Made In America

I'm not so sure how it happened, but it did. For some reason when I visited with #FBLT on Twitter today I ran across clothing companies that are located in America. This is great news for production in the United States! The reshoring effort seems to be paying off and Made In The USA has meaning again.

One business that I ran across is http://www.bluerdenim.com/. Bluer is true premium denim that is Made in America. Their “Buy one, Give One” program offers the buyer an easy way to participate in the Bluer philanthropic program. Bluer also covers each denim product it sells with a one year warranty against damage or defects that result from normal wear.

I also learned about http://www.overunderclothing.com/. Over Under Clothing has premium quality, Made In The USA designs, offers custom sizing and care instructions, and actually prewashes each tee-shirt to assure a true fit. The giving back program at Over Under Clothing specifically focuses on at risk dogs and they personalize each purchase by donating to at risk dogs in your area.

These two companies exemplify the integrity and selflessness that Americans have. They are a true inspiration in helping others to achieve the American dream.  

www.georgiannahardwarecorporation.com

TEAR MENDER PRODUCTS

We received a sample from Tear Mender the other day and started to look for things we could repair. Tear Mender is suitable for any long lasting and permanent bond and we knew we could put it to good use.  Learning that Tear Mender is water-proof, non-toxic, UV resistant and non-toxic confirmed that this was right up our alley. 

The first thing that caught our attention was a picture frame that had the back of the frame pulling away from the frame itself. We immediately put it on the “we can fix-it” list before a small disaster occurred.  The directions were easy to follow. Shake well before using, spread a layer on the item being repaired, press together, allow to dry.

We chose to try three different types of applicators, a toothpick, a cotton swap, and a small paint brush. Though all three of these choices worked, we found that the paint brush allowed us to apply the product more quickly and evenly.   We could have used a finger, but we wanted to put this product to the test!   

The final result is our picture frame has been saved and once again makes a nice appearance on the wall!  

Important warning:  If you suffer from latex allergies this product is not for you.  Tear Meander is a natural latex compound as reported in the Material Safety Data Sheet.

Socialaundry's recent press release was easily missed unless you happened across it like we did.

Socialaundry says that they are a group of socially-engaged, charitable people who are passionate about doing things the right way.  There is no doubt that Socialaundry has made a noble effort by supporting victims of Hurricane Sandy.  They have committed themselves to have their ReNew Jersey t-shirts at HMSHost Travel Plazas throughout New Jersey. 

We encourage you to read Socialaundry's press release about the ReNew Jersey campaign.

www.georgiannahardwarecorporation.com

It's Not a Fad, It's a Lifestyle

My oven blew up over the weekend.  My head was in the refrigerator so I can't give you details. BOOF! The oven no longer works.

Since I love cookies I started to search for a new oven. I'll admit it, I was more concerned about the price than anything else. Good news, though. The first oven I found that met all of my requirements came from GE and is assembled in the United States!

Everyone at Georgianna Hardware is pleased to find that we are no longer alone in buying American made products. We never wanted to reinstate isolationism, we just wanted our friends to be able to put food on their tables. Now, there is a preference among Americans to buy goods that are manufactured in the United States.

It is nice to see national news reports that say Made in USA is making a comeback. It is also refreshing to know that we can all have an occasional break from the intense research that is sometimes necessary to verify that a product is made in the USA because Americans only need to buy one percent of USA made products to secure 250,000 jobs.

The whole thing can get to be confusing, but it can be explained. If the label reads, “produced”, “product of”, “manufactured”, or “made” in the USA or America, that product is made onshore.  No need to worry about anything else because we have the Federal Trade Commission to keep the manufactures honest.

For us, buying American made is not a fad, it's a lifestyle.   

Georgianna Hardware Corporation/January 2013 Notables

Made in America Movement

America is absolutely amazing. Apple made an announcement that they were bringing some of their production back to America. This made the headlines, but we were curious. We wondered if we are still in the minority of people that look for products that are made in the United States of America. Come to find out, we're not the only people that believe in America.

The Reshoring Initiative teaches us that companies benefit from reshoring as offshore sourcing faces higher costs in transportation and fuel, as well as increasing wages. We invite you to visit our December Notables December 2012 Notables page to learn more about reshorenow.org.

There is a whole new trend coming along called "Reshoring" although some refer to it as "backsourcing" or "onshoring".  Either way the efforts support businesses bringing jobs back to the U.S. from overseas.  Companies such as Janssen Boas are happy to help other businesses bring products back to the United States and organizations like reMakeIn still believe that neighbors and local communities can help one another.  

