LINCOLN -- The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance announced July 1 that nominations are open for the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska competition.

The competition is presented by Pinnacle Bank.  

The competition, in its 4th year, will lead to the celebration of National Manufacturing Month in October. Sixteen products will be chosen from companies across the state and voted on through a bracket-style competition that ultimately crowns one product the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska.  

“Manufacturing is so much more than meets the eye. It’s technology, agriculture, energy, and a driving force behind the Nebraska economy. We’re thrilled to showcase the cool things made right here in Nebraska every day that benefit the lives of Nebraskans and beyond,” said NE Chamber President Todd Bingham.

Nominations are open through the month of July followed by voting in August. Voting is open to the public and all Nebraskans are invited to vote for their favorite product to advance it to the next round. The winner of the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska will be announced at the NE Chamber’s 2025 Manufacturing Summit on October 6 in La Vista. Registration for the Manufacturing Summit is open to the public and can be found here.

“Manufacturing drives innovation and growth across countless industries throughout the state. That’s why we’re excited to partner with the Nebraska Chamber and Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance for the Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska,” said Marc Hock, Pinnacle Bank President.  

The competition spotlights Nebraska’s dynamic manufacturing industry and brings together students, educators, community leaders and manufacturers to celebrate the 100,000+ Nebraskans working in manufacturing every day. Past winners include Kawasaki’s Rail Car, Rocket Mobility’s All-Terrain Tracked Wheelchair and Valley Irrigation’s Valley Center Pivot. The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce is the largest, statewide business association, proudly serving as the voice of Nebraska’s business community since 1912.  

The organization promotes and protects Nebraska’s free enterprise system by ensuring a competitive business climate, economic growth and greater prosperity for all Nebraskans. Learn more at nechamber.com.