Black Friday for Hunters

Black Friday may have come and gone but Cyber Monday is tomorrow and I just had to tell you about the great deal that is being offered by Nikon Sport Optics, NikonProGear and NikonHunting.com. The Nikon BDC Slam Hunter's Package contains all of the following including a $50.00 Nikon ProGear Gift Card.

-ProStaff 3-9x40 Riflescope with BDC Reticle
-ProStaff Laser Rangefinder
-Silent Technology Rangefinder Case
-Mastering a Long-range shot with BDC DVD

This great package offers a saving of almost $145.00 on high quality hunting equipment for the hunters in your life.

A couple of other great offers in addition to this great package, are the high-quality, rugged binoculars from Nikon Sport Optics. For a limited time only, get an extra $20 off on Nikon Action Extreme ATB 10x50 Binoculars! Plus, just for this promotion, Nikon and NikonProGear.com are expanding the Gift Card Promotion ($25 and $50 value) to include all of the following products – Nikon Monarch Binoculars, Trailblazer Binoculars, Nikon Action 10x50 Binoculars and ANY Nikon ATB Binoculars. Plus you can get special holiday prices on ProStaff Riflescopes, Nikon Monarch Rifle Scopes, Buckmasters and Omega Riflescopes! Be sure to check this out for all the Hunters on your Christmas Shopping List.



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Space Vehicles Made In Florida

The Space Shuttle Endeavour landed safely this afternoon in California and in the nature of this blog, I wanted to focus on the future of space flight and the effect on our economy. Thousands of jobs in Brevard County Florida and Houston Texas rely on the future of space flight. While I don't necessarily believe in the idea of going to Mars, I do believe that space travel is a worthwhile endeavor and it does benefit several communities and the people in those communities.

Benefits of space travel include according to Nasa.gov:

*Satellite technology that has resulted in cell phone for people nationwide.
*Vital Sign monitoring systems that have helped to save the lives of countless individuals recovering from heart attacks and other serious illnesses.
*Space Based Beacon location service has created a satellite based search and rescue system that has saved almost 13,000 people as of January 2002.

There are many more benefits that could be named but I think you should check them out for yourself. Just go to NASA's website, to check out all the information on upcoming space flights and the history of NASA.

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State of the Economy and American Manufacturers

The state of the current economy and the financial worries with the "Big 3" Auto Makers got me to thinking. A couple of years ago I found myself in serious financial troubles and I knew that the situation that I had gotten myself into wasn't one that was going to be easy for me to get out of. I really only had a couple of options and the one that I chose luckily turned out to be the best for me. I had gotten myself into a high interest car loan, had thousands of dollars worth of credit card debt and had creditors calling on a daily basis. The only option for me was to voluntary give up my car which is the same thing as a repossession and then file for bankruptcy. The first six months were very tough, but with less money coming off of my bottom line I was able to finally start saving and then get myself into a nice used car at a "Buy Here Pay Here" lot. After a year or so of paying on that loan, I was able to qualify for a loan for another vehicle that was much more dependable. The bottom line of this story is that maybe the "Big 3" need to hit rock bottom before they can realize their mistakes and learn how to live wiser and more efficiently. In my opinion, I truly believe that Ford will be ok because they have 2 really popular vehicles which are the F150 and the Mustang. The one that I worry about the most is Chevrolet because they have gotten so far away from who they are, that they sort of lost their identity. I don't think that saving the auto makers is the answer. In this case the answer may be just to let them try to correct their own mistakes. Unfortunately, in the process hundreds of thousands of people may lose their jobs. I think that if the government does bail them out they will not truly learn what they have done wrong and things will not really get any better. What do you think? Do you think this is the fall of some of our corporate giants?

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Automated Solutions for American Manufacturing

For companies who are manufacturing Items Made In The USA, here is a company that might actually be able to help you. SetpointUSA is an American Owned and Operated company that develops custom automated solutions that are designed to improve quality and productivity in the workplace.

