Councilmember Charles Allen and DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) Director Ana Harvey joined Mayor Muriel Bowser at Union Market yesterday as she signed Councilmember Allen’s Made in DC bill into law. Dozens of local business owners were in attendance as the Mayor also presented a proclamation in honor of Small Business Week.

The Made In DC program will promote locally created, manufactured, and assembled products through brand certification via DSLBD. DSLBD will develop a “Made in DC” logo, brand, and marketing campaign. Once approved, local producers may use this logo in their own marketing, as well as be promoted by the city via DSLBD’s “Made in DC” program.

“The Made In DC program is a smart investment in our local businesses. I’m proud to help promote the District’s growing creator economy and support DC-made products,” said Councilmember Allen. “Thanks to Mayor Bowser for her support for this program, Director Harvey for her strong leadership on behalf of our small and local businesses, and my Council colleagues for ensuring Made In DC will be fully funded in the District’s FY17 Budget.”

The program received full funding today at the Business and Consumer Regulatory Affairs Committee Mark-up hearing, with funds transferred from Councilmember Cheh’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment. Council Chair Phil Mendelson and Councilmember Vincent Orange, Chair of the Council’s Committee on Business, Consumer, and Regulatory Affairs, co-introduced the legislation.  

Photos of the bill signing are available for use via Dropbox here.