WINSTON-SALEM, NC   All-Things-Wood.com, a cabinet, deck and hardwood floor refinishing contractor in Winston-Salem, has received official notice that they are the first home improvement contractor in the nation to be MADE IN USA CERTIFIED in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission requirements.

Lee Brown, company Visioneer explains why they sought the recognition, “North Carolina lost 80,000 jobs to China in less than 10 years. Most of these were in the wood industries. So from the beginning our expressed values were to use both “Made in America” and child-safe GREEN products for hardwood refinishing.”

Qualifying for the MADE IN USA CERTIFIED® Seal signifies that products like wood finishes have gone through a proprietary and rigorous supply-chain audit and certification process to confirm compliance with U.S. laws and regulations in regards to the ‘Made in USA’.

“North Carolinians are worried about the quality, durability and child safety of foreign products being used in their homes”, explained Brown. “With this certification, we are now able to differentiate our remarkable services from every other contractor in the market, and at the same time give greater creditability to our skilled craftsmen and floor techs. North Carolinians now have a choice to have safe and superior products used in their home – while putting Americans back to work, fueling our American economy and aiding in the recovery of our economic system.”

Technicians working for All-Things-Wood.com have as much as 20+ years individual experience providing superior craftsmanship, and are committed to “BEST Products – BEST Practices – BETTER Value”. “Because we use “Made in USA” products, we have the confidence to offer product warranties that range from 2 to 15 years, something unprecedented in the flooring industry.”

Although additional costs are incurred to meet the stringent Made in USA regulations, a recent Gallup Poll found that 72% of Americans are paying heightened attention to the country of origin of the products they buy and nearly 94% of Americans would pay more for products made in the United States of America. Lee Brown added, “North Carolina home-owners, realtors and property managers want companies to adhere to strict US labor laws regarding employment of illegal workers, OSHA compliance, safety standards, sustainability and EPA environmental regulations, …and most of all, they want the guarantee of quality and durability best found in American made products.”

President of Made In USA, Inc., Julie Reiser stated, “All-Things-Wood.com is a shining example of how craftsmen in the United States can still reuse and refinish wood to restore the value, durability and beauty of wood floors, cabinets, doors, paneling, church furniture and decks. By using “Made in America” wood stains and finishes; All-Things-Wood is keeping ingenuity, innovation and the American Dream alive and well in this country. We are so proud to certify this family run and operated business that is employing Americans and fueling our national economy.”

All-Things-Wood.com is a member of the Piedmont Environmental Alliance and the Winston-Salem Home Builders Association.  To celebrate the “Made In USA” certification, All-Things-Wood will provide sandless refinishing for 99 Cents (7-Year Warranty) for the first 50 clients that call.

Made In USA Certificate for All-Things-Wood.com[Download]

Made in USA Certified’s USA-C Polo Team was filmed for a segment out at Bostwick Stables in Wellington, Florida for the History Channel’s new series tentatively titled “Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy” premiering in the third Quarter this year.

DELRAY BEACH, FL., (Business Wire) —  Made in USA Certified, USA-C Polo Team is featured in a segment for The History Channels new series “Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy” (the official working title) which is set to premier in the third Quarter. The series will feature “Blue Collar Comedy” star Larry The Cable Guy exploring the United States revealing bits of US history, while also immersing himself in the jobs, hobbies, and lifestyles of the locals that “celebrate the American experience.”

In one of the segments slated for the series, Larry explores Wellington, Florida home of The International Polo Club, Palm Beach (IPC) and the Museum of Polo & Hall of Fame. Larry recently was filmed at the Bostwick Family Stables in Wellington and is featured learning how to play the game of Polo against theMade in USA Certified, USA-C Polo Team.

Made in USA Certified, USA-C Polo Team is a perfect partner for the “Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy” series as the company is the leader in independent third party assurance verification for genuine “Made in USA” products and services.  Made in USA Certified is a strong advocate for US Business, US Manufacturing and the American workforce which is most definitely part of the whole American Experience.