America is amazing!  For many of us America is the country that owed us nothing but gave us everything.  It seems we're realizing that it is time for us to give back.

The Start of The New Year

And they're off!  Off into the New Year with great enthusiasum and robust confidence.  Leaving 2011 behind and dashing into 2012 with great eagerness. 

You were all part of the transition that is taking place.  Made in America is cool again.  More and more folks have taken steps to promote and support products and services that support American workers.  Good for you for being a trend setter.  Your awareness is what keeps Americans working.  No matter how minimal you think they are, I appreciate your efforts and they are making a difference in our country. 

Georgianna Hardware is speeding into the new year too, but things will be getting off to a slow start.  Sadly, my husband suffered a hernia late in 2011 and he will be having corrective surgery this week.  In a family owned and operated business this means the entire payroll calls in sick.  We want to be as close to him as possible during his recovery which means he should be quite anxious to return to work in February!    

Thank you for your support throughout 2011.  There are a lot of things in the works here and I think you'll like what Georgianna Hardware offers to you in 2012. 

http://georgiannahardwarecorporation.com/default.aspx

Christmas Cards

When I select my Christmas cards I check the details.  I guess I do this because my dad worked in the printing industry for a number of years.  I check the quality of paper, the color sharpness, and the cut.  Finally, I need my cards to be made in the USA.  It's a real study and for some reason the men in my family prefer not to tag along for the trip.  The winners this year were Legacy Greetings of Horsham, PA and LPG Greetings of Walworth, WI.

When I looked around on the web I found that Avanti Press has some nice cards available that are presented in a reusable padded mailing envelope.  (That works for my tree hugger side!)  

Each of these companies have posted links to local stores that carry their products.  This makes it easy to support Small Business Saturday, November 26, 2011. 

If you're not familiar with the printing industry, please take a few minutes to watch the Miller TP95 in action.  

Georgianna Hardware Corporation

Preparing for the Months Ahead

Last I wrote I told you that I was sick.  I'm glad to say that I am some better, but officially I am on light duty.  Thank you for your concern.

I'm thrilled that my associates took time to prepare a video for us.  The video is of a Shop-Vac product that is made in Pennsylvania.  I bought the Shop-Vac that is featured in the video for use in the basement.  After visiting the web site http://www.shopvac.com/ I am reconsidering my purchase.  My Shop-Vac is great, but I bought it for a specific purpose and might have had a multi-use tool for the lawn as well.  Or, I'm thinking that I if I had kept it out of the basement I could have had a really neat vacuum for the house. 

With all of my vac thoughts, I'm remembering that Father's Day will be June 19, 2011.  Maybe I could intercept the gift and get a new vacuum out of the deal!  Either way, I am sure that I am going to look more closely at Shop-Vac products.  Please do take a few minutes to view the new video.

Georgianna Hardware Corporation.com

Sticky situation

Cellophane tape is pretty neat. You can use it to coax climbing plants to follow their trellis, wrap it sticky side out around a paper towel to pick up glass slivers, or even patch a hole in a screen. Today I found myself in need of cellophane tape because I know I'll be wrapping a present or two very soon. I was at the store and actually remembered to look for the tape.

The display rack that was there had a number of different dispensers with different lengths, widths, and brands. I had already done the math to figure the cost per square inch for three of the offered products when I glanced down the aisle to an seemingly endless row. Then I remembered reading that if we Americans spent $3.33 on American made products it could create about 10,000 jobs in our country.

I dropped my "Sensible Shopper hat" on the floor and picked up the tape that read, “Made in America.” I don't know how it is in your house, but I know with birthdays alone I can hold up my end of that bargain.

Please visit our web site to find more products that are made in America.

http://georgiannahardwarecorporation.com/default.aspx 

Spring fever

The cat and I have Spring Fever.  We were actually able to get out in the yard today and start preparing the gardens for summer.  (Yes, my Northern friends, winter will end.) 

 

When I came inside I started to think about getting the Blog written and it almost didn't get done at all.  Instead of writing anything I decided to look for some American made toys. A few weeks ago when I was researching American made items I had run across toys from Melissa and Doug.   When I first saw their toys I was not too impressed, but then I started to take note of the prices.  I could find a decent little toy for under ten dollars for a young child.  That's not easy to do any more. 