Setpoint, which was founded in 1992, has seen significant growth over the years. Setpoint was recognized in the 1999 issue of Inc Magazine's 500 fastest growing companies in America and also included in Utah's top 100 fastest growing privately held companies. With over 15 years of experience in industrial automation, Setpoint can successfully design and build automated machinery for a large number of businesses in a wide variety of industries.

Just an example of some of the services that they can provide:
* Fully Automated Systems
* Equipment Upgrades and Re-Tooling
* Custom Automated Solutions
* Non Destructive Testing & Non Destructive Inspection
* Energetic & Explosive Devices Automation
* Robotic System Integration
* Automated Packaging Solutions

Setpoint relies on non destructive inspection and technology that are available for a wide variety of industries and parts. Setpoint combines x-ray inspection with electrical testing to provide proper equipment and testing environment for parts, all in one compact machine.


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Buy American On This Black Friday

As you are out shopping on this beautiful Black Friday morning, I hope that you will take an extra moment to take a look at the packaging to find Items That Are Made In The USA. During these tough economic times, it is even more important to buy those items to keep the money here in our Country. If you have been shopping today, let us know what you found that was Made In The USA.


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Asstistance for getting your company off the ground

Wouldn't it be great if there was an online toolbox that you could use to help get your business off the ground? Something that could help you see bottom line results FAST... Lean Manufacturing is provided by the Hands On Group and they can help you focus your business on the direction that your business should take. That could be Focus on Quality, Drive down Cost, Improve Service, etc. For manufacturing companies, the Hands On Group understands the problems that you are faced with and with 18 years of experience they can offer you those improved bottom line results that you are looking for. Lean Production is something that is needed in this economy in order to slash time to market and reduce total inventory, while improving cost, quality and delivery performance.

Years ago, I worked for a Japanese Company that produced automotive components. They believed strongly in the 5s principles of Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. The Hands On Group delivers these principles in their online toolkit.

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Contest Winner

Thank you so much to all who entered. It was great fun and I hope you learned about some new and exciting products that are Made In The USA.

Congratulations to Traci, who was the 13th comment and the winner of the contest.

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

13

Timestamp: 2008-08-28 23:19:34 UTC

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Made In Arizona!

The Queen Creek Olive Mill
This is family owned and makes the most fantastic, fresh extra virgin olive oil you will ever taste! Their olive grove is in Queen Creek at the base of the San Tan Mountains, where there is rich, fertile soil, long sunny days and cool desert nights, making it an ideal location for their trees.

Perry Rea is the owner who was once an auto parts exec but has since created a signature oil that is used in over a hundred local restaurants. His oil is a blend of Pendolino, Lucca, Frantoio and Mission olives and is known for its fruity beginning, grassy smell and peppery finish.

Queen Creek Olive Mill is located at 25062 S. Meridian Road, Queen Creek, telephone number 480-756-6998 and their website is www.queencreekolivemill.com. You can also find their olive oils at some grocery stores, including Whole Foods.

Homer, the ancient Greek poet called it “liquid gold” and in the Mediterranean, it has been more than just food: it has been medicinal, magical and an endless source of fascination and wonder and the fountain of great wealth and power.

The Green Valley Pecan Company
I love pecans! Pecan pie has to be my favorite dessert! The Green Valley Pecan Company is located in the Sonoran Desert just 15 miles south of Tucson and has been operating since 1948. Another family owned business, they focus on supplying their customers with the highest quality of nuts they can, which means they not only grow the pecans, but they also have an on-site processing and storage plant.

Not only are pecans, with their rich, buttery taste good for eating fresh or baking, they are a really good source of protein and unsaturated fats. They have been known to lower the risk of gallstones in women and the antioxidants and plant sterols found in them can reduce high cholesterol. So, they are tasty and healthy – as long as you don’t think eat them in the form of a pecan pie every day!!!

The Green Valley Pecan Company

1625 E. Sahuarita Rd., Sahuarita, Arizona 85629
www.greenvalleypecan.com

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Made In......Nevada!

Because I live in Nevada, I’m letting you know about three products that are made locally.

