LANSING (Aug. 10, 2022) – Cool products are made by Michigan manufacturers every day and the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) is working to let everyone know. Through the “Coolest Thing Made in Michigan” program, MMA is seeking the best-of-the-best from Michigan manufacturers whose homegrown ingenuity is leading the entire industry into the future.

For 120 years, MMA has championed manufacturers through legislative advocacy, workforce development, education, training, networking and cost savings. The organization is committed to maintaining an atmosphere that helps manufacturing thrive.

Starting in 2018, MMA created the “Coolest Thing Made in Michigan” people’s choice award to recognize the most innovative, game-changing, groundbreaking, cutting edge products from the industry that employs over 630,000 and produces $102 billion in goods each year. The Association’s goal is to highlight the importance of Michigan-made products to millions of people who experience the benefits of using these products and the economic impact to all those that call Michigan home.

“Every innovative product has a story to tell,” said Delaney McKinley, Executive Vice President of Operations for MMA. “We want to hear your stories and share them with over a million Michigan consumers.”

The value of this program has created a diverse positive impact on past nominees and winners, including employee pride, sales opportunities, community recognition and new strategic partnerships.

Nominations for the Coolest Thing Made in Michigan close on Aug. 19, 2022. Two rounds of people’s choice voting will determine a Top 10 and Top 3, with the final “Coolest” winner being revealed at the 2022 MFG Excellence Awards on Nov. 10, 2022 in Lansing.

Previous winning products were created by manufacturers of all different sizes and product focuses. Michigan represents the most diverse manufacturing center in perhaps the entire world. And, just as it has since the industrial revolution, through the efforts of manufacturers, Michigan will continue to be the cradle of innovation and invention for generations to come.

Learn more about MMA and the Coolest Thing Made in Michigan at micoolestthing.org. For more information, contact MMA’s Delaney McKinley at 517-487-8530 or mckinley@mimfg.org.