USA

Shoppers are inspecting goods for "Made in USA" labels, as a deep recession has encouraged more Americans to reflect on lost manufacturing jobs. But what about the fabric used to make apparel and home furnishings? That material comes from where?

Most textile manufacturing is based in Asia. But cotton—the soft, fluffy staple that for decades drove the American South as a one-crop economy—has been enjoying a modern renaissance of sorts.

Quinn Flags, a supplier and manufacturer of USA-made flags and accessories based in Hanover, Pa., has announced they have purchased a second building and completed a move to the new facility. The company completed the move to the new location at 581 West Chestnut Street in Hanover, Pa. on 2/14/13.

When Apple fans get excited about a new product, it's usually because of a faster processor, better display or cool user interface—not what's printed on the housing. In the course of taking apart a new 21.5-inch iMac, tech blog iFixit.com noted that the back of the unit was inscribed with the phrase, "Assembled in USA."

Apple did not respond to multiple requests for comment, but American-assembled iMacs might be a one-time anomaly or they could represent a shift toward a more diverse manufacturing strategy.

All-In-One has announced that several of its products have been independently certified as being American manufactured. The company's USA Writing Instruments, Americana Permanent Marker and USA Heaven Scent Dog Tags have been certified as Made in the USA. The certification was performed by Made in USA Certified, Inc.

The Book Company, Delray Beach, Fla., announced that it has partnered with Barnes & Noble to supply their exclusive ecosystem journals to the promotional product industry.

VisionUSA introduced the 100 percent recycled Thumbolo RC Desk Mug and Velocity RC Travel Mug. Made in USA from natural, post industrial, Homopolymer Polypropylene, both mugs are dishwasher, microwave safe and break resistant.