LANSING – With the final days of holiday shopping ticking down, State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) is encouraging residents to support the Michigan economy by giving gifts made in Michigan and support the local economy by shopping in locally owned stores.
"The economic challenges that many of us are facing have hit small businesses hard, not only in Michigan, but nationwide," Ebli said. "The holiday shopping season gives us a great opportunity to visit our local stores and buy Michigan-made products to support our friends and neighbors. Buying gifts and other goods at local shops will not only reinvest money into our community, but it will help support our businesses and downtowns."
Ebli also suggested that shoppers visit www.BuyMichFirst.com, which features a list of Michigan businesses and links to their Web sites. Local businesses can log on to the site to register their information and make it easier for residents to buy Michigan-made products. There are many other resources available online to learn about products that are made in Michigan. You can check out www.buymichiganproducts.com and www.buymichigannow.com for directories that make it easy to choose Michigan-made products and services.
"Our local businesses and shops give our towns character and make them feel like home," Ebli said. "But as more big-box stores move into our communities, unfortunately we are losing the businesses that make our town unique. Shopping at our locally owned stores will help boost our local economy and support our neighbors during this holiday season."