FTC: Made In The USA Comments Concerning Ken Papp--P894219 6-17-97 Made in the U.S.A. Policy Comment One thing I find troublesome is trying to find American made products in the market place. I go out of my way to find and purchase American made goods. It seems like I am alone in my quest because most of my friends think I am crazy. I try to support my country and fellow workers by keeping the dollars here. Why is this concept so difficult to grasp? Why does it seem so few people and companies go out their way to buy American? I was a supporter of New Balance shoes for many years because they were made in the U.S.A. But like most manufacturers, they started importing from China. Today it is almost impossible to find clothing that originated here. Man, I love finding that elusive Made In The U.S.A. label! I go out of my way to find it. About a month ago I went shopping for a pair of dress shoes. I almost bought a little less expensive imported shoe but opted for the DEXTER. I felt really good about the purchase and I really like the shoes. How does DEXTER do it? I don't know but I hope they keep making them here. Last week I was shopping for a Fathers day present and in my favorite sporting goods store I found Jack Nicklaus golf shirts. My dad and I have been Nicklaus fans since I was a kid. Jack is my golf idol. I stood looking at the $54.00 price tag on these Nicklaus shirts and wondered, as I always do, where was it made? It is sad to say that my golf idol would farm out his business to Korea. I understand the need to make a profit, the bottom line, the investors return etc. . . but it will be a cold day in hell before I buy a Nicklaus shirt made in Korea. Jack, you should be ashamed of yourself. I often write to companies whose products are made in the U.S.A and thank them. One in particular was Land's End whose merchandise is mostly made in the U.S. The president wrote me back and said they go out of their way to source materials here. Doing so has many advantages. What percentage of content need an item have to qualify as U.S.A. made? I'm not really sure. The more the better. I just wish more people would go out of there way to support our great country. At a time when the economy is strong and unemployment is way down, people don't care where their stereo, phone, clothing, pens, appliances, shoes, furniture is made. Someday though, they might get down-sized, and maybe then it will occur to them. . .maybe. Ken Papp |