Dollar General carries American-made products

I stopped at the Dollar General Store in Bowling Green, MO yesterday, mainly because I thought I could get in an out of there quicker than I could Wal-Mart. What a nice store!  First Dollar General I've been in where the aisles are spacious, shelves well stocked and there wasn't a lot of inventory sitting in the aisles (looking like it's waiting to be put on shelves). Layout was a little different than others I shop in, but the clerks were very courteous and told me where to find what I was looking for.

Came across a brand they carry called "Clover Valley".  I picked up a couple boxes of cereal in this brand (those that resemble more popular-name brands), to give them a try -- because they were labeled as "Made in U.S.A." (Distributed by Dolgencorp, LLC, 100 Mission Ridge, Goodlettsville, TN 37072), and much less expensive.  The crunchy peanut butter in this brand is also labeled "Made in U.S.A." so am giving it a try as well. And haven't had time to bake recently, so bought a pkg of Clover Valley Real Chocolate Chip Cookies -- yep, Made in U.S.A.

 Also am trying the DG Home brand Soft Bath Tissue -- says it's comparable to Angel Soft Bath Tissue -- that's labeled as "Manufactured in U.S.A. from domestic and imported materials".  It's labeled as containing no inks, dyes & perfumes, and is septic safe.  Will let you know how I "feel" about this brand, ha -- and will continue to look for brands that are fully made in U.S.A.

Is American Still #1?

This is a copy of an email newsletter I receive from Agurban.  Thought I'd share it with you since it pertains to what's happening with manufacturing in the U.S.

From Manufacture This - The Blog of the Alliance for American Manufacturing

Is America Still #1?

· In 2011, the U.S. is poised to lose its 110-year run as the world's leader in factory production to China.
· China's economy surged ahead of Japan in 2010 to become the world's second largest.  While the U.S. remains the largest by gross domestic product, analysts predict that the U.S. risks losing that position by 2025 - if not sooner.
· China has moved into the #2 position in the publication of biomedical research articles.
· The U.S. has lost its position as the world's leading high-technology exporter.
· A recent survey found that 77% of global firms say they plan to build their new research and development facility in China or India.
· The United States now ranks 27th among developed nations in the proportion of college students receiving undergraduate degrees in science and engineering.
· Roughly half of America's outstanding public debt is now foreign-owned-with China the largest holder.
· China is poised to lead the world in patent application filings in 2011, surpassing both the U.S. and Japan.
· In 2010, China passed the United States as the world leader in auto sales.

U.S. manufacturing today.

· 5.5 million - the number of manufacturing jobs lost in the last decade - roughly one-third of the manufacturing workforce.
· 51,000 - the number of manufacturing plants shuttered in the last decade.
· 2.4 million - the number of American jobs lost or displaced between 2001-2008 due to our massive and growing trade deficit with China.
· 40 - the percent that China's currency is undervalued.
· 83 - the percent of our trade deficit in non-oil goods in 2009 attributable to China.

Manufacturing is the backbone of the American economy and expanding and deepening our nation's economic recovery cannot happen without reinvigorating our industrial base.

· In 2008, manufacturing produced $1.4 trillion in national income, making it one of the largest sectors in the American economy.
· Nearly 90 percent of all patents filed come from the manufacturing sector.
· American manufacturers are the leading buyers of new technology in the United States.
· American manufacturing directly employs roughly 11.7 million Americans and directly supports millions of additional jobs in other sectors.
· American manufacturing has a higher multiplier effect (4 to 5 indirect jobs) and pays better wages (20 percent high on average) than other sectors of the economy.
· In 2010, manufacturing was viewed by American voters as the most important sector to the overall strength of the American economy and for our national security.
· In 2010, 83 percent of American voters expressed support for tariffs on Chinese imports if they continue to cheat through their trade policies.

www.americanmanufacturing.org
 ________________________________________________________

We are hopeful that American manufacturing will continue to rebound from the Great Recession. Stay tuned as we will keep a watchful eye on vital sector of the U.S. economy.

Menards shares list of American-made products

A friend of mine shared with me an email from a Menard's store ad.  It gives the products they offer
that are made in the USA.  Check it out!

