'Coolest Thing in Minnesota' returns for 2025

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has announced the latest iteration of its “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” contest, a public-driven initiative that celebrates the state’s manufacturing excellence by recognizing innovative and impactful products. This contest, overseen by the Minnesota Chamber’s Manufacturers’ Council, aims to spotlight the creativity and craftsmanship of Minnesota-made products that are a key part of the state's economy - the largest private-sector component of Minnesota’s GDP.

The 2024 contest concluded with 3M's Scotch Magic Tape being named the winner, honoring a product with deep roots in Minnesota’s manufacturing heritage. Scotch Magic Tape was developed in 1961 and is known for its invisible matte finish and versatility. The tape  is produced at 3M’s Hutchinson, Minnesota facility, which manufactures approximately 12 million miles of 3M tapes annually, including Scotch Magic Tape. The contest placed Scotch Magic Tape alongside other 2024 finalists,  such as Red Wing Shoe Company's Beckman Boot and Action Manufacturing’s  all-terrain wheelchair, highlighting the diversity of Minnesota's manufacturing sector. 

Nominations are currently open until August 15th, allowing any product manufactured in Minnesota for at least two years to be nominated. Companies do not need to be Chamber members to participate. Following the nomination period, a council of industry peers will select 64 standout products, which will then compete in a public voting bracket announced on September 2. The voting rounds will extend through October 5, culminating in the announcement of the winner at the 2025 Manufacturers’ Summit on October 7.

Doug Loon, president and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the contest’s importance in a blog post, saying “Many times, we overlook the fact that Minnesota is a manufacturing state, with amazing products being created every day, all around the state. It’s time we celebrate their great innovations and products through this important program.” 

The contest not only celebrates established products like Scotch Magic Tape, but may also act as a platform for emerging innovations. This can therefore reflect the diversity of manufacturing landscape of the state and encourages broader public engagement with that aspect of Minnesota’s local economy built on craftsmanship.

Anyone interested in nominating a product or taking part in voting for the 2025 competition, can visit the contest’s official website here.