Exciting Times for California's Manufacturing Sector
The quest to find the next "Coolest Thing Made in California" is on, marking an exhilarating period for the state's dynamic manufacturing landscape. The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) proudly presents its annual contest for the third year, aimed at honoring the creativity and ingenuity within California's extensive manufacturing community. As global supply chains evolve and trends shift towards domestic production, the spotlight on the state's 30,000 manufacturers has never been brighter.
Why Manufacturing Matters
California is not just a hub for technology and entertainment; it is also a cornerstone of global manufacturing. The industry contributes a staggering $310 billion to the state’s annual GDP and employs approximately 1.3 million individuals, underscoring the vital role of manufacturing in the economy. Lance Hastings, the President & CEO of CMTA, emphasizes, "Manufacturing is the backbone of California's economy. The industry drives innovation, creates high-wage jobs, and produces the essential goods that support our everyday lives." It's this entrepreneurial spirit that the contest seeks to celebrate.
How the Contest Works
The competition is unique in its format, using a bracket-style system that allows the public to nominate and vote for their favorite products, showcasing the best of California's manufacturing. This interactive aspect not only engages the community but also raises awareness about local manufacturers—each product entered reflects the innovative talent thriving in the state. Last year’s contest attracted over 246,000 votes and garnered attention from a staggering audience of about 34 million across social media and broadcast platforms.
Nominations and Voting Timeline
The nomination period runs until August 29. Anyone can suggest a product made in California through the designated website, except for products that reached the Top 4 Round in the previous year. Following nominations, the voting process starts on September 8, segmented into four rounds, systematically narrowing down the entries until a winner is unveiled.
Key Dates to Remember
The timeline for the competition includes key dates for nominations and voting:
- Nominate: Now until August 29
- Vote: September 8 - October 3
- Popular Round: September 8-11
- Top 16: September 15-18
- Top 8: September 22-25
- Top 4: September 29 - October 3
Finally, the winner will be celebrated at a special event on October 22, marking a day of recognition for the innovative spirit of California's manufacturers.
About the California Manufacturers & Technology Association
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association has a long history of advocating for manufacturing excellence since 1918. With annual manufacturing outputs of around $300 billion, this sector is crucial, representing roughly 10 percent of the state's economy. Moreover, the wages in this industry exceed those in other non-farm sectors by an average of $25,000, highlighting the lucrative opportunities available. For additional information about the association's work and initiatives in this space, their official website offers valuable insights.
Media Contact:
Rebecca Elliott
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "Coolest Thing Made in California" contest?
This contest celebrates innovative products made in California, inviting public nominations and votes.
How can I nominate a product?
You can nominate a product through the competition's official website during the nomination period.
When does the nomination period close?
Nominations are accepted until August 29 each year.
How does the voting process work?
The public votes weekly in four rounds from September 8 to October 3, gradually narrowing the nominees down to a winner.
When and where is the winner announced?
The winner is announced during the Coolest Thing Made in California Celebration on October 22.