 

I remember taking my children to the local dollar stores, sometimes the 99 cent store, and somehow the children were always able turn my kindness of giving them a dollar into a twenty dollar loss for me.  It was supposed to be an educational experience ~ and I guess I eventually learned.  Melissa and Doug were just starting up when my children were at the age most of their toys are geared for, but I took a much closer look tonight at their products and I'm pretty sure the cat is going to enjoy his new bughouse.  

 

Read the story of Melissa and Doug at http://www.melissaanddoug.com/about.phtml and visit our toy department at Toy Sale.

First week of the American Dream

Wrapping up the first week of living the American Dream and I am excited to take on next week.


I jumped into this business because I wanted to remind people how great America is and promote American made products.  The only thing that has happened is you have confirmed that I was right.  Gosh, each of you that I have been in contact with have been inspiring and you have all been supportive. 

Keep on, folks.  We're getting the word out there!  I had hoped we'd reach ten people with the, "buy American" message and we're closer to one-hundred.   

I'm well aware that I have very few friends that get excited when I bring up the topic of economics, but now it's simple.  Buy American and we create more jobs.  When you're out shopping this weekend, please pay attention to the labels.   Oh, and as a little thank you, the web site has been updated with more deals and freebies.  

Please visit us at www.Georgiannahardwarecorporation.com

Deep breaths.

It seems that finding a pair of jeans that are made in America would be easy, but I was wrong. I can't even say that I was up to the challenge today because for some reason the conversation revolved around September 11.

Deep breaths. We are coming up on the ten year anniversary and I still fight back tears, still have to remind myself to inhale and exhale.

I can't say that I am happy with the results that I have listed on the web site. I wanted to find jeans for the men in my life. I'm talking about the men. The guys that know how to use a shovel, get the job done and aren't afraid to get dirty while they do their job. They are the men that can wear the suit to the office, come home, change their clothes and make plumbing repairs.

Deep breaths. Some of the companies that I had originally searched out are no longer producing their products in America, but there is good news! Yes, there are American made jeans. The prices range up toward four-hundred dollars in some cases, but there are American made jeans to be found.

If you can find any others that I haven't given recognition to please drop me a note and I will be happy to update my records. Actually, I would love to update my records. Just the thought of it makes me feel better.

Diamond Gusset jeans are made in America and you can will see a few more at

in our store at http://georgiannahardwarecorporation.com/Store.aspx

It's chilly, but the dog and cat are warm.

The night before the Grand Opening of my online store that I have decided to open because I have such a strong belief in the American Dream, my house seems cold. Every time the wind blows it seems as if the cold air rushes in and I get chilled. I could turn the electric heat up, walk all the way across the living room and turn the dial on the gas fireplace, go get a blanket or sweater, or even use the stove to bake some cookies. I have plenty of choices. 

 

I have always thought that I was very fortunate to live in the world's greatest country. My ancestors gained their strength from something that I have never had to long for. Those people decided to give me a gift that I could pass on to my children with pride. They fought for me to keep the gift and they worked to allow me to have choices.

Tonight, as I sit here at my computer, I feel chilled.  I know that there are children just up the road from me that are cold too.  Maybe they do not have a choice.  My grandparents wanted better for their children and saw America as the tool that would help them achieve their dream.  That action allowed me to make the choice to start this blog and my little online store that will spotlight products that are made in America. Now I must choose which product to feature.

I chose cat food as the first item to spotlight in my blog. It's common enough. You either love cats or you hate them. My associates and I recently finished our study of cat food.  We found three different brands of cat food in the cabinet. All three were chicken so we figured it was a fair comparison. The first was a store brand that was produced in Canada. The second was the 9 Lives brand , but we weren't sure where it was produced. The third brand clearly state, “Made in Thailand”. What? Really?

I decided to call the 800 number listed on the 9 Lives can. A very nice lady answered the call and was more than willing to answer my questions. Yes, the can of chicken cat food was made in America. The beef I have is too. As for the fish, no. All of the fish used in cat food must be de-boned prior to processing. Sadly, Americans don't like to de-bone fish because it is, “labor intensive”, and therefore the product generally comes from Thailand and then is sent to American Samoa for packing.  The labels accurately reference this information.

Today I launch my American dream. I want to build an awareness about American made products.  It's been an effort and I would like to share my journey. I'd love it if you would choose to follow along. For goodness sake, I inquired about the cat's food. Odd, the cat chose to refuse to eat the chicken that had come from Thailand, but he and the dog are warm tonight.

Please visit our website www.GeorgiannaHardwareCorporation.com