The first is the best: Tahoe Creamery. They used to have this wonderful little restaurant in Carson City where they sold their ice cream and I can tell you from having tasted this first hand, it is the best ice cream in the world. It is so pure and …..well……it just tastes clean! Clean, pure and creamy.

Greg Hoch, the owner, moved with his family from Connecticut where he had grown up working with his dad producing gourmet ice cream at their Shady Glen Dairy Farm. The restaurant was not as busy as they liked, so they decided to just channel all of their energy into producing the high quality ice cream and not the other food they had been serving as well. They have several franchises, one of which has just opened at the University of Nevada, Reno, and the ice cream is just delicious.

Tahoe Creamery use only the finest and all natural ingredients for their ice cream, so you can be assured of the quality. They refuse to add to the extra cost of fuel and burden the environment even more, so they only sell this locally. It is made local and sold local.

If you live in this area, this is one ice cream that you must taste. Their signature flavors are:

Tahoe Flow Cookie Dough – Creamy vanilla ice cream with rich cookie dough.
Tahoe Trip Mint Chip – Cool winter mint ice cream with an explosion of chocolate chips.
Tahoe Funk Chocolate Hunk – Crazy rich chocolate ice cream with chocolate-covered waffle cone pieces and chewy fudge chunks.
Tahoe Crunch Peanut Butter Munch – Creamy peanut butter ice cream with peanut butter ripple and toffee-covered peanuts.
Tahoe Coffee Crunchy Toffee – Rich coffee ice cream with espresso chips and toffee chunks.
Creamy vanilla ice cream with chocolate sandwich cookies and a coffee swirl.

My dad’s personal favorite – their blueberry ice cream!

http://www.tahoecreamery.com/

Bad Dog Chocolates
Yes, an unusual name, but it came about when Eric and Cindy Fehr were mastering their love of chocolate and their dog, Hana, decided to indulge and helped herself to a fresh batch of chocolates that they had just made! Therefore, Bad Dog Chocolates was born!

They know what a chocolate lover wants: Belgian chocolate made with only the purest, natural ingredients without any preservatives or sugar. They offer dark , milk and white chocolates, caramel, brownies, and their seasonal selection would make the perfect gift at Christmas time.

Not only do they make and ship this chocolate out across America, Eric also likes to give his advice on wine that works well with his chocolates. When you check out their website, be sure to click on “Eric’s Corner” to see what his recommendations are.

http://www.maddogchocolates.com/

and speaking of wine…….

Tahoe Ridge Winery & Marketplace is run by Rick and Kathy Halbardier, who have planted over 20,000 grape vines in Nevada and have achieved success with the first all Nevada grown Chardonnay wine, which sold out in two weeks.

Based in Genoa in the Carson Valley, they have a tasting room and gift shop which features current and past library selections of Tahoe Ridge wine. They have a selection of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rose, Red, Merlot, Zinfandel and many more. They do ship to most states, although a few are excluded.

http://www.tahoeridge.com/

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Contest Annoucement

Welcome to Items Made In The USA! I'm so happy that you are here that I have decided to host a contest where you can win your choice of one of the following Island Grove Gift Pack that includes Sauces, Marinades, or Dressing.

Island Grove Salad Dressings
Island Grove Lite Dressings
Hurricane Bay Marinade
Island Grove BBQ

All you have to do to be eligible is view my previously reviewed Items Made In The USA and tell me which review is your favorite. You will also need to tell me which Island Grove Gift Pack you would like if you win.

*Earn 1 extra point by commenting on any of the products that I have reviewed. Tell me what you like, what you don't like and tell me what you would like to see more of.
*Earn 1 extra point for Digg, Stumble, or Add To Technorati Favorite.
*Earn 5 extra points for posting about this contest on your blog, or posting my button in your sidebar.
*Earn 5 extra points for subscribing to my feed.

This contest will end at midnight on August 25, 2008.


My goal is to have a contest every week from now, so if you would like to sponsor a giveaway please email me at denashops@yahoo.com. I will be happy to feature any Etsy Stores in exchange for a small giveaway item.

