Building pride in American made

In a time of uncertain economies, I can’t help but think about how we as Americans can take more control into our own hands.

Hard work, fine craftsmanship, and innovation were some of the values this nation was built upon. In recent decades we are seeing more and more manufacturers outsource production overseas. This move is typically driven by profit margins.

Keeping our manufacturing on U.S. soil not only creates jobs and strengthens our business relationships and local economies, but it does something else that may be even more important.

It helps build pride. Pride in our work and in our craftsmanship, pride in our working neighborhoods, and pride in ourselves.

Manufacturing helped build this nation in our early years, and building pride in America is something that could perhaps help to unify this nation today.

Estimates show that every dollar invested in U.S. manufacturing generates $1.81 in economic activity. In other words, when you purchase goods Made in the USA, each dollar nearly doubles the investment into the American economy.

Some days I wonder if I were truly cut out for capitalism as I don’t like pushing products. But when we can weave values into our products, and pride into our communities, then heck yeah, I’m a capitalist.

It’s the American Dream after all.

We have choices with every dollar we spend. Our money speaks.

This holiday season, let’s hear it for pride in American Made.

Calhoun is the founder of Red Ants Pants, workwear for women Made in the USA. Red Ants Pants is based in White Sulphur Springs, Montana.