Jun 8, 2011

Lawmakers: Make U.S. souvenirs in U.S.A.By CBSNews.com

The latest jobs report from the Labor Department has produced a feeling of frustration among the 14 million Americans looking for work. One factor contributing to the discouraging news is the declining number of manufacturing jobs, many of which have gone overseas.

On “The Early Show,” CBS News Correspondent Michelle Miller shared the story of one small business owner who saw a sharp decline in profits when one very well-known American tourist spot turned to overseas manufacturers to stock its store shelves.

Miller noted tourists come from all over the world to visit U.S. museums, national parks and zoos. But finding an American-made souvenir to take home with them is proving to be a difficult task. Lawmakers are now fighting to get more American-made products back in souvenir shops, and for small business owners and manufacturers alike, that’s very welcome news.

For nearly a decade, Merrie Buchsbaum sold her handcrafted wares made in her Connecticut home to one of the most iconic institutions in America.

Buchsbaum said twice a month she was shipping to the gift shop at the Smithsonian’s American History Museum. Her Americana Collection she says was among the museum’s bestsellers.

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