Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed Tandem PV, an innovative solar energy startup, to the organization today. The Silicon Valley startup is leading the charge to develop and commercialize a more powerful and...
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.
Digital Consultancy Firm Hitachi Digital Services Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed Hitachi Digital Services to the organization today. Hitachi Digital Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., is an edge-to-core digital consultancy and...
Manufacturing Minute: Siemens Mobility Selected to Manufacture Trains for High-Speed Rail Project
This week's Manufacturing Minute brings forth exciting developments shaping the future of the nation's high-speed rail ambitions and industry growth in the Golden State. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MpVhnc_AOI Siemens High-Speed Rail Project Siemens Mobility, a...
Fremont Economic Development Department Partners with CMTA in First-of-its-Kind Collaboration
This is the first city partnership in CMTA history. Sacramento, Calif. – In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) and the City of Fremont’s Economic Development Department are entering a private-public...
‘This could really impact the manufacturing sector right here in California’: Study Says Manufacturing in U.S. Could Need Up to 3.8 Million Workers
Sacramento, Calif. – As many as 3.8 million manufacturing jobs will need to be filled in the next decade as the industry continues to advance post-pandemic, according to a new study by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute. California Manufacturers and Technology...
Profile Series: Meet Beau Huiskens, the CEO of Taurus Fabrication
In our latest Profile Series highlighting the incredible leaders behind California’s manufacturers, discover the story behind the success of a California manufacturing business rooted in generations of craftsmanship. Beau Huiskens, CEO of Taurus Fabrication and CMTA...
Opportunity Stanislaus and California Manufacturers & Technology Association Announce Strategic Partnership
Opportunity Stanislaus (OS) and the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) forge a dynamic partnership to strengthen the manufacturing sector in the Northern San Joaquin Valley and across California. Sacramento, Calif. – Recognizing the pivotal...
Op-Ed: Statewide water supply target supports California’s manufacturers
OPINION – Water use in California is typically thought of in three parts: water for the environment (50%), water for agriculture (40%), and water for communities (10%) per the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC). As a result, “ag” is the sector of the economy...
Government Relations Update: Two Bills That Could Impact California Manufacturers
This month's Government Relations Update video delves into crucial legislative developments impacting California's manufacturing sector. California legislation's fiscal deadline is April 26th. All bills with a fiscal impact are due for consideration by the...
Microgrid Industry Leader, Enchanted Rock, Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) officially welcomed Enchanted Rock, an industry leader in electrical resiliency-as-a-service, to the organization today. Enchanted Rock is leading the way with its innovative...
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.