As summer temperatures soar, North Carolina is heating up with excitement for a different kind of cool: the sixth annual “Coolest Thing Made in N.C.” competition. This highly anticipated event, spearheaded by the N.C. Chamber, shines a bright spotlight on the state’s robust manufacturing industry, celebrating the ingenuity and dedication that drive North Carolina’s economic engine.
Nominations for this prestigious industrial competition officially opened on July 30 and will remain accessible to the public until August 13. This crucial initial phase invites individuals and businesses alike to put forward the products that exemplify the best of North Carolina manufacturing, setting the stage for a statewide showcase of innovation.
The significance of North Carolina’s manufacturing sector to the state economy cannot be overstated. According to a release from the N.C. Chamber, this vital industry generates more than 13.3 percent of the gross state product and employs over 10 percent of the state’s workforce, underscoring its pivotal role in prosperity and job creation across the region.
Rowan County has a notable history within this annual contest, consistently fielding strong nominations and securing victories. A prime example is Cleveland’s Western Star 49X Vocational Truck, which clinched the coveted statewide title in 2021, demonstrating the caliber of innovation stemming from local manufacturers. In 2024, Rowan County continued its strong showing with three businesses—Clayton Rockwell, Hexagon Agility, and Cheerwine—reaching the semifinals of the competition.
A significant enhancement to this year’s “Coolest Thing Made in N.C.” contest is the introduction of three distinct winner categories. Recognizing the diverse landscape of North Carolina’s manufacturing businesses, awards will now be given to companies with fewer than 100 employees, those with 100-999 employees, and large enterprises employing 1000 or more, ensuring broader representation and recognition.
Gary J. Salamido, President and CEO of the N.C. Chamber, emphasized the contest’s mission, stating, “North Carolina is home to some of the most creative and cutting-edge manufacturers in the world. The ‘Coolest Thing Made in N.C.’ contest is a fun way to celebrate the people and products that make our state unique. Every nomination tells a story of innovation, pride and possibility and helps highlight the meaningful career opportunities this industry offers to students, veterans and adult learners across North Carolina.”
The N.C. Chamber, serving as the exclusive North Carolina affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), collaborates with the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) as a key supporting organization for this annual event. Prospective nominees and voters should note key rules: products must be manufactured in North Carolina, although the company’s headquarters can be located outside the state, and past winners from the last five years are ineligible.
Following the nomination period, the N.C. Chamber will unveil a complete listing of all qualifying nominees on August 21. At this point, the public will be invited to cast their votes online, with one vote permitted per day. The products receiving the highest number of votes will advance through subsequent rounds, building anticipation for the final announcement.
The culmination of the competition will see the winning products revealed on October 2, strategically timed just one day before National Manufacturing Day. October is widely recognized as National Manufacturing Month, with MFG Day, organized nationally by the NAM and The Manufacturing Institute, specifically highlighting the rewarding and diverse career opportunities available within modern manufacturing.
