What started as a proud moment for one Alabama family has turned into a wave of statewide pride — and some unexpected national buzz.
Last week, Lauren Rowland of the Alabama Department of Commerce visited “The Today Show” set in New York City with her family, proudly wearing the department’s signature “Made in Alabama” ball cap. In a spontaneous and lighthearted moment that aired live, “Today” anchor Craig Melvin not only admired the hat — he ended up putting one on.
That simple gesture of support helped spark a big reaction. Since the broadcast, the Alabama Department of Commerce has been flooded with calls and emails from people asking the same question: “Where can I get that hat?”
Good news — now you can.
In response to the overwhelming interest, the Department of Commerce has partnered with Montgomery-based LogoBranders to make the “Made in Alabama” hat available for purchase online. For $22, fans of the brand — and of Alabama’s reputation for making world-class products — can show their support in style.
“We’ve always said that Alabama makes things the world needs,” said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “And now, thanks to Lauren and a little help from “The Today Show,” the world knows that includes some pretty great hats, too.”
The “Made in Alabama” campaign was launched in 2013 as part of a bold rebranding effort to highlight Alabama’s global manufacturing strength, skilled workforce and growing economy. The logo has since become a symbol of state pride — and now, a hot conversation piece.
Note: Neither the Alabama Department of Commerce nor LogoBranders are earning a profit from the sale of the hat.
Courtesy of the Alabama Department of Commerce’s ‘Made in Alabama‘ website.