Keep the Money in the Mitt asks consumers to buy Michigan-made - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

The "Made in Michigan" movement has been going on for years, but one local business woman is going to a new level to keep consumer dollars in the state.

Tricia Auten founded "Keep the Money in the Mitt," an organization with the goal to keep consumer dollars in the state, by spending them at Michigan-based businesses on Michigan-made products.  

Auten got the idea after starting "Mystique Boutiques" six years ago, which sells goods from many local artisans.

They ask that consumers take a pledge to spend their money on local products.  With their right hand raised in the air, to look like the state, consumers repeat after Auten, "I promise to change my consuming habits to include purchases from as many Michigan-based businesses as possible!"   

"We want it to be a ubiquitous statement," Auten says.  She hopes that if people take this pledge, it will help young consumers realize the importance of supporting local businesses, so they will keep their money in the state.

As part of the on-going effort to expand local businesses, "Keep the Money in the Mitt" also hosts "Mitt Mobs," a flash mob that aims to get more people to take the pledge.

The next mob will be at the Royal Oak Farmers Market on Wednesday, October 3 at 7 p.m.  To register to participate in the flash mob and to learn the dance, visit the "Keep the Money in the Mitt" website.