March 29, 2024

Keeping it local

Nov. 23, 2008
Media headlines are predicting this year as one of the worst for holiday retail sales. But several Northern Michigan businesses are showing growth and success despite the downturn in the economy. So as you search for gifts this season, consider buying local to help the Northern Michigan economy. Here are a few homegrown gifts from around the region.

Camp
Board games are making a big comeback. As families seek more quality time together, “old-fashioned” board games are regaining their popularity. So are new ones, and one of the hottest in North America is Camp. What is cool is that Camp was developed by Education Outdoors Inc, in Eastport (between Elk Rapids and Charlevoix).
Both children and adults learn fun facts about the great outdoors by playing Camp. The game is designed to grow with the player, starting at Level One questions, which primarily involve the identification of animals. As the players increase their knowledge of the outdoors, they grow into the higher level questions. Parents and children can play against each other to see who gets to “Camp first.”
Created and developed by outdoor Tim Paczensy, Education Outdoors Inc. is showing tremendous growth since opening in 2005.
“As young professionals my wife and I almost moved back downstate a few years ago to look for greener financial pastures,” said Jesse DenHerder, vice president of marketing and product design. “Then Education Outdoors came along and we stayed. The growth has been phenomenal and we are having an amazing fourth quarter.”
Their board game is sold all over North America (available in Northern Michigan at toy stores and most outdoor shops). For more information about Camp, locations to purchase or Education Outdoors Inc. check out campboardgame.com


Make It Take It
The shops in Cedar Michigan know that they are off the beaten path. The community that is best known for Pleva Sausage and its annual Polish Festival has been aggressive in its approach to attract visitors. This year, some of the shops in the village are offering an event called “Make It Take It.”
On Friday, November 28 from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, November 29 from 10-5 p.m. (with a lunch break at noon) you will have the opportunity to make a gift for that special someone.
“People love getting homemade gifts,” said Liz Saile of L. Saile Designer Jewelry. “We are also offering free gift wrapping on completed projects.”
Those projects include a strand of pearls from L. Saile, sock monkeys at Duck to Swan, and sachet bags from Inish Knits. At Liberty Bell Quilts, projects include book covers, wine bags and eyeglass cases. All shops will be offering free instruction and assistance in making your project.  For information call Liz Saile at 231- 409-0321 or just show up in Cedar. Be sure to stop in at the Tavern for lunch and the Cedar Market for local wines.


Bay Bucks
A great way to support the local economy is with Bay Bucks. A scrip substitute for currency, Bay Bucks were created a few years ago by the non-profit Traverse Area Community Currency Corporation. Bay Bucks is about keeping the local economy vibrant. They also make a great gift for those who are “impossible to buy for.”
Several businesses in the region take Bay Bucks and the list keeps growing. Yes, this is real legal tender for participating businesses. To learn more, or to find locations that accept Bay Bucks, check out baybucks.org


Santa Goes Green
A few years ago, author Anne Margaret Lewis has a national bestseller with her book “Has Anyone Seen Christmas.” Lewis, who lives on the Old Mission Peninsula, is back with a new book for this season “Santa Goes Green.”
The book is a story of “Finn, a red haired boy who lives on Elm Street, who enlists the help of Santa on a journey to save a polar bear and his home -- the melting glaciers. Along the way they encounter a walrus and a pod of beluga whales.”
It is now available in bookstores throughout the country. So is Lewis planning any book signings in the region?
“No,” said one of the elves from her Mackinac Island Press. “Santa has agreed to sit in the window of Horizon Books in Traverse City every Saturday and sign copies. Somehow, we think kids of all ages would enjoy that at little more.”
Lewis is active in the Northern Michigan community and will gladly sign copies. To learn more or to contact her, go to: mackinacislandpress.com


Cherry Republic Pyramid Gift Box
Speaking of “going green,” that is exactly what Cherry Republic has been doing with their operation in Glen Arbor. “In the spring of 2008, Cherry Republic began an initiative,” states company literature. “It was the company’s commitment to become Green.”
Sending a gift box from Cherry Republic is perfect for that person who already has everything. An employee of the company was overheard saying they would probably send out over 20,000 packages between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Regardless of the number, they will be sending out a lot.
Consider the Cherry Pyramid Gift Box with 1 lb. bags of Michigan Fruit Mix, Cherry Nut Mix, Milk Choc. Covered Dried Cherries and Dried Cherries; 12 oz. bottle of Cherry Italiana Salad Dressing; 8 oz. bags of Dark Choc. Covered Dried Cherries, Cherry Ambassador Mix, and Choc. Covered Cherry Nut Mix; 9 oz. jars of Cherry Jam, Mild Cherry Salsa and Cherry Fudge Sauce; topped with an 8.5 oz. can of Rain Orchard Crunch Caramel Corn and a cherry red bow.
Cherry Republic has locations in Glen Arbor and Front Street in Traverse City. You may even order gift boxes online. Check them out at cherryrepublic.com
And be sure that you make your gifts this holiday season as local as possible.

Trending

Mysterious Michigan Reads

We can’t think of a better way to spend spring break than with a great book. Northern Express asked local bookseller... Read More >>

Heirloom Recipes With Heritage, History, and Nostalgia

Before we begin to stash our coats and put winter behind us, let us remember what years past have taught us…fake sp... Read More >>

A Floral Family Affair

In the quaint downtown of Elk Rapids sits Golden Hill Farms, a shop where the artistry of floristry meets the rustic charm... Read More >>

A Look at Originalism

O Tempora O Mores! Oh the times, oh the culture. This Latin phrase relates to both the 18th century and our current times.... Read More >>