About Made in USA Certified, Inc.(www.usa-c.com)

Made in USA Certified, Inc. is the leader in independent third party assurance verification for genuine “Made in USA” products and services. Our Seal of Certification assures the consumer that the “Made in USA” or “Product of USA” claim is true– keeping you and your family safe, giving consumers peace of mind and helping to support and promote products and services Made in USA, one factory, one business at a time.
Trust but Certify! ™

Company contacts:
Made in USA Certified
Julie Reiser President | Co-Founder
561-279-2855
julie@usa-c.com

Premieres Tuesday, Feb. 8 at 9/8c Polo veteran Rick Bostwick lets Larry in on the perils of playing polo both to your body and your bank account.

History Channel Trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNhoYbmbXvw

ABC WORLD NEWS with DIANE SAWYER http://abcn.ws/xLZNAh

BY ENJOLI FRANCIS Feb. 7, 2012

This Valentine’s Day, rather than head over to a neighborhood store for the usual cards, candy and stuffed animals, consider purchasing gifts that show you’re gung-ho about your loved ones AND your country.

“It is very important right now for us to fuel our own economy,” said Julie Reiser, president of Made in USA Certified. “The right choice is to purchase ‘made in the U.S.A.’ It’s a powerful way to create a lot of jobs here.”

The National Retail Federation says that American shoppers are expected to spend an average of $126 on their loved ones this year, an increase of 8.5 percent from last year and the highest level of Valentine’s Day purchasing in the 10-year history of the group’s survey.

Reiser encouraged consumers to put that money to good use by supporting small and mid-size U.S. businesses.

If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

From unique jewelry to teddy bears and chocolates, here is a gift guide to help you find something from the heart — and the U.S.

“It really is a movement for change,” Reiser said. “It’s something that every single person can do at every level of income. … It’s mindful, meaningful. That’s what Valentine’s Day is all about.”

BBSweets

BBSweets Cookies

We found Brooke Bertelle’s BBSweets treats on Etsy but she now has a website.

While a student in a baking and pastry program at Johnson and Wales, Bertelle of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., made these cookies to raise money for the Haiti relief project.

The business – BBSweets – quickly took off after people began asking her to make more.

It takes her a half-day to make 30 to 50 cookies and she works alone. They come individually wrapped and shipping takes three to five days. Customers can also ask her to create other designs.

Price: $3.75 for one; $55 for a dozen.

Courtesy Hanky Panky

Hanky Panky

If you don’t know about the Hanky Panky handshake, CEO Lida Orzeck says you need to get on board.

She and friend Gale Epstein started Hanky Panky 35 years ago, after Epstein sent Orzeck a white-and-gray embroidered bra and bikini set made from handkerchiefs.

Now the two have been coined “the Steve Jobs and Steve Wosniak of thongs.” Their thongs are the company’s most popular style — and can also be personalized to say just about anything.

All of their intimate apparel is made in and around New York City and can be found in high-end department stores like Nordstrom, in specialty stores nationwide and online.

This Valentine’s Day, the company is offering its thongs rolled up to look like a rose. They can be purchased in singles for $25 and as a bouquet of six or 12. And for the risque clientele, the company also offers an aftermidnight line that includes open bras, teddies, boy shorts and garter belts.

Price: Polka-Dot Heart Box with three low-rise thongs, $49; for more, check website.

Steel Petal Press

Steel Petal Press Greeting Cards

Shayna Norwood, the designer and printer of Steel Petal Press, started creating her cards in Chicago in 2008 when she was a full-time graduate student.

She uses an 1800s letterpress, which she said was an old style of printing that’s starting to see a revival.

Norwood mixes the ink by hand, inks the press and trims, folds and packages the cards by hand. She even uses reclaimed paper made from a textile factory’s leftover cotton scraps. Though she has a few interns, she usually works alone.

The “You’re My Favorite” card is a staple through the year but is very popular for Valentine’s Day. It’s blank on the inside.

Price: $3.50 to $4.50 for one; discount for six cards. Find her on Etsy.

VincaUSA.com

Vinca Jewelry

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend but Vinca‘s “diamond” earrings are the cheapest in the world and awesome.

In Austin, Texas, designer Amanda DiMova’s company — started in 2006 — is named for the vinca, a little, five-petal flower.

She uses leather scraps, sterling silver, acrylic and exotic and fancy woods to create earrings, rings, necklaces and hair accessories. She even has earrings for little girls. Though DiMova uses assistants at times, she usually works alone.

The walnut animal earrings are really popular as are her wooden “diamond” earrings. But the “Love Keys” necklace and hoop earrings are one of a kind.

