Well, it’s here – the holiday season is upon us. As families across Maine put up trees, and wreaths, and lights, and as, this week, our Jewish friends lit the last candle on the menorah to mark the end of Hanukkah, we know we are in the full swing of the holiday season.
This is Governor Janet Mills and thank you for listening.
At the end of a very busy – and, at times, very hard – year, I know that Maine people are looking forward to enjoying time with friends and family this time of year. I am, as well.
But, hey, if you haven’t finished your holiday shopping yet, or if you are a bit of a last-minute shopper like I am, I wanted to take the opportunity to encourage you and encourage Maine people to shop local this holiday season.
You know, Maine is home to more than 150,000 small businesses — that’s 99 percent of all businesses in our state — and many of them are retail businesses that sell local, Maine-made products. These businesses and their producers are the cornerstones of our downtowns, the employers of our friends and family members, and a big driver of our economy. They need your business.
I guarantee you– no matter who you’re shopping for, you can find a special gift made right here in Maine and sold right here in Maine. If you need a little inspiration or information, our state’s “Maine Made” program is a great place to start. All you have to do is visit MaineMade.com. That’s MaineMade.com.
Look, everything from specialty maple syrup that’s boiled in a Jackman sugarhouse and homemade blueberry jam made on a farm in Ellsworth, beautiful fishing flies tied in Windham or snowshoes made in Pleasant Ridge Plantation, jewelry, craft brews, and puzzles and toys, specialty mustards from Eastport, all kinds of things are produced right here in Maine. The guide that’s online, our MaineMade.com guide, is a great resource for you to find local products that are made and sold all across our state.
Check it out. You’ll find some pretty interesting and great things. Meaningful gifts.
When you buy local, you’ll not only make a loved one feel special with a great gift, but you’ll be supporting Maine small businesses and the good people they employ, and our economy in the process.
You’ll be helping people who make these things – who spend hundreds of hours crafting jewelry and toys and specialty foods and whatnot – help them remain vibrant.
I hope you’ll join me in supporting Maine small businesses this year, and, as always, be sure to check-in on your neighbors and be kind to one another – this season, and every season.
This is Governor Janet Mills, and I wish you a happy and healthy holiday season – and thank you for listening.