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DENVER – The Colorado Chamber of Commerce today announced the opening of nominations for its fourth annual Coolest Thing Made in Colorado competition sponsored by FirstBank. This community-driven contest aims to highlight the vibrant and diverse manufacturing industry across the state.
“Colorado is home to some of the most innovative, forward-thinking manufacturers in the country, and the Coolest Thing Made in Colorado contest is a chance to celebrate their creativity and impact,” said Colorado Chamber President and CEO Loren Furman. “We’re proud to spotlight the incredible products made right here in Colorado and the companies behind them. We encourage businesses and individuals across the state to nominate their favorite products and help us showcase the very best of Colorado manufacturing.”
The nomination period closes on July 25, 2025. An independent panel of judges will review the nominations and select the top ten finalists in August. The finalists will be honored at the Colorado Chamber’s Coolest Thing Awards Banquet on October 23, where the 2025 winner will be announced and presented with the Coolest Thing Made in Colorado trophy.
“This marks the third year we’ve proudly supported the Colorado Chamber’s Coolest Thing Made contest because we believe in highlighting the innovation and significant contributions of our state’s manufacturers,” said FirstBank’s Northwest Market President Kristen Bernhardt. “FirstBank has a longstanding commitment to strengthening local businesses—including our manufacturing sector—because we know they’re the heartbeat of Colorado’s economy. Supporting this program is just one of the many ways we bring that commitment to life. We’re honored to celebrate the people and products that drive our communities forward.”
In order to be eligible to enter the contest, the product must be made in Colorado using a manufacturing process. For example, a restaurant that makes “made to order” pizza would not qualify, but a food manufacturer that mass-produces frozen pizza would. The company manufacturing the product does not have to be headquartered in Colorado, but the product must be manufactured in a Colorado-based facility. There is no cost to participate in the contest and membership with the Colorado Chamber is not required. Anyone can nominate a product and companies are encouraged to nominate their own products. A product only needs to be nominated one time to be considered.
The contest has received hundreds of nominations in prior years, with the top ten finalists selected from a wide range of industries – from space instruments and puzzles to life-saving medical devices and more. Finalists have represented regions all across the state and come from companies large and small.
The 2024 winner was Freedom Trax, a motorized off-road attachment designed for manual wheelchairs. Manufactured in Golden, Colorado, this portable and cost-effective solution is ideal for travel, exploration and navigating uneven terrain. Utilizing track technology like those found in tanks, Freedom Trax replaces traditional wheels with a versatile track system that enhances mobility over various obstacles. This innovative design enables smooth traversal over diverse ground conditions including sand, snow, trails, grass, wood chips, gravel, cobblestone and ice.
Colorado is home to more than 5,900 manufacturing firms that contribute over $28 billion to the state’s economy, accounting for 5.3% of Colorado’s GDP and employing more than 150,000 workers. The Colorado Chamber has been the state’s affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers since 1965 and is proud to count many of Colorado’s prominent manufacturers among its members.
Nominations can be submitted at: https://coolestthingcolorado.com/nominations.
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The Colorado Chamber of Commerce champions free enterprise, a healthy business environment and economic prosperity for all Coloradans. It is the only business association that works to improve the business climate for all sizes of business from a statewide, multi-industry perspective. What the Colorado Chamber accomplishes is good for all businesses, and that’s good for the state’s economy. It was created in 1965 based on the merger with the Colorado Manufacturers’ Association.