Hoosier State Today

The Indiana Chamber has announced the finalists for its fourth annual Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana tournament. The two remaining contenders are Hard Truth Whiskey Co. from Nashville, Brown County, known for its sweet mash whiskey, and Harpsicle Harps from Rising Sun, Ohio County, which produces handcrafted instruments.

This year's competition began with a record number of 90 participants vying for the title of the "Coolest" product made in Indiana. The final round features last year's runner-up, Hard Truth, and newcomer Harpsicle Harps, both making strong impressions throughout the tournament.

Voting for the championship round started today and will close at 9 p.m. on Thursday. The winner will be announced on December 11 during the 2024 Best IN Manufacturing Awards Luncheon at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.

Vanessa Green Sinders, president and CEO of the Indiana Chamber, expressed her excitement about this year's competition: “It’s been truly amazing to watch – round by round – the cream rise to the top in this year’s competition, which has been tremendously fierce.” She also commended all participants: “We celebrate right alongside Hard Truth and Harpsicle Harps, applauding their amazing accomplishment."

The event is organized in collaboration with the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC), which contributed to increased participation through its "IN Indiana" marketing campaign. Companies do not need to be headquartered in Indiana but must manufacture their products within the state to enter.

Past winners include Hoosier Racing Tire for its racing tire last year and Janus Motorcycles of Goshen as well as Maple Leaf Farms of Leesburg in previous years.

The initiative is supported by several sponsors including Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Purdue MEP), Kalenborn Abresist Corporation, Evonik Tippecanoe Laboratories, and Kimball Electronics Jasper.

Fans can view product descriptions online and vote at www.indianachamber.com/coolestthing.