The NC Chamber announced the 31 semifinalists—15 for the medium-to-large business category and 16 for the small business category—for its annual “Coolest Thing Made in NC” online competition, which began with 80 nominees. In the first round of voting, 20,000 votes were cast.
New for 2022, the contest will recognize two winners: one for businesses with fewer than 100 employees, and one for businesses with 100+ employees.
This is the third year that the NC Chamber has held the popular, public-driven contest, which spotlights North Carolina’s cutting-edge manufacturing industry—an industry that generates more than 17% of the gross state product and employs more than 10% of the state’s workforce.
“This year’s products really run the gamut—including wire Christmas trees, dog food, jets, drywall, and much more,” NC Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido said. “Our manufacturing community is the backbone of our state’s economy, and we are so excited to congratulate this list of semifinalists! As we always say at the NC Chamber: what’s made in North Carolina makes North Carolina.”
Seven of the finalists are based in the Charlotte Region.
In the Medium-to-Large Business category: National Gypsum’s PURPLE XP Drywall, based in Mount Holly and Wilmington; Cheerwine, based in Salisbury; HURST Jaws of Life Rescue tool system in Shelby; T-Rex Brute Force tape, located in Stony Point; and Troutman-based C.R. Onsrud’s 5-Axis C-Series Router.
In the Small Business category: WaterDog Adventure Gear’s WAG Boarding Steps, which is based in Denver; and Appalachian Gear Company’s All-Paca Hoodie from King’s Mountain.
To vote for the Coolest Things Made in NC contest, go to coolestthingmadeinnc.com. The winning product will be revealed on Thursday, Oct. 6, the day before National Manufacturing (MFG) Day. October is Manufacturing Month, and MFG Day, organized nationally by the NAM and The Manufacturing Institute, highlights the rewarding career opportunities of modern manufacturing.
