“Buy Local” Networking Event in PA Brings Local Businesses to Light

A key benefit of custom shopping is the chance to pair up with a local maker and support a local business. This past Thursday, Superior Woodcraft, Inc. and the Doylestown Business and Community Alliance welcomed more than four-hundred local business representatives to Buy-Local Networking and Business Card Exchange – several PA state and local officials showed up to show their support. The buy-local movement is taking a stand!

Superior Woodcraft, Inc., nationally-recognized custom cabinetmaker, and the Doylestown Business and Community Alliance (DBCA), welcomed more than four-hundred local business representatives to Superior Woodcraft’s showroom last week for a Buy-Local Networking and Business Card Exchange.  In attendance were State Senator, Chuck McIlhinney; State Representative, Marguerite Quinn; Rob Mitchell, aide to Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, and Doylestown Borough Councilwoman, Joan Doyle.

The event gave participants the opportunity to network while learning more about the exceptional quality and diversity of locally available goods, products and services.  Guests mingled while being treated to an array of sustainably grown and specially prepared gourmet foods, beverages, and delicacies.  Along with the DBCA, more than sixteen businesses setup display tables stocked with free samples and product information. Participating businesses included: Blue Moon Acres,  Brad’s Raw Chips, Bucks County Farm Fresh, Crossroads Bake Shop, Doug’s Cakes, Laurie’s Chocolates, The Coffee Scoop, PorcSalt, The Market at DelVal, Triumph Brewing Company, Uncle Dave’s Ice Cream, Uniquely Bucks, Wash Tyme and Wycombe Vineyards.

Doug Reasoner of Dougs Cakes, Doyleston PA

The enthusiasm and positive energy so contagious that night continues to be felt in the encouraging comments heard from vendors and invited guests.

“The vibrant small business community in the 8th District demonstrates how businesses can grow, and our nation can emerge from these tough economic times.  I look forward to learning more from them about what the government can do to improve our business environment and bring those initiatives to Washington,” states Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick.

What a turnout!

“It is wonderful to see the support for our local businesses, and to have the opportunity to buy products made right here in our own community.  The collaboration of different vendors showcased the wide variety of local products Bucks County has to offer.  Thank you so much for your invitation,” adds Representative Marguerite Quinn.

Dave Fleming, the General Manager of Shady Brook Farm and The Market at DelVal, relates, “At the college we talk about local and sustainable and how it affects our community. The Superior Woodcraft Locavore event showed how local goes into every aspect of our lives, including our kitchen cabinets.”

Local makers chat with event attendees

Brad Gruno, founder of Brad’s Raw Chips, has this to say, “I would like to personally thank Superior Woodcraft and the DBCA for inviting Brad’s Raw Foods to participate in the Buy- Local Networking Event.  Now more than ever, it is so important to support our local businesses, so together we can continue to bring our local products and services to our growing community.”

“Many of the traditions that the residents of our community have come to treasure and appreciate are a direct result of the commitment, spirit and contributions of our local business owners.  Doylestown is one of America’s premier towns, and we thank Superior Woodcraft for helping to bring awareness to the importance of strong local economies and the part they play in building strong communities and enhancing our quality of life,” offers Rich Slabinski, Doylestown Business and Community Alliance.

Triumph Brewing Co. shows some local brews

“Superior Woodcraft is proud to promote the buy-local movement because sustainable local companies create jobs, strengthen the local economy, and provide needed revenue for schools, roads, and other critical services.  By acting locally together, we can all help each other through these trying economic times.  The only support and assistance we need is each other, and the tremendous success of the recent Buy-Local Networking Event proves the point,” adds Patrick Kennedy, Vice-President at Superior Woodcraft.