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Voting open for 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee competition

Voting Now Open for the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin Contest

In a celebration of innovation, craftsmanship, and local pride, voting has officially kicked off for the 2025 edition of the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest. Organized by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and Johnson Financial Group, this annual event shines a spotlight on the state's diverse manufacturing sector, highlighting products that range from cutting-edge technology to everyday essentials. With nominations pouring in from across the Badger State, the contest invites residents and enthusiasts alike to cast their votes for what they believe embodies the pinnacle of Wisconsin-made ingenuity.

The contest, now in its 10th year, has grown into a beloved tradition that not only boosts local businesses but also underscores Wisconsin's significant role in the national manufacturing landscape. According to organizers, the state boasts over 9,000 manufacturing companies, employing more than 475,000 people and contributing billions to the economy. This year's competition aims to build on that legacy by showcasing a fresh batch of nominees that demonstrate creativity, quality, and community impact. Voting opened on a recent date and will continue through several rounds, culminating in a winner announcement at the WMC's annual Business Day event in Madison.

To participate, voters can head to the official contest website, where a user-friendly platform allows them to browse the nominees and submit their choices. The process is straightforward: each person can vote once per day per device, encouraging daily engagement and building excitement as the field narrows. The initial round features a wide array of products, with the top vote-getters advancing to subsequent brackets in a tournament-style format. This setup mirrors popular sports playoffs, adding a layer of fun and competition to the proceedings.

This year's nominees represent a vibrant cross-section of Wisconsin's manufacturing prowess. From food and beverages to machinery and consumer goods, the entries highlight the state's eclectic output. One standout is the iconic cheese curds from a family-owned dairy in the heart of dairy country, which have been perfected over generations using traditional methods blended with modern sustainability practices. These squeaky delights aren't just a snack; they're a symbol of Wisconsin's agricultural heritage, produced with milk from local farms and packaged in eco-friendly materials.

In the technology realm, a nominee that's generating buzz is an advanced robotic arm developed by a Milwaukee-based engineering firm. Designed for precision assembly in automotive plants, this device incorporates AI-driven sensors that adapt in real-time to manufacturing needs, reducing errors and increasing efficiency. Engineers behind the product emphasize its role in keeping Wisconsin competitive in the global market, where automation is key to staying ahead.

Not to be overlooked are the outdoor and recreational products, a nod to Wisconsin's love for the great outdoors. A high-performance kayak crafted from durable, lightweight composites by a company in the Northwoods stands out. Built to withstand the rigors of whitewater rapids and serene lake paddling alike, this kayak features ergonomic designs inspired by feedback from professional athletes and everyday adventurers. The manufacturer prides itself on using recycled materials, aligning with growing consumer demand for sustainable outdoor gear.

Food innovation takes center stage with entries like artisanal sausages from a Green Bay packer—pun intended—that blend old-world recipes with bold, modern flavors. These sausages incorporate locally sourced meats and spices, offering varieties like cranberry-infused brats that pay homage to Wisconsin's cranberry bogs. The company behind them has expanded from a small butcher shop to a statewide distributor, employing dozens and supporting local agriculture.

On the industrial side, a heavy-duty snowplow blade manufactured in Eau Claire is vying for the title. Engineered for extreme winter conditions, this blade features reinforced steel and hydraulic adjustments that make clearing roads faster and safer. It's a testament to Wisconsin's resilience in the face of harsh winters, with the product being used by municipalities across the Midwest to keep communities moving during blizzards.

Health and wellness products are also well-represented. A nominee from Madison includes ergonomic office chairs designed by a furniture maker specializing in posture-supporting ergonomics. These chairs use memory foam and adjustable lumbar support to combat the sedentary lifestyles of modern workers, drawing on research from local universities to inform their design. In an era of remote work, such innovations highlight how Wisconsin manufacturers are adapting to changing societal needs.

The contest isn't just about the products; it's about the stories behind them. Take, for instance, a custom bicycle frame builder in La Crosse, whose hand-welded frames are tailored for competitive cyclists. Each frame is a work of art, combining lightweight alloys with personalized engravings, and the small team behind it emphasizes craftsmanship over mass production. This nominee underscores the artisanal side of manufacturing, where passion meets precision.

Past winners of the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin have included household names like the Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which took the crown in an earlier year, symbolizing the state's storied history in transportation. Other victors have ranged from Kwik Trip's Glazers doughnuts to the versatile Snap-on Tools, each bringing national attention to Wisconsin's manufacturing diversity. These successes have led to increased sales, media coverage, and even tourism for the winning companies, proving the contest's real-world impact.

Organizers stress that the event fosters a sense of unity and pride among Wisconsinites. "This contest is more than a popularity vote; it's a celebration of the hardworking men and women who make our state a leader in innovation," said a spokesperson from WMC. They encourage voters to learn about each nominee's backstory, often detailed on the contest site, to make informed choices.

As the voting progresses, brackets will be updated in real-time, with social media campaigns amplifying the excitement. Companies are leveraging platforms like Instagram and TikTok to showcase behind-the-scenes footage, from factory floors to product testing, engaging younger audiences and broadening the contest's reach.

For those interested in the economic angle, the contest highlights how manufacturing drives Wisconsin's economy. With sectors like paper production, machinery, and food processing leading the way, the state exports billions in goods annually. Nominees often exemplify sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy in production or minimizing waste, aligning with global trends toward green manufacturing.

One particularly innovative entry this year is a smart home device from a tech startup in Kenosha. This IoT-enabled thermostat learns user habits to optimize energy use, integrating with solar panels for maximum efficiency. It's a prime example of how Wisconsin is at the forefront of the smart tech revolution, blending traditional manufacturing with digital advancements.

In the beverage category, craft beers from microbreweries dot the nominee list, including a unique IPA infused with local hops and fruits. These brews not only tantalize taste buds but also support the state's burgeoning craft beer scene, which has seen exponential growth in recent years.

Agricultural machinery also makes a strong showing, with a precision planter from a company in the Fox Valley. This equipment uses GPS technology to ensure optimal seed placement, boosting crop yields for farmers and contributing to food security.

As voting heats up, community events are planned, including pop-up showcases where nominees display their products. These gatherings allow the public to interact with the items, from tasting samples to demoing gadgets, fostering a deeper connection.

The contest's inclusivity is noteworthy, welcoming entries from small startups to large corporations, ensuring a level playing field. Judges initially vet nominations for eligibility—products must be made in Wisconsin—before public voting begins.

Looking ahead, the winner will be crowned in October 2025, with festivities including a ceremony and potential media tours. Past winners have reported surges in orders and brand recognition, underscoring the contest's value.

In essence, the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest is a vibrant testament to the state's inventive spirit. Whether it's a life-saving medical device, a gourmet treat, or a high-tech tool, each nominee tells a story of dedication and creativity. Voters are encouraged to participate daily, championing their favorites and celebrating what makes Wisconsin truly cool. As the brackets narrow, anticipation builds for which product will claim the coveted title, further cementing Wisconsin's reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse.

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