Why Claim Made in the USA? According to Perception Research Services . . .
- It will enhance and build brand
- It will expand customer base
- It is a differentiator from competition
- It adds purchase influence at the
point of sale
- It allows an opportunity to tell the Made in the USA story
- It strengthens brands for
exports
Did you know . . . “Four out of five
shoppers notice “Made in the U.S.A.” claims on packaging? 76% of those shoppers claim that they are
more likely to purchase a product after noticing the “Made in the U.S.A” claim.”
--
Made in the U.S.A., and I don't mean the Demi Lovato way . . . Albeit, this young woman has over 8 million people who have viewed and listened to her "Made in the U.S.A." song on You Tube! I suppose she is helping the cause in her own manner -- Go Demi!
Communities throughout the Washington, D.C. region are bustling with local growers, producers, and gifted artisans who handcraft products for consumers. Backyard, front yard, next door neighbors; the region is burgeoning with hundreds of creative people. These dedicated souls have discovered the inner spirit as a self producer and explore avenues to sell their hand-made items to whomever discovers the beauty, taste, and value in each product.
"Tis the Season to be Jolly . . . Falalalala, lalalala!
The 2013 Traditional Holiday Market is opening on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and every
Saturday and Sunday until January 5, 2014. Our growers and producers are offering locally grown produce, LIVE Trees,
fresh garland,100% grass fed meats, poultry, Charcuterie, a part of the "garde manger chef's repertoire" -- great for impromptu gatherings. The meats are cured on site at one of the nearby farms. There will also be fiber arts made with hand spun yarns, and more from a sustainable family farm.
If you are wondering where to find these ingenious and talented folks, they hail from communities located in S.E., N.E., N.W., S.W. Washington, D.C.; Upper Marlboro,
Clinton, Fort Washington, Waldorf, Oxon Hill, Montgomery Village,
Elkridge, Hyattsville, Temple Hills, Pasadena, Bowie, Glenn Dale, Largo,
Welcome, Beltsville, Rockville, Maryland; and Alexandria, Maidens, Arlington,
Vienna, Richmond, Virginia; Philadelphia, PA!
While
strolling around National Harbor or shopping at the soon to open Tanger
Outlet I bet a hearty appetite will befall and a great place to refuel is at the Holiday Market. Find your way to American Way (located between Fleet and Waterfront Streets) and enjoy delectable
sweet and palatable savory foods that will satisfy and delight any taste bud! Our food chefs will be whipping up some mighty good and delicious foods. And don't forget, there will be food items to give as gifts to friends and family.
There's something for everyone! Did I mention, "Unique Non-traditional" small business owners who craft their products in the
good ole U.S.A. will be on hand at the market?!
YES, I did! New vendors have been added to the market -- Shrimp Po Boys,
Gumbo, Shrimp and
Grits, Bread puddings; Lobster rolls, She Crab soup; Three varieties of
Hot Chili, Turkey Dogs,
Hot Smokes; Shrimp and pasta, smoothies, hot
cider with spices; Gyros, ribbon chips, Falafel sandwiches, Baklava,
Greek burgers with feta cheese, hot cider; cakes,
pies, peach cobblers, cheese cakes, amazing brownies, and toffee cakes.
Other delicious baked goods made to your satisfaction on-site -- donuts,
funnel cakes, fried Oreos. And what will the season be without Kettle Corn, chai, hot
chocolate, Banana Breads, Roasted Cinnamon Nuts, Collard Green
condiments to serve at family gatherings, and more!
And hold onto some of that cash burning in your pockets! If you are searching for
the one-of-a-kind, unique gifts for those very special people on your
list, our artisans have what you are looking for! On the craft side,
there will be knitted hats, mittens, scarves, gorgeous jewelry, recycled
and vintage items used to create stunning works of art and jewelry . . .
Stained glass, handcrafted ornaments, greeting cards by artists, gifts
for those beloved pets, scented soy candles that will enhance your
indoor environment, collector's artwork, photography and more!
It is no secret that EVERY business and store wants YOUR
money . . . Why? Spending money is what makes the economy go round and
round! And quiet as it's kept, small businesses are the backbone to a
thriving economy! Our artisans spend hours handcrafting and
pouring their hearts into creating gifts
and foods that will be enjoyed and treasured throughout the season and in years to come.
Meanwhile . . . With all of the hoopla surrounding Halloween and Christmas, we can easily overlook a very special tradition known as Thanksgiving . . . A time to gather with family and friends to give thanks to God for His abundant blessings.