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Clabber Girl Baking Powder

Clabber Girl was founded in Terre Haute, Indiana over 150 years ago and is the leading manufacturer of baking powder in the Nation. Clabber Girl provides a variety of food products, among them are REX coffee, Farmers Pride jams and jellies, Delisheries Gourmet Baking Mixes, Rumford, Davis and Hearth Club baking powders, Clabber Girl cornstarch and, of course, America's favorite--Clabber Girl Baking Powder.

Their website is really cool. They have the neatest resource center where you and your little ones can participate in their Clabber Girl Family Fun. You can even download a certificate for the School of Baking to show your little ones progress.


As a sidenote, Clabber Girl founders purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1945 as a venue to promote the product. The Speedway is still currently owned by the Company.

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Cummins Engines

Cummins Inc., is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (USA), Cummins serves customers in more than 160 countries through its network of 550 company-owned and independent distributor facilities and more than 5,000 dealer locations.

Cummins is very close to my heart! My dad actually worked for Plant 1 in Columbus for many years and then transferred out to the CMEP plant in Wellsboro where he retired 2 years ago after almost 30 years. Plant 1 manufactures the Diesel Truck Engines for Heavy Duty trucks like Semis and the CMEP plant manufactures the Cummins Diesel engine that goes in the Dodge Ram.

Louisville Golf

Since 1974 Louisville Golf has turned heads, literally, by turning wood into quality drivers and putters. Louisville Golf is recognized throughout the world as the leader in design and production of persimmon golf clubs. Located only 10 miles from downtown Louisville, Louisville Golf manufactures piles of felled timber into artful pieces of golf weaponry.

In partnership with the PGA of America, Louisville Golf is producing mallet putters, ornaments and mini-drivers from wood obtained from the Valhalla Golf Course, homesite of the 2008 Ryder Cup in Louisville, Kentucky.

Parachute Canopies by Performance Designs

Performance Designs, Inc., located in Deland Florida, is a world-class parachute Manufacturer Designing wings of excellence, providing the highest quality product through pride and integrity, to ensure product reliability with unsurpassed dedication to our customer's needs.

Founded in 1982 by Bill Coe and John LeBlanc, Performance Designs has introduced cutting edge concepts and materials to the parachute industry and helped revolutionize parachute design. Continually setting new standards in performance, quality, and customer support, PD has produced some of the most successful ram air canopies built to date.

Louisville Stonewear since the 1800's

Kentucky’s handmade, handpainted stoneware since the 1800s.

Each Louisville Stoneware product is an exclusive piece of Functional Art made especially for you. Louisville Stoneware is one of our country's oldest and most revered stoneware manufacturing firms, known previously as Louisville Pottery. Beautiful and unique products include this country's finest American handmade and handpainted stoneware, collectables, dinnerware and bakeware.

The pattern variations and differences in shading found on our pieces are to be celebrated by discerning collectors such as you for they testify to the distinct quality of each piece of our functional art.

The high firing in our kilns makes our durable stoneware pieces ovenproof, microwave and dishwasher safe. The natural properties of Louisville Stoneware enable it to retain heat so as to keep food hot for serving while experiencing the creative talents of each of our artists through the use of each of your treasured Louisville Stoneware pieces.

Louisville Slugger

The legend started in 1884 when Pete Browning of the Louisville Eclipse broke his back. He was invited to the woodworking shop of J.F. Hillerich by his son "Bud". Some 120 years have passed since Bud Hillerich crafted that very first bat for Pete Browning. During that time, Louisville Slugger has sold more than 100,000,000 bats, making it without question the most popular bat brand in baseball history. Louisville Slugger continues to dominate the game in both wood and aluminum bat categories. 60% of all Major League players currently use Louisville Slugger. And in the past decade, seven national college baseball champions hammered their way to the top with Louisville Slugger TPX bats.

In recent years, Louisville Slugger has gone far beyond bats, providing performance technology in the form of fielding and batting gloves, helmets, catchers' gear, equipment bags, training aids and accessories. In addition to its on-field performance products, Louisville Slugger offers personalized, miniature, commemorative and collectible bats.

Get your own personalized bat or visit the Louisville Slugger Museum today.

