Oregon kicks off voting for the second annual “Coolest Thing Made in Oregon” contest

Oregon – The voting for the second annual “Coolest Thing Made in Oregon” contest, hosted by Oregon Business & Industry in collaboration with Here is Oregon, has begun.

The competition presents a varied range of goods that highlight the creative energy and manufacturing capability of the state. From a high-tech robot called Digit from Agility Robotics in Tangent to a warm Yakima Wool Blanket from Pendleton, the spectrum of finalists highlights the variety of Oregon’s businesses.

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Among the sixteen contenders this year are odd and creative objects like Bearded Oregon’s Beard Oil, made in Salem, and the clever yet useful Portland Loo, an urban outdoor toilet solution made in Portland. An experienced team chose each finalist from a pool of more than 100 products recommended by local residents over the spring and summer.

The winner is chosen using a bracket system that reminds one of sports events. Recently starting public voting will first reduce the number of candidates to eight. Downloading a printed bracket from the OBI’s website allows Oregonians to track their favorites and give votes, therefore encouraging their involvement. The voting for this first round ends at midday on September 23.

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Finalists also include Beaverton Foods’ Beaver Brand Mustard, known for its bold flavors, and Epic Aircraft’s E1000 GX, a state-of-the-art airplane manufactured in Bend. Additional noteworthy submissions headquartered in Bend are Element 1’s creative hydrogen generator and Cv International’s maintenance platform for the F-35 fighter jet.

Along with showcasing Oregon’s inventiveness and engineering prowess, the competition involves the community in honoring locally produced goods ranging from common goods like Tillamook’s Ice Cream to specialized equipment like Northwest UAV’s fuel cell for drones. Along with the title of “Coolest Thing Made in Oregon,” the winner will have great bragging rights until next year’s competition.

The 16 finalists and the company locations:

• Agility Robotics’ Digit(Tangent)
• Bearded Oregon’s Beard Oil(Salem)
• Beaverton Foods’ Beaver Brand Mustard(Hillsboro)
• Cv International’s F-35 Fighter Maintenance Platform(Bend)
• Element 1’s Hydrogen Generator(Bend)
• Epic Aircraft’s E1000 GX(Bend)
• Leatherman’s Multitool(Portland)
• Northwest UAV’s UAV Fuel Cell(McMinnville)
• Oregon Tool’s Diamond Chainsaw Chain(Portland)
• Pendleton Woolen Mill’s Yakima Wool Blanket(Pendleton)
• The Portland Loo’s Portland Loo(Portland)
• Tillamook’s Ice Cream(Tillamook)
• Timberline Vodka’s Vodka(Hood River)
• Type 2 Campers’ Camper(Woodburn)
• Wesco Boots’ Boots(Scappoose)
• Wood Pellet Products’ Timber Stoves Pellet Patio Heater(Mt. Angel)

Visiting the OBI website lets residents vote and learn more about the finalists. The result of this friendly rivalry will be much anticipated since it not only advances Oregon’s manufacturing industry but also unites the community in celebration of local creativity and workmanship.