What’s the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut?

Voting begins today to find the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut, a new competition celebrating the state’s rich manufacturing legacy and its world-class workforce.

The CBIA Foundation-led initiative is presented in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Manufacturing and CONNSTEP and made possible through the generous support of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. 

Featuring 16 Connecticut-made products, the single-elimination, bracket-style competition allows residents to vote on their favorite product. 

Companies will compete head-to-head through each round, with the winner announced at the Oct. 2 Connecticut Manufacturing Summit at the Connecticut Convention Center.

“From critical defense vehicles and life-saving devices, delicious food, and products that make our lives easier, these 16 products truly showcase the incredible quality of manufacturing in Connecticut,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima. 

“Connecticut’s manufacturing industry is a vital driver of the state’s economy and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the wide range of products made by one of the best workforces in the world.”

Online voting for round one of the competition is underway through CBIA’s website. 

The round one matchups feature: 

• Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engine vs. Bevin Bell’s It’s a Wonderful Life Keepsake Bell
• Athletic Brewing’s Run Wild IPA vs. Lyman Orchards’ Hi-Top Apple Pie
• Sikorsky’s Black Hawk Helicopter vs. PopUp Bagels
• Bigelow Tea’s Constant Comment Black Tea vs. Nuovo Pasta’s Fragrant Lemon & Mascarpone Girasole Ravioli
• General Dynamics Electric Boat’s Virginia-Class Submarine vs. LesserEvil Snacks’ Himalayan Pink Salt Popcorn
• GE Appliances’ GE Profile Smart Mixer vs. PEZ Candy Inc.’s PEZ
• Curtis Packaging’s Folding Cartons vs. Medtronic Signia Stapling System
• Penn Globe’s Pop-Up Park Community Table vs. Schick’s Shick Xtreme 3 Disposable Razor

“With all the really cool products invented and manufactured in Connecticut, we expect this to be an exciting and fun competition,” said chief manufacturing officer Paul Lavoie. 

“The collaboration between CBIA, CONNSTEP, and the Office of Manufacturing on this initiative is just another example of how you can’t spell Connecticut without Connect. 

“We are looking forward to collaborating with the team and highlighting all the amazing products made here.” 

“Connecticut is the cradle of many innovative and cool products,” said CONNSTEP president and CEO Beatriz Gutierrez. 

“Connecticut inventors have given us everything from the Frisbee to the Polaroid, to many of the products we simply couldn’t live without in our daily lives. 

“CONNSTEP is excited to support this competition to spotlight the creativity and innovation of our Connecticut companies.”

A group of business leaders nominated the 16 products competing in the first year of what will be an annual competition.

A group of business leaders nominated the 16 products competing in the first year of what will be an annual competition.

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Stay tuned to our exclusive media partner, FOX 61, for all the latest updates on the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut.

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CBIA is Connecticut’s largest business organization, with thousands of member companies, small and large, representing a diverse range of industries from every part of the state. For more information, please contact Scott Beaulieu (860.244.1929).