Jim Beam~A Legend for 213 years

When Jacob Beam cooked up his first batch of bourbon back in 1795, debts were settled with duels. The American Dream was still taking shape. And you added more horsepower by, well, adding another horse.

A lot has changed over the past 213 years. But at Jim Beam, things have remained more or less the same. All that time has been spent painstakingly and passionately perfecting Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Proudly the world’s finest bourbon and still made by the same family, pretty much the same way. There is now a whole family of bourbons. Some are aged longer to add a little more character and complexity. One of the bourbons is filtered through charcoal for a more rounded and mature taste. Another offers a spicy rye flavor. And a few are made in small batches, the way bourbon used to be made. They can be light and delicate. Creamy and elegant. Smooth. Balanced. Chewy. Crisp.

Candy made in my hometown of Madison, Indiana

In 1893 Walter C. Mundt moved his young family to Madison, opening his first candy manufacturing and retail store that year. Ten years later he organized the Mundt-Hidden Candy Company and in 1917 he founded Mundt’s Candies in the existing building at 207 West Main.

The Mundt name has appeared on the building’s storefront nearly 89 years: Mundt’s Candies, 1917; W. Mundt & Sons, Manufacturing Confectioners, circa 1922; and Betty Mundt’s Candies, 1933. A 1918 photograph of the storefront shows it virtually unchanged.

Mention Mundt’s and Madison fondly remembers fish candy, chocolates, Betty’s and Richard’s soda fountain creations, dark wood booths and pictures of school children covering the wall… Just as though it were yesterday.

Mundt’s closed May 1966. Mundt’s re-opened June 1998.

Famous for their Fish Candy, this is definitely something you won't want to miss. MUNDT'S CANDIES is featured on page 509 in the New York Times Best Seller, 1,000 Places To See Before You Die.


MUNDT'S Recommended by NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC "fun confectionery and soda fountain...in spot since 1917."

Recorded in the Historic American Buildings Survey, Library of Congress.

Gibson Guitars

Gibson Guitars is Made In The USA and they are offering a contest where they are giving you the opportunity to win an autographed Joan Jett Signature Melody Maker and a copy of her new cd, Sinners.

Contest ends July 31, 2008.

They are also giving away a Gibson Les Paul Studio and Shine A Light on DVD!
24 Runners-up will each receive a copy of the DVD!

Contests ends August 17, 2008.

Win a $50.00 Target Gift Card

SunEGrl Loves To Shop is having a contest!

Grandprize includes all of the following:
500 Entrecard Credits
Italian Charm Bracelet With 5 Charms
125x125 button on my blog for one month
$50.00 Target Gift Card

The top three in the points standing will receive 300 Entrecard Credits each, but the Grandprize will be awarded to one person by random drawing.

Hurry, this contest ends on July 31st.

Softdrinks from Sav A Lot

One of the things that I have found recently that is Made In America is Tubz Diet Root Beer from Sav A Lot. This stuff is awesome!!! It has zero calories, zero carbs and is made with Splenda. Be sure to stop by your nearest Sav A Lot to pick some up.

This is one of the staples of my Low Carb Diet and I don't think I would be able to make it through without it.

Great Customized Gifts

Scrapbooking Made Simple has an Etsy store that offers Refrigerator Scrapbooks that can be customized in whatever way you choose. What a great housewarming gift this would make!!!

Did you hear that?

That was the sound of a pin dropping because everyone is being so Quiet. Anyone have something that is Made In The USA that I should list here? C'mon there's got to be someone. Ok, enough begging. I'll be back with new posts tomorrow.

What do you like best?

Of the products that I have posted so far, what did you like best? What would you like to see more of? Looking for any suggestions that you can give me on how to better this blog.

The Cat's Pajamas

start the cat's pajamas® in 1998.

The cat's pajamas® has been producing its sleepwear entirely in the San Francisco Bay area since 1998.. The owners feel it is very important to support their local community and keep jobs in the bay area.

I love cats and I love pajamas, finding this website was great.

Aerofast

Aerofast specializes in American designed and American manufactured Cruisers and Go-Carts since 1976. Manufactured in Jacksonville, Florida.