Price: Depends on pieces; check website.

The Vermont Teddy Bear Co.

Vermont Teddy Bear Co.

If you can’t be with the one you love on Valentine’s Day, let this little guy (or gal — totally up to you) be the perfect substitute.

The Vermont Teddy Bear Co. was founded in 1981 by a father who was surprised to discover that all of the toys his son played with bore foreign labels. He started sewing bears in his house and selling them on the street and Vermont Teddy Bear was born.

Though it takes 14 minutes to make each bear, there are 15 steps to the process including being cut, stuffed and sewn. Wendy Duval, the public relations and communications manager, called the bears “an American icon.” Like the one shown, the bears can be personalized and here’s some good news for the procrastinators.

Customers can order as late as 8 p.m. Feb. 13 in order for their bear to arrive the following day.

Price: Check website.

Michael Dunning/Getty Images

All American Wineries

This holiday, Bob Hodge of All American Wineries suggests you skip the champagne and go for a domestic bubbly.

“For Valentine’s Day, sparkling wine is always a wonderful experience, sort of like red roses,” he said.

Hodge’s website All American Wineries keeps track of the more than 6,000 wineries in the U.S. Every state has at least one. He suggested Mumm Napa or a sparkling wine from the Biltmore Estate, Childress Vineyards, Chateau Frank, Swedish Hill or Domain Ste Michelle.

“Sparkling wines will go with anything,” Hodge said. “Steak and salmon are my two favorite meals. It makes any meal that much more elegant.”

And to create Valentine’s Day morning mimosas, toss in a splash of orange juice from Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Co. The juice is U.S. certified and only uses fresh oranges from Florida.

Bissinger’s

Bissinger’s

A favorite of actress Lauren Bacall — she really likes the bear claws — and Louis XIV — we’re talking the French king, not the band — this St. Louis, Mo.-based company sells its chocolates and gourmet candies all over the country.

Bissinger’s makes its chocolates and marshmallows by hand and uses high-quality cocoa beans.

From the Valentine Petit Fours and Wine Grapes infused with Shiraz and covered in dark chocolate to the Signature Valentine’s Day Collection and Marshmallow Hearts, there is a treat for everyone.

There are stores in Edina, Wis., and St. Louis. And this Valentine’s Day, the company is pushing what communications manager Amanda Evans called “the Maryland Plaza-Bissinger’s Experience,” which marries chocolates and other desserts with wine for a real treat.

Price: Check website.

Courtesy of Black Halo

Black Halo

This Valentine’s Day, wrap those just-bought Hanky Panky intimates — and yourself — in a sexy, comfortable sheath from Black Halo‘s Jackie O line.

For nearly 10 years, Laurel Berman’s company has brought the L.A. look to the masses — and kept its business in the United States.

Black Halo’s pieces — like the “Dame” sheath shown above and the well-known Jackie O line — marry sexy and casual for a style that transitions easily from work to night on the town.

Berman’s dresses have been seen on Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks and Adriana Lima. Black Halo is offering 15 percent off online plus free shipping through Feb. 8. Its pieces can also be purchased at Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus and on Shopbop.com

Price: Check website.

http://abcn.ws/xLZNAh

San Leon, Texas (PRWEB) February 07, 2012

Motivated by its widespread success in Texas, where the margarita is practically the state drink, the American rum and agave distiller Railean has rejuvenated its website and enhanced its product line for 2012. The enhancements are part of an overall branding effort led by Houston-based Woodlands Ad Agency, which designs custom websites, builds brands, and leads many online marketing campaigns.

The new website design features detailed information about the RAILEAN product line, which currently includes four rum labels and two agave labels. Visitors can access informative articles about the American rum industry and delectable food and drink recipes, from the fresh and fruity to those best suited for celebrating an incoming hurricane. While RAILEAN cannot sell its alcohol products online due to liquor laws, a variety of Railean pirate merchandise, including t-shirts, shot glasses, and branded materials are available for purchase.

In contrast to the mass-produced, imported products from the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Mexico that currently dominate the market, each Railean bottle is made in America using domestically produced sugarcane molasses from the Gulf Coast. Leading the first woman-owned, U.S.-certified rum and agave distillery, Kelly Railean is revolutionizing the American market. Since 2005, she has introduced the refreshingly tropical Texas White, the rich Reserve XO and the perfectly balanced Spiced Rum, all of which are bottled by hand. Railean also offers the earthy Small Cask Reserve, a handcrafted rum that rates in the upper 90s.

