Since April, American rubber band manufacturer Alliance Rubber Co. has encouraged Americans to pledge to spend $1 a day on Made in the USA products as a part of its "Band Together. Buy American." contest. Those who took the pledge were entered in a contest to win an all-expense paid trip to anywhere in the continental U.S.
The contest concluded on the 4th of July. Anthony Pastor, of Plymouth Meeting, Pa., was announced as the winner.
"We saw an overwhelming response to the contest, with more than $1.2 million pledged," said company president Bonnie Swayze. "$1 a day is very doable, and it adds up. We do our part to create jobs by manufacturing goods at our Arkansas plant and exporting them around the world, and this contest allowed us to band together with others to make an even bigger impact on American manufacturing, which accounts for 12 percent of the U.S. economy."
Pastor, who has until next summer to enjoy his U.S. vacation, plans to take his wife and two children to either Chicago, San Francisco or Seattle, where his wife's family lives. They have never met his children.
"I try to buy American-made goods whenever possible to support U.S. jobs, particularly when it comes to bigger purchases such as cars," said Pastor. "It's a no-brainer for my family to support our country, and we are excited to now have the opportunity to travel and enjoy America's beauty this year."
In 2013 Alliance was one of two recipients of Top American Manufacturer honors in the Office Supplies category by Made in the USA Foundation and Made Movement. The same year, the company received the Made in USA Certified Product Innovation of the Year Award for excellence in American manufacturing best practices and standards, contributing to job creation in the United States, and accurate labeling.
The company is based in Hot Springs.
Business on 07/28/2014