What’s the coolest thing made in Oregon? Help us find out!
Oregon Business & Industry, in partnership with Here is Oregon, has launched the annual Coolest Thing Made in Oregon competition to celebrate the state’s vibrant and innovative manufacturing sector.
Oregonians nominated hundreds of products and companies before the Aug. 15 deadline to do so. A panel of judges will now review nominated products that meet the contest’s requirements. In mid-September, OBI and Here is Oregon will publish a Coolest Thing Made in Oregon bracket featuring 16 of the nominated products. From there, we’ll need your help to narrow the field in a series of votes until one product earns the title of “Coolest Thing Made in Oregon.”
Oregon’s manufacturing sector employs more than 214,000 people and contributes $33 billion annually to the state’s gross domestic product, according to a 2022 ECONorthwest study funded by OBI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who determines what products make it onto the bracket?
The field of 16 will be chosen from the nominees by a selection committee. That committee will include representatives from OBI and Here is Oregon/The Oregonian Media Group, as well as others representing business and industry throughout Oregon. The committee will not have any members from specific manufacturers.
Can a company have more than one product in the bracket?
No. While any company may have multiple products nominated, each company is limited to just one product in the bracket.
Is a company precluded from participating in subsequent years?
No. The overall winning product is indefinitely barred from future competitions, but a company can nominate another product.
Who gets to vote?
Voting is open to the public. For each round a person can cast one vote per day per device in each of the bracket competitions.
Do votes accumulate round to round?
No. Vote totals reset at the start of each round.
What if I have another question?
Email your question to marketing@hereisoregon.com, and someone from OBI or Here is Oregon will get back to you.
Follow competition news and updates at www.hereisoregon.com/coolestthing.