Nomination are open for the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce’s “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin,” contest.
The contest, celebrating its 10th year, draws attention to state’s top industry – manufacturing. Make a nomination at madeinwisc.com.
“Our manufacturers drive the Wisconsin and national economies forward,” said Kurt Bauer, president and CEO of WMC. “The Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin isn’t just about the products; it’s about the people who make those products and their contributions to our communities.”
Since the contest’s inception in 2016, more than 1.5 million votes have been cast for over one thousand products. Manufacturers from numerous sub-sectors and every corner of the state have competed for the title of Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin. Winning products have included soda, high-tech beverage dispensers, firetrucks, cranes, motorcycles, military vehicles, robotic carts, rifles, and even kringle.
WMC was the first organization to launch a “Coolest” contest 10 years ago. Now, 25 other state chambers and manufacturing organizations host similar programs for their state’s manufacturers.
Any product that is manufactured in Wisconsin qualifies for the contest, regardless of company size.
Following the nomination period from Aug. 25 through Sept. 12, a popular vote will determine the Top 16 products that will be placed in a bracket-style tournament called Manufacturing Madness. Products will compete against one another in head-to-head match-ups, and the products that receive the highest votes in each match-up will advance to the next round. Manufacturers, consumers, employees and other Wisconsinites are encouraged to vote once per day, per email address through the rounds of voting.
This year’s Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin will be announced at WMC’s Business Day in Madison Oct. 23.
