Nominations open for annual contest championing the state’s manufacturing community

For the seventh 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 contest, which spotlights North Carolina’s impressive, technologically-driven manufacturing industry—an industry that generates more than 12% of the gross state product and employs more than 8.9% of the state’s workforce.

“What’s made in North Carolina makes North Carolina, and the Coolest Thing Made in NC competition celebrates the innovative manufacturers, creators, and products that bring that idea to life,” said NC Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido. “Since launching the contest in 2020, we have seen year after year how it can showcase this vital industry, build pride in North Carolina manufacturing, and raise awareness of the limitless potential of modern manufacturing careers.”

Allegacy Financial 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 Thursday, August 13, to nominate any product that is made in North Carolina (company’s headquarters do not have to be in-state).

On Monday, 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 scheduled to be announced on Thursday, October 1, 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.

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