This week's Manufacturing Minute brings insightful updates shaping the future of the U.S. manufacturing landscape. https://youtu.be/tu5qxAgHpco A joint study by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute gives the industry insight into the growth of manufacturers. The...
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.
Boutique Electric Guitar Manufacturer Kauer Guitars Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) officially welcomed Kauer Guitars