11th annual "Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin" contest underway
Sep 18, 2026, 10:37 AM ET
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Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC), in partnership with BMO, has officially kicked off the 11th annual Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest, revealing a lineup of 108 products nominated from across the state. The popular annual competition highlights the strength and diversity of Wisconsin’s $73.8 billion manufacturing industry, which accounts for nearly 20 percent of the state’s gross domestic product and supports high-tech, high-paying careers in communities statewide.
The statewide public voting phase begins on Monday, Sept. 21, with a Popular Vote Round. From there, the top 16 vote-earning products will move on to the tournament-style Manufacturing Madness round. Products will face off in head-to-head bracket matchups over successive voting periods until a single winner emerges.
WMC President and CEO Kurt R. Bauer emphasized that the primary mission of the competition is to showcase the vast array of items manufactured locally. Many residents are often surprised to discover the world-class products made right in their own neighborhoods by local workers, spanning a broad variety of industrial sectors.
Public participation is central to determining the winner, with voters allowed to cast one vote per day by email at www.madeinwis.com. The official 2026 winner will be crowned during WMC’s Business Day event in Madison on October 27.
Todd Coppernoll oversees local news for WRCO and WRCE radio in Richland Center. Having served Richland Center as Mayor for three terms, Todd brings a unique perspective, and a familiar voice to the news. The focus is local, and so is the reporter.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.
