Did You Know?
What Can I Do?
Archived News
Archived Consumer News (25)
MICHIGAN MAKES IT: Litehouse Salad Dressing
The people at Litehouse Foods in Lowell make some of the best dressings you will ever pour on a salad or dip a carrot stick into. Since the company started making French dressing under the name Chadalee Farms in 1932 they...
Bowers Barn Wins Financial Support via National Vote
When the builder of the big red cattle barn on Square Lake Road in Bloomfield Hills began construction in the 1920s, he certainly wasn’t intent on building an icon that would win a national award 90 years later. But that’s exactly...
A Glass Menagerie of Pumpkins
It is common at this time of year for families to visit pumpkin patches and farmers’ markets all over the state in search of a special orange squash that is just the perfect shape and size to become their jack-o-lantern. For...
Exploring Lakeshore's Michigan Wine Trail
If you’re looking for a wonderful way to kick off the fall season, consider exploring Michigan’s wine country. The Michigan Wine Trail has several paths, and we recently explored a portion of the Lake Michigan Shore section in the southwest. There are...
The Best of BMN Fest
I’ve had so many questions about the haps at the first ever Buy Michigan Now Festival, that I decided to recap some of the many highlights. Thanks again to all who played a role. To learn more about who they are click here. Monday We...
Making a Michigan Wedding Part 5: The Décor
Wedding décor is something your guests will immediately notice upon entering your ceremony site, cocktail hour area, and reception venue. It can range from simple to extravagant, but should always be a reflection of who you are as a couple...
Making a Michigan Wedding Part 4: Capturing Images
You have selected a venue, picked out your dress, and secured entertainment to make sure your guests have an amazing time at your wedding. Now it’s time to make sure all your memories of the day are preserved through photographs...
Making a Michigan Wedding: Part 3 The Entertainment
Once the venue and gown have been selected, many brides and grooms next consider the entertainment they will provide for their wedding. This is a component that can truly make or break your event – if people are dancing and...
Making a Michigan Wedding: Part 2 The Dress
In the first edition of this series, we discussed locating a Michigan-owned and operated venue for your wedding. Once the perfect location is selected, it’s time to think about the dress! The dress should fit the mood you are going...
Making a Michigan Wedding Part 1 - The Venue
A couple has many decisions to make before they can walk down the aisle. Often this starts with selecting a wedding planner to coordinate all the details and make the process a more seamless, stress-free one. The planner will then...
Hiller's Leads by Example
Can everyone make a contribution toward improving Michigan's economy? Hiller's, a small chain of grocery stores in Southeastern Michigan, seems to think so, and naturally we agree. Sidney Hiller introduced the company in 1941, and was committed to bringing quality and value to his customers. Back...
Take a Bite Out of Michigan
It's March and that means National Nutrition Month. This year's theme is Eat Right, and eating right, while buying locally, is easy for Michiganders due to the plethora of healthy foods grown and produced here. In addition to generating over $63.7 billion...
From Michigan With Love
Valentine’s Day is coming up fast (February 14th). Here are some gift ideas that will delight your loved ones and support blossoming Michigan businesses. Michigan Roses Roses are the ultimate romantic flower, and there’s one company in Michigan that’s still growing...
Make a Resolution to Transform Our State
When most of us think of new year's resolutions we think of making personal changes, and often changes that make a bigger impact on ourselves than on others. The quest toward genuine self-improvement is always a good thing, so go...
Michigan Sparkles for the Holidays
STOP! Before you reach for that bottle of French Champagne or California bubbly during the holiday festivities, how about giving a try to one of Michigan’s finest? Sparkling wines, that is. Whether from L. Mawby or Shady Lane on Leelanau Peninsula, Chateau...
Our Fab 5 Michigan Money-Savers
With the holiday season in full swing, every dollar counts. Here are five fabulous ways to save or find money in Michigan. Vintage Michigan Club - Wine aficionados may want to join the Vintage Michigan Club for ongoing savings and education on local...
