The Indiana Chamber's fourth annual Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana competition is back and combines the state's manufacturing tradition and passion for basketball. Applications for this year's competition are now being accepted.
New this year, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce is joined by the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) 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," said Vanessa Green Sinders, Indiana Chamber president and CEO.
"We're truly excited to put a brighter spotlight on this popular and fun contest but also the makers that 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," said Elaine Bedel, IDDC secretary and CEO. "Showcasing Indiana's talent and premiere craftsmanship are two of the many 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 likely get more recognition for their participation and success 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, the state agency also will produce high-quality videos featuring the eight quarterfinalists and their cool products, the release states.
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 their 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 Oct. 18.
To participate, a company does not need to be headquartered in Indiana, 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 as 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 their participation through their website and social media channels.
Quarterfinalists, semifinalists and finalists will receive a special badge to celebrate the accomplishment. 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 Dec. 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.