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DSN profiled six companies that sell on their American-made heritage as part of its "Made in America" report.

GREEN TOYS
MILL VALLEY, Calif. — Green Toys makes a line of classic children’s toys constructed from recycled, food-safe plastic and other environmentally friendly materials. The products not only help fuel the “Made in America” movement, the use of recycled materials helps distinguish the toy manufacturer by reducing fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.

NEW YORK — Consumers showed more confidence in October as a recovery in the housing market indicated a greater willingness to spend — especially among people who shop through multiple channels — but some headwinds remain, and the issues in Congress could threaten the gains, according to a new report by Deloitte.

The monthly Deloitte Consumer Spending Index rose significantly last month, to 4.02, from September's 3.54. The index measures tax burden, initial unemployment claims, wages and home prices.

CINCINATTI – Procter & Gamble's Mr. Clean brand on Friday announced that is has manufactured 1 billion Mr. Clean Magic Erasers since the product's launch in 2003.

"Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is a remarkable product, and we are extremely proud to reach this landmark for the history of the brand," said Mr. Clean communications manager Michelle Lohman. "We are excited that in nine years, it has become a cleaning staple among our fans."

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – Kellogg on Thursday announced a lineup of innovative additions to its most successful brands for 2013, featuring new flavors and healthier options for snacking.

"We are building off these [snack] brands with new products that reflect our deep understanding of people's evolving taste preferences and nutrition needs," said Alan Gravely, SVP marketing and innovation for Kellogg Snacks.

DENVER — Ibotta on Friday officially launched its free mobile application for iPhone users that gives consumers a new way to earn as much as $40 in cash each time they shop. With Ibotta, consumers earn cash rewards for answering a trivia question, watching videos and/or providing feedback on their favorite products, then buying the products in major national retailers, such as Walmart, Target and Walgreens.  

STAMFORD, Conn. – Current Nestlé Waters North America president and CEO Kim Jeffery will step down from the role after 20 years, to assume a nonexecutive chairman position on Feb. 1, 2013, the company announced on Thursday. He will be succeeded by Tim Brown, current president and CEO of Nestlé Canada.

Brown, 49, has served as president and CEO of Nestlé Canada since 2010, overseeing such global brands as Lean Cuisine, Kit Kat and Smarties. Previously, Brown spent 22 years at Nestlé Waters North America as EVP retail operations and general manager.

CHICAGO — Nurish Brands on Thursday launched Feel Natural Energy, a new energy drink available in Rexam 10.5-oz. Sleek cans.

IRVING, Texas — Hostess Brands, the maker of Twinkies and Ho Ho's, is closing down amid a union strike that the company said forced it to halt operations.