It is easy to overlook how many products in our cupboards and pantries are made right here in the commonwealth of Virginia. We also might not give homage or appreciation to the fact that those products are created and sold with Virginia citizens doing the work, earning their wages and spending those hard-eared dollars right here in our state.

We’ve heard the phrase, “Made in the USA” more times than we can count and understand its value. No one wants to lose a job to someone overseas, and we all want to stimulate our economy in anyway possible. But what better way to support our country than by starting with our state?

“Shopping locally, spending locally” — whether that means in Suffolk or in Virginia — bodes well for our livelihood.

A special thanks goes to Ruth DiGeorge, owner of A Tisket, A Tasket in the Shoppes on the Village Green in Governor’s Pointe, for bringing back the store’s popular “Fall in love with Virginia” market on Saturday, Oct. 4. It’s great to have an event that centers around locally-made products and keeps them fresh in our minds.

Last year’s event was a huge success, bringing in more than 1,000 visitors to the North Suffolk cul-de-sac. This year’s event is sure to be even more successful, so make plans now to attend the event and learn about products “Made in Virginia.”