(Livonia, Mich, October 10, 2017) – Buy Michigan Now (BMN) is proud to announce that entrepreneur, Jackson Riegler of Muskegon, has won the Grand Prize in the campaign’s 6th annual Up & Coming Entrepreneur Contest. BMN’s core mission is helping independent businesses across the state. Consequently, the contest helps newcomers like Oshki, which designs and sells apparel to help preserve the Great Lakes.
About Riegler
Riegler decided to create an apparel company after being inspired by news of proposed federal funding cuts regarding the Great Lakes. He calls the company “Oshki,” which according to Riegler, means “fresh” in the Native American Ojibwe language. Riegler is an honor student and football player at Muskegon Catholic Central. Not surprisingly, he donates 5% of his proceeds to charity. The funds go to Alliance for the Great Lakes, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to protect and preserve the lakes for future generations.
“It is an honor to be chosen! Any time you get recognition for the hard work you put in, it’s icing on the cake,” said Riegler. “Starting Oshki has been a life-changing experience, and the people I have come into contact with have been overwhelmingly supportive.”
Grand Prize
As the Grand Prize winner, Riegler will receive:
- 8×10 vendor space in a prime location at the Buy Michigan Now Fall Fest in Jackson Oct 28-29, 2017.
- Public relations and marketing support
- Free Premiere membership at BuyMichiganNow.com for two years
- Listed in Scheduled Vendors on the event website with company’s website link
- Announced as winner in Buy Michigan Now and American 1 Credit Union’s monthly newsletters
- Highlighted on Buy Michigan Now social media
Riegler admits that, to date, the majority of his sales have come from his hometown of Muskegon, which means that the next step is expanding his mission to other areas of the state. He hopes this exposure can help him to do just that.
Fall Fest
As part of the Grand Prize, Oshki will join over seventy other Michigan-based companies selling products and services at the Buy Michigan Now Fall Fest presented by American 1 Credit Union. The event takes place at the Jackson County Fairgrounds on October 28-29. It is geared toward encouraging consumers to buy from local companies in order to revitalize the state’s economy. Guests will have the opportunity to sample a wide range of local foods and shop early for holiday gifts. Kids can visit a petting zoo, and enjoy other fall-themed family activities.
Fall Fest Special Guest
Michigan artist, Ed Thayer, also known as Steampunk Eddie and winner of GSN’s reality TV show Steampunk’d, will also be at the Fall Fest this year. Thayer will meet with fans and show off his latest mysterious creation, the Great Steampunk Smash. Furthermore, a full list of entertainment is coming soon.
Vendor and Sponsor Info
Visit the BMN website for information about the event or to apply to be a vendor. The generous presenting sponsor of the fest is American 1 Credit Union, but additional packages are available. Consequently, interested companies should email fest@BuyMichiganNow.com for more information.
About BMN
Buy Michigan Now is a grassroots buy local effort, that began in November of 2007. The goal is to educate people about the benefits of buying locally. Consequently, supporters will make changes and help Michigan’s economy. The website contains a directory of Michigan-based businesses and an online Grocery Guide. Visitors can also find articles on local companies. All of these tools are so that individuals can make better buying choices.
Press Questions
Media should contact Jeanne Micallef with questions or to arrange interviews. She can be reached at 248-547-5576 or Jeanne@imjcommunications.com. Photos are available upon request.
