Oregon Competition Named Four Semifinalists

The annual Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest has narrowed its field to four products.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Organic Food

Screen-print poster illustration showing four crafted products on a wooden bench, evoking the heritage of regional Oregon manufacturing. — Oregon Business & Industry has named four semifinalists in its fourth annual contest to crown the coolest product manufactured within the state. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe local product competitions effectively highlight innovation in your community?

The fourth annual Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest has moved to the semifinal round, highlighting four diverse products. Public voting is currently underway to determine which two finalists will advance to the final stage.

Why it matters

This competition celebrates local manufacturing and design innovation across the state. By involving the public in the selection process, it raises the profile of Oregon-based companies and their unique contributions to the marketplace.

The competition is now in its fourth year of operation. Four products remain in the running, narrowed down from an original field of 16 finalists nominated earlier this year.

The players

Oregon Business & Industry

This organization serves as the statewide business association that hosts the competition.

The details

The semifinalists include Wayfinder Ride-On Toys, Tillamook Sharp Cheddar Cheese, the Model 1600 Over Snow Vehicle, and the RMX Reverse Tanto Folding Knife. Voters are currently participating on the Oregon Business & Industry website to decide the top two contenders.

Public nominations were held during the spring and summer of 2026.
Voting for the contest began in September 2026.
The second round of voting concluded on October 5, 2026.
Semifinal voting closes on October 12, 2026.
The winner will be announced on October 28, 2026.

Culture Shift

This contest aligns with the broader trend of states adopting the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin model to foster regional pride in manufacturing. It highlights a shift toward promoting local production in an era of globalized supply chains.

Residents can influence the outcome of this statewide competition by casting their votes on the official industry website. Participation in this process helps determine which local company receives the recognition and marketing benefits of the winning title.

The takeaway

The competition highlights how local manufacturers compete for recognition within the state's diverse industrial landscape. Consumers can use this event to discover unique products manufactured in their own communities.