How will you celebrate the Fourth of July this year? Many of us will see dramatic changes from our normal festivities. COVID has cancelled many a parade, picnic and party. 

Even though we won't be able to gather like years past, there are still ways we can celebrate our independence and honor the work of our founding fathers. 

President Trump often refers to his plans for developing job growth, even more so in the current economic environment. As unemployment numbers and the DOW Jones continue to make Americans nervous, we have powerful means to control our country's destiny. While holding an elected office is one way to serve the country, there are easier ways to support and improve the United States. We may not have the power to vote for legislation, but we have an even greater responsibility to vote with our money.

Supporting local businesses and American-made products is one of the most influential decisions we can make. Don’t believe us? 

Check out the top four reasons buying American-made products is worth the investment:

1. Job Creation – Millwood employs over 1600 employees. That means 1600 families can rely on a steady income, and use that income to purchase other local goods (that will then create additional local jobs). If every American spent an extra $3 to buy US made products over imported goods, it would create nearly 10,000 new jobs.
2. Economy Growth – When you buy goods that are made in America, your dollars spent will be recycled back to companies and workers who created that product. Every time you spend money on US products, you are supporting a fellow American’s ability to manufacture those goods, ensuring that the money stays in the country and continues to cycle through American businesses.
3. Community Support – Shopping at local businesses generates 70 percent more local economic activity than buying from large corporations or internationally made products. This is one of many benefits to Millwood's multiple locations throughout the USA to support our customers. It also benefits the environment (and by extension, the community); the less a product travels to get to you, the smaller the environmental footprint.
4. Defend Human Rights – Many countries have insufficient regulations for working condition standards. Many workers are subjected to long hours, unsafe conditions, child labor and criminally low wages. By choosing to spend your money on American-made products, you are also choosing to support human rights and responsible business.

It is our responsibility to create the America we want, and while the task may seem daunting, buying American-made products is a powerful first step.