Nominations are now open for the second annual Coolest Thing Made in Iowa competition, hosted by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI). The contest celebrates Iowa’s $43 billion manufacturing industry and the innovative products made across the state. ABI President Nicole Crain says, “Iowa is home to nearly 222,000 individuals who are employed by thousands of Iowa manufacturers. This contest highlights not only the cool products made here in our state, but also the creativity and entrepreneurship behind the people that craft them.” Any product manufactured in Iowa is eligible, and nominations are accepted through April 18 at www.coolestthingia.com. A public vote beginning April 29 will determine the Top 16, which will then face off in head-to-head matchups until a winner is announced June 11 during ABI’s annual Taking Care of Business Conference in Council Bluffs. In the association’s first contest last year, Dobson Pipe Organ Builders in Lake City advanced to the final four but lost in the final round to a self-propelled baler produced by Vermeer Corporation, based in Pella.