Create a Holiday Feast with Michigan Goods
If every Michigan household shifted just ten dollars of our weekly grocery purchases toward Michigan products, we could add nearly $1.9 billion dollars a year into our local economy! It's something we can all do to help, and it's even easier...
Jeff Daniels Celebrates Homegrown Music
Actor, singer, and songwriter Jeff Daniels is celebrating "Made in Michigan" music at his third annual Jeff Daniels & Friends concert over the Thanksgiving weekend. Inspired by a similar event, which was the brainchild of musician, Arlo Guthrie, Daniels' showcase will...
Meijer Introduces Groceries by the Case
Finding ways to reduce household expenses is becoming increasingly important in this troubling economy. Now Meijer.com is rising to the occasion with a new program that allows shoppers to purchase groceries in bulk at reduced cost. The Grand Rapids-based retailer estimates that...
Here's the Scoop on Moomers
Moomers Ice Cream, one of the best kept secrets in Michigan, is finally getting known across the country. Nestled back off of N. Long Lake Road in Traverse City, Moomers was recently voted the "Best Scoop in America" by viewers of ABC's...
State Legislature Acts to Protect Great Lakes
Michigan's state legislature took a historic step on June 23rd to protect the Great Lakes from pollution, water diversion and corporate interests. The Michigan House and Senate agreed to pass legislation barring outside interests from profiting from the five Great Lakes, which...
Cinco de Mayo Michigan Style
For most Americans, celebrating Cinco de Mayo is less about the historic relevance of Mexico's victory over the French in 1862, and more about savoring the spicy flavors of Mexico. No fiesta would be complete without spectacular salsa. Since Michigan borders our colder...
Every Day Can Be Earth Day in Michigan
The debate about renewable energy is heating up in Michigan, and not just because today is Earth Day. The scientific community is increasingly aligned behind the contention that climate change is a reality, and that fossil fuels are contributing to the...
Ring in the Spring with Michigan Wine
April is Michigan Wine Month and a great time to leave the winter behind and explore the budding greenery of the countryside. Why not pair your weekend retreat with some fine wine? Michigan’s flourishing grape industry is not only producing...
Buy Michigan Now Campaign Evolves
After a successful launch in 2007, Buy Michigan Now has a fresh look and exciting new content. The changes to the site are designed to make it easier for people to support Michigan-based businesses, actively communicate that support, learn about...
Archived Business News (26)
Emerging from the Winter of Our Discontent
As we begin to escape from the cold of another Michigan winter, here is proof of economic progress that may have eluded your attention. Job Growth Backing from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), is leading to the following new job-creating projects. Advanced...
Michigan's Auto Industry Starts Humming Again in 2010
Recent news within the American automotive industry demonstrates that the hard work and sacrifices of so many local workers may be starting to pay off again. Interest in the industry and the products it produces is starting to rebound and the...
12 Great Economic Stories of 2009
It was difficult to narrow the choices for this piece down to only twelve as Michigan entrepreneurs and veteran corporations are making big strides toward revitalizing our state. Here are some of my favorite signs of economic recovery for 2009. MSU Gets on a...
Economic News for Which We're Thankful
As Thanksgiving rapidly approaches here are a few items for which, we as a community, can be grateful... New Contracts: The United States Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) in Warren continued its pattern of building great local supplier...
First State Banks on Michigan
These days it is exciting to hear of a business that is surviving and thriving after ten years, let alone a quarter or half of a century. That’s what makes the news that First State Bank is celebrating its 92nd year...
Autumn's Economic Bright Spots
Autumn has ushered in more bright spots than just the annual leaf spectacle. Here are some highlights on our path to recovery. More Jobs: The Michigan Supplier Diversification Fund will help three companies to expand operations and create jobs. The program addresses the current lack of...
Pinnacle Race Course Bets on Griller's Select
True horsepower returned to the Motor City last year with the opening of Pinnacle Race Course, and now their restaurant is getting an extra kick with the enhancement of Griller’s Select BBQ Sauce to the menu. In addition to great racing, many people...
