This holiday season: think Maine. As the winter, snow and holidays descend upon us, I started thinking of all the little ways people can make their holiday traditions have a bit more of Maine in them. There are so many innovative products made right here that surpass countless generic, mass-produced options sold throughout the country. Maine-made products signify quality and value, and buying locally has a positive ripple effect throughout the entire state’s economy.

I believe products made by Maine people are some of the finest in the world. From a toboggan crafted with Maine wood to fine jewelry to handmade toys, I know that what comes from this state is an exceptional product. There is also the added benefit that when you buy locally, you are helping your neighbors’ businesses grow and succeed. While enjoying the holidays, consider shopping at a local hardware store or taking your friends or family to one of the state’s great restaurants; you’ll be actively strengthening the local economy. By buying Maine, you’re also supporting Maine.

Over 90 percent of Maine’s businesses are small businesses. These companies started out as simply an entrepreneur’s idea that grew into a successful business. My charge at the Department of Economic and Community Development is to strengthen Maine’s economy and here is a suggestion: support our small businesses, especially during the holidays.

Look at Simply Divine Brownies, based in my hometown of Brunswick, which started making gourmet brownies in 2004. They recently placed second in a Forbes’ national “Boost Your Business” contest with nearly 1,000 companies competing. They are hard-working, locally owned and operated, and produce a great product. By simply indulging your friends and family with brownies, you are contributing to our economy. It is a small, yet effective way that individual people can become involved in economic development.

A few dollars a week spent on Maine-made goods adds up quickly if everyone in the state is doing it. And there are many locally made products to choose from.

Take for example, our food. There’s the classic New England Cupboard’s Bakewell Cream which perhaps you’ve been using since it’s inception in the mid-1940s. Tell a friend about it. When picking up a bag of potatoes, look for potatoes from the County.

Or buy Maine to stay warm in Maine: Cuddledown has been making down comforters in Portland since the 1970s. Then there’s the classic Bean boot, a Maine staple since Leon Leonwood Bean created it in 1912; they keep you warm and dry through winter and into mud season, too. These products are made in Maine, by skilled Maine workers.

You can also buy Maine to enjoy the outdoors. An Aegis bike is a fine example of carbon fiber technology that’s manufactured in Maine or perhaps an Eastman Industries lawnmower for the gardener in your life.

There are many possibilities and I hope that you find a way to bring more of what you love about Maine into this holiday season; using Maine potatoes or staying dry with Bean boots, you have the chance to support local craftspeople or create a new tradition while strengthening your communities.

John Richardson is commissioner of Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development. For information about Maine-made products go to www.mainemade.com.