MADISON – Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) opened voting for its popular Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest on Monday morning. Since its inception in 2016, the contest has garnered more than one million votes from Wisconsinites, highlighting the manufacturing industry’s $71 billion economic output, career opportunities and innovative products. “Wisconsin is home to nearly 500,000 men and women who are employed by our thousands of manufacturers,” said WMC President & CEO Kurt R. Bauer. “This contest highlights not only the cool products made in our state, but also the entrepreneurship and work behind each product. Our manufacturers are the best in the country, and we have a great opportunity to underscore their contributions to our economy, the high-paying careers they create, and the innovative, necessary products they make.” The Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest, sponsored by Johnson Financial Group, showcases the state’s manufacturers and the high-tech, high-skill and high-pay career opportunities they provide. This year, 130 products were nominated for the competition, representing every corner of the state and a wide array of industries, including military and space, food and beverage, machinery and transportation, and more. Manufacturers, employees and consumers alike are welcome to participate in the voting. Votes can be cast once per day, per device at www.madeinwis.com. After the popular vote round ends on Sept. 24, the top 16 products will go on to compete in “Manufacturing Madness,” a bracket-style tournament ultimately culminating with one champion. The 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin will be crowned at WMC’s Business Day in Madison event on Oct. 17. Visit www.madeinwis.com to see this year’s nominees and vote.
