IMA announces the opening of their second annual contest to celebrate Illinois’ incredible manufacturing sector. Today is the first day to make nominations in this year’s Makers Madness: The Coolest Thing Made In Illinois, presented by Comcast Business. Join us in celebrating Illinois manufacturing!
Makers Madness is an online contest highlighting amazing manufacturers and their fantastic products made in our state. The contest is a partnership with Comcast Business, an innovation champion and technology provider to manufacturers across Illinois. Illinoisans will be able to nominate and vote for their favorite thing made in Illinois with a winner announced in March.
“There is no doubt that 2020 was difficult – we saw the greatest health and economic crises in generations. A lot of people say that we don’t have much to celebrate but I disagree. We need to celebrate American manufacturers that have answered our nation’s call during every crisis in history and are doing so again in the midst of the global pandemic,” says Mark Denzler, President & CEO of IMA.
Illinois manufacturers employ 555,000 women and men on factory floors today who are some of the unsung heroes in our communities alongside doctors, nurses, truck drivers, retail clerks, and first responders.
Last year, in the inaugural competition, nearly 300,000 votes were cast before Caterpillar’s 797F Large Mining Truck was crowned champion.
Makers Madness nominations will start today and run through February 14. Nominations can be made only at www.MakersMadnessIL.com. Any product manufactured in Illinois can be nominated for the contest. Nominations close on February 14 followed by several rounds of online voting, until we get to a final round with the top four products. The overall champion – and title of Coolest Thing Made in Illinois – will be named on March 24 in Springfield.
So, let’s celebrate Illinois manufacturing and the great products made right here in the Land of Lincoln.
Your favorite food or drink.
Sports or recreational equipment
Vehicle or mode of transportation
Household goods or tools.
The latest technology or high tech gadget.
Perhaps a facemask, testing equipment, or sanitizer used to battle the pandemic.
The possibilities are endless.
