Recently in the Domestic Business Category

As posted in Industry Week on September 13th, 2011

"Americans need to actively and consciously support U.S. manufacturers and demand that the big box retailers and small mom and pops carry more 'Made in America' goods."

Click here to read more on this article by Julie Reiser, President & Co-Founder of Made in USA Certified, Inc.

Guest Blog By: Julie Reiser, President/Co-Founder of Made in the USA Certified, Inc

President Obama held a town hall meeting at Gamesa Technology Corporation, Inc. in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, April 6th. President Obama spoke about wanting to make America more competitive when it comes to energy. He was quoted all over the press saying, "I want it made right here in the U.S.A."

I think it is fantastic that President Obama is promoting alternative energy sources, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and developing clean energy. I am big proponent of developing alternative sources of energy and I do believe this is an area the United States needs to devote time, innovation and money towards.

In order for us to be the leaders in innovation we need to be making things, innovating, creating, and doing it domestically so the knowledge and the intellectual property and stays here. For decades we have handed over this knowledge and innovation to other countries - only to be copied, and then underpriced out of our own game.

Yesterday I got an email from one of our clients, Aeronautica Windpower. Aeronautica Windpower is located in Plymouth, Massachusetts and is 100% American owned and operated.  They also are the first and only American wind turbine company to become Made in USA Certified. The e-mail said:

"Aeronautica Windpower, LLC, is pleased to announce that Cape Verde Wind has chosen our 47-750kW Wind Turbine Generators for high penetration, hybrid wind/diesel applications to supply clean, efficient, and reliable power to the people of Cape Verde.  The initial purchase order of 15 units will provide 11.2 megawatts of power for this $22 million project, with more planned for installation in 2012 and 2013.Aeronautica Windpower is America's Wind Turbine Company, providing our excellent wind turbines for North America, and we're honored to be the supplier of wind power to Cape Verde."

I leapt for joy!

As clients these folks, these amazing entrepreneurs and engineers, have also become friends and we have shared many a conversation on the various challenges they have faced accessing working capital and competing against state-supported foreign companies that are aggressively going after this American market. I have felt their pain, empathized with them and sent many an email to Government representatives and media on the importance of telling Aeronautica's story.

Now they have done the amazing. This "little engine that could" is now an American company EXPORTING American Wind Turbines to Cape Verde at the tune of a $22 Million Dollar contract. How amazing is that? Best part is that the money stays here in the United States to help them grow their business, fuel our American economy, employ Americans, pay U.S. taxes and continue to innovate. Is this awesome or what??

I got chills as I read it, and I get chills as I write about it again. For all of you reading this that has ever doubted your ability to make a difference, stand up for what you know is right and noble, here is the proof. You can make a difference! If we stand together, united and strong - supporting each other - anything is possible.

For more information on Aeronautica Windpower go to: http://aeronauticawind.com/aw/index.html

To become Made in USA Certified & Request a Quote here: https://madeinusa.leads.dynamicssite.com/madeinusa.aspx

Special Guest Blog by Julie Reiser, President/CEO, Made in USA Certified, Inc.

I am embarrassed to admit this but, I had no idea until today that December is National Made in America Month!  How huge is that? December!  How come no one ever talks about that? The biggest retail shopping month of the entire year!

How could we have all missed this all these years?

So, I went right to the internet to find out more about who proclaimed it, when & why!  After doing so- I felt strongly that it is really important for EVERY American to understand the background of the proclamation and the best way to do that is to hear from the man himself--our late, great, President Ronald Reagan who coined the phrase, "Trust but Verify"! (Our company slogan is "Trust but Certify!"- and we have a special place in our hearts for the 40th President of the United States.)

So, let's take a look back together--shall we?

Read it Here: Proclamation 5587 -- Made in America Month, 1986
December 8, 1986 - By the President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan

This proclamation written on December 8th, 1986 is even MORE relevant today in December 2010- than ever before in our nations history. After over 2 decades of outsourcing our jobs, our factories, our businesses and money- this National Made in America Month takes on a truly more urgent and profound meaning!

I am so inspired that President Reagan felt so strongly about this issue - that he proclaimed December ( the busiest shopping month of the whole year)--National Made in America Month!  I don't see that as an accident or coincidence. He was actively seeking to bring awareness to consumers and encourage patriotic spending to fuel American business, growth and jobs to combat the massive amount of money spent on imports. Exactly what we needed then and what we so desperately need today!

President Ronald Reagan stated, "I invite the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities to celebrate the excellence of American products."

Now, the fact that none of us really know this and there is no pomp and circumstance, celebrations, ceremonies or activities around this--appears to be again, no accident. Most of the real money--is in Corporate America, big business--and lets face it, they are all really in it for the profits and import the heck out of everything!  They just care about their bottom lines and their bonuses - they don't care about us. That is the cold, hard, truth!

We care about us- notice us- is U.S. without the periods? We are all on the front lines of this economic recession that never seems to end- and WE CAN make a difference. WE are not insignificant and your choices everyday do matter. So, given the choice -support your U.S.A manufacturers, their families, their employees and their families- and lets put America back to work. December is THE perfect month to be National Made in America Month!

So, please this Holiday Season- forget big importing corporate America- and let's stand together and support America!  Buy American--Buy Made in U.S.A. - shop your main streets, you local businesses, and lets keep our neighbors, our communities and this country in business!

This is NATIONAL MADE IN AMERICA MONTH-- so, America - get ready to Buy American and look for that "Made in USA" Label / "Made in USA Certified" Seal this Holiday Season!!

And again, as Reagan stated way back in 1986, "Now is the time, therefore, for consumers both here and abroad to take a fresh look at what America has to offer. American technology and management are second to none, and the skill and resourcefulness of the American worker are the envy of the world. Not only does "Made in the U.S.A." symbolize excellence of quality and design, but our products are now available at more competitive prices."

God Bless Our Beautiful Country!

Julie Reiser is a WIPP Advocacy Partner and the President/CEO of Made in USA Certified, Inc., a 3rd party verification company that provides 3rd party assurance and Seal. To learn more about her company, please visit www.usa-c.com.