Buy Michigan Now launches TV show, preps iPhone app

Thursday, March 4, 2010 | Source: metromode
Buy Michigan Now is diversifying its efforts to spread the gospel of buying local by launching a TV show and getting ready to release an iPhone application.

"I truly believe that people want to support Michigan businesses," says Lisa Diggs, founder of Buy Michigan Now. "I just want to make it easier for them to do that."

The Livonia-based website is combination chamber of commerce and census for Michigan's companies. It catalogs the state's businesses and tries to drive more people toward in-state products. It's based on the old idea that spending money at area small businesses makes a profound positive economic impact on local communities.

Novi-based Digital 10 Network is working with Buy Michigan Now to develop television programming that highlights Michigan-based companies. The Buy Michigan Now segment will run as part of a 30-minute programming loop airing in more than 100 Secretary of State offices beginning in April.

The website will also offer an iPhone app. More than 700 people are testing out the alpha version, which directs people toward Michigan-based businesses. The beta version is expected to be released to the general public in April.

Buy Michigan Now is also still trying to catalog every business that calls the state home in its Michigan Blue Pages directory. It's also encouraging visitors to take a pledge to spend more of their dollars in-state. So far, 4,171 visitors have taken it, up from 1,300 in late 2008.

Source: Lisa Diggs, founder of Buy Michigan Now
Writer: Jon Zemke
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