Thanksgivukkah . . . What is it? If you are not caught up on your reading, I discovered an interesting article in the District Chronicles newspaper (November 7-13, 2013) titled, "Americans celebrate Hanukkah, Thanksgiving this year," a.k.a. "Thanksgivukkah." As reported by Lauren Markoe, "This is a 'once-in-an-eternity' opportunity to celebrate two favorite holidays -- one quintessential American and the other quintessential Jewish." According to the article, "the last time the merging of these two observances occurred was in 1888 and after calculating the numbers, these observances will not happen again until 77,798 years." This year, November 28, 2013 will be the first full day of the eighth-day of the Jewish festival of lights, which begins at sundown on the 27th.
I would type the entire article, but folks get bent out of shape if I did that and would make me order a reprint . . . Besides, I don't have that kind of time! So, if you'd like to read the entire article, visit: www.districtchronicles.com
Now I know why this puppy is all dressed up . . .
Hold on, Wait a minute . . . I am nearing the finish line! A day does not pass by without someone proclaiming, "life is short" or "the world is small," Through my eyes life is not short; it is what you do and accomplish in your life that makes life significant. Similarly, the world is not small . . . Lord knows I do not know everyone . . . And I know a bunch of people. I am always delighted to meet new faces everyday. So, I ask, how big is your world?
If you've made it this far down the page, I will conclude with the following thoughts . . . Helping and caring about other people and creatures . . .
Unless folks have been hiding in a cave or moving too fast for their own good, for several years as society witnesses, nature and people are spiraling out of control . . . Citizens are experiencing many tragedies, heartbreaks, loss of security and basic necessities (shelter, food, clothing), and in some instances, hope. We live in a society where tensions divide us . . . Good and bad, greed, rich or poor, obesity vs. hunger, abundance vs. lack, healthy vs. disease ridden, recycling/replanting and forest fires, floods, storms. Life would be so great if most of society is willing to be sincere about giving and caring for his/her neighbor and for the earth. For some, it is simple; establish a firm set of core values and "be about what they claim they are."
Bible scholars will recall in the final book in the Old Testament, Malachi, a.k.a. the "Messenger," we read in chapter 3:10a, "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts."(NRSV)
I am very grateful and honored to work with small business owners who earn their living by realizing their passion. With the funds that I earn, I give 10% (tithe) back to the community and contribute to my ministry, Hannah's Grace, Inc. In the coming weeks, I will knock on e-boxes to launch a campaign to raise funds to initiate sharing and learning opportunities on behalf of "unique non-traditional" small business owners.
If you are "LinkedIn" on my page, there is no secret that the talents and learned skills I possess, one of the prominent skills folks endorse is "fund raising" . . . Well, here's where everyone may use those fingers and click where it matters the most!
If you will, while you "ENDORSE" consider "DONATING" to help raise funds for this important effort. Needless to say, workforce development, employment and small business training, skill building, and
more opportunities will be available to many people who continue to struggle day-to-day relying on unemployment benefits or who may be underemployed, or fearful of being furloughed, riffed. And some have simply given up
searching for employment because they tire of being told no, dismissed, ignored.
We welcome you to "DONATE" $10, $25, $50, $100, $999 or more today! Connect with us at: www.hannahsgrace.org . . . Just so you are aware, Hannah's Grace, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 non-profit "transparent" organization. We will raise funds until we reach our goal! $375,000!! Tell your friends and colleagues to support our campaign as we work to support and serve people in need . . . We will provide a platform where these creative and savvy business people may learn and prosper in their own unique businesses. Kickstarter, Indiegogo, etc. . . . I will keep my 3-5% (thank you Emiliano for reminding me).
And don't forget, join us at the Holiday Market this season! We will see you soon! Visit -- http://nationalharbor.com/event/harbor-holiday-market-2/
Thank you for your support! Happy Thanksgivukkah! *smile*
Phyllicia
Rev. Phyllicia M. Hatton, M.Div.
Market Master - American and Holiday Markets
www.nationalharbor.com ~ phyproductions123@gmail.com
Phenomenal Productions LLC - President/Owner
www.phenomenalproductions.com ~ phyproductions@aol.com
Hannah's Grace, Inc. - Founder and President
www.hannahsgrace.org ~ connect@hannahsgrace.org
(301) 910-8076 Phone
Connect -- LinkedIn, Pinterest, Idealist, FB, Twitter, E-mail, Blogger -- telephone. . . Even better face-to-face!
Still need a tree, wreath or garland to deck the halls?
Remember the colorful tasty candy when you were a little person? Pick up a bag full! Our farmer has just what you need! But this weekend is the last one they will be on site before Christmas . . .The farmer's need to rest before they begin to harvest those new veggies for spring.
