Indianapolis, December 18, 2025
The Indiana Chamber’s fifth annual tournament enters the quarterfinals, showcasing innovative products from local businesses, including two from Elkhart County. With public voting open until January 7, residents can support their favorite Indiana-made creations and celebrate the state’s rich manufacturing heritage.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – The Indiana Chamber’s fifth annual “Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana” tournament is hitting the ground running as it advances into the quarterfinals. This statewide competition showcases some impressive Hoosier ingenuity, featuring eight standout products from various local businesses. Among this elite group are two notable companies from Elkhart County—Elkhart Brass Manufacturing and Polaris Marine—demonstrating the region’s strong legacy of manufacturing excellence. Other talented contenders hail from Shipshewana, Tippecanoe, Indianapolis, Rising Sun, Fort Wayne, and Unionville, collectively highlighting the innovative spirit across the state.
The tournament, which kicked off with a broad range of Indiana-made products, has now been trimmed down through enthusiastic public voting. The remaining products include the XD Glow-in-the-Dark Smooth Bore Nozzle from Elkhart Brass Manufacturing and the Bennington QX Pontoon from Polaris Marine, among others.
Celebrating Indiana’s Manufacturing Heritage
The “Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana” competition serves not just as a fun event, but as a vibrant celebration of Indiana’s rich manufacturing heritage. It emphasizes the resilience and creativity of local entrepreneurs capable of producing extraordinary products in a competitive marketplace. This annual tournament fosters community engagement by inviting the public to cast votes and show support for their favorite products, reinforcing the idea that local involvement is a critical component in economic growth.
With public voting resuming from January 2 to January 7 for the quarterfinals, followed by subsequent rounds leading to the announcement of the winner at the Indiana Chamber’s Best in Business Awards Luncheon on January 26, there are ample opportunities for residents to engage with and celebrate their local businesses.
The Quarterfinals Candidates
In addition to the two Elkhart County products, the other contenders vying for the title include:
– Design-A-Horse Model Horse Art from Stone Horses in Shipshewana
– Generation X Low Center of Gravity Animal Feed Delivery Trailer from Hensley Fabricating & Equipment Co. Inc. in Tippecanoe
– Pipe Organ from Goulding and Wood Pipe Organ Builders in Indianapolis
– Harps from Harpsicle Harps in Rising Sun
– Baked Goods from Rolling Pin Bakehouse in Fort Wayne
– Wireless Deer Fence from Wireless Deer Fence in Unionville
As industries evolve and adapt, these products exemplify how small businesses are crucial to innovation and local job creation. Harnessing entrepreneurial talent and fostering business success, they showcase the potential that exists within Indiana’s economic landscape.
How the Competition Works
The competition follows a simple yet engaging format—a single-elimination bracket where public voting determines which products move forward. This structure not only highlights the variety of Indiana-made products but also fosters a sense of unity and pride among participants and voters alike. As residents rally around their favorite products, they contribute to a lively dialogue about the importance of supporting local entrepreneurship.
Engaging the Community
The commitment to local businesses demonstrated through this competition is a powerful reminder of the impact that community support can have. The resilience of Indiana entrepreneurs is evident in the imaginative ideas brought to life by these companies. As voters participate in this exciting event, they reaffirm their support for local craftsmanship and innovation, laying the groundwork for a robust Marion County economy.
The full schedule is available for those looking to get involved. Dates for the semifinals are January 8 to January 12, with the finals planned from January 13 to January 15, culminating in a celebration of Indiana’s extraordinary manufacturing prowess.
Conclusion: Support Local Innovation
The “Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana” competition is more than just a contest; it’s an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the hard work and creativity of Hoosier makers. By participating in the voting process, residents can show their support for local businesses and contribute to the economic growth of Indiana. Let’s continue to cheer on our local entrepreneurs and keep the spirit of innovation thriving in Indianapolis and beyond.
To learn more and participate in the voting, proudly support Indiana’s small businesses as they continue to define and shape our local economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the “Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana” competition?
- The “Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana” competition is an annual tournament organized by the Indiana Chamber to celebrate the state’s manufacturing heritage by highlighting innovative products crafted by Hoosier makers.
- How does the competition work?
- The competition follows a single-elimination bracket format, with public voting determining which products advance to the next round.
- When are the upcoming voting rounds?
- The quarterfinals voting will begin on January 2 and end on January 7. The semifinals are scheduled from January 8 to 12, and the finals will take place from January 13 to 15.
- Where can I find more information about the competition?
- For more details and to participate in the voting process, visit the official website of the Indiana Chamber.
| Product | Company | Location |
|---|---|---|
| XD Glow-in-the-Dark Smooth Bore Nozzle | Elkhart Brass Manufacturing | Elkhart |
| Bennington QX Pontoon | Polaris Marine | Elkhart |
| Design-A-Horse Model Horse Art | Stone Horses | Shipshewana |
| Generation X Low Center of Gravity Animal Feed Delivery Trailer | Hensley Fabricating & Equipment Co. Inc. | Tippecanoe |
| Pipe Organ | Goulding and Wood Pipe Organ Builders | Indianapolis |
| Harps | Harpsicle Harps | Rising Sun |
| Baked Goods | Rolling Pin Bakehouse | Fort Wayne |
| Wireless Deer Fence | Wireless Deer Fence | Unionville |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Indiana Chamber Kicks Off ‘Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana’ Contest
Shortages of Christmas Decoration Supplies Due to Tariffs
Subaru Halts Production of Legacy Sedan After 40 Years
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
