‘Coolest Thing’ contest yields two winners
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For the first time in its short history, the Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana tournament from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce has resulted in two winners. The chamber on Wednesday also revealed the 2024 Indiana Best Places to Work in Manufacturing.
The Coolest Thing contest is an online, bracket-style tournament allows Hoosiers to vote for their favorites products made in Indiana.
The chamber said in a news release that co-champions were named in this year’s competition after organizers realized there was a lack of clarity in how the finalists could market their participation in the event—which may have created an unlevel playing field.
As a result, Hard Truth Whiskey Co. in Nashville and Harpsicle Harps in Rising Sun took top honors this year.
“These two companies are exemplary of the kind of great makers we have here in Indiana,” Indiana Chamber CEO Vanessa Green Sinders said in the releae. “With so many great competitors—and the level of competition we had this year—there is more than enough ‘cool’ to go around to name two awesome winners.”
Hard Truth, which was founded in 2015 in downtown Nashville, won for its popular Sweet Mash Whiskey. Harpsicle Harps, which has roots dating back to the 1970s, was recognized for its handcrafted level harp designed for the casual player.
This year’s Coolest Thing contest saw a record 90 competitors from more than 50 Indiana communities. To enter the contest, a company does not need to be headquartered in Indiana, but their product must be manufactured in the state.
Best Places to Work in Manufacturing
Meanwhile, the chamber unveiled the ranking for its third-annual Indiana’s Best Places to Work in Manufacturing program.
The seven companies were announced in October, and Kalenborn Abresist Corp., located in the Wabash County community of Urbana, was revealed Wednesday as the No. 1 company on the list for the third consecutive year.
Kalenborn manufactures custom abrasion and wear resistant linings and coatings used to protect processing equipment such as hydraulic and pneumatic components and pipes handling large quantities of bulk materials.
“Manufacturers must navigate the importance of safety while also earning a profit and managing staffs, and it’s such a critical sector for our state and nation,” Sinders said. “Kudos to Kalenborn Abresist as it continues to shine as an example of how to treat your employees right.”
The companies on the list range in Hoosier employee count from 30 to over 600. This year’s rankings are:
- Kalenborn Abresist Corporation in Urbana
- Nexxt Spine LLC in Noblesville
- CrossPoint Polymer Technologies in Evansville
- AMPG in Indianapolis
- Nix Industrial in Poseyville
- Functional Devices in Sharpsville
- Kimball Electronics in Jasper