Summer's Hottest Ecocomic News
We wait so long for summer here in Michigan that often we are too busy enjoying the fun it brings, to keep track of current events. Yet, this summer was ripe with some great economic news for Michigan. Here are a few highlights...
Catching a Cab Franc Title
Michigan’s wine industry is often touted more for the whites it produces than the reds, but perhaps that’s about to change. While the state will continue to be celebrated for the many fine wines derived from Riesling grapes, we also have...
Buy Michigan Now Festival July 27-Aug 2, 2009
Downtown Northville and Buy Michigan Now are throwing a weeklong party to celebrate and promote Michigan businesses and revitalize the state’s economy. The celebration is in conjunction with a proclamation issued by the governor designating the week of July 27th...
Fenton's Laundry Taps Only Michigan Brews
The French Laundry Café & Market in Fenton recently announced that from now on they will be pouring exclusively Michigan draft beer. According to bartender, Jon Foley, the restaurant has nine pulls on tap and will be rotating them to feature...
5 Reasons to Consult a Business Attorney
Entrepreneurs are often forced to wear many hats, and as a result, frequently question what to do for themselves and what to outsource to others. One of the areas where outside expertise can be extremely critical, and worth every penny, is when it...
Mom & Pop Shops Doing Business Together
How does a “Mom & Pop” deli in Southeastern Michigan learn about the gourmet products made by an entrepreneur in Grand Ledge? Through Buy Michigan Now, of course. When Debbie and Joe Belcher opened their Harrison Township deli a few years...
Michigan Springs Forward
From golf courses to sandy beaches to charming towns to cool lakes, Michigan has so much to offer as a tourist destination that the State of Michigan has launched its first national tourism ad campaign. This comes on the heels of...
Will Batteries Repower Michigan Manufacturing?
In another attempt to diversify and revitalize Michigan’s economy, Governor Granholm today signed legislation that increases tax incentives for companies that develop and manufacture advanced batteries. The world’s increasing interest in hybrid electric cars has certainly generated a lot of publicity...
Movie Magic & Other Great News
Continuing growth within the movie industry is just one of the recent great economic news stories that recently caught my eye and merits some extra attention. Since enacting the nation’s most aggressive film incentives in April, Michigan has seen more than...
Governor Introduces Michigan Business One Stop
Governor Granholm has unveiled Michigan Business One Stop, a new program that reforms the way companies will now do business with the state of Michigan. The new program has been under development for more than a year with the help of Michigan's business...
January's Best Economic News
The start of 2009, brought good economic news to Michigan. Here are some stories you may have missed between the headlines. While still basking in the glow of securing the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, Michigan State University, forged a new partnership...
Are You Making the Most of Your Listing?
The Michigan Blue Pages is the most popular feature on our site, and the number of organizations listed grows on a daily basis. That's why we want to make sure our listers are making the most of this fantastic marketing...
2008's Great Economic News
It was so easy to get mired in the media's coverage of bad news in 2008, that much of the great economic news was missed by many people. Here are ten of our favorite developments from the past year. Solar Panel...
FRIB Could Energize Michigan's Economy
The U.S. Department of Energy is looking to build a $550 million Facility for Rare Isotope Beams and MSU is a top contender for the site. If awarded the project, it is estimated that it could bring $1 billion in economic activity to the...
Hard Labor Made This a Day for Play
These days for most Michiganders, Labor Day means a last long look at summer. Jazz fills the air in Detroit and on Mackinaw Island. Boats leave their docks with swimmers onboard and tubers and skiers behind. Barbecues and picnics can...
Office Star Shines on Buy Michigan Now
You may have heard some commercials running on Detroit's Magic 105.1FM (WMGC) and Oldies 104.3 (WOMC) radio stations lately touting the benefits of Buying Michigan and our increasingly familiar phrase, "Think Michigan First". They are the product of generous support from our friends...
Michigan Innovation Leads to Motorcycle Comfort
Eight years ago, Macomb resident Jim Mick thought his motorcycle days were gone for good. He'd first learned how to ride at 14, delivering newspapers to the Detroit News. Since then, Mick put hundreds of thousands of miles on his touring motorcycles. With...