Roberta - Here is a made in the USA ad from Menards - will give you a list of items they sell that are made here! http://menards.inserts2online.com/customer_Frame.jsp?drpStoreID=1

American-made clothing

This seems to be another category that it is "hard to find" items that are Made in USA anymore.  My daughter mentioned that New Balance shoes is the only company that offers American-made athletic shoes now. At one time I thought all of Carhartt Brand clothing was made in the US, but as I looked at the tags of some Carhartt shirts for possible Christmas presents, I found that not to be true.  The Carhartt socks I purchased are -- and they are excellent quality.  The men in our family really like Carhartt socks.
They are made to stand-up to lots of wear.  We buy our Carhartt products mainly at the Farm & Home Supply Store in Pittsfield.  Fun place to look and shop.

I think I'll contact Carhartt and ask what products are made in the USA.   Will let you know what I find out.

Until next time -

Reply from Kellogg's and other things

Here's the reply I received from Kellogg's regarding my question about why they don't put "Made in USA" or "Product of USA" on their cereals, if this is where they're manufactured.

Roberta,

Thank you for your recent email regarding package print in Kellogg's® cereal products, we are happy to provide the following information.

Our company's goal is to provide consumers with wholesome, high-quality products. One area of great importance is packaging. We continually evaluate our package designs to accommodate the needs of our many different consumers.

Consumer satisfaction continues to be our primary objective. Therefore, we are forwarding your concerns to the appropriate company officials so they may consider your comments when planning future packaging changes.

It was good of you to take the time to share your views about our packaging. Your comments will help us continue to achieve our goal of providing you with great-tasting and high quality products.
 
Sincerely,
 
Danny Chavez
Consumer Specialist
Consumer Affairs


We'll see if my comment makes a difference to the company -- maybe if a few others contacted them as well (hint, hint).

On another note . . . yesterday was my husband Eric's birthday (now he's as old as I am again, ha). Just thought it would be interesting to evaluate the origin of his gifts and his birthday meal.

First, the presents.  I gave him (us) season passes to the Main Street Opry Music Hall Show at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Great, American-made, family entertainment if you like excellent singing and comedy. I highly recommend these shows to everyone. (They started doing two different show this past season and they plan to continue that format this year we've been told. So when we go to the lake for a weekend, we can take in two different shows - one each night - if we want.)

The second gift was a framed picture, I guess you could say.  It has a photo of each of our dad's in their uniforms from when they were in the Army Air Corps during WWII, along with a copy of sheet music that is the theme song for the AAC, plus a couple of quotes from Tom Brokaw's book, The Greatest Generation.  Unfortunately, I suspect the cheap frame I put the collage in is not made in the USA.

Okay, now for the meal.  We had spaghetti (Ronzini Healthy Harvest - Distributed by New World Pasta Co., Harrisburg, PA 17112-6457, Product of USA), with Barilla Mushroom & Garlic Sauce (PRODUCT OF USA, Distributed by Barilla America, Inc. Bannockburn, IL 60015).  I also fixed us each a lettuce salad with broccoli and cherry tomatoes (Okay, I hope those were all USA grown -- not sure about the lettuce and broccoli. Some of the tomatoes came from a pack labeled Sunripe Sweet Grape Tomatoes - PRODUCT OF USA, Distributed by Pacific Tomato Growers Ltd. Palmetto, FL 34221 and the other pack were Flavor Growers & Packers, Product of Mexico.) Also steamed some of the broccoli and we had a glass of Sutter Home Merlot Wine (Vinted and Bottled in Napa, CA).  For dessert, I had made a chocolate pie using Jello-Brand pudding, Cool-Whip Brand whipped topping and a pre-made Kroger-brand Chocolate crumb crust.  None of those items specifically state MADE IN USA :(.

Think I'll develop a spreadsheet by food category and keep a list of products (including brand name) that are Made in USA and which retail store they're available in.  Please feel free to send me the names of products you find and like that are USA products.

Is your peanut butter American made?