In 2010, the rapidly growing business expanded to include the high quality El Perico Silver. This smooth liquor, which is made from 100% blue agave nectar cultivated in Jalisco, rivals the best top-shelf tequila brands produced in Mexico. A smooth Reposado American agave spirit is scheduled for release in Spring 2012.

“We are thrilled with the new direction RAILEAN is heading in,” says Kelly Railean, proprietor and master distiller. “In 2011, RAILEAN became the only distiller of rum and agave to achieve the stringent Made in the USA® Certified designation by the Federal Trade Commission. Our new website and product offerings are the jumpstart we need to establish Railean American rum and American agave spirits as this nation’s preeminent all American brand.”

About Railean Distillers® http://www.railean.com
Exclusively fermented, distilled and bottled by RAILEAN Distillers, LLC, at the Eagle Point Distillery in San Leon, Texas, RAILEAN handcrafts the only Made in the USA Certified® rum and agave spirits. This artisan distiller produces everything from scratch using domestic raw materials. Educational and tasting tours are available to the public.

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Article Source furniture world

http://www.furninfo.com/absolutenm/templates/NewsFeed.asp?articleid=13632

Arlington ISD's new visitor check-in system requires photo ID scanned into a computerized system.

Raptorware http://www.raptorware.com/

The Arlington school district is ramping up its security with technology already in place in several other North Texas districts.

The days of signing in on a sheet of paper when visiting a school will be gone in one week. The district is putting in high-tech scanners to keep track of visitors.

“The most important thing is student safety at the schools,” said David Gutierrez, principal at South Davis Elementary School.

The Arlington Independent School District is investing in V-Soft, a computer program that scans IDs and submits the information to a nationwide database.

“It goes through all the various systems that are available to determine if there’s a criminal record on that person, particularly any incidents with children,” district spokeswoman Amy Casas said.

If so, administrators are immediately notified via email and text message.

Once a person is entered into V-Soft, he or she remains there. Because the system is constantly updating, schools will be notified if someone who previously entered into the system later develops a criminal record.

AISD schools do not have a standard screening or check-in process currently in place. School administrators say V-Soft would take some getting used to.

“We think that the system will be very, very beneficial,” Gutierrez said. “It’ll be an adjustment for parents to have to provide a picture ID every time they walk in.”

“We don’t want your parents to feel unwelcome,” Casas said. “This is not something we’re doing to limit access for our parents and our community to our schools. Simply, it’s just an extra measure of safety we’re taking for our student’s sake.”

http://www.raptorware.com/

Our company, Made in USA Certified was listed in Bill Clinton’s latest book, Back to Work- as a way for consumers to know they are truly buying American! Show love this Valentine’s Day by showing a love for your Country!

Buy American- Buy Made in USA Certified!

BLACK HALO

Looking for that perfect party dress to wear out this Valentine’s Day?  Nothing says “I love you” like a red hot Black Halo dress proudly manufactured in Los Angeles, California.  Order yours now online and receive 15% off + free shipping for a select group of dresses.  Our favorite is the iconic “Jackie O” dress that Black Halo is known for!

Original Hawaiian Chocolate®

From their factory on the slopes of Hualalai Mountains bountiful Kona region on the Island of Hawaii come the one and only Original Hawaiian Chocolate.  They are the first to grow, hand-pick, sun-dry, and process only Hawaiian grown cocoa beans, non-blended to assure purity and quality.  The result is a delicious single-origin Hawaiian chocolate of distinctive texture and taste.  Special 10% off One Pound Bars celebrating 10 year of business!  Buy yours today for Valentine’s Day!

Thought Out

Founded in New England in 2004, Thought Out is a motivated company that strives to create great products in the USA and believes that innovation never ends.  Thought Out makes high quality, high design iPod, iPad and iPhone accessories to fit a wide range of needs.  The stainless steel iPad stand is our “go to” gift for every holiday occasion. This Valentine’s Day show your love by giving your loved one a truly “Thought Out” Made in USA gift!  Free Shipping on purchases over $85 and 15% off all purchases with this Discount Code: BeMine2012

Carved Solutions

Caved Solutions, a Vermont family –owned and operated company has one mission……to make gift giving personal again.  They have custom carved, all natural, VT made soaps and candles that are perfect gifts this Valentine’s Day.  Personalize with a simply elegant initial, classic monogram or spoil with a family name, graphic or custom logo.  Carved Solutions was featured in Oprah’s O Magazine on her “Favorite List” and is definitely on ours as well.  Imagine the appreciation from the receiver knowing you truly thought specifically of them!