Michigan Goes Hollywood
Two recent major motion pictures, Jumper and Semi-Pro were partially filmed in Michigan and the state would certainly like to be the backdrop for many more. In a recent interview on WJR radio in Detroit, Janet Lockwood, Director of the...
The State Wants to Do Business with You
The State of Michigan has approximately $19 billion worth of contract opportunities available for everything from supplying food and beverages for correctional facilities, to computer consulting, to building new facilities, and it wants you to bid on them. In 2004,...
Archived Community News (31)
Spartan Wins "Red Carpet Green Dress" Contest
When Jillian Granz, 21, sat down at her desk in her first class of spring semester, she had no idea that a few weeks later she’d receive a phone call from Avatar director James Cameron’s wife, but that’s exactly what...
Detroit Nonprofit Creates Eco-Friendly Gym for Homeless
Detroit often finds itself on lists denoting the unhealthiest cities in America, but Cass Community Social Services (a.k.a. Cass) just took a unique step toward changing that, by building a gym to support the homeless. Known as the Green Gym, it is the first...
ArtPrize: And the “Real” Winners Are…
The “experiment” that is called ArtPrize has proven to be successful, as the first-time event drew thousands of people from throughout the host city, the state, and even the world to see and experience art. Last fall, the city of Grand...
MSU Rocks the Pledge
On Wednesday, Oct. 28th, we took our campaign to Michigan State University to create awareness of Michigan products and to invite students and faculty to express their support for local businesses by adding their names to our pledge. This was the...
Hell Hath No Fury - Just a Sense of Humor
The mere mention of Halloween conjures up images of demons, witches, devils, and all sorts of ghastly creatures traditionally associated with hell. It is a time of year in which we collectively embrace the absurd and welcome fear in the...
Drew Barrymore Boasts about Michigan Film Experience
Scores of people lined up outside a roller-rink isn’t a site most of us have seen since the 1970s, if ever, let alone people camping out to get in, but that was the scene in Farmington Hills on a unique...
It Takes a State to Celebrate
From the point that Governor Granholm officially proclaimed "Buy Michigan Week" as July 27th, I knew we had less than two months to create statewide excitement to both commemorate and celebrate the occasion. That would mean getting unprecedented support and cooperation...
Laughing Our Way to a New Detroit
The past few years in Detroit politics have been rough on locals to say the least, so if laughter is indeed the best medicine, then the Andiamo Novi Theatre is prescribing us all a big dose via their new revue...
Festival Schedule: Friday July 31st
The state has long been known for its deep well of artistic talent, and now, more than ever, creativity is having a definitive economic impact. Friday’s events put a spotlight on the arts and kick off a weekend full of...
Festival Schedule: Monday July 27th
Day one of the Buy Michigan Now Festival is themed Going Green in the Eco-Peninsula and will examine the opportunities that a greener economy presents for the state. Michigan is positioning itself to emerge as a leader in the fields of...
Festival Schedule: Tuesday July 28th
Day two of the Buy Michigan Now Festival is all about providing great times and great eats for the whole family. Your kids are going to love this day! 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Kids Activities - Sidewalk Chalk Fun and More! Fun in...
Festival Schedule: Wednesday July 29th
A healthy, productive population leads to a stable economy and Wednesday is all about health, wealth, and fitness. 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Free Resume Review A panel of human resource experts from various companies will be on hand to review resumes...
Festival Schedule: Thursday July 30th
The new Michigan will emerge with a much more diversified economy so Thursday is dedicated to promoting Michigan’s booming agricultural industry and helping entrepreneurs and professionals strengthen their skills across a wide variety of industries. 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Northville...
Festival Schedule: Weekend August 1-2
The week culminates with a fun-filled showcase of Michigan talent, innovation, and products that is a celebration of our community and a brighter, greener economic landscape. EVENTS on SATURDAY AUGUST 1ST 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Downtown Northville Sidewalk Sale Do you love...
