State chamber to host inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Delaware contest

January 31, 2024 9

WILMINGTON – The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (DSCC) and Delaware Manufacturing Association (DMA) will host the inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Delaware contest to highlight the manufacturing industry—which employs 28,000 Delawareans—and promote the sector as a top career path. The winner will be announced at the DSCC’s Spring Manufacturing & Policy Conference on March 28 at Delaware Technical Community College in Dover.

“Delaware’s low cost of doing business, central location, and skilled workforce position the state as a center for manufacturing. With an output of nearly $5.6 billion, the industry is a major force in Delaware’s economy and the third-largest traded sector,” DSCC President Michael J. Quaranta said. “Not only do manufacturers make products that meet the needs of consumers right here in the First State, but they have global—even galactic—impacts.”

Now through February 21 nominations will be accepted. Eligible companies are manufacturers whose nominated product is manufactured in a Delaware-based facility. The product must be made using a manufacturing process. Participants are welcome to nominate as many products as they’d like during the initial nominations period.

Qualifying nominees will be announced on February 22, and the popular vote will begin. Manufacturers, employees, and consumers alike are welcome to participate in the voting. After the popular vote round ends on February 29, the top 16 products—one per company—will compete in the bracket-style contest, culminating in one champion.

2024 Contest Schedule:
January 23 – February 21: Nominations accepted.
February 22: Nominees announced.
February 22 – February 29: Popular vote round.
March 7: Top 16 announced.
March 7 – March 13: 1st round of bracket voting.
March 14: Top 8 announced.
March 14 – March 20: 2nd round of bracket voting.
March 21: Top 4 announced.
March 21 – March 28: Final round of voting.
March 28: Winner announced at the Spring Manufacturing & Policy Conference.

For more information, visit www.DSCC.com/MFG.