As the economy rebounds, the National Mail Order Association (NMOA) is promoting American-made products through a nationwide contest sponsored by the Tampa Bay Inventors Council and JoTo PR of Clearwater.
NMOA's Made in America Hot Product Contest started June 1, and is open to American manufacturers and inventors.
"I know there are thousands of inventors, craftsmen and smaller manufacturers all over the USA with fantastic products that never get any exposure beyond their local area,'' says John Schulte, president of the
National Mail Order Association. "Our catalog members and other retailing merchant members are always looking for new products to sell, and many of these direct merchants are willing to work with small manufacturers on a single product basis. Not like a big box retailer that demands most people to cut prices and then go through a distributor.''
Once a manufacturer or inventor enters his or her product into the contest,
anyone can vote online for the product they like best. Voters will rate the product on a five-star system, and can also provide feedback to the creator, including a perceived retail value.
“It’s a win-win all around; manufacturers get exposure, retailers find new products to sell and the American public gets to have fun, and learn about all the great stuff that’s made in America,” Schulte says. “The American public will be picking what they like and want by voting for their favorite products, and that will determine the winners.”
The contest has local ties in its sponsors, Clearwater-based firm
JoTo PR and the Tampa Bay Inventors Council.
As for voters, there is incentive for them as well because they will be automatically entered into a drawing for prizes. Winners will be announced in February 2013.
Writer:
Kimberly Patterson
Source: John Schulte, National Mail Order Association (NMOA)
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