Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
Well, with two important holidays, Christmas and Hanukkah, right around the corner, it's clear that we're in the full swing of the holiday season already. I know that Maine people are looking forward to enjoying time with friends and family this time of year, and I am as well.
But hey, if you haven't finished your holiday shopping yet, or if you're a bit of a last minute shopper like I am, I want to take the opportunity to encourage you to shop local this holiday season here in Maine. You know, Maine is home to more than 150,000 small businesses. That's 99% of all businesses in our state. Many of them are retail businesses that sell local Maine made products. These businesses and their producers are the cornerstones of our downtowns, the employers of our friends and family members, and a big driver of our economy. They need your business.
I guarantee you, no matter who you're shopping for, you can find the perfect gift made right here in Maine and sold right here in Maine. And if you need a little inspiration or information, our state's Maine Made program is a great place to start. All you have to do is visit MaineMade.com. That's MaineMade.com.
Look, everything from tea blended in small batches in Bar Harbor or salsa mixed with spirits produced in Presque Isle, clay earrings handcrafted in Portland or artisan soap made in Fort Kent, coffee beans roasted in Kingfield, or baskets and blankets, puzzles, toys, specialty foods and snowshoes. All kinds of things are produced right here in Maine.
The guide that's online, our MaineMade.com guide, is a good resource for you to find local products that are made and sold all across our state. Check it out. You'll find some pretty meaningful and interesting gifts.
Personally, I'm going to be hanging out at American Roots to look for fleece vests. I'm going to be looking at my local bookstore in Farmington, as well as Sherman's bookstores up and down the coast to find the perfect gift or book for friends and family. I'll probably head out to Stonewall Kitchen to find some good blueberry jam, or L.L. Bean to find those boots made in Maine. And Reny's, well, almost everything is at Reny's. Coffee by Design in Portland, and New Balance shoes, and Sea Bags carry those strong carrying bags made from recycled canvas and sail material. Very interesting stuff.
So shop in Maine. When you buy local, you'll not only make somebody you care for feel special with a very interesting and great gift, but you'll be supporting Maine small businesses and the thousands of people they employ and supporting our economy in the process. You'll be helping people who make these things and their families, people who spend hundreds of hours maybe crafting jewelry, or making toys and specialty foods and whatnot, help them remain vibrant as well.
I hope you'll join me in supporting Maine's small businesses this year. And as always, be sure to check in on your neighbors and be kind to one another, this season and every season.
This is Governor Janet Mills wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season, and thank you for listening.