Grand Blanc View

A ‘Made in Michigan’ success story

By Phil Stayhue
VIEW Contributor
Grand Blanc View, January 1, 2009

GOODRICH — Getting tired of hearing grim tales about the economic state of their State, Jim and Patti Travioli decided to battle back, by launching their own website: www.Simply Michigan.com.

The couples’ goal in 2005 was simple. The Goodrich couple wanted to share some fast facts about Michigan, offer questions for trivia buffs, and present a handful of carefully chosen products representing the best their state has to offer.

Today, the Traviolis appear visionary. What was considered a looming one-state recession has reached nation-wide proportions, and Jim and Patti said they think they have a practical solution.

“We all know how tough things are here in Michigan. We have the means to help ourselves. If we put our money back into our local economies and help local Michigan companies, we can help ourselves,” said Jim Travioli. “If we continue to send our dollars overseas to China, we are doomed. It is that simple.”

The “Made in Michigan” concept is a central role to the couple’s website, which formed when Jim, nearing 50, combined his computer development background with the expertise of his wife Patti, an organic horticulture specialist in her late 40s. The pair previously owned an organic nursery in Goodrich.

“We buy directly from the Michigan farmer, manufacturer or producer. We like to learn from each company about their products, so we can share the information with our customers, said Patti Travioli. “We buy from small businesses that want help getting their products to the general consumer, as well as from larger Michigan companies that many people would be more familiar with.”

In September 2008, the couple launched their own line of “Simply Michigan” labeled products, as well. Those items are now available for purchase on their website, and will be available soon in local stores, too. This product line stemmed from some particular personal cravings.

“I was looking for a low-sugar jam recipe, and after some taste-testing, began making Michigan Tart Cherry and Michigan Blueberry Jam, using maple syrup as a sweetener,” said Patti. “Before I knew it, besides tart cherry and blueberry, I was making Apple Cider Jelly from our local cider mill, without any added sugar. These are Michigan’s largest fruit crops, along with being a large maple syrup producing state, so the recipes all made sense.”

Gift baskets are among the best-sellers at www.Simply Michigan.com during the holidays, although all of the offerings have struck a nerve for former Michigan natives. The largest number of orders placed stem from California, with Arkansas and Florida orders following closely behind. Jim recalled a recent enormous pre-Christmas order from a customer in Los Angeles, seeking the chance to share with her friends on the West Coast a taste of the Great Lakes state.

“We’re not a souvenir shop,” said Jim. We try to make it easy for our customers to purchase everyday products for the home and garden, games and toys, art and photography, pet products, natural baby products and more. We’ll be adding an extensive list of new products throughout 2009. We are Michiganders that own a business in Michigan, cooking with Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables.”

Customers looking to connect with www.SimplyMichigan.com that are lacking internet access have options, too. Jim and Patti Travioli will have a presence next summer at the Grand Blanc Farmers’ Market. Additionally, Simply Michigan has a retail outlet at the Lansing City Market, an indoor market open throughout the year.

For more information, visit the Simply Michigan website, or send an e-mail to: info@SimplyMichigan.com.