Governor Proclaims "Buy Michigan Week" for July 27, 2009

Buy Michigan Now (www.BuyMichiganNow.com), a campaign designed to promote and restore Michigan’s economy, requested and received an official proclamation from Governor Jennifer M. Granholm pronouncing the week of July 27th as Buy Michigan Week across the state. The campaign is now urging businesses, residents, and media throughout the state to celebrate by showcasing and supporting Michigan-based companies and Michigan-made products during that week.

According to Buy Michigan Now campaign founder, Lisa Diggs, “While we would like to see every week be Buy Michigan Week, we felt our current economic situation warranted a special spotlight on what is going well in this great state. We have amazing agriculture, terrific beers and wines, numerous independently-owned retailers and restaurants that all deserve some special attention.” Diggs continued, “Michigan is still manufacturing more products than people realize, while simultaneously carving out a leading role in the film, medical, and renewable energy industries. Our citizens need to hear about, celebrate, and support these positive developments.”

To help businesses capitalize on the opportunity, Buy Michigan Now has created flyers, posters, and shelf tags that may be downloaded for free by local communities and businesses to help them highlight Buy Michigan Week. “We recognize that not every business has the budget to create special signage for an event like this,” said Diggs, “so we are offering several designs at no cost to make it more affordable for companies to participate.”

In addition, Buy Michigan Now and Downtown Northville are hosting a festival that runs from Monday, July 27th – Sunday. August 2nd. The event will include several seminars, panel discussions, and entertainment, in addition to active participation by local merchants and numerous vendors/exhibitors that will be on hand from around the state.

The Campaign
Buy Michigan Now is a grassroots effort that was initiated in November of 2007 to help educate people of all ages about the benefits of buying locally and to stimulate positive thinking and actions in support of Michigan.


The Founder
Lisa Diggs is also founder of The Catalyst Company, an eight year old performance consulting agency, and is an alumnus of Michigan State University as well as the University of Michigan-Dearborn. As a nearly lifelong resident of Michigan she feels a deep sense of responsibility to promote, protect, and develop the state for future generations.


The Governor’s Proclamation Reads
Whereas, Buying locally maintains jobs, diversifies the economy and encourages business growth so that citizens can continue to live and work in the state of Michigan; and,

Whereas, Since the goods and merchandise purchased have less distance to travel from production to the consumer, buying locally reduces are carbon footprint thereby reducing the amount of fuel needed to transport items; and,

Whereas, We can “Buy Fresh, Buy Local, Give Local” by contributing Michigan foods to local food banks, which will help our neighbors in need and provide access to fresh, local, healthy food for all Michigan residents; and,

Whereas, Residents of this state can take action and make changes in their buying habits starting today by asking their grocer to label all produce so you know where it’s from, conduct research to discover Michigan products and services, ask your favorite restaurant to carry more Michigan foods, beer, and wine, and buy from local farmers’ markets;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of July 27, 2009, Buy Michigan Week in Michigan. I encourage all residents of this state to take advantage of the many great products and services that the state of Michigan has to offer by buying Michigan first.

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Contact and Sponsorship Information
For the latest updates on the Buy Michigan Now campaign, festival, or sponsorship information, please visit www.buymichigannow.com or contact Lisa Diggs at (248) 390.0974 or send email to info@BuyMichiganNow.com.

To become a vendor/exhibitor at the Buy Michigan Now Festival download and submit the Reservation Form or contact event producer, Ta Dah Productions at 248-548-2324 or ContactUs@Ta-Dah.com