FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 21, 2026
CONTACT:
Elizabeth Lane
15 Finalists Announced in 2026 Coolest Thing Made in NC Competition
RALEIGH, N.C. Today, the NC Chamber announced the top five finalists in each category small, medium, and large business for its annual Coolest Thing Made in NC online competition.
This is the seventh year that the NC Chamber has held the popular, public-voting contest, which spotlights North Carolina s cutting-edge manufacturing industry an industry that [LC1] accounts for 15% of the state’s GDP and employs more than 8.9% of the state’s workforce.
Congratulations to this year’s Coolest Thing Made in NC finalists, said NC Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido. Every year, this competition showcases the incredible products being made across our state and the people and companies behind them. What s made in North Carolina makes North Carolina, and this contest is a celebration of the manufacturers that strengthen our economy, create opportunity, and make our state a top place to do business.
Allegacy Financial is serving as the Presenting Sponsor of the online competition, Business North Carolina is this year’s Media Partner, and the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) is collaborating as a Supporting Organization. As the exclusive North Carolina affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the NC Chamber knows that a strong manufacturing industry is crucial to the state’s economic and competitive success.
How to Vote:
Go to coolestthingmadeinnc.com to vote for the coolest thing made in NC. The last day to vote is Friday, September 25. The three winning products will be revealed on Thursday, October 1, the day before National Manufacturing (MFG) Day. October is Manufacturing Month, and MFG Day, organized nationally by the NAM and The Manufacturing Institute, highlights the rewarding career opportunities of modern manufacturing.
Join the contest s social media campaign by following #CoolestThingMadeinNC. In addition to receiving a trophy, the victorious company and product will be featured in NC Chamber and Business North Carolina publications and social and digital media, among additional statewide publicity efforts. Information on last year’s winner and runners-up can be found here.
Large Business Category:
|
Product |
Company |
Region |
|
Carrier Chillers |
Carrier |
Charlotte Region |
|
Cheez-It Original Snack Crackers |
Mars Snacking |
Triangle |
|
Dyneema |
Avient Protective |
Eastern NC |
|
North Carolina Sweetpotatoes |
NC Sweetpotato Commission |
Eastern NC |
|
Wegovy pill |
Novo Nordisk |
Triangle |
Medium Business Category:
|
Product |
Company |
Region |
|
Bright Leaf Hot Dogs |
Carolina Packers |
Eastern NC |
|
Cheerwine |
Cheerwine/Carolina Beverage |
Charlotte Region |
|
FourTrax Foreman 4×4 |
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. |
Triad |
|
Lithium |
Rio Tinto |
Charlotte Region |
|
Texas Pete Original Hot Sauce |
Garner Foods |
Triad |
Small Business Category:
|
Product |
Company |
Region |
|
Atlantic Beach Sea Salt |
Atlantic Beach Sea Salt Company |
Eastern NC |
|
Carolina Soap |
Sparta Candle Co. |
Western NC |
|
Date Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing & Marinade |
CW Dressings |
Sandhills |
|
Deltec Homes 360 Signature Collection |
Deltec Homes |
Western NC |
|
Old School Brand Hot Cocoa Mix |
Old School Mill, |
Charlotte Region |
About the NC Chamber
The NC Chamber works to research, develop, advocate, and communicate for solutions and policies that produce a nationally competitive business climate in North Carolina. For more information, visit ncchamber.com.
About Allegacy Financial
Allegacy Financial makes growth personal. Rooted in North Carolina since 1967, we are a comprehensive banking and financial partner offering personal, small business, commercial, and wealth management services all connected by real relationships and the expertise and ease to move ahead. We guide our members with solutions for every goal and stage, with the shared purpose of helping North Carolinians thrive.
