RALEIGH, N.C. – For the fourth year, the NC Chamber is asking the public to name the “Coolest Thing Made in NC.” The nominating period is officially open for the popular public-driven contest, which spotlights North Carolina’s cutting-edge manufacturing industry—an industry that generates more than 17% of the gross state product and employs more than 10% of the state’s workforce.

The contest recognizes two winners: one for businesses with fewer than 100 employees, and one for businesses with 100+ employees.

“As we always say at the NC Chamber: what’s made in North Carolina makes North Carolina,” said NC Chamber President and CEO Gary J. Salamido. “We launched the “Coolest Thing Made in NC” statewide competition in 2020 to celebrate North Carolina’s innovative manufacturing community and champion the next generation of manufacturers and creators. And we want to continue raising awareness about the rewarding careers of modern manufacturing. This annual contest is an effective and fun way to do just that.”

Baxter is serving as the Presenting Sponsor of the online competition, and Business North Carolina is this year’s Media Partner. As the exclusive North Carolina affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the NC Chamber knows that a strong manufacturing industry is crucial to the state’s economic and competitive success. The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) is collaborating on the annual contest as a Supporting Organization.

How to Vote:

All are invited to go to coolestthingmadeinnc.com by Monday, August 14, to nominate any product that is made in North Carolina (company’s headquarters do not have to be in-state). On Thursday, August 24, the NC Chamber will announce online the full field of nominees, and the public may go to the site to vote on the “Coolest Thing Made in NC.” The field of candidates will narrow with each round of voting, with the winning products being announced on Thursday, October 5, the day before National Manufacturing (MFG) Day. October is Manufacturing Month, and MFG Day, organized nationally by the NAM and The Manufacturing Institute, highlights the rewarding career opportunities of modern manufacturing.

Join the contest’s social media campaign by following #CoolestThingMadeinNC. In addition to receiving a trophy, the victorious companies will be featured in NC Chamber and Business North Carolina publications and promoted across social media and other statewide publicity efforts.

Information on last year’s winner and runners-up can be found here.

###

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.