Celebrating a Made in America Christmas: Spotlight on Unique Businesses
This holiday season marks the 13th anniversary of the Made in America Christmas initiative, a heartfelt celebration of small businesses dedicated to creating American-made gifts and jobs. Throughout the month of December, various businesses across the United States are highlighted for their contributions to local economies and crafting unique gifts that resonate with the spirit of the holidays.
One of the standouts this year is Dugout Mugs, located in Winter Haven, Florida, just east of Tampa. Owned by Chris Denner, Dugout Mugs transforms baseball bat barrels into remarkably intriguing drinking mugs. This inventive concept originated around nine years ago, right in a baseball dugout, and has since blossomed into a thriving business.
With a dedicated workforce of 16 employees, the company produces an impressive 900 mugs each day. Their products feature designs representing favorite Major League Baseball teams and can even be customized with team logos. Dugout Mugs have become a prevalent item at major league stadiums, showcasing the growth and popularity of American-made goods.
Next on the roster is Royal Jelly Harlem, a dynamic mother-daughter duo of Tita and Maya Gorgoni. The Gorgoni family proudly makes all of their products in America, including an impressive array of vibrant aprons. Their latest offerings include the colorful Johnny apron and the striking pom pom apron, complemented by stylish place mats and whimsical cocktail napkins.
With a small team of just four workers, Royal Jelly Harlem crafts around 500 aprons each week, embodying the ethos of creativity and style while supporting American manufacturing. Their dedication to quality and local production showcases their love for both their craft and their country.
Moving to Queechee, Vermont, we find Simon Pearce, renowned for its exquisitely handblown glass products. This company employs around 300 workers, including more than 80 skilled glassblowers and potters who are the backbone of the production process.
The artisans at Simon Pearce create stunning glass items like Shorum whiskey glasses and intricate wine glasses, while also crafting their signature glass evergreen trees. In fact, this year alone, the company has hand-crafted over 50,000 glass trees. Their commitment to American craftsmanship is not just about creating beautiful items but also capturing the spirit of the holidays with every piece they make.
This year's Made in America Christmas highlights the importance of supporting local businesses that prioritize quality craftsmanship and community development. With unique products crafted with pride, these companies exemplify the spirit of giving back during the holiday season.
As the celebration continues, there's an assurance that more inspiring stories of American innovation and creativity will be shared, underscoring the collective journey towards a festive and fulfilling holiday season adorned with products made right here in the United States. The commitment to fostering local economies and creating memorable gifts serves as a reminder of the value embedded in every handmade item.
Part 1/5:
Celebrating a Made in America Christmas: Spotlight on Unique Businesses
This holiday season marks the 13th anniversary of the Made in America Christmas initiative, a heartfelt celebration of small businesses dedicated to creating American-made gifts and jobs. Throughout the month of December, various businesses across the United States are highlighted for their contributions to local economies and crafting unique gifts that resonate with the spirit of the holidays.
Dugout Mugs: From Baseball to Beverages
Part 2/5:
One of the standouts this year is Dugout Mugs, located in Winter Haven, Florida, just east of Tampa. Owned by Chris Denner, Dugout Mugs transforms baseball bat barrels into remarkably intriguing drinking mugs. This inventive concept originated around nine years ago, right in a baseball dugout, and has since blossomed into a thriving business.
With a dedicated workforce of 16 employees, the company produces an impressive 900 mugs each day. Their products feature designs representing favorite Major League Baseball teams and can even be customized with team logos. Dugout Mugs have become a prevalent item at major league stadiums, showcasing the growth and popularity of American-made goods.
Royal Jelly Harlem: Stylish Culinary Essentials
Part 3/5:
Next on the roster is Royal Jelly Harlem, a dynamic mother-daughter duo of Tita and Maya Gorgoni. The Gorgoni family proudly makes all of their products in America, including an impressive array of vibrant aprons. Their latest offerings include the colorful Johnny apron and the striking pom pom apron, complemented by stylish place mats and whimsical cocktail napkins.
With a small team of just four workers, Royal Jelly Harlem crafts around 500 aprons each week, embodying the ethos of creativity and style while supporting American manufacturing. Their dedication to quality and local production showcases their love for both their craft and their country.
Simon Pearce: A Legacy of Handcrafted Glassware
Part 4/5:
Moving to Queechee, Vermont, we find Simon Pearce, renowned for its exquisitely handblown glass products. This company employs around 300 workers, including more than 80 skilled glassblowers and potters who are the backbone of the production process.
The artisans at Simon Pearce create stunning glass items like Shorum whiskey glasses and intricate wine glasses, while also crafting their signature glass evergreen trees. In fact, this year alone, the company has hand-crafted over 50,000 glass trees. Their commitment to American craftsmanship is not just about creating beautiful items but also capturing the spirit of the holidays with every piece they make.
A Continued Commitment to American Craftsmanship
Part 5/5:
This year's Made in America Christmas highlights the importance of supporting local businesses that prioritize quality craftsmanship and community development. With unique products crafted with pride, these companies exemplify the spirit of giving back during the holiday season.
As the celebration continues, there's an assurance that more inspiring stories of American innovation and creativity will be shared, underscoring the collective journey towards a festive and fulfilling holiday season adorned with products made right here in the United States. The commitment to fostering local economies and creating memorable gifts serves as a reminder of the value embedded in every handmade item.