Madison Reporter

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and Johnson Financial Group have announced the top eight finalists in the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest. The announcement marks the next stage in the annual competition, which highlights products manufactured across the state and draws attention to Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector.

Nearly 150 products were nominated for the contest, which is now in its tenth year. The competition aims to showcase the importance of manufacturing to Wisconsin’s economy, which contributes $73 billion and supports nearly 500,000 jobs.

“We’re continually inspired by how passionately Wisconsinites rally around this competition,” said Kurt Bauer, President & CEO of WMC. “With the thousands of votes already cast this year, it’s clear that people across the state are eager to make their voices heard.”

The announcement of the finalists was made by Kurt R. Bauer during a livestream broadcast on Facebook and YouTube.

The top eight finalists are:

- Carbliss from Plymouth

- Search and Rescue 1000 Island Airboat from 1000 Island Airboats in Marion

- Comfort Custom Seating System from Permobil in New Berlin

- The Maple Shot 10 pack carton from The Maple Dude in Granton

- 38 VTR from Cruisers Yachts in Oconto

- Sargento Natural American Sliced Cheese from Sargento in Plymouth

- Kikkoman Soy Sauce from Kikkoman Foods, Inc. in Walworth

- Extrication Tools from TNT Rescue Systems in Hartland

The finalists will advance to compete for a place among the top four. The ultimate winner will be determined through a final round of popular voting and announced at WMC’s Business Day event on October 23 at Monona Terrace in Madison.

Voting for the next round opens at 8:00 a.m. on October 9 and closes at 5:00 p.m. on October 14. All interested parties—including manufacturers, employees, and consumers—can participate and vote once per day per email address at www.madeinwis.com.