15 Ways to Celebrate Buy Michigan Week!
We're thrilled that Governor Granholm has issued a proclamation officially designating the week of July 27th as Buy Michigan Week across the state. The purpose of designating a specific week is to shine a spotlight on the many great Michigan-based...
Take a Staycation at Camp Millionaire
If your kids are staying home this summer, consider a vacation that will pay off for years to come. Send them to a camp that teaches basic money principles and financial management in a fun and interactive way. That's right, a...
Tons of Family Fun at Cruisin' Gratiot
The original and largest classic car cruise in Macomb County hits the street June 15-20th. Crusin' Gratiot promises to be a treat for the entire family and a great way to celebrate Eastpointe's 80th birthday. There are daily car shows filled with hot...
ABC's of Loving Michigan
In honor of Michigan Week I decided to reflect upon just some of the many things I love about this state, and that quickly turned into the ABC's of loving Michigan. Explore this list and if some are new to...
Learning to Build a Sustainable Community
Ever struggle with the challenge of needing to make money, but also wanting to contribute more to your community? Does your business do all it can to help care for the people and organizations it serves, while still operating profitably? If you ever...
Final Four and So Much More
March Madness has brought us an exciting April finale in the D, featuring our own beloved Spartans! Even if you aren't lucky enough to have tickets to the big event, there is still a ton of fun to be had. ...
Enjoy a Free Day at Ford Museum
In honor of Betty Ford’s 91st birthday, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, will be welcoming visitors for free on Wednesday, April 8th. Whether or not you can make it there for the one-day celebration, this is a...
Marching Gleefully into Spring
March brings us Daylight Savings Time (spring forward March 8th), St Patrick’s Day, and hopefully a crocus or two beginning to bloom. Here are some fun happenings around the state to help you enjoy the end of winter or welcome spring. Butterflies...
Reenergizing Communities with Wind
In response to Governor Granholm’s recent signing into law of an energy package that requires utilities to generate 10 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2015, wind power companies are prospecting for new sites in communities to locate...
Can Winter Still Be Fun?
Even those of us who love winter, begin to grow weary of it come February, but celebrations are happening around the state to help you revel in the snow to the very end. Winter Carnival at Michigan Tech – February 4-7 The...
How Much Michigan Black History Do You Know?
February is Black History Month, so we’re taking a look at a few of the many significant people and events that helped shape Michigan and the nation. African Americans have been living in Michigan for nearly 250 years, arriving originally as...
Creating New Year's Resolutions That Stick
According to a Franklin Covey-conducted survey of 15,000 customers, 1/3 will break their resolutions by the end of January. Nearly 40% surveyed attributed breaking their resolutions to having too many other things to do and 33% simply aren’t committed. However, for those...
MSU Truly Goes Green
Michigan State University has been honored by the National Wildlife Federation as one of the “greenest.” campuses in America. The world renown conservation organization recently released its Campus Environment 2008 National Report Card, and identified MSU not only as having the greatest number of exemplary...
Michigan Grows Amazing Olympians
On the campus of Northern Michigan University is the first and only Olympic Education Center, dedicated to providing aspiring Olympic athletes, primarily in non-NCAA sports, the opportunity to continue their educations while training to represent the U.S. at the Olympic Games. In...
Show Support For Michigan Olympian Sheila Taormina
Proud Michigander, and friend of BMN, Sheila Taormina is on her way to Beijing! Sheila began her Olympic career by swimming her way to gold as the third leg on the 800-freestyle relay team in Atlanta back in 1996. She...
Pewabic Pottery Glazes a New Trail
Detroit’s own Pewabic Pottery is on the verge of a campus expansion, several years in the making. According to Executive Director, Terese Ireland, they are in the process of acquiring land adjacent to the historic property to add additional parking...
Communities Team with Coffee Beanery to Raise Funds
Inspired by growing needs in the communities they serve, Coffee Beanery has developed a unique program that helps groups tackle fundraising simply and efficiently, while scoring big results. According to spokeswoman, Laurie Shaw, “The program originated because we were getting...