Made in the USA Just One Part of the Equation

Editor’s Note: Marie Clapper is executive producer for “Focus on Suppliers.”

Driving to work recently, the message on my car’s rearview mirror: “Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear,” made me think of the Made in the USA movement. As I translated it, “Made in the USA may have more significance than first appears.”

American-made merchandise is on the minds of many of us in the retail community at the moment.

In part, that’s because Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s 2016 U.S. Manufacturing Supplier Summit is right around the corner (June 28), and in part it’s because, well, the topic is perennially important to the futures of us all.

However, over time I have realized that making products here in America is often just one part of the equation. Made in the USA is also often a leading indicator of the soul of a company.

It’s not simply that these products are better because they’re made here. It seems to me that Made in the USA indicates a company that cares about the environment, people and issues of integrity that are sometimes overlooked.

How do I know this? In part, from the interviews on “Focus on Suppliers” that zero in on American-made.

Take EcoVet Furniture, one of the guests on the episode that will debut June 25.

Yes, its products are Made in the USA (in Rogers actually). But beyond that, EcoVet is a company that’s highly sensitive to sustainability.

Its products, high-design tables, chairs and cabinets, are handcrafted from decommissioned semi-trailers — primarily old Walmart trailers. Reverse logistics is EcoVet’s specialty, and the company is 100 percent sustainable.

But that’s just the start. EcoVet also hires military veterans and in many cases teaches them a new career skill in the process. Many don’t know how to make furniture until they are taught on the job.

Transitioning back into civilian life after being in the service isn’t always easy, so in many instances this company is reclaiming people as well as materials. 

In fact, EcoVet is a trifecta of thoughtful considerations: Made in the USA, sustainability and hiring veterans.

Another guest, Biomax Health Products of San Diego, has a similar approach. Biomax’s anti-inflammatory cream, Penetrex, is Made in the USA and uses recycled materials — in this instance, for its packaging. Then, taking integrity one step further, the team works with the Arc of San Diego to employ Americans with disabilities.

Made in the USA, sustainability and providing work for Americans with disabilities.

Or, consider Alliance Rubber Co. of Hot Springs. In addition to being Made in the USA and using rapidly renewable resources, it is a woman-owned company that fully supports diversity and recognizes its value.

Made in the USA, sustainability and diversity.

These and other companies share their stories on “Focus on Suppliers” upcoming Made in the USA episode.

Viewers will learn about companies that, yes, are making products here and at the same time are demonstrating gentleness toward our beautiful planet and kindness to fellow travelers on this amazing journey. 

 

Coming Up On “Focus on Suppliers”

The show broadcasts weekly on KNWA-NBC at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and 5 a.m. Sundays. Full episodes and extended interviews can be found online at YouTube.com/c/8thandwalton or Vimeo.com/FocusOnSuppliers. Currently scheduled guests and episodes, which are subject to change:

June 25: Made in the USA Special

Alliance Rubber Co. – Jason Risner

CompuCom – Tim Parker

EcoVet Furniture – Matt Gillespie

Junior Achievement – Tara Aston

Penetrex – Robert Farb

Saatchi & Saatchi X – Jessica Hendrix

Visit Bentonville – Kalene Griffith

Visit Bentonville – Darrel Harvey

 

If you missed the Women and Technology Special featuring Star Jones, go to:

Vimeo.com/FocusOnSuppliers/Tech16

Featured Guests:

Acumen Brands – Lela Davidson

Campbell Soup Co. – Denise Morrison

Kimberly-Clark Corp. – Sarah Semrow

NPD GRoup – Andrew Horning

Saatchi & Saatchi X – Jessica Hendrix

Samsung – Mike Kadish

Star Jones