I'd have to say that peanut butter is a staple in our home food supply. So I'm making it my quest to find
one that is "Made in USA".  My preferred brand is Wal-Mart's Creamy Reduced Fat Peanut Butter Spread -- but I may have to adapt my taste buds to a different one if I find this is not an American-made product.  My husband like crunchy peanut butter and we currently have a jar of Peter Pan.  It's made by ConAgra Foods, Omaha, NE.  BUT it doesn't say it's American made.  Think I'll do some checking with
ConAgra and look a little more at the other brands on the store shelves.  It seems I've looked before and couldn't find one that states it's a "Product of USA".  Will let you know -- or if you've found one, please share the information with me.

Are Kellogg's Cereals Really 'Made in USA'?

I went to the Kellogg's Cereals website today to ask where their cereals are made.  I'm not the first to ask obviously.  It was actually one of the frequently asked questions.  Here is what is stated there, followed by my specific question to the Kellogg's Consumer Service Dept.  I'll let you know if I get a response from them.

Question:

How can I tell where your products are made?

Answer:

If a product is manufactured in a country other than the USA, it will be printed on the package above 'Distributed by Kellogg Sales Co.' For example, if a product is made in Canada, the package will state 'Product from Canada'. If the package does not contain that statement, the product was manufactured in the USA. We do not manufacture any of our products in China.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide the city and state in the USA where the product is made since that is proprietary/confidential information.

Our company is committed to consistently providing consumers with products of the highest quality. We have rigid sanitation standards that are closely adhered to in all facilities where our products are manufactured, whether the plant is located in the USA or another country. In addition, Kellogg Quality Assurance personnel regularly visit our plants and suppliers to assure that proper procedures are being followed.

All our operations must meet Kellogg Company standards, which often exceed government standards. We take great pride in the fact that our facilities are clean and technologically advanced and that Kellogg people are strongly committed to producing products of the highest quality regardless of their location.

Here is what I specifically ask Kellogg's:

I read your statement in regards to "How can I tell where your products are made." You indicate that the cereals are made in the U.S.A. unless you state they are made somewhere else. If that is so, why do you not state "Made in USA" or "Product of USA" on the box?  I prefer to buy American-made products when I can. I like many of the Kellogg's cereals and would feel better about buying them if I knew they were made here in the U.S.  Thank you for your response.

Longaberger Baskets are American Made

I've been a Longaberger sales consultant since 2000.  One of the reasons I enjoy selling the quality baskets and other Longaberger products is that the baskets are made right here in the U.S. -- in Frazeyburg, OH (east of Columbus about 40 miles).  Since the company was founded by Dave Longaberger in 1973, the family-owned business has expanded its line of products to include pottery, woodcrafts (lids, cutting boards, etc.) wrought iron, fabric accessories, and home decor.

For many years, the pottery was made by Pfaltzgraff here in the U.S. and for the past two or three years, The Longaberger Co. has offered a pottery line called 'American Home Pottery', which was manufactured by the Homer Laughlin Co. (the same company that makes Fiesta dishes).  Most of the pottery today, however, is made in China.  Even though I wish all of the pottery was still made here, I will say that the Made in China pottery we offer is top-quality.  Longaberger pottery (especially the baking dishes) is the easiest to clean up of any I have ever used!  Will the pottery line ever return to being manufactured by an American company?  I don't know. 

We've been assured by Tami Longaberger that the basket production, the foundation of the company business, will always stay here.  It's a craftsmanship to be proud of.  If you've not ever visited The Longaberger Homestead, do so when you're going through Ohio sometime.  It's a real interesting place to visit. You can watch the basket weavers at work and gain a real appreciation of what goes into making a basket. And to top it off, you can actually weave your own Longaberger Basket if you want!  (Luckily with the help of an experienced weaver. Don't worry, you won't go away with a bad basket, ha.)

You get what you pay for (hopefully).

As my farmer husband was putting on his work boots this morning he commented that "these boots have really held up well".  When I asked him what brand they are, he said "Red Wing. Made in Red Wing, MN."  I'm sure he has had these for at least a couple of years and he wears them just about everyday.
This is an example of getting the quality you pay for -- and fortunately this time it is an American-made
products. Thanks, Red Wing!

