This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
Well, with the Thanksgiving holiday this week, and with Christmas and Hanukkah coming right up, we're in the full swing of the holiday season already. I know that Maine people are looking forward to enjoying time with friends and family this time of year. I am as well. But hey, if you haven't finished your holiday shopping yet -- and you'd be pretty much ahead of the game if you have -- or if you're a bit of a last minute shopper like I am, I want to take the opportunity to encourage you to shop local this holiday season here in Maine.
Maine is home to more than 150,000 small businesses. That's 99 percent of all businesses in our state. Many of them are retail businesses that sell local Maine-made products, and these businesses and their producers are the cornerstones of our downtowns, the employers of our friends and family members, and a big driver of our economy. They need your business. I guarantee you, no matter who you're shopping for, you can find the perfect gift made right here in Maine and sold right here in Maine.
And if you need a little inspiration or information, our state's Maine Made program is a great place to start. All you have to do is visit MaineMade.com. That's MaineMade.com.
From work boots and outdoor accessories at Trader Joe's Outfitters in Presque Isle -- not the grocery store chain -- to handmade flower arrangements at Fiddleheads in Cape Elizabeth, to sundries at the 5&10 General Store in Winter Harbor, to a knitting and wine shop rolled into one at Fiber & Vine in Norway, to sneakers at New Balance in Skowhegan, all kinds of great things are produced right here in Maine.
And did I mention Raye's Mustards in Eastport? Or Marin skincare products developed right at our university research labs? Our online MaineMade.com guide is a good resource for you to find local products that are made and sold all across our state. Check it out!
It may be tempting to go for convenience over craftsmanship this holiday season, but our gift guide will help you find some pretty meaningful and interesting gifts. Something for everybody.
Personally, I'm going to be visiting some of my favorite independent bookstores to find the perfect books for friends. Sherman's up and down the coast, the Briar Patch in Bangor, Devaney Doak & Garrett in Farmington -- all great places to find special books for special people. I also plan to go to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens to see their holiday light show, Gardens Aglow, and do some shopping in Boothbay Harbor, and maybe Ogunquit, and maybe Kennebunkport.
And I'll probably stop by Reny's in my hometown of Farmington to find, well, almost anything.
When you buy local, you'll make somebody you care for feel special with a unique gift. You'll also support Maine's small businesses and the thousands of people they employ, and you'll strengthen our economy. You'll be helping people who make these things, and helping their communities remain vibrant as well.
I hope you'll join me in supporting Maine's small businesses this year, especially on Small Business Saturday.
And as always, be sure to check on your neighbors and be kind to one another this season and every season.
This is Governor Janet Mills wishing you a happy, healthy holiday season, and thank you for listening.