Southern Indiana Business Report
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Indiana tournament began with a packed field – 65 worthy manufacturers from nearly 50 locations in 35 counties. Now, the contest is down to the final four companies.
The semifinalists for the contest – sponsored by MCM CPAs & Advisors – are:
- Hoosier Bat Co. – wood baseball bats used in Major League Baseball (Valparaiso)
- Janus Motorcycles – production motorcycle (Goshen)
- Old 55 Distillery – bottled-in-bond 100% sweet corn bourbon (Newtown)
- Wag’n Tails Mobile Conversions – mobile pet grooming salons and veterinary clinics (Granger
Public fan voting to see who reaches the finals is underway at www.indianachamber.com/coolestthing.
“For our four semifinalists, it’s time to really rally the troops and call on your supporters to vote. You’re two steps from the mountaintop and being the first ever Coolest Thing Made in Indiana champion,” said Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar. “We are pleased with the enthusiasm shown for the tournament and the thousands of votes cast each round. It really has brought the state’s rich manufacturing tradition into the spotlight – where it belongs.”
Note that the timing of the rounds has shortened. Voting for the semifinals runs through Wednesday, Feb. 9, at 10 p.m. The championship matchup will commence this Thursday, Feb. 10, and voting for that round will close at 10 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 14.
The champion, runner-up and two semifinalists will be honored Feb. 15 at the Indiana Chamber’s annual Chamber Day Event at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis.
For fairness, an online randomizer generated the initial matchups. Entry in the competition was free. To participate, a company did not need to be headquartered in Indiana, but the product entered must be manufactured in the state.