Contest to highlight Wisconsin's top manufactured products

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A statewide contest aiming to spotlight the best products made in Wisconsin began accepting nominations on Monday, Aug. 19.

The Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest, now in its eighth year, seeks to showcase the state’s vibrant manufacturing industry, which employs 1 in 6 residents and contributes over $70 billion to the economy.

Nick Novak, vice president of communications and marketing for Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, joined us on Tuesday, Aug. 20 to discuss the contest. According to Novak, the nomination period will continue until Friday, Sept. 6.

Last year, approximately 150 products were nominated, with 187,000 votes cast to determine the winner.

Following nominations, products compete in a popular vote, leading to a tournament-style bracket in October. The winner will be announced during Manufacturing Month. The contest has attracted over 1.3 million votes since it began in 2016.

Additional information can be found by visiting the contest online.