By Bill O'Brien
bobrien@record-eagle.com
TRAVERSE CITY — A state lawmaker helped launch a new website designed to promote Michigan's small businesses.
State Rep. Dan Scripps, D-Leland, last week unveiled www.BuyMichFirst.com, a website that highlights Michigan-based businesses, products and services in more than two dozen sectors including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, retail, technology, automotive and health care.
Scripps said the website represents a 3-part approach to supporting Michigan-based businesses. The site offers a database where consumers can search and review information on local businesses and Michigan-made products and services. It features free "MI Biz" accounts for local businesses to display products and services, post photographs, promote specials and more.
The site also offers "The $10 Buck Pledge," where consumers can sign up to commit to spending at least $10 per week on Michigan products. Scripps is hopeful the effort will encourage northern Michigan residents to shop for Michigan-made products and do business with local companies, expanding on other regional efforts to promote area businesses.
"I think in northwest Michigan we've done a good job of supporting buying local," Scripps said. "We're obviously hoping to expand on that."
Scripps said he met with several local business people to get ideas for the project, including the owners of a local bike shop and a grocery store. He also met with Leelanau County farmer Jim Bardenhagen, who offered suggestions on how to promote northern Michigan agriculture.
"I'm really supportive of buying local," said Bardenhagen, a former county extension agent who's active in a local food and farming network. "I think there's huge potential for it."
Scripps worked on the project with state Rep. Dian Slaven, D-Canton, in conjunction with Web designers at the state Democratic caucus.
"Folks throughout the community often ask me, 'What can one person do to turn Michigan around?' — and I tell them that it all starts with buying Michigan and buying local," Slavens said.
