The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) and MidWestOne are partnering for the first annual Coolest Thing Made in Iowa competition.
The brings attention to all the cool things made across the State of Iowa. It also aims to shine a light on the outstanding career opportunities in manufacturing. That industry sector provides employment for more than 225,000 Iowans, ABI said in a news release.
“Manufacturing is the state’s leading industry sector, with over $38 billion annually added into the economy,” ABI President Mike Ralston said. “We’re excited to launch this competition to showcase the Iowa manufacturing industry’s best innovations, craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technologies.
Any product manufactured in Iowa qualifies for the contest. Nominations can be submitted by employees, consumers and any other interested parties. Nomination deadline is Monday, April 8. To nominate an Iowa product, visit www.coolestthingia.com.
Following the nomination period, a popular vote will determine the Top 16 products. Products will compete against one another in head-to-head matchups. Those receiving the highest votes in each match-up advancing to the next round.
The public is encouraged to vote once per day, per device through the rounds of voting.
The nominees will be announced on Friday, April 19. The Popular Vote to narrow the list to the Top 16 runs from Monday, April 22, to Tuesday, April 30. Online voting to determine the winner will be held from May 2-29. The winner will be announced June 5 during ABI’s annual Taking Care of Business Conference (June 4-6 in the Quad Cities).
For competition rules, eligibility requirements, and the nomination form, visit www.coolestthingia.com.
