INDIANAPOLIS — If you’re an Indiana maker of something cool or know a company, spread the word: There’s a big opportunity to show off your wares and get called out in the best possible way
The Indiana Chamber’s fourth annual Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana competition is back. It combines the state’s proud manufacturing tradition with its passion for basketball. Applications for this year’s competition are now being accepted.
New this year, the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) joins the Indiana Chamber of Commerce in putting on the program.
“With the IDDC’s ‘IN Indiana’ marketing campaign, the partnership between their organization and ours to grow and promote this exciting competition and the companies that compete in it just makes so much sense,” says Vanessa Green Sinders, Indiana Chamber president and CEO.
“We’re truly excited to put a brighter spotlight on this popular and fun contest and the makers who are so important to Indiana’s economy. The fact that such a variety of great companies are flourishing here demonstrates how fertile Indiana is for growing a business.”
A revamped Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana logo highlights the new contest partnership and includes the IDDC’s IN Indiana campaign branding.
“Partnering with the Indiana Chamber’s Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana tournament is a perfect way to celebrate innovation IN Indiana,” emphasizes Elaine Bedel, IDDC secretary and CEO. “Showcasing Indiana’s talent and premiere craftsmanship are two reasons why the ‘IN Indiana’ identifier and overall campaign align with and elevate this initiative. We are honored to be able to highlight the individuals and organizations that are so vital to the story we tell.”
With the new IDDC partnership, the competitors will be more recognized for participating and succeeding in the contest than ever. Not only will the IDDC use its social media and other statewide platforms to blast out the news of the tournament, but the state agency will also produce high-quality videos featuring the eight quarterfinalists and their cool products.
The IDDC has produced several popular video series over the last few years, including “Hoosiers by Choice” and the award-winning “Home Again” series. The videos for the Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana competition will be available to the quarterfinalists to promote their award and market their company via social media and other channels.
Entries are being accepted for the Hoosier Hysteria-style single-elimination tournament at www.indianachamber.com/coolest. Entry is free, and nominations will be accepted through October 18.
A company does not need to be headquartered in Indiana to participate, but the product entered must be made in the state. Businesses are limited to having one product nominated.
Online fan voting determines the winner of each matchup. The tournament tips off in late October and concludes in November.
Last year, Hoosier Racing Tire was crowned the producer of the Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana for its racing tire. Janus Motorcycles of Goshen took top honors in the inaugural competition, and in 2022, the Chamber honored Maple Leaf Farms of Leesburg for its roast half duck.
All competitors will get a digital badge to trumpet participation through their website and social media channels. Quarterfinalists and finalists will receive a special badge to celebrate their accomplishments. The winning company will receive a feature article in the Indiana Chamber’s BizVoice® magazine. Awards for the top finishers will be presented at the 2024 Best IN Manufacturing Awards Luncheon on December 11 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.
The Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana and Indiana Best Places to Work in Manufacturing programs are supported by spirit sponsor Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Purdue MEP); gold sponsor Kalenborn Abresist Corporation; and silver sponsors Evonik Tippecanoe Laboratories and Martor USA.
Additional sponsorships are available for the event; contact Tim Brewer at 317-496-0704 or tbrewer@indianachamber.com.
