(WAND) - The first round of voting is now open in the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association’s fifth annual “Makers Madness” contest, a bracket-style tournament where the public decides what product earns the 2024 title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.
Presented by Comcast Business, the competition celebrates the work of manufacturers across Illinois.
Voting to narrow the field to the Top 16 products starts March 5, with consecutive rounds of voting taking place each week.
To vote, click HERE.
The contest will end with an awards ceremony on April 10 at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield, where The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois 2024 winner will be named.
“This contest turns the spotlight on the many amazing products created by manufacturers across our state and we look forward to seeing which items capture the hearts and minds of voters,” said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “The manufacturing industry is driven by innovation, and this competition underscores the need for policymakers to support investments that allow manufacturers to make groundbreaking products while creating jobs and bringing economic prosperity to our communities.”
“We are excited to shine a light on the innovative products and services made right here in Illinois,” said Sean McCarthy, Comcast’s Regional Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Initiatives. “Comcast is proud to partner with the IMA on Makers Madness again this year and to help power Illinois’ manufacturing sector by providing state-of-the-art connectivity and technology.”
Previous contest winners include the Rosenberg Moon Habitat, the 3D printed polymer structure designed to house humans on the moon, manufactured by Ingersoll Machine Tools in Rockford; Rivian’s all-electric R1T truck made in Normal, the first all-electric truck in production featuring four motors, with one powering each wheel; the Self-Regulating Traffic Signal Heater by Termico Technologies in Elk Grove Village, which uses conductive particles to heat traffic signals so they remain free of ice and snow and traffic can safely navigate our roadways; and the 797F Mining Truck manufactured by Caterpillar, Inc. in Decatur, the world’s largest mechanical truck.
Timeline of events:
February 14 – March 3: Nominations accepted
March 5 – March 17: Voting on nominations to determine the Top 16
March 19 – March 24: First round of voting to determine Top 8
March 26 – March 31: Second round of voting to determine Top 4
April 2 – April 7: Final round of voting
April 10: Winner of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois announced
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