Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member ISSE Services to the organization today. As digital transformation accelerates across the manufacturing industry, the need for robust, scalable cybersecurity...
News & Insights
We’re changing the narrative of the manufacturing industry one story at a time. CMTA’s award-winning storytelling team showcases California’s 30,000 manufacturers by uplifting the voices of our makers. Find industry news and the stories from those “Making California” below.
Three29 Joins CMTA to Help Manufacturers Integrate AI Efficiency
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Three29 to the organization today. Three29 is a fully integrated, conversion-first agency specializing in helping manufacturing and construction companies. The...
Manufacturing in the News: June 2025
Read CMTA's round-up of manufacturing-related news from June 2025. The articles below don’t reflect the views of the manufacturing industry or CMTA. They are a collection of the latest industry news from this past month. Latest Industry News New Fire...
Global Technology Leader Hitachi Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Hitachi to the organization today. The Hitachi Group is a global leader in digital innovation and sustainable solutions, with operations in various industries...
Manufacturing Minute: Amazon Opens New Zoox Robotaxi Factory in California
From electric robotaxis in the Bay Area to expanded aerial intelligence in Southern California, this week’s Manufacturing Minute, powered by Tri Tool Technologies, spotlights the latest wave of innovation shaping U.S. manufacturing. This week’s Manufacturing Minute...
CMTA Lands at the Paris Air Show
CMTA is at the 2025 Paris Air Show, highlighting California’s vital role in the international aerospace industry. See our live updates!
Manufacturing Minute: Stratolaunch Achieves Hypersonic Flight Milestone in California
From record-breaking speed in the stratosphere to clean propulsion in the harbor, California is powering the future of manufacturing. This week’s Manufacturing Minute powered by Tri Tool Technologies features Marine Group Boat Works’ electrification of its diesel yard...
Manufacturing in the News: May 2025
Scroll through CMTA's round-up of manufacturing-related news and updates from May 2025. The articles below don’t reflect the views of the manufacturing industry or CMTA. They are a collection of the latest industry news from this past month. Latest Industry...
Manufacturing Minute: Anheuser-Busch Invests $300M in U.S. Manufacturing
Anheuser-Busch is investing $300 million in U.S. manufacturing, continuing its 165-year legacy of American production. This week’s Manufacturing Minute highlights how CMTA member companies Anheuser-Busch and John Deere, along with the Small Business Administration,...
Nationally Recognized Firm Eide Bailly Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. –The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Eide Bailly to the organization today. Eide Bailly is a certified public accounting and business advisory firm, providing leaders of all levels with solutions...
Press Release
CMTA Unveils Inaugural Coolest Thing Made in California Awards Contest
Celebrating Innovation, Excellence, and Creativity in California’s Robust Manufacturing Industry
Sacramento, Calif. –The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) is proud to unveil its groundbreaking awards contest in search of the Coolest Thing Made in California. This exciting first-of-its-kind competition for California is set to showcase the finest innovations, exceptional craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technologies the Golden State offers.
The Coolest Thing Made in California awards contest is a unique opportunity for manufacturers throughout the state to highlight their most remarkable and inventive products. With a diverse range of industries and businesses that call California home, from aerospace and electronics to food and beverages, this contest will undoubtedly uncover a wealth of extraordinary creations that showcase the state’s innovative spirit.
“We are thrilled to bring forth the first-ever Coolest Thing Made in California awards, an event that truly exemplifies the remarkable accomplishments of our state’s manufacturers,” said Lance Hastings, CEO & President of CMTA. “California has always been at the forefront of innovation, and this contest serves as a testament to the unparalleled creativity and excellence that define our manufacturing community. We look forward to finding the coolest things made in our backyards.”
This year’s schedule is as follows:
Nominations Open: Aug. 21 – 31
Anyone, including manufacturers, local and state leaders, and the public, are encouraged to submit their nominations for what they believe to be the “Coolest Thing Made in California.” This initial stage is crucial in identifying the groundbreaking products that exemplify the essence of innovation.
Popular Vote: Sept. 4 – Sept. 8
Once nominations are closed, the public gets the chance to weigh in. During this period, the nominated products will be open to a popular vote, giving voters a voice in determining which creations resonate the most with them.
Top 16 Vote: Sept. 11 – 14
The top 16 vote-getters from the popular vote phase will advance to the bracketed contest rounds. This is where the competition intensifies as the products go head-to-head in a series of elimination rounds.
Top 8 Vote: Sept. 18 to 21
The top 8 vote-getters from the previous bracket will advance.
Top 4 Vote: Sept. 25 to 28
The top 4 vote-getters from the previous bracket will advance. Only one product will be named the Coolest Thing Made in California.
Winner Announced: Oct. 6
The grand finale of the Coolest Thing Made in California awards contest is set to take place on Oct. 6 at CMTA’s inaugural MakingCA Conference on National Manufacturing Day. The prestigious winner will be revealed during this event, celebrating the ingenuity of California’s manufacturing sector and the incredible products contributing to the state’s reputation as a hub of innovation.
As the clock ticks down to the event, manufacturers, industry professionals, and the public are all invited to join in this celebration of innovation. The Coolest Thing Made in California awards contest promises to shine a spotlight on exceptional products and inspire the next generation of innovators, engineers, and creators that will shape the future of manufacturing in the state.
For more information, updates and to participate in the contest, please visit coolestthingcalifornia.com.
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About CMTA:
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association has advocated for pro-growth laws and regulations before the California legislature and administrative agencies since 1918. The total output from manufacturing in California is $300 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.3 million Californians paying wages more than $25,000 higher than other non-farm employers in the state. For more information, visit the CMTA website.