We've all heard the media continue to report on the dangers of product recalls - courtesy of foreign countries - like dog food, drywall, toys, vitamins, milk, and lead paint. As a result, more consumers are actively reading labels and shopping accordingly. A recent Gallup Poll found that 72% of Americans are paying "heightened attention" to the country of origin.

The American consumer has spoken loud and clear. Most prefer to buy American and are willing to pay more for it. The same Gallup Poll revealed that 94% of Americans would pay more for foods grown or produced in the United States.

It follows then that the next, natural step would be to have the products we see and buy so often certified as either manufactured or grown in the United States. American consumers get peace of mind, and American businesses can strengthen their brands by building loyalty and trust while emphasizing their commitment to keeping jobs in the United States.

'Made in USA Certified' (www.USA-C.com) is the place to go for businesses that have all these goals in mind. Their criterion for qualification is pretty straightforward, and here it is:

• Products must be verified as having their core components manufactured or grown in the United States of America, as well as 100% of their assembly conducted in the U.S.A.
• In the case of consumables (human and animal), 100% of the core components as well as 100% of the assembly must be conducted in the United States of America.

To qualify for the Service in USA Certified(TM) Seal:

• A business must demonstrate that all labor is provided exclusively from within the United States of America.

At USA-C, they say the process of getting certified is as easy as 1-2-3.

Their clients range from service companies such as The Whole Bain Group (smart web design and social media strategies) to familiar manufacturers like All American Clothing, which I have featured or mentioned in some of my past articles.

On the USA-C testimonials page, you can read comments from companies that have happily been through the certification process like lingerie design and manufacture firm Hanky Panky, burn-care product maker WaterJel Technologies, domestic dog treat maker Kona's Chips, and the Franklin Instrument Company.

The membership benefits of working with 'Made in USA Certified' are many. You'll get access to other 'Made in USA Certified' companies and the chance to partner with them to help expand your business opportunities through networking. After all, companies that have consumer patriotism as their core belief work better when they work together.

After the admittedly rigorous certification process, once your 'Made in USA Certified' Seal is granted, you'll be on your way to differentiating your company from the competition.

And since 'Made in USA Certified' complies with U.S. federal laws and regulations, should the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ever question your 'made in USA' claim through their own audit or at the request of a concerned patriotic consumer, 'Made in USA Certified' will provide all associated documentation supporting your product(s) or services claim.

So if you own a company, work with a company, or know of a company that wants to add value to their brand and give their consumers peace of mind in what has become an increasing cut-throat global economy where profit has taken precedence all too often ahead of what's best and safest for the American marketplace, you might want to give 'Made in USA Certified' a long, hard look.

Roger Simmermaker is the author of How Americans Can Buy American: The Power of Consumer Patriotism. He also writes "Buy American Mention of the Week" articles for his website www.howtobuyamerican.com and is a member of the Machinists Union and National Writers Union. Roger has been a frequent guest on Fox News, CNN and MSNBC, has been quoted in the USA Today, Wall Street Journal and US News & World Report among many other publications, and is now a weekly contributor to WorldNetDaily.

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