Made in the USA…..I have a lot of feelings when I see those words. I feel a sense of pride, a sense of things being right. I wish I could buy only things made in the USA, but it’s impossible in today’s American economy – most things are made in China, Thailand, India, or anywhere but here.
It’s tricky – some companies are deliberately misleading the public. I had it happen last year when buying some items online from “A 100 year old American company” – I could swear it said that their products were made in the USA. I chose them over others for this reason (and paid a little more in the bargain). When the items came, they were labeled “made in China.” Apparently this 100 year old American company is just one more that has chosen to ship jobs overseas.
I have discussed this topic with various people and one thing is certain – most people don’t spend much time thinking about it. I know manufacturing jobs don’t necessarily require a lot of skill or education (some do though) and I realize they might not be the most exciting jobs, but they are JOBS. (People working fast food jobs want a living wage so they can make it a career. Not everyone wants to be a corporate executive, some people just want a job).
When companies leave the USA we lose more than just manufacturing jobs, we lose operations, supervision, and administration jobs for that company. That means less people working, which means all kinds of trouble for our country and our economy. Working people are contributing to the tax base and the economy, and are participating in their little piece of the American Dream.
I hope we see more companies returning to the USA, and no more leaving. I hope that it becomes easier and ultra cool to buy products Made in the USA. Maybe it’s because I am a veteran, maybe it’s because I am a business owner, but I love the way I feel when I see that imprint “Made in the USA” and I want to feel it more often.
Here are some resources to help us navigate who is truly Made in the USA.
Note: The photo with this article (Deeter Foundry) just happened to be something I walked by and it inspired me to write this article. I have never visited this foundry but according to their website they have been in Lincoln Nebraska since 1945 and all their products are Made in the USA – 72 years and counting. Companies like this are the heart of America, and we need more of them. Congratulations to Deeter Foundry – we are wishing you 100 more years! http://www.deeter.com
PS – Me and my website were both made in the USA (San Diego, CA)
