PRESS RELEASE – 2026 “Coolest Thing Made in NC” Winners Named

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 1, 2026

CONTACT:

Elizabeth Lane

[email protected]

2026 “Coolest Thing Made in NC” Winners Named
Carrier, American Hondo Motor Co., and Old School Mill win statewide competition.

RALEIGH, N.C. Today, the day before National Manufacturing Day (#MFGDay26), the NC Chamber revealed the winners for this year’s ‘Coolest Thing Made in NC’ competition: Carrier’s Chillers the large business category, American Honda Motor Co.’s FourTrax Foreman 4×4 in the medium business category, and Old School Mill’s Old School Brand™ Hot Cocoa Mix in the small business category.

The contest recognizes three winners: one for businesses with fewer than 100 employees, one for businesses 100-999 employees, and one for businesses with 1000+ employees. Carrier’s product is manufactured in Charlotte, American Honda Motor Co.’s in the Triad, and Old School Mill’s in Charlotte.

Now an annual tradition, the NC Chamber launched the competition in 2020 to honor North Carolina’s manufacturers and raise awareness about the limitless potential of modern manufacturing careers. As the exclusive state affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the NC Chamber knows that a strong manufacturing sector is central to North Carolina’s economic and competitive success. The state’s innovative manufacturing industry generates more than 15% of the gross state product and employs more than 8.9% of the state’s workforce.

2026 “Coolest Thing Made in NC” Finalists (in place order):

Large Business Category:

Medium Business Category:

Small Business Category:

“Congratulations to Carrier, American Honda Motor Co., and Old School Mill for winning the 2026 ‘Coolest Thing Made in NC’ title,” said NC Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido. “Tomorrow is National Manufacturing Day, and we are proud to recognize the strength and creativity of North Carolina’s manufacturers who continue to lead and inspire across our state, nation, and world.”

MFG Day, organized nationally by NAM and The Manufacturing Institute, champions the next generation of creators and kicks off a campaign to highlight the exciting careers in modern manufacturing.

Allegacy Financial® is serving as the presenting sponsor of the online competition, and Business North Carolina is this year’s media partner.

Join the contest’s social media campaign by following #CoolestThingMadeinNC. In addition to receiving a trophy, this year’s winning products will be featured in NC Chamber and Business North Carolina publications, podcasts, social and digital media, among additional statewide publicity efforts. Information on last year’s winner and runners-up can be found here.

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.