Made in Massachusetts

It has been proven many times over that if you spend locally, your dollar spends more time in your community, and works harder for everyone. If you are as much a fan of helping local businesses as I am, then you may want to check out the following links to companies in Massachusetts that I learned about on Wednesday night's Chronicle on ABC Channel 5 Boston. Each company listed below started small, puts a lot of care and handiwork into their products, and provides jobs which are a boon to the folks of the region.

• Sterlingwear - High quality winter wear. They make the peacoats for the US Navy.
• Vanson Leathers - For all of you motorcycle riders, and all-around fans of leather clothing.
• Best Friends Cocoa - Hot cocoa in four spectacular flavors! It's not just for winter (think fireside, after dark down at your lake/beach/camp, or for quiet backyard sunsets).
  
• Bay Shore Chowders - A variety of seafood chowders and bisques, both old favorites and exotic recipes.
• Aunt Sadie's Candles - If you're tired of your usual candle company, try this one. In addition to many standards and old favorites, they have several unique scents I've never seen before (iced tea! pipe tobacco! leather! beer!), and a $16 candle burns for 75 hours in a classy designer tin. The company even turned down bigger accounts to avoid having to ship the labor overseas!
  
• Wachusett Brewing Company - Sure, they weren't on the show, but how could I pass up a chance to plug my hometown brewery! Whether you are skiing at Mt. Wachusett, or dining at any number of restaurants all over New England, you have to try their beers if you get a chance. I recommend the Nut Brown, and the award-winning Blueberry Ale ("#9 Best Beer in America" - Stuff Magazine, 2005).
  

Also, check out this cool article about experiments where creating and utilizing a local currency could actually help the economy where you live. Creative and fascinating stuff.

Tell us about YOUR favorite local business (either in MA, or where you currently reside), and you could win a sampler of Best Friends Cocoa! Either leave an interesting plug in the comments section of this article, or send us a note at NotLameMinus@gmail.com We will choose a winner at the end of the month!