Today, the NC Chamber announced the five finalists for its second annual “Coolest Thing Made in NC” public-driven competition. Presented by Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., the statewide online contest began with 68 nominees, and after two rounds of voting, the list was narrowed to the top 15 – and, finally, to the five finalists.

Business North Carolina is serving as Media Partner, and the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) is collaborating as a Supporting Organization. As the exclusive North Carolina affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the NC Chamber knows that a strong manufacturing industry is central to the state’s economic and competitive success. North Carolina’s cutting-edge manufacturing industry generates more than 17 percent of the gross state product and employs more than 10 percent of the state’s workforce.

Finalists (alphabetical order):

• Caterpillar’s Cat® 938M Wheel Loader – Clayton, N.C.
• Flucelvax Influenza Vaccine by Seqirus – Holly Springs,C.
• George’s BBQ Sauce – Nashville, N.C.
• HondaJet Elite S – Greensboro, N.C.
• Western Star 49X Vocational Truck – Cleveland, N.C.

“Congratulations to our incredible top five contenders. As we always say at the NC Chamber: what’s made in North Carolina makes North Carolina,” said NC Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido. “With over 30,000 votes cast in this contest so far, it’s clear that North Carolinians share the Chamber’s love for our state’s innovative manufacturing community. This celebrated competition is a way to honor all of our state’s manufacturers – the backbone of North Carolina’s economy for more than a century.”

To vote for the coolest thing made in NC, go to coolestthingmadeinnc.com; last day to vote is September 29. The winner will be revealed on October 1, National Manufacturing (MFG) Day. October is Manufacturing Month, and MFG Day, organized nationally by the NAM and The Manufacturing Institute, champions the rewarding career opportunities of modern manufacturing.

In addition to receiving a trophy, the victorious company and product will be featured in NC Chamber and Business North Carolina publications, podcasts, social and digital media, among additional statewide publicity efforts.

“North Carolina has a rich manufacturing history, and it plays an important part in our economy,” said Greg Plemmons, senior vice president of sales for Old Dominion Freight Line of Thomasville, North Carolina. “As a less-than-truckload carrier, we see many unique and innovative products shipped on our trucks. Promoting North Carolina goods and services is a benefit to all residents, so Old Dominion is proud to partner with the NC Chamber in a creative way to showcase the cool things made in our state.”

Join the contest’s social media campaign by following #CoolestThingMadeinNC.

 

About the NC Chamber

The NC Chamber works to research, develop, advocate, and communicate for solutions and policies that produce a nationally competitive business climate in North Carolina. For more information, visit ncchamber.com.

About Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. is one of the largest North American less-than-truckload (“LTL”) motor carriers and provides regional, inter-regional and national LTL services through a single integrated, union-free organization. Our service offerings, which include expedited transportation, are provided through an expansive network of service centers located throughout the continental United States. The Company also maintains strategic alliances with other carriers to provide LTL services throughout North America. In addition to its core LTL services, the Company offers a range of value-added services including container drayage, truckload brokerage and supply chain consulting.