Many consumers prefer to buy locally 
made and produced products because they wish to support the local economy and they feel more assured of a quality product. Proudly and prominently advertising the product as made in Illinois can boost your sales.
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Accounts reports a national trade deficit of $173.2 billion in the quarter ending December 2007. Concerns about the U.S. trade deficit emphasize the benefits of buying locally produced goods. Purchasing Illinois products decreases the trade imbalance and strengthens our state’s economy. It employs Illinois workers, helps ensures product quality, and supports our tax base. Clear labeling and advertising the Illinois origin of products is key to attracting savvy buyers.
Illinois’ Department of Agriculture (IDOA) provides numerous resources to assist Illinois small businesses in their marketing endeavors. They host an annual Illinois Food Marketing Seminar which is held in Springfield. An Illinois Products Expo is held annually at Springfield’s State Fairgrounds. This year, it will be held March 1st and 2nd. The Department of Agriculture also sponsors an Illinois Product Logo Program. The logo is available for use by any entity that produces, processes, packages or manufactures food or agribusiness products in Illinois. Additionally, the IDOA can assist individuals in starting new food businesses and help businesses in applying for a grant to increase export sales of Illinois food products.
Another state entity offering assistance to small businesses is the University of Illinois Extension. One marketing service they provide is an online Guide to U-Pick Farms, Roadside Markets & Farmers’ Markets . Their Small Business Development Centers provide guidance in developing marketing strategies.
Joining with other local producers is an excellent way to attract buyers. Traffic increases with the increased variety of goods available at any one location. This is true whether it is a Farmers’ Market, a store, or an online catalog which highlights locally produced goods.
According to market researcher Nieslsen//NetRating , online holiday shopping has grown 33 percent year-over-year” which makes selling via internet a lucrative option. Joining with other Illinois small businesses to advertise locally produced goods in an online “virtual store” will allows access to a much wider market and eliminates the overhead of a physical store. The following are examples of online stores dedicated to selling goods produced in a geographically specific area:
Made in Illinois is an online enterprise under development that will offer gifts, food, jewelry, wine and other items made in Illinois.
Consumers will be looking for your Illinois produced goods proudly bearing the Illinois Product logo which signifies they are buying quality goods and keeping the local economy strong.
http://www.buyillinois.net/buy1/sitemap.aspx