LANSING – State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) today encouraged residents to take advantage of online resources to find Michigan-made products and services provided by local companies as a way of supporting Michigan's workers and strengthening our state's economy.
"In order to jumpstart Michigan's economy, we have to start thinking – and buying – locally," Dean said. "There are many ways to find Michigan-made products and support our working families during these difficult times. It's a small step, but the more people who get on board and buy Michigan products first, the quicker we will get our economy back on the right track."
There are many resources available online to learn which products are made in our state. You can check out www.buymichiganproducts.com and www.buymichigannow.com for directories that make it easy to make Michigan-made products your first choice when you shop.
A relatively new site, www.BuyMichFirst.com, also lists companies and their products. Local businesses can log on to the site and register their information if they haven't done so already.
"Michigan's workforce is the best in the world," Dean said. "Not that long ago, Grand Rapids was the premiere furniture manufacturing city in the world. By giving preference to products made in Michigan, we will be taking one of the most important steps we can take to rejuvenate our area's economy and provide a good quality of life for all of Michigan's families."