Voting began on Mar. 24 for the second annual Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey competition, which features 72 nominated products from across the state. The event is presented by Withum and powered by the New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA), with voting open until 11:50 p.m. on March 30.
The competition aims to highlight creativity, impact, and craftsmanship among manufacturers in New Jersey. Organizers say it helps promote awareness of manufacturing’s role in the state’s economy. Manufacturing Counts, a partnership between NJBIA and the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP), hosts the contest.
People can vote up to five times per day per device during this initial round, allocating votes as they choose—even all for one product if desired. The top sixteen products will move on to a second round of voting.
“It is our honor to shine a spotlight on the products that inspire innovation, power our industries and help improve our everyday life here in New Jersey,” said NJMEP CEO Peter Connolly. Michele Siekerka, president and chief executive officer of NJBIA according to the official website, said: “In seeking out the Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey, we are bringing well-deserved attention to the many companies and their creations that make the Garden State one of the greatest manufacturing states in the nation.” Matt Walsh of Withum added: “We’re proud to support an initiative that shines a light on the companies and products driving growth and opportunity across the state.”
The winner will be announced at Trenton’s State of the State of Manufacturing event scheduled for May 21. They will receive an award along with coverage in upcoming issues of New Jersey Business Magazine and Manufacturing Matters Magazine.
Last year’s contest saw nearly 40,000 online votes over four rounds before Geared Power won for its BioGuard UVC mask.
NJBIA serves as what it calls “the nation’s largest statewide employer association,” representing private-sector employers throughout New Jersey according to its official website (source). The association advances competitive excellence among members while delivering essential information and services (source), facilitates partnerships among businesses, government entities, and academic institutions (source), offers advocacy as well as cost-saving benefits (source), all aimed at supporting business prosperity.
