The PA Chamber officially kicks off its 2026 “Coolest Thing Made in PA” public voting contest today – an annual competition that celebrates the Commonwealth’s manufacturing excellence by allowing the public to vote on social media for their favorite made-in-Pennsylvania products.
Revealed at a launch party at Hollywood Casino’s Sportsbook in Grantville, this year’s contest features 56 made-in-PA products representing companies from every region of the Commonwealth and spanning a wide range of industry sectors. The bracket-style competition invites brand enthusiasts across Pennsylvania and beyond to vote for their favorites in weekly matchups conducted entirely through the PA Chamber’s social media platforms.
“Each year, with input from our members and the public, the PA Chamber is proud to spotlight the outstanding brands that make Pennsylvania a leader in economic growth and innovation,” said PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein. “As we look ahead to America’s 250th anniversary, it’s especially meaningful to celebrate these companies through a bracket that honors Pennsylvania’s foundational role in our nation’s story. We’re continually impressed by the voters’ enthusiasm for their favorite brands and the companies’ creativity in rallying support. We can’t wait to tip off another great year!”
Public voting will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, and will continue weekly through early April, with winners advancing based on total votes cast across all social media platforms during each matchup. Voting will take place on the PA Chamber’s X, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn pages.
New for 2026, the competition introduces a “Battle Back” Round. Contestants who lose first-round matchups will compete against other first-round runners up in their region in a 24-hour poll, with the top vote getter in each region “battling back” to compete in the second round.
Complete contest details, including the full voting schedule, a list of this year’s contestants with links to their company websites, and the official bracket, are available at https://www.pachamber.org/coolestthing/.
The “Coolest Thing Made in PA” contest is one of the PA Chamber’s most popular public engagement initiatives, generating millions of social media impressions and engagement across media since its inception in 2023. The contest showcases the innovation, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit that power Pennsylvania’s economy while giving the public a vote in declaring the PA-made product that reigns supreme.
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The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state’s largest broad-based business association, with its statewide membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.