What’s the coolest thing made in Wisconsin? This contest aims to find out

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce hosts 10th annual Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest

The Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) has partnered with Johnson Financial Group to host its 10th annual Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest, where they showcase Wisconsin-made products. 

This year, there are 148 nominees competing for first place. The winner is crowned at WMC’s Business Day event on Oct. 23 and is awarded a trophy manufactured by EK Complete Manufacturing.

Jacob Fischer, director of communications and marketing for WMC, said the competition is less about the winner, but more about the opportunity to showcase the state’s manufacturing industry.  

“We want to find a winner, and we want the public to vote on this, but it’s really to showcase the state’s manufacturing industry, which is high-tech, high-skill and high-pay career opportunities for folks, and sometimes under highlighted,” Fischer said.

The nomination period ran from Aug. 25 at Sept. 12. People can vote for what they believe to be the coolest thing made in Wisconsin from now until Oct. 23.

“[By] showcasing [the products], we hope and pray that these products that are featured here get more recognition and kind of help them get the due that they’re deserved,” Fischer said.

Wisconsin was the first state to host a coolest things made contest. Now, there are 25 other states to follow suit with WMC serving as the model.

According to WMC, manufacturing is Wisconsin’s top industry, and employs one in six Wisconsinites. Additionally, it contributes more than $71.5 billion to the state’s gross domestic product, which, according to Fischer, is why it’s so important to highlight these products.

“We want to make Wisconsin the best place to work, and I think this competition helps us go,” Fischer said. “It’s just highlighting a really positive light on what our companies do here in Wisconsin.”

Some of the nominees include 3-D printed furniture, gourmet popcorn, custom rugs, pit-smoked summer sausage and more.

The top 16 finalists will be announced Oct. 1. From there, the 16 products will compete in a Manufacturing Madness tournament bracket until a winner is determined on Oct. 23.

People can vote for what they deem to be the coolest thing made in Wisconsin once a day by email. 

“Many Wisconsinites are surprised to learn the things that are made right in their backyards,” WMC President & CEO Kurt R. Bauer said in a press release. “The truth is, our manufacturers are incredibly innovative with the products they create, and this contest is a fantastic way to highlight their contributions to our economy, our communities, and even our households.”