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Public voting is underway to determine the next round of products competing for the title of Florida’s coolest homegrown innovation.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce and FloridaCommerce have announced the Top 32 finalists in the second annual Coolest Thing Made in Florida competition after a statewide public vote narrowed the field from 100 products representing manufacturers in all 67 counties.
The bracket-style competition is designed to spotlight Florida manufacturers and the products they create while advancing the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Florida 2030 Blueprint goal of making Florida a top state for manufacturing jobs.
“This year’s competition demonstrates just how much interest Floridians have in the products made right here in our state,” Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson said.
“The manufacturers advancing to the Top 32 represent the innovation, craftsmanship, and skilled talent that continue to strengthen Florida’s economy. As we work toward making Florida a Top 5 state for manufacturing jobs by 2030, these companies are creating opportunities, investing in their communities, and helping secure Florida’s future.”
The remaining products will compete in a single-elimination, head-to-head bracket with public voting determining which entries advance through each round until a champion is crowned.
Florida’s manufacturing sector employs more than 430,000 people, pays an average annual wage of $86,405 and produces goods sold throughout the U.S. and abroad, according to the Chamber.
As part of the competition, the Florida Chamber and FloridaCommerce plan to visit the two finalist manufacturers during National Manufacturing Week in October to showcase their facilities, workforce and economic impact.
The competition schedule calls for voting to narrow the field from 32 to 16 through July 28, followed by rounds determining the Top 8, Top 4 and finalists before final voting Oct. 12-23. The winner will be announced Oct. 28 during the Florida Chamber’s Future of Florida Forum.
To view the full bracket and cast a vote, visit CoolestThingMadeInFlorida.com.
The post Florida Chamber, FloridaCommerce unveil Top 32 in ‘Coolest Thing Made in Florida’ competition appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..
