LINCOLN, Nebraska – The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, together with the Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance, unveiled the finalists for the fifth annual Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska competition. Sixteen products, representing a broad spectrum of manufacturing expertise, were selected to compete for the coveted title.
Finalists Represent Every Corner of Nebraska
The list, presented in no particular order, includes:
- FiberCut – Bish Enterprises, Giltner
- Avail Tow Bar – Blue Ox, Pender
- Hi Rail Evacuator and Snowblower – Ceres Group, Omaha
- Ram Air Turbine Hub – Collins Aerospace, York
- Nebraska License Plates – Cornhusker State Industries, Lincoln
- Modular Housing – Family Built Homes, Gering
- Excedrin – Haleon, Lincoln
- Precision Hunter Ammunition – Hornady Manufacturing, Grand Island
- TAU‑XR – Lindsay Corporation, Lindsay
- Marble Pack‑Off – Marble Technologies, Lincoln
- Nirbuilt Airboats – Nirbuilt Airboats, Ashland
- Animal Health IV Fluids – Nova‑Tech, Grand Island
- Popcorn – Popcorn County, USA, North Loup
- PyraMAX Transmission Structures – Valmont Industries, Columbus
- MIRA‑MiniRAS – Virtual Incision, Lincoln
Voting for the first round is open through October 4, with subsequent rounds scheduled throughout the month. The winner will be announced on October 29.
Why the Competition Matters
“Nebraska makes some incredible products, and the people who make them deserve to be celebrated,” said Joseph Young, president and CEO of the Nebraska Chamber. “Manufacturing is a major economic engine for our state, supporting good jobs, strong communities and opportunities across Nebraska. The Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska lets us have some fun while telling a much bigger story: Nebraska manufacturers are innovative, competitive and making products that have an impact far beyond our state.”
The competition underscores the state’s commitment to fostering a vibrant manufacturing sector that aligns with traditional family values and individual liberty. By highlighting locally produced goods, the Chamber encourages Nebraskans to support home‑grown businesses, keep jobs within the community, and celebrate the ingenuity that defines the Cornhusker spirit.
Community and Economic Impact
Each finalist reflects a different facet of Nebraska’s industrial landscape—from agricultural equipment and aerospace components to consumer health products and recreational goods. The diversity of entries demonstrates how the state’s manufacturers are meeting national demand while preserving the local workforce.
Local leaders and business owners are urging residents to participate in the voting process, emphasizing that public engagement helps amplify the message that Nebraska’s economy thrives when families and faith‑based communities rally behind home‑grown innovation.
How to Vote
Voting is conducted online via the competition’s website. Participants can learn more about each product, view photos, and read brief descriptions before casting their vote. The Chamber encourages Nebraskans of all ages to take part, noting that the collective voice of the community will determine which product earns the title of the state’s coolest invention.
For additional information, visit the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s website or contact the competition organizers directly.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
