What’s the coolest thing made in Tennessee?
Cumberland County manufacturers are encouraged to nominate a product they produce through June 30 in the Tennessee Manufacturers Association’s annual contest.
Products from Pringle’s potato crisps to Jack Daniel’s whiskey, from Lodge Cast Iron cookware to Nissan autos and Malibu boats and everything in between have been nominated and are eligible.
One of last year’s finalists was the Whisper Drive Enabled Leaf Blower, made right here in Crossville. It was my favorite by far. In my heart and opinion, it blew away the eventual victor, the Nissan Rogue, which was determined by popular vote.
“Last year’s contest attracted over 100 nominations and received more than 75,000 votes,” said Josh Brown, CEO of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, also a partner in the competition. “We are excited to celebrate the amazing work happening in our communities and highlight the quality craftsmanship that go into everything made in Tennessee.”
Cumberland County manufacturers are encouraged to go to coolestthingmadeintn.com to make their nominations. Nominations will be announced July 14, with popular round voting through July 29.
Voting for the top 16 finalists will take place Aug. 5-12. From there, voting for the top 8 will take place Aug. 15-22, with final voting among the top four Sept. 9-26.
The four finalists will be invited to showcase their products during the Tennessee Manufacturing Excellence Luncheon Oct. 1 in Lebanon. There, the winner will be formally announced.
Let’s do this, Cumberland County. We’re the coolest place. Let’s show the rest of Tennessee that products made here are the coolest, too.
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Cheryl Duncan is editor of the Crossville Chronicle. She can be reached at cduncan@crossville-chronicle.com or 931-484-5145.