Zkano

Put your feet in American socks this Valentine’s Day!  Zkano’s motto is “Be Good. Feel Good.”  These socks are made in a family run mill in Fort Payne, Alabama.  They are proud to continue the family legacy of quality craftsmanship, tailoring designs equally toward style, durability and comfort.  This Valentine’s Day cozy up to your sweetie with these socks and get Free Shipping of $30 or more.

Sarah Cavender

Sarah Cavender designs and produces several new seasonal collections each year.  She specializes in metal mesh jewelry, belts and handbags.  Each piece is hand-made to order by local artisans under Sarah’s supervision in Oxford, Alabama, using materials made primarily in the USA.   Sarah’s line has been featured in Vogue, Mademoiselle, In-Style, Glamour, McCalls, and Lucky.  Great gift for that special woman in any man’s life!  Check out how HOT, Kim Kardashian looks in Sarah Cavender and this beautiful Anthropology Ad!!

Hanky Panky

This year our favorite underwear manufacturer in the United States of America, Hanky Panky published a Valentine’s Day Gift Guide.  So make sure to check it out.  But, our absolute all-time favorite is the Made in USA Certified – Original One-Size Lace Thong in all our favorite colors, perfectly packaged in a heart and sure to get you or your sweetie’s heart pumping.

Bring It Up

This Valentine’s Day don’t miss this sweetheart of a deal by Bring It Up.   Take $15 off your purchase totaling $30 or more!  Promo Code SWEET1.  Bring It Up is Hollywood’s red carpet secret for the stars!  When you need to wear the dress that bares and dips, these adhesive breast lifts will give you the lift you need without anyone having to know!  Also, check out their new line of sexy “Double Talks” for some fun this Valentines Day!

All American Clothing

This company is on a mission to support USA families and jobs by producing high-quality clothing in the USA at an affordable price.  By keeping their production in the USA they provide jobs and a tax base that supports their community!  You have got to LOVE All American Clothing Company, a company that proves there is profit and growth in doing the right thing!  Check out this special edition ‘I Love USA’ tee just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice

Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice uses only 100% Florida Oranges and Grapefruits for all of their juice products.  Their products are proudly labeled and certified as “Product of USA” assuring that they only use 100% Florida Citrus Fruit.  They have never wavered from their commitment of squeezing the highest quality, 100% Florida Citrus, every day, year round.  Named #1 in Bon Appetite taste test and we whole heartedly concur!  Great for the Valentine’s Day Mimosa’s!

World’s Best Carrot Cake

For those of you who have been following our Gift Guides, you know I have a passion for Carrot Cake, but, particularly, The World’s Best Carrot Cake!  It is by far the best carrot cake on this planet, if not the universe!  It is lovingly made in North Carolina with a special/ secret family recipe and then shipped to your table fresh, delicious, and ready to enjoy!   I know my Valentine’s Day is never complete without one of these from my honey!  Get one today for yours!

Happy Valentine’s Day!    

Julie Reiser, President & Co-Founder
Made in USA Certified, Inc.

White House VIDEO of  Julie Reiser, President & Co-Founder of Made in USA Certified was invited to participate in the GOOGLE+ White House Hangout with Startup America with Gene Sperling (Director of the National Economic Council at the White House) and Aneech Chopra (Chief Technology Officer for the White House), Steve Case from Startup America Partnership! Cool stuff!

Video of  STARTUP AMERICA, WHITE HOUSE AND JULIE REISER MADE IN USA CERTIFIED

Paramount Sleep hosts Secretary of Commerce John Bryson

Paramount is the first national mattress company to be Made in USA Certified®

 NORFOLK, Va., Jan. 26, 2012—Yesterday, following the president’s State of the Union address, Paramount Sleep hosted Secretary of Commerce John Bryson for a talk about manufacturing and how the Commerce Department can help businesses build products here in the U.S. Paramount Sleep products reinforce the president’s call for a U.S. economy “built to last” on American-made goods.

