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RALEIGH – The NC Chamber announced the 145 products nominated for its fifth annual “Coolest Thing Made in NC” online competition.

Two of the nominated products are made in the Roanoke-Chowan area.

Presented by Baxter International, the public contest spotlights North Carolina’s cutting-edge manufacturing industry—an industry that generates more than 17% of the gross state product and employs more than 10% of the state’s workforce.

The contest recognizes two winners: one for businesses with fewer than 100 employees, and one for businesses with 100+ employees.

The two local nominees are both in the small business category (less than 100 employees): Blister Fried Peanuts at Bertie County Peanuts in Windsor, and Caramel Green Apple Flavored Whiskey made at Weldon Mills Distillery in Weldon.

“Congratulations to our 2024 Coolest Thing Made in NC nominees; each product showcases the impact and innovation of manufacturers in North Carolina,” said NC Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido. “As we say at the NC Chamber: what’s made in North Carolina makes North Carolina .”

In 2020, the NC Chamber launched the “Coolest Thing Made in NC” competition to celebrate North Carolina’s vital manufacturing community – and champion the next generation of manufacturers and creators by raising awareness about the rewarding careers of modern manufacturing. Last year, the online contest began with 130 nominees and after three rounds of public voting totaling almost 50,000 votes, CR Onsrud’s Q-Series 5-Axis CNC Machine and Fjord Inc’s Static Rope Edge Protection earned the top spots.

This year’s contest boasts its highest number of nominees, topping last year’s record of 130 nominated businesses.

Go to coolestthingmadeinnc.com to vote daily until Thursday, Aug. 29. The 15 semifinalists for each category will be announced live on YouTube on Thursday, Sept. 5. The field of candidates will narrow with each round of voting, and the winning products will be revealed on Thursday, Oct. 3, the day before National Manufacturing (MFG) Day.

In addition to receiving a trophy, the winning companies and products will be featured in NC Chamber and Business North Carolina publications, podcasts, social and digital media, among additional statewide publicity efforts.