“Coolest Thing Made in NC” competition winners show the diversity of what’s made in the Tar Heel state.
HondaJet Elite II by Honda Aircraft is the winner in the medium-to-large business category and Original Sharp Cheddar Biscuit Bites by Piedmont Pennies is the winner in the small business category, the NC Chamber revealed Thursday.
Honda Aircraft makes its jet in Greensboro and Piedmont Pennies are made in Charlotte. NC Chamber launched the competition in 2020 to honor North Carolina’s manufacturers and raise awareness about the potential of modern manufacturing careers.
“Congratulations to Honda Aircraft Company and Piedmont Pennies for winning the 2024 ‘Coolest Thing Made in NC’ title,” said NC Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido. “Tomorrow (Friday) is National Manufacturing Day, and we would like to thank our entire manufacturing community for developing innovative and important products for our state, country and world.”
The competition began with a record-setting 145 nominees.
Manufacturing generates more than 17% of the gross state product and employs more than 10% of the state’s workforce.
Other finalist in the medium-to-large category:
- 2nd Place: Roush & Yates Racing Engines – V6 Twin-turbo EcoBoost Engine for Limited Edition Ford MK IV – Mooresville
- 3rd Place: Carrier – Centrifugal Chillers – Charlotte
- 4th Place: TW Garner Foods – Texas Pete Hot Sauce – Winston-Salem
- 5th Place: CSL Seqirus – Flucelva – Holly Springs
- 6th Place: Columbia Forest Products – PureBond Formaldehyde-Free Hardwood Plywood – Old Fort
In the small business category:
- 2nd Place: Lighthouse Candle Factory – Custom Handmade Candles – Kernersville
- 3rd Place: Mantissa Scorpion – Sortation System – Charlotte
- 4th Place: WoolTribe – Signature Cable Beanie – Charlotte
- 5th Place: Atlantic Beach – Sea Salt – Atlantic Beach
Baxter is serving as the presenting sponsor of the online competition, and Business North Carolina is this year’s media partner. The winning products will be featured in Business North Carolina magazine in November.
Join the contest’s social media campaign by following #CoolestThingMadeinNC.