Voting now open in Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest

TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR

The Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) announced the nominations for their Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest last week, and several area manufacturers were nominated for products they produce. More than 130 products were nominated this year, “representing every corner of the state and a wide array of industries, including military and space, food and beverage, machinery and transportation, and more,” the WMC said in their announcement press release.
Nominees include two products manufactured right here in Merrill:

• Christmas Wreath Rings produced by Mitchell Metal Products of Merrill, described as: “A welded wire frame used to create personalized Christmas wreaths, our wreaths are laid on veteran grave sites nationwide through the Wreaths Across America program. We are the premier manufacturer of this product, which is shipped worldwide.” -and-
• American Heritage 6’’ Tobacco Safety Toe Work Boot produced by Thorogood of Merrill, described as: “Integrating a rich legacy of craftsmanship and tradition, the Thorogood® American Heritage 6” Tobacco Safety Toe Work Boot combines safety, comfort, and timeless style. Made with full-grain American leather, Thorogood Boots uphold a legacy of exceptional workmanship, ensuring durability that meets the demands of the toughest jobsites. Offering both style and security with their slip-resistant MAWWear WedgeTM outsole and steel safety toe, these moc toe boots make you look and feel great from on to off the clock. We design high-quality job-fitted footwear for hard-working people because we understand the foundation you stand on is only as good as what you’re standing in.”

Other products nominated from manufacturers in the north central Wisconsin area include:

• Cougar Paper produced by Domtar of Rothschild
• Structural Steel produced by Merrill Steel of Schofield
• Minocqua Popcorn and Puffs produced by Minocqua Popcorn and Puffs of Minocqua
• Baled Hay produced by Pleasant’s Best Sauces of Minocqua
• Steel Plate Girder Deck Bridge produced by Veritas Steel of Wausau
• Wine Beer and Spirits Labels produced by Wausau Coated Products of Wausau
• Textured Granite Custom Architectural Pavers produced by Wausau Tile of Rothschild
• Teriyaki Meat Snack Sticks produced by Wenzel’s Farm of Marshfield

WMC partners with Johnson Financial Group to hold the annual contest, which began in 2016, designed to highlight Wisconsin’s thriving manufacturing industry, which contributes $71 billion to the economy according to the WMC, as well as providing job and career opportunities for nearly half a million Wisconsinites and generating innovative products for and in a huge variety of industries.
“Wisconsin is home to nearly 500,000 men and women who are employed by our thousands of manufacturers,” said WMC President & CEO Kurt R. Bauer. “This contest highlights not only the cool products made in our state, but also the entrepreneurship and work behind each product. Our manufacturers are the best in the country, and we have a great opportunity to underscore their contributions to our economy, the high-paying careers they create, and the innovative, necessary products they make.”
Since the contest began eight years ago, it has tallied more than one million votes from Wisconsin residents in the contest.
Anyone in Wisconsin can vote - manufacturers, employees, and consumers - and can cast one vote per day, per device, at madeinwis.com.
Voting in the first round - the popular vote round - runs Sept. 16-24. The top 16 products with the most votes will then go on to compete in “Manufacturing Madness,” a bracket-style tournament that will ultimately result in one winner. The “2024 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin” will then be announced and awarded on Oct. 17 in Madison at WMC’s Business Day event.
To see all of this year’s nominees and cast your vote, go to: madeinwis.com. Remember, you can vote once per day per device.