Rosie Pietila of Negaunee is pictured with a letter from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, notifying her that her business, Rozie’s Foods, was being recognized by the state for excellence. The business was recently recognized during the Michigan Celebrates Small Business Gala. (Journal file photo)

MARQUETTE — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued a proclamation marking July 28-Aug. 4 as Buy Michigan Week.

“Michigan businesses have been resilient through the pandemic and I am committed to getting them the support they need as we continue Michigan’s economic jump start,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Buying local has never been more important as we continue to build up our economy stronger than ever. With each purchase made at a Michigan retailer, you can help keep more money in your community and improve your quality of life as we put Michigan back to work.”

The owner of a Marquette County business expressed her appreciation over assistance she has received.

“The programs our governor worked to put in place helped my business,” said Rosie Pietila of Negaunee, owner of Rozie’s Foods. “My business survived and we are looking forward to a great future.”

Rozie’s Foods makes Rozie’s RelSa, a gourmet pepper blend. The company is a Small Business Development Centers “Best Small Business” awardee that was recently recognized during the Michigan Celebrates Small Business Gala.

Last week, Whitmer kicked off the MI Small Business Summer tour to recognize Michigan’s small businesses that have shown resiliency throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout the pandemic, the state’s dozens of economic relief programs for businesses supported more than 25,000 companies and retained more than 200,000 jobs.

Learn more and find resources for Small Businesses at Michigan.gov/SmallBusinesses.