A firefighting equipment manufacturer and a public relations firm were recognized at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s Best in Business Awards Luncheon, held at the Indiana Convention Center.
Elkhart Brass Manufacturing received the top honor in the annual Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana contest for its XD Glow-in-the-Dark Smooth Bore Nozzle. The nozzle is designed to help fire departments quickly identify hoses for specific conditions, improving safety and efficiency. Elkhart Brass, founded in 1902, produces over 2,000 firefighting and fire protection products used globally.
The Coolest Thing contest included 49 competitors from 36 communities across Indiana. Thousands of online votes determined winners in each round. Stone Horses from Shipshewana was named runner-up with its model horse art entry. Goulding & Wood Pipe Organ Builders of Indianapolis and Harpsicle Harps of Rising Sun were also finalists.
“This competition continues to draw strong interest from around the state and showcases Indiana’s deep manufacturing roots,” said Vanessa Green Sinders, president and CEO of the Indiana Chamber. “The quality, creativity and real significance of some of these products make it clear why Indiana manufacturing continues to stand out. We congratulate Elkhart Brass Manufacturing for their title run and making their glow-in-the-dark nozzle, which plays a key role in firefighters’ ability to save lives.”
Chris Martin, vice president of marketing at Elkhart Brass, commented: “Elkhart is a manufacturing heavy region, and we’re proud to be a part of that. This is a lifesaving piece of equipment. It could make or break an incident for a fire department. In addition to that, it’s now the Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana. To win this contest against a lot of great competition is a true honor, and something we’re not taking lightly.”
Borshoff was named the 2026 TikTok Small Business of the Year by the Chamber for its leadership, business success, and community involvement. The award recognizes companies with 100 or fewer employees.
Founded in 1984 by Myra Borshoff, Borshoff has become one of Indiana’s leading women-owned communications agencies. Its clients include major organizations such as Eli Lilly and Company, AES Indiana, Cummins, NCAA, and Indianapolis Zoo.
The company has internal programs like “Shoffies” awards recognizing employee contributions and policies such as Bring Your Baby to Work to support staff facing childcare costs.
“We’re proud to have been a part of the Indiana community for more than 40 years,” said Katherine Coble, CEO and partner at Borshoff. “This award is special to us because it’s recognition of the work we’ve done to build our business but also our history of contributing to our community.”
Other finalists for Small Business of the Year included Braden Business Systems from Fishers and Master Rental from Bloomington.
“Small businesses are critical to the state’s economic success, which is why so much of our advocacy is focused on helping this sector thrive,” said Sinders. “It was an honor to celebrate Borshoff for its tremendous impact and the other finalists who also are enriching their local communities.”
Chamber Day at the Statehouse was presented by Thompson Thrift; Charter Spectrum TV/Internet/Voice sponsored the awards luncheon.