“This family-owned company has a great American story. It started in the Depression in a furniture store basement—they said there was nowhere to go but up. Like many businesses here in Norfolk, the recent recession hit them—but they pressed on. Today, they manufacture high-end products using about 90 percent U.S. content,” explained Bryson.

Bryson echoed a few key points that the president made during his State of the Union address, including the critical importance of American manufacturing. He highlighted the need to discourage outsourcing, encourage insourcing, and lower tax rates for companies that manufacture and create jobs here.

“We want to make sure that American manufacturers can continue to build it here and sell it everywhere. That’s exactly what companies like Paramount Sleep are poised to do. Their mattresses are made in America with nearly all domestic suppliers,” he said.

Earlier this month Paramount Sleep became the first national mattress company to be Made in USA Certified®. Made in USA Certified® is the standard for the “Made in USA” claim in accordance with the FTC “made in the USA Claim” requirement under federal law.

Qualifying for the Made in USA Certified® seal signifies that a manufactured or assembled product has gone through a rigorous auditing and certification process to confirm that the product was manufactured and/or assembled in the United States of America, using U.S. labor, and that each component of the product was manufactured and/or assembled in the U.S.

“If we focus our resources and take the steps that the president has called for, we can help reinvigorate American manufacturing in the 21^st Century,” Bryson concluded.

About Paramount Sleep

Paramount Sleep is truly a company of bedding people, dedicated to carrying on its legacy of integrity, innovation and American made craftsmanship for more than 80 years. It is the only national mattress company to be Made in USA Certified®. The company’s mattress lines include: A.H. Beard, Back Performance, Boutique Hotel, GoodNite Kids, Heavy Duty, Nature’s Spa, Quilt O PEDIC, and Sleep for Success.

Contact:

Richard Fleck, Chief Marketing Officer

Office: 757.855.3321 x304

marketing@paramountsleep.com                             ###

By Carolyn Shapiro The Virginian-Pilot © January 26, 2012

U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson watched workers at the Paramount factory in Norfolk Industrial Park assemble the foam sides of a mattress.

NORFOLK

U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson watched workers at the Paramount factory in Norfolk Industrial Park assemble the foam sides of a mattress.

He asked Paramount’s owners how consumers respond to high quality when buying a mattress.

James Diamonstein, Paramount’s president, explained that many mattress buyers are sensitive to price but might not realize the amount of work that goes into a handmade product.

“It’s a very expensive process,” said Diamonstein, who runs the 79-year-old business with his brother, Richard Diamonstein.

The day after President Barack Obama focused his State of the Union speech on the need to bolster U.S. manufacturing, he and Bryson hit the road to visit some of those companies. Paramount Industrial Cos. Inc. has worked with the Commerce Department’s international trade offices to develop overseas markets for U.S. products, Bryson said.

After he toured the factory on Kingwood Avenue, Bryson spoke to Paramount employees and city officials. He echoed some phrases the president used in the Tuesday night speech.

“We need all hands on deck to keep American manufacturing right on the cutting edge,” Bryson said.

He repeated Obama’s proposals to change the tax code to give incentives for creation of U.S. manufacturing jobs. “These are good-paying jobs,” he said. “And too many of them now are not being filled.”

The Comess brothers founded Paramount Bedding Corp. in 1933, and the Diamonsteins’ father took it over in 1986. Paramount made the King Koil mattress brand until late 2010, when it revamped its operations to create its own mattress brands, including Nature’s Spa and Quilt-O-Pedic, made with materials from mostly U.S. sources.

“In the past few years, we have reinvented ourselves to adjust to the realities of a new economy,” said Richard Diamonstein as he introduced Bryson.

The company, which has close to 100 employees, is now looking to sell its bedding in China and other countries.

After speaking, Bryson said China has benefitted from open trade with most of the world but has not reciprocated. “What they have not done is open their economy to our products and our small businesses,” he said.

Aaron Nixon, a Paramount supervisor, said he appreciated Bryson’s pledge to help U.S. manufacturers.

“That is very important, because a lot of them are going out of business and lack funds,” said Nixon, 50, who has worked for Paramount for 21 years. “We’ve got plenty of business. It’s just that you don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.”