Gift ideas are pouring in from California to Connecticut as “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir continues to profile small businesses for the 2024 holiday season.
American-made gift ideas are pouring in from all over the country, including cast iron cookware from Lodge Cast Iron.
lodge cast iron
Mike Otterman is the CEO of Lodge Cast Iron, a fifth-generation, family-owned cookware company located in South Pittsburgh, Tennessee. The company was founded in 1896 by Joseph Lodge and is America’s oldest manufacturer of cast iron cookware.
“We have 563 employees and produce 10 million cast iron cookware pieces each year,” Otterman said.
Mike Otterman is CEO of Lodge Cast Iron, based in South Pittsburgh, Tennessee.
lodge cast iron
The company hired 20 new employees this year and is still looking to expand its team.
Wagster Treats, located in Novato, California, outside San Francisco, makes healthy dog treats using natural ingredients. Sweets flavors include “Banana and Toasted Coconut” and “Apple and Toasted Almond.”
Wagster Treats operates as a social enterprise founded by the nonprofit Homeward Bound of Marin to help people experiencing homelessness develop employment skills. The nonprofit operates the Fresh Starts Culinary Academy, a job training program through which Wagster Treats employees are hired.
Sally Miller, director of social work for Homeward Bound at the University of Marin, told World News Tonight that dog treats are “all people facing homelessness who are trying to protect their future for themselves, their families, and their communities.” It was created by alumni who are trying to rewrite the world.”
Sally Miller is the director of social enterprise for Homeward Bound of Marin, the nonprofit organization that oversees Wagster Treats.
Provided by Sally Miller
Their team has made more than 30,000 bags of treats this year and hopes to increase capacity in 2025, with a new production facility scheduled to open in the spring.
“The more candy we can sell, the more jobs we can create for our graduates,” Miller said.
Another idea for American-made gifts comes from East Hampton, Conn., where Bevin Bells, a six-generation family-owned business, is based. Founded in 1832, the company is the only specialty bell manufacturer in the United States.
Cici Bevin is president of Bevin Bells, based in East Hampton, CT.
Bevin Brothers Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
One of their bells was used in the 1946 classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Today, the company has 25 employees and produces more than 500,000 bells a year, including decorative bells inspired by iconic holiday movies.
“Made in America is truly who we are, and I think it defines nearly every way we approach our business,” said Cici Bevin, president of the company. Ta.
This 1905 photo shows the original Bevin Bells factory in East Hampton, Connecticut.
bevin bells old factory
Mr. Bevin said the company has been through periods of transition, overcoming challenges such as a fire that destroyed its factory in 2012, but has always found a way to keep moving forward.
“I’m very proud to be part of my family’s legacy and to be able to add my piece to this history,” Bevin said.
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