Motawi Tileworks and Zingerman's Candy Manufactory featured on 'Today' show

Posted on Fri, Mar 30, 2012 : 1:10 p.m.

Two Ann Arbor area businesses -- Motawi Tileworks and Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory -- were recognized Friday morning on NBC’s “Today” show in an Easter basket segment.

The segment focused on: “Great mail-order deals that will make the [Easter] baskets you give extra special,” said co-host Kathie Lee Gifford.

motawi_tileworks.jpg

Motawi Tileworks owner Nawal Motawi with one Teco vase from the Scio Township-based company.

Janet Miller | for AnnArbor.com

Motawi Tileworks, which is located on Enterprise Drive in Scio Township, makes fine architectural and gift tiles that are distributed nationwide at hundreds of outlets.

The “Today” show suggested buying a set of three animal tiles from Motawi as a gift for the “holiday hostess.” The $50 set, which consists of a green cat tile, beige rabbit tile and blue dog tile, is available for a limited time, according to the Motawi website.

As for Pittsfield Township-based Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory, Gifford and her co-host Hoda Kotb were all smiles when sampling the “Original Zang” candy bar and peanut butter cookies. The show featured a $38 gift basket with marshmallow bunny tails, candy bars and other sweets.

“These guys bring the flavor back into candy bars,” said Today show guest Kathleen Daelemans. “They’re making old fashioned, handmade candy bars, which you really don’t get anymore.”

Another Michigan company -- Kid Rock’s American Badass Beer -- was recognized for its $50 “beer selection and swagg kit.”

Watch the full “Today” show segment here.

Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.

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