Bragging rights are on the line as the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest enters its final phase, with Iowans choosing the champion from the four remaining competitors.
The Final Four products vying for the top spot are:
Voting for the eventual victor will be open now through Friday, May 15, at 11:59 p.m. Individuals may vote once every 24 hours per device at coolestthingia.com/contest-information/vote.
The winner will be announced June 3 during ABI’s Taking Care of Business Conference, taking place in Coralville and Iowa City June 2-4.
“The excitement continues to build as we narrow the field to four incredible products,” said Nicole Crain, president of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry in a press release. “We’re proud to showcase these companies and the communities where these products are made.”
The four finalists beat out the Winnebago EKKO 23B all-wheel-drive camper van from Winnebago in Forest City, Butter Braid Pastries from Country Maid Inc. in West Bend, the Spalding Arena Renegade Basketball Hoop from Spalding Equipment in Jefferson and Beer cave walk-In coolers and freezers from Leer Inc. in Carroll.
This is the third year for the contest in Iowa. The previous winners were the ZR5-1200 self-propelled baler manufactured by Pella’s Vermeer Corp. in 2024 and in 2025, the CP770 Cotton Picker made by John Deere at its plant in Ankeny. The winning company is not eligible to compete in the following year.
The Iowa Association of Business and Industry and Nicolet National Bank sponsor the annual contest as a way of highlighting the importance of manufacturing to Iowa’s economy.
Kevin Baskins covers jobs and the economy for the Register. Reach him at kbaskins@registermedia.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa’s ‘Coolest Thing’ contest down to final four products
Reporting by Kevin Baskins, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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