Oyster Bamboo Fly Fishing Rods

The art of bamboo fly rod making is William "Bill" Oyster's full-time career and passion. Bill is the sole artesian involved on each and every Oyster Fine Bamboo Fly Rod, including the intricate hand engraving. The action and aesthetic of each Oyster rod is of the highest possible quality.

Everything on Oyster Bamboo is made in the U.S.A. by fishermen for fishermen.

Harley Davidson Motorcycles

Harley Davidson Motorcycles have been made in Milwaukee, Wisconsin since 1903. In 2006, Harley-Davidson unveiled plans for an all-new museum in Milwaukee, scheduled for opening in 2008.

I will feature your products

Hi, if you own a home based business that manufactures or sells American Made products, I will feature your items and link to your site in exchange for Sponsor Giveaways. You will have to give me some background on the company as far as where the items are manufactured and how long the company has been in business. If you know how many employees, that is great to as this blog is dedicated to helping keep Americans in business. The items can be as inexpensive as $5.00 plus shipping so it is definitely worth the exposure. This blog is growing every day, and it would be great to be able to feature some items from fellow bloggers.

Stamper Black Hills Gold

Pioneering Black Hills Gold innovation and goldsmithing since 1922, Stamper Genuine Black Hills Gold Jewelry, a family-owned company, has been setting high-quality standards in the industry for two generations. Ed and Amy Stamper purchased the company in 1959 from Clara Arnold. At the age of 16 Clara began creating Black Hills Gold jewelry for a business owned by the Butler family in Deadwood SD. By the 1940's she owned and operated her own shop on Main Street in Rapid City, SD. Upon retirement in 1959, she continued to share her talents by contributing to the training and development of Stamper employees. From a two-man operation, Stamper has grown into a nationally recognized company with over 90 employees and 13 sales representatives.

Jiffy Steamers

Jiffy® Steamer traces its roots back to 1940. Gone with the Wind was the movie and Frank Sinatra, the Voice. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was preparing to run for a third term. Most everyone of that era wore a hat. Stretching, shaping and blocking your fedora over a steaming kettle was common. This is where the idea was born - a better way to steam hats "back into shape in a jiffy." Shortly after 1940, the company was organized and the Jiffy® Steamer Model J-1 was patented. Jiffy® Steamer knew the invention was good for more than steaming hats, so a hose attachment and steam head were added. The new Jiffy® Steamer offered a revolutionary solution to an age-old problem of the clothing industry...removing wrinkles efficiently. Today, three generations are involved in this closely-held company. Jiffy® Steamer Company, LLC is known around the globe (over 45 foreign markets) and is backed by over 1,000 dealers in the United States alone. The dozens of Jiffy® Steamer models can be found almost everywhere-from the commercial garment trade, to residential markets, in the pages of high-end mail order catalogs, in businesses that cater to the travel industry as well as in other specialty markets. The history of the Jiffy® Steamer is filled with the promise and desire to harness the power and magic of steam.

Dream Bags

Dreambags is a Chicago based manufacturer and retailer of exclusive, customizable and limited editions of purses, handbags, travel and business cases, totes and pet carriers. They use the best leather, fabrics and hardware to create unique, yet functional items for you to enjoy.

Did you know?

Did you know is a new section that will be added to this blog that will help you find Items Made In The USA on your own. This weeks tip is about finding products made in your local or regional area by simply searching for Manufacturing Associations in your area. In my search for products this week, I ran across the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida (MACF). They have a complete list of all of their members listed on their website so while it doesn't break down the industries by category, I can still find products that I am in need of and can be purchased locally. While some of the listing are not manufacturers of products, there is still some great information in this list.

Island Slipper Flip Flops

Island Slipper offers a quality line of sandals for men and women. Created for the casual lifestyle, our sandal designs focus on comfort, durability and value. You won't find us chasing the latest fads or making drastic line changes. What you will find, are sandals that your customers will love and come back for year after year. Moderately priced to retail from $24.00 to $60.00. Made in Hawaii, USA.