Jul 5, 2009

Making ‘Made in USA’ mean moreBy My-Ly NguyenPressConnects.com

“Buy American” and “shop local” are more than just concepts for Julie Deemie. They’re the base of her new business.

She opened American Made Toys & Gifts this spring in the existing storefront of Art Allure Custom Framing on Avenue B in Johnson City. Her inventory, consisting entirely of U.S.-made products, takes up a corner of the custom framing shop, owned by Robert Olcott.

Deemie, who has another job in drafting and design, and is running for Johnson City mayor, said she started her sole proprietorship to offer area shoppers “something different” and to advocate against more big-box business in the region. She sells wooden trucks and other products made by Holgate Toys, as well as lead-free glassware and pottery, and other items.

“As our economy grows harsher, the importance of supporting local businesses and buying American becomes more important,” she said. “Dollar per dollar, more money stays in the local economy when you purchase from a local retailer, especially one who sells American products.”

The manufacturing origin of toys, in particular, has gained national attention over the years as product recalls and lead scares heightened many consumers’ awareness about what they were buying and from where.

In 2007, 45 million toys and other children’s products were recalled for hazards such as lead paint and small, powerful magnets that could hurt children if swallowed, the U.S. Department of Commerce said. A string of recalls that year were of Chinese-manufactured toys.

But buying American, especially when it comes to toys, is sometimes easier said than done.

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