We're dedicated to promoting products made or grown in Iowa by producers, entrepreneurs, and artisans. We want to connect small and midsize Iowa businesses with customers -- and offer a directory for companies devoted to quality and integrity.The Iowa Made Network's website lists 20 categories of items from Art to Furniture to Jewelry to Wine. This being Iowa, the largest category is Food (n.f.s.) with 543 purveyors, but the next largest is Art with 129 artists. Candy/Snacks (46 purveyors) merits its own category. There is even a category for Horses: "Uncle Slim's Pony Farm," whose owners have been raising Shetland ponies for 25 years.
This is an idea whose time has come, I think. Every region of the U.S. has lost manufacturing (even the writing of local news) to China and other countries. We don't all live in Iowa, but what's to prevent other states or even cities from rounding up their entrepreneurs and promoting them?
Yes! Ex-celllllll-lent.
ReplyDeleteCat
Cat! You used my laptop!! Well, thanks for commenting, anyway. I think this is a jolly good deal! If I lived in Iowa, and I had a little bidness, I'd for sure put it on the Iowa Made Network! In fact, I think he should have a link for FORMER IOWANS who have their own businesses....like the fabulous St. Croix Chocolate, founded and operated by Robyn Dochterman (a good Mt. Vernon, Iowa, name if there ever was one) and her wife, Dierdre Pope! These are fabulous chocolates!
ReplyDeleteMe, too...Am I on the right compluer now?
DeleteI think a lot of states have invested in this idea, Oklahoma did this some years ago. I do find that people enjoy receiving gifts made by local artisans in my new home state, and I love giving my friends and neighbors the turn.
ReplyDelete