Glancing at the pantry shelf

Here are just a few of the items in my pantry that do display "Made in the USA" or "Product of USA":
Flavorite Raisins -- Distributed by Supervalue Inc., Eden Prairie, MN 55344 USA, Product of USA.
Kroger Pure Canola Oil -- Distributed by the Kroger Co., Cincinnati, OH 45202, Made in USA.
Blue Diamond Almonds -- From California, Packed by Blue Diamond Growers, Sacramento, CA 95812 USA. (Does saying "From California" mean they were grown there?)
Rapid Instant Rice -- Distributed by Save-A-Lot Food Stores Inc, Earth City, MO 63045, Product of USA.
Budweiser Wing Sauce -- Manufactured by Vita Specialty Foods, Inwood WV 25428, Product of USA.
The Pampered Chef Basil Blend Canola Oil -- Manufactured for The Pampered Chef, Addison, IL 60101-5630, USA, Made in USA.
County Market Honey Grahams -- Distributed by Supervalu Inc., Eden Prairie, MN 55344 USA, Product of USA.
Kroger Lite Pears Sliced in Pear Juce from Concentrate -- Distributed by the Kroger Co., Cincinnati, OH 45202, Made in USA.

And . . . a few items that do not bear the "Made in USA" or "Product of USA" stamp:
Kroger Lite Chunky Mixed Fruit in Pear Juice from Concentrate -- Distributed by the Kroger Co., Cincinnati, OH 45202.
Kroger Lite Yellow Cling Peaches Sliced in Pear Juice from Concentrate and Water -- Distributed by the Kroger Co., Cincinnati, OH 45202.
Progresso Vegetable Classics Hearty Tomato Soup -- Distributed by Progresso Foods Division, General Meals Cereals, LLC, Minneapolis, MN 55440 USA.
Quaker Grits -- Distributed by The Quarker Oats Company, Chicago, IL 60604-9003 USA.
Peter Pan Crunchy Peanut Butter -- ConAgra Foods, Inc. Omaha, NE 68103-0768 USA.
Jello Fat Free Chocolate Fudge Sugar Free Instant Pudding -- Kraft Foods, Inc. Rye Brook, NY 10573 USA.

I'm going to try and contact some of the companies above and ask where the products come from.

My first blog posting.

I've never blogged before, but I just think there's a need for letting others know what products are American made.  On a recent trip to the grocery store, where I frequently shop, I looked at the packaging label of every item I had on my list to purchase.  I wanted to see how many of these items were "made in America".  (I admit, I have not researched to find out if there's a required way to say this on a package, but I assumed it needed to be either "Made in the U.S.A." or "Product of the U.S.A.", based on what I was seeing on the packages.)

I was totally surprised how few of the items I had on my list displayed such a phrase.  Many had "Distributed by..." or just a U.S. city and state, but it was challenging to find even cereals that stated they were made in the good 'ole U.S.A.  This is when I started thinking about doing a blog where I would let others know what products I find that are manufactured here in the U.S. and those that may be processed elsewhere, or where the ingredients come from somewhere else and packaged here.

I want to become a more knowledgeable consumer and am willing to share my information with others. Please understand that I'm not opposed to a global economy -- my husband and I are farmers and we certainly understand the importance of strong exports for the corn and soybeans we grow.  Likewise, I sell for The Longaberger Co. and some of the accessory products we offer (pottery, wrought iron, fabric accessories) come from outside the U.S.  But wherever possible, I want to try and buy American-made products, because I want our economy to remain strong.  I believe in the power of one -- that one person does make a difference. So if I can learn from the information I gather for this blog, I'm hoping that by sharing, I will help others think about the purchases they make.

If you have suggestions on how to list this information please let me know.  I may try to set up some product categories and state what specific products I find that are American made and which store I found them in. Or maybe I should do it by the name of the store (chain or independent) and then the name of the products made in the U.S.  Likewise, I plan to contact manufacturing companies and inquire where the ingredients come from and/or where the product is processed and if it is then shipped to the U.S. for packaging.

Let me know if you have specific products you want to inquire about or if you have products you've found that are "Made in the U.S.A." you would like to post.