Hoosier State Today

For the first time in its four-year history, the Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana tournament has crowned two winners. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce announced co-champions after identifying a lack of clarity in how finalists could market their participation, potentially creating an uneven playing field. As a result, Nashville's Hard Truth Whiskey Co. and Rising Sun-based Harpsicle Harps share the top honors.

The announcement was made at the 2024 Best IN Manufacturing Awards Luncheon held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis. This year, the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) joined forces with the Indiana Chamber to organize the "Coolest" program. The contest began with a record 90 competitors from over 50 Hoosier communities, drawing thousands of votes in each round.

“These two companies are exemplary of the kind of great makers we have here in Indiana,” said Vanessa Green Sinders, president and CEO of the Indiana Chamber. “With so many great competitors – and the level of competition we had this year – there is more than enough ‘cool’ to go around to name two awesome winners.”

Hard Truth secured its win with Sweet Mash Whiskey, while Harpsicle Harps triumphed with its handcrafted level harp for casual players.

Hard Truth started distilling in 2015 within Big Woods Pizza Co.'s small upper rooms in downtown Nashville. By 2017, construction began on a new facility set on a rolling, wooded property about a mile away from its original location. In 2018, Hard Truth moved to its new state-of-the-art sweet mash distillery.

Harpsicle Harps' journey began when William Rees started selling harps out of his garage corner in California in 1972. After moving to Rising Sun due to high costs in California, Rees and his wife Pamela expanded their business significantly by introducing the Harpsicle Harp in 2003.

The initial matchups for Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana were generated online through random selection, with public voting determining each round's winners. Participation required no entry fee; however, products had to be made within Indiana.

Joining Hard Truth and Harpsicle Harps as semifinalists were Country Roads Coffee from Albion and Guardian Bikes from Seymour. Other notable contenders included Bear Wallow Distillery's Hoosier Hooch Sugar Cream Pie Moonshine and Clabber Girl's famous baking soda.

“Indiana is fortunate to be home to companies that make all kinds of amazing products,” said IDDC Secretary and CEO Elaine Bedel. “We are thrilled to recognize and bring attention to some of the best and most innovative makers ‘IN Indiana.’ We especially applaud Hard Truth and Harpsicle Harps on their victory."

At today's event, Kalenborn Abresist Corporation retained its title as No.1 for Best Places to Work in Manufacturing for three consecutive years. The company specializes in developing solutions for industrial facilities against wear and impact damage.

“Manufacturers must navigate the importance of safety while also earning a profit and managing staffs," noted Sinders. "Kudos to Kalenborn Abresist as it continues to shine as an example of how to treat your employees right.”

Other recognized companies include Nexxt Spine LLC, CrossPoint Polymer Technologies, AMPG, Nix Industrial, Functional Devices, and Kimball Electronics.

The selection process was managed by Workforce Research Group based on employer reports and employee surveys.

More information can be found in BizVoice magazine's current issue at www.bizvoicemagazine.com.

The Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana initiative is supported by Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Purdue MEP), with sponsors including Kalenborn Abresist Corporation among others.