NC Chamber Opened Final Round of Manufacturing Contest

The competition highlights local products and the state's manufacturing sector.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Manufacturing

Isometric editorial illustration of a machined steel gear and wooden block on a workbench, representing industrial manufacturing processes in North Carolina. — The North Carolina Chamber has entered the final voting phase of its annual 'Coolest Thing Made in NC' contest, featuring 15 finalists. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe local manufacturing competitions help strengthen interest in your area's industrial job market?

The NC Chamber has opened final voting for its annual Coolest Thing Made in NC competition. The contest features 15 finalists vying for the top spot after beginning with 88 initial entries.

Why it matters

The competition aims to celebrate products created in the state and raise awareness about the vital role manufacturing plays in the North Carolina economy.

Manufacturing accounts for 15% of North Carolina's gross domestic product and employs over 453,000 people. This represents more than 8.4% of the state's total nonfarm workforce.

The players

NC Chamber

This is the primary business advocacy organization in North Carolina that manages the annual manufacturing contest.

The details

The current field of 15 finalists represents a narrowed pool that advanced through two previous rounds of competition. Participants are divided into three business-size categories, with five products competing within each group.

The NC Chamber launched the competition in 2020.
The final round of voting opened on September 21, 2026.
Voting for the finalists closes at 9pm Sept. 25, 2026.
The 2026 winners will be announced Oct. 1, 2026.

Market Landscape

This contest aligns with a broader industry push to highlight the economic impact of local manufacturing sectors. By engaging the public, the initiative helps strengthen the brand identity of North Carolina's industrial output against regional competitors.

Residents can influence the competition by participating in the public voting process to support local businesses. This engagement helps spotlight regional manufacturers that contribute to the state's overall economic stability.

The takeaway

The event serves as an annual reminder of the diverse range of goods produced within the state's borders. Readers interested in regional industry can participate in the selection process to recognize the companies driving local manufacturing growth.