KENTUCKY ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS

AND

KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU INSURANCE PRESENT...

The 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Tournament!

VOTE NOW!

Voting for the Semi-Finals is open now through April 5.

Vote now through March 22!

The Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky is an online voting, bracket-style tournament to let Kentuckians pick the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky from among the thousands of world-class products manufactured in our state.

PRESENTED BY

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Caroline Scott, c.scott@kam.us.com.

SPONSORED BY

Built in the Bluegrass icon - White on Blue Transparent

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Nominated companies are encouraged to utilize social media, press, and other channels to promote their product in the contest; however, paid advertisements will not be permitted. Companies are encouraged to use #CoolestThingKY and #KYmanufacturing on social media.

(X) NO PAID ADS

#coolestthingky

#kymanufacturing

rules

  • Nominations and voting are open to the public on the tournament website.
  • During the Fan Favorites Round, anyone may vote for up to 5 of their favorite products once per day.
  • The 16 products receiving the most votes in the Fan Favorites Round will advance to the head-to-head tournament.
  • In the bracket rounds (First, Second, Semi-Final, and Final), anyone may vote once per day in each bracketed contest.
  • Products receiving the most votes in each head-to-head contest advance to the next round.
  • Vote totals reset at the beginning of each round.
  • Any product made in Kentucky using a manufacturing process is eligible for nomination. Company headquarters do not have to be located in Kentucky.
  • A company can have multiple products nominated, but only one product per company can advance to the head-to-head, single elimination rounds of the tournament.
  • Nominated companies may use social media, press, and other channels to promote their product in the tournament, however, paid advertising of any kind is prohibited.
  • A winning company may not compete in the tournament for one year. A winning product cannot participate again.
  • All companies that receive an eligible nomination will be notified by the KY Association of Manufacturers.
  • KAM reserves the right to determine eligibility of products and enforce these rules at its sole discretion.

2026 SCHEDULE

Nominations

FRIDAY, February 11 – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Fan Favorites

TUESDAY, MARCH 10 – SUNDAY, MARCH 15

First Round

TUESDAY, MARCH 17 – SUNDAY, MARCH 22

Second Round

TUESDAY, MARCH 24 – SUNDAY, MARCH 29

Semi-Finals

TUESDAY, MARCH 31 – SUNDAY, APRIL 5

Finals

TUESDAY, APRIL 7 – SUNDAY, APRIL 12

Winner Announcement

WEEK OF APRIL 13

Congratulations to the 2025 Champion: V-Force Turnout Gear!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

KAM’s mission is to make a better Kentucky by promoting and growing manufacturing in the Commonwealth. Beyond our advocacy for manufacturing and economic growth, KAM provides cost-saving programs for our member companies, and important opportunities and venues for members to connect, share best practices, and collaborate.

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