The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) Tuesday, launched the first annual “Makers Madness” contest, a bracket-style tournament in which voters will decide what product is the Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.
State Representative Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) informed her colleagues of the contest, saying there are some amazing things being produced in the state of Illinois. Attached is her audio.
The competition is designed to highlight the many different products manufactured in Illinois, ranging from food products and furniture to automobiles and components for the aerospace industry. Statewide, manufacturing generates more than $304 billion in economic output, contributing 12 percent to the state’s Gross Domestic Product – the largest share of any industry in Illinois.
Nominations are now being accepted at www.makersmadnessil.com, where all voting will take place.
Voting to narrow the field to the Top 16 products will begin on February 26. Weekly matchups will follow, culminating in an awards ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion on April 1, when the Coolest Thing Made in Illinois will be named.