HARRISBURG — It’s back — the PA Chamber’s “Coolest Thing Made in PA” contest kicked off Monday with a bracket of 64 products, including one that’s sure to heat up the competition, Zippo lighters.
The nominees span a wide range of industries across every region of the Commonwealth. The bracket unveiling offered an opportunity to talk about the importance of these brands to consumers in Pennsylvania and beyond, and the excitement surrounding the annual “Coolest Thing Made in PA” contest that will be held on the PA Chamber’s X and Instagram pages over the next several weeks.
“From Hershey bars to Harley Davidsons, the Sheetz MTO to the Duolingo Learning app, Pat’s cheesesteaks to Martin Guitars, and everything in between, we’re showcasing an amazing representation of companies in this year’s ‘Coolest Thing Made in PA’ contest, and I can’t wait to see who the public shows up in support of this year,” said PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein.
Last year, more than 30,000 votes were cast for 32 Pennsylvania-made favorites in the inaugural “Coolest Thing Made in PA” contest. This year, due to the incredible popularity of the contest — and the overwhelming public response regarding which companies should have been included in the bracket or won — the PA Chamber is doubling both the number of nominees and voters’ chances to participate in this year’s competition.
“After months of soliciting public comment, we’ve settled on 64 teams and expanded voting to X and Instagram to encourage an even greater amount of voter participation,” Bernstein added. “Pennsylvania’s excellence in manufacturing really shines in this annual event, and we love showcasing these products as much as voters love showing their brand loyalty.”
The bracket kick-off event also honored the 2023 “Coolest Thing Made in PA” champion, the Primanti Bros. sandwich. Representatives from the Pittsburgh-area restaurant were presented with both a trophy and a plaque in recognition of their victory.
The First Round of voting will be held on the PA Chamber’s X and Instagram pages. Voting in Round One will begin at noon today.
In the first round, Zippo is up against PPG Paints and Coatings. Last year’s winner is in the same bracket, so let’s hope Zippo fans pour on the heat!
