GAINESVILLE- Life really is like a box of chocolates for at least one business in North Central Florida.

 

Except, they say their customers know exactly what they will get. 

 

In an effort to bring attention to American- made products this Christmas season, ABC World News has been asking viewers "are you in?" 

 

Every Wednesday we are asking you.

 

And in taking us inside a prominent Gainesville sweets shop... TV20's Alex de Armas found out... the answer is "yes."

 

When you walk into Thornebrook Chocolates…the smell of chocolate makes you stop. 

 

It's as if you can close your eyes and taste the sweets.

 

"I'm gonna go buy chocolate and I'm gonna make sure I go to a local place," said Nikki Wagner, a holiday shopper. 

 

Many customers say its more than a chocolate shop, it's a place where sweet memories have been made for 30 years.  

 

A reason that brings Wagner to the store to shop for a great American-made Christmas. 

 

 "I believe it's important for people in the community to support others and also to support businesses that give back to the community," said Wagner. 

 

A business with seven employees that has opened its doors to different generations-- in a community the owner of the store says she loves knowing.

 

"We do, we do get to know our customers well and get to know their kids... we are probably going to meet their grandkids pretty soon," said Cathleen Blagay, owner of Thornebrook Chocolates. 

 

The small store produces 20 to 25 pounds of chocolate a day. 

 

They have over a hundred different pieces of chocolate on display. 

 

So whether you're looking for chocolate covered ores, strawberries, or even gummy bears you can find it in this store…and all covered by chocolate made right here in Gainesville. 

 

"The great thing about being part of the community and being local is the fact the we can cater to the community," said Blagay. "We look at what the community needs are. We are investing back into the community."

 

Economists tell 'World News' that if we all spent just 64 dollars on a gift with a 'made in America' label,  we could create 200 thousand new American jobs.

 

The president of the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce says that helps everybody.

 

 "The money that's spent by the consumers, stay in our local economy, creates jobs, it saves jobs, and it creates more tax revenue locally so that we can make investments that will ultimately grow our economy in the future," said Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce.

 

As for Wagner, she says she's "in."

 

"Wow! That would be amazing especially with in todays economy," Wagner said.

 

So North Central Florida...are you in? 

 

Tune in next Wednesday... I'll tell you about other local businesses with local products. 

 

And if you know of a local business selling American made products, let me know-- email me at adearmas@divcom.com.