22,586 cars shipped to 41 countries.  (1,000,000 total as of Dec 3, 2012!)
          11,000 motorcycles and ATVs to 52 countries 
          $1.5 billion of parts and components 
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: 
$615,000 in "Dollars for Doers" grants have been paid to qualified non-profit organizations since 1995.
Honda associates, spouses and retirees have given more than 290,000 volunteer hours in support of local communities.
$1.3 million was donated to the Katrina fund. 
 

From 2010-2012 Honda invested $2.2 billion in operations here in the US.  In 2014 they will make 1.92 million units per year in the states, up from 1.63 million.

American Honda Financial Services and American Honda Motor Corporation generate tax revenue for the American government and should not be excluded from your car purchasing decisions.  Many American jobs have been created by Honda's dedication to American manufacturing

So when you make your next car buying decision, don't automatically exclude Honda for being foreign.  They deserve a lot of kudos for the American job creation and revenue creation.  The residual value and dependability on Honda's are so high that this will leave you with more money to spend on other... AMERICAN PRODUCTS!

A television made in the USA!

Who says electronics can't be built in America?  Element Electronics is breaking the mold by manufacturing TV's in the USA.  TV's made in Detroit, Michigan have helped generate over 100 jobs in the short time since they started manufacturing at home.

This was also an emotional decision for the company, maybe even a patriotic choice.  Element Electronics is an American company. Personally, I grew up in a small, blue-collar Ohio town. Our business is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We are rooted in the Midwest. We have watched for years as jobs have left America for other countries. We have wanted to and planned for producing TV’s here, at home. Element Electronics wants to pioneer a resurgence of creating quality manufacturing jobs in the USA. - Mike O'Shaughnessy, Element Electronics President


And if building the TV in America wasn't enough, Element LED TV’s are environmentally friendly.  They do not contain the levels of lead, mercury and other volatile organic compounds found in most CRT and LCD TV’s.  They also use recycled plastics to produce their LCD TV's which use less packaging than conventional LCD TV's.  Element uses less power than a conventional LCD TV too!

When we started the project we knew that we wanted to produce in the Midwest.  Practically speaking, the Midwest held advantages in terms of a qualified labor pool and distribution efficiencies based on population across the U.S. We settled on Michigan as a result of the partnerships established in Michigan. With the help of partners Tongfang Global and Lotus, we were able to make our American dream come true.  - Mike O'Shaughnessy, Element Electronics President
Element TV's are competitively priced and are available at big box stores such as Costco, Target, Walmart, and were featured on QVC.  They have also been spotted on Amazon here.  Please inspect your particular box for the "Made in USA" label.

Welcome to Made in the USA

Our government has had multiple years to address our "fiscal cliff" issues and it has had a hard time working together to resolve our problems.  We've been fighting high unemployment rates for years.  We’ve sent over 4 million jobs overseas since 2001.  And with lost jobs comes lost tax revenue.  As citizens we should do something.  Buy American!
 
In his re-election speech Obama said "America's never been about what can be done for us. It's about what can be done by us...."  The quote was Obama's version of a popular JFK quote, "ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country."  We can make a difference.  We can help the American economy by buying American made products from American companies when possible. The average American spends $700 on holiday gifts and goodies, totaling more than $465 billion.  If that money was spent entirely on US made products it would create 4.6 million jobs.  If every American spent $64 on American made goods during holiday shopping, the result would be 200,000 jobs.

I’m not suggesting you must buy all American products from now on.  I'm suggesting you buy more American products.  To help us escape some of our economic woes buying American manufactured products will help restore manufacturing jobs in this country, and this site seeks to make that task easier for you. 

This site will detail and highlight products made in America.  We will feature articles, information, and news about products "Made in the USA."