Voting began April 15 for the final four products in the second annual Coolest Thing Made in New Jersey competition, presented by Withum and powered by the New Jersey Business and Industry Association. The contest, which started with 72 unique products made across the state, has narrowed to four finalists after nearly 70,000 votes cast over three rounds.
The event highlights innovation and manufacturing achievements within New Jersey. According to Michele Siekerka, president and chief executive officer of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, and Peter Connolly of NJMEP: “It has been very rewarding to see not only the breadth of New Jersey creations over the past month, but also to see nearly 70,000 votes generated so far reflecting that enthusiasm for manufacturing in the state.” Siekerka and Connolly added: “We look forward to the remaining days of rigorous voting for these final four products and recognizing the winner at the Statehouse next month.”
The public can vote once per day per device until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 20. The winner will be announced at the State of the State of Manufacturing event at the Statehouse on May 21. Finalists include Vet-Sonotron (a non-invasive veterinary therapy device), Anti-Gravity Suit (an inflatable suit used under extreme G-forces), Thermit Welding Kit (used for rail welding), and Superconductor (enabling high magnetic fields necessary for medical scanners).
The winning product will receive an award as well as coverage in upcoming issues of New Jersey Business Magazine and Manufacturing Matters magazine. Last year’s contest saw nearly 40,000 online votes before Geared Power won with its BioGuard UVC mask.
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association serves as the nation’s largest statewide employer association, representing private-sector employers throughout New Jersey across various sectors. The association advances competitive excellence while delivering essential information, advocacy services, cost-saving benefits, and facilitating partnerships among businesses, government entities, and academic institutions according to its official website.
