Made in Montana initiative begins

PLAINS – In an effort to get Sanders County on the map for the plentiful products produced in the area, a push towards Made in Montana has begun.

Made in Montana Cooperative Organizer Ken Jones is working hard to get people registered on the site. His long-term hope for the project is to bring more awareness to the county and its local wares. 

“It’s phenomenal the amount of products I’ve been coming across that are just excellent,” Jones said. 

According to their website, Made in Montana offers an online product directory for crafts that are either created, grown or enhanced in the state resulting in 50 percent or more added-value. 

The site certifies the products are “authentically Montanan.” Not only does this offer an opportunity of support from the local community to small businesses and crafters, but it also gives tourists an opportunity to make sure their gifts are as Montanan as possible. 

Jones has been networking on this project for three years and has created relationships to bring more awareness to the Made in Montana product line. 

After completing most of the legwork, Jones is now looking for an organized group to take over his efforts and capitalize on the opportunity presented. 

“We’ve watched how it has worked in Phillipsburg, Stevensville, Hamilton. All those areas are booming because of this labeling program,” Jones explained. “Who are we to not get caught up in the wake of it and take advantage of it.”

Jones said added participation in the program could be beneficial for a number of reasons. First, he said it would build community spirit. He also said it would increase awareness of some of the fine, quality products created in the area, hopefully bringing more people into the county. 

He plans to bring more registered Made in Montana products to Plains Day as well as local trade fairs, although the timeline for this could be up to a year. 

Currently there are approximately 45 Sanders County residents and/or businesses registered on the Made in Montana site. Although the number is a start, Jones said he knows “dozens and dozens” of people who have yet to put their goods on the site.

Registration is free and can be done either online or with a mail-in submission.

The Printery in Plains has applied for the copyright of the Made in Montana sticker – a sticker that is posted in the doorways of businesses to show local Montana products are available for purchase. This will ensure the money stays local and within Sanders County. 

The Made in Montana program offers product label identification, advertising/promotional campaigns, an online directory, annual tradeshows and public showcasing as well as a trade show assistance program.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about the Made in Montana Cooperative is encouraged to contact Jones at 210-5415.