October 22, 2010:

Live Blog:

Marcie Gabor used video and graphics to illustrate that often what is good for the environment is also good for the community.

Marcie noticed a growing movement of new and old companies claiming “Made in the USA” on their products.  She also saw the lack of consistency in how companies are labeling  Made in USA on those products.  The recycling symbol has been standardized to show the common goal of improving the environment by the purchases we make.  She created a new, standardized Made in the USA symbol to show the common goal of improving the economy by the purchases we make.

The logo is symbolic.  It shows an outstretched hand.  The fingers are red, like the stripes of the flag.  The palm of the hand is blue.  The hand was chosen as a symbol to show the hand of the worker, and the promise of reliability.

Why should there be one certification mark?  Because of Sustainability.

Red + white + blue = green.
Apples grown locally are less of an impact on environment.  It’s also good for local business as a new type of recycling – recycling the dollar in our community.

Marcie challenges us to imagine clear identification that an item was made in USA.  She challenges us to imagine that those purchases will help improve the health of our economy.

There is an opportunity for companies to identify as Made in USA and give the consumers the choice of buying items made locally or over seas. Whether that’s an item from Etsy or a new car, we have the choice.  “All of our choices help fuel the next industrial revolution.”

US businesses can apply for the icon at in at MadeInUSAbrand.com