Voting is now open in the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association’s Makers Madness contest to determine The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. The annual competition lets the public decide from over 100 unique products, all made within the state.
Manufacturing is the largest contributor to the state’s GDP, supporting nearly a third of all jobs in Illinois and contributing more than $580 billion to the state’s economy each year, according to a community announcement–which makes this contest a fun way to bring attention to the great manufacturing taking place right here in Illinois.
More than 100 unique products were nominated for this year’s contest, from farming, construction, aeronautics and energy storage equipment to iconic pantry staples, beverages, sweet treats and a variety of vehicles.
Residents can vote now at makersmadnessil.com, and choose the products will advance to the Top 16. Voting for this round runs through March 22. The event will conclude with an awards ceremony April 15 at the Illinois Governor’s Mansion in Springfield when The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois will be named.