February 2, 2023 – The state’s manufacturing industry will be on display as the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) launches its fourth annual “Makers Madness” contest, a bracket-style tournament in which the public will decide The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.
Presented by Comcast Business, the competition celebrates the work of manufacturers across Illinois. A recent study found the total economic impact of manufacturing in Illinois is estimated to be between $580 billion and $611 billion every year – the largest share of any industry to the state’s Gross Domestic Product.
Nominations for The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois are now being accepted at www.makersmadnessil.com, where voting will take place throughout the contest. Any product manufactured in Illinois can be nominated. While qualifying products must be made in Illinois, the manufacturers’ headquarters do not need to be in state. Nominations will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on February 19. Voting to narrow the field to the Top 16 products will begin February 21, with consecutive rounds of voting taking place each week. The contest will culminate with an awards ceremony on March 29 at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield, when The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois will be named.
“This contest is a celebration of the innovation and ingenuity that sets the manufacturing industry apart, as well as the hardworking men and women on shop floors across Illinois who turn dreams into reality. We are excited to spotlight the many amazing products made in Illinois and look forward to a friendly and spirited competition,” said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “We hope this contest is also a reminder about the importance of investing in American manufacturing to build strong communities and secure economic growth for generations to come.”
Previous contest winners include Rivian’s all-electric R1T truck made in Normal, the first all-electric truck in production featuring four motors, with one powering each wheel; the Self-Regulating Traffic Signal Heater by Termico Technologies in Elk Grove Village, which uses conductive particles to heat traffic signals so they remain free of ice and snow and traffic can safely navigate our roadways; and the 797F Mining Truck manufactured by Caterpillar, Inc. in Decatur, the world’s largest mechanical truck.
Timeline of events:
- February 2 – February 19: Nominations accepted at www.makersmadnessil.com
- February 21 – March 5: Voting on nominations to determine Top 16
- March 7 – March 12: First round of voting to determine Top 8
- March 14 – March 19: Second round of voting to determine Top 4
- March 21 – March 26: Final round of voting
- March 29: Winner of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois announced
