Promoting ‘Made in Massachusetts’
South Shore legislators file bill to help consumers and businesses buy local
(STATE HOUSE, Boston, MA) — Making it easier for consumers and businesses to “Buy Local” is the goal of a bill filed by Rep. Josh Cutler (D-Duxbury) and Rep. Kathy LaNatra (D-Kingston).
Their legislation would create a new “MassMade” branding tool and an online directory to promote, connect and support businesses that produce goods in Massachusetts.
The MassMade program —to be administered by the Mass. Office of Business Development –– would also develop a searchable online directory of Massachusetts-based manufacturers and consumer goods companies, helping to connect them with potential customers.
“We all know the benefits of shopping locally and keeping our consumer dollars circulating here in the Commonwealth. Knowing which goods and products are ‘MassMade’ makes that goal a lot easier,” said Rep. Cutler.
Rep. LaNatra added, “Offering a one-stop shop for consumers and businesses to connect with other Massachusetts-based companies is an easy and low-cost way to give a boost to our small businesses and support the state’s economy.”
In addition to a branding logo, the MassMade program would feature a website offering an online directory, freely accessible to the public, of commonwealth businesses and consumer products.
The website would serve as a marketing tool by providing business information, product descriptions, contact information, and website details and as a resource for consumers by offering search capabilities for consumer products based on criteria including product type, retailers, business locations, and product price. The goal is to ensure that customers have the opportunity to learn about local manufacturers so that they can buy local when possible.
The bipartisan bill (HD 1327) was just introduced and already has a dozen co-sponsors. A similar bill was championed by former Sen. Eileen Donoghue during the last legislative term. Companion legislation was filed this term in the Senate by Sen. Eric Lesser and Sen. Adam Hinds. Similar business development programs have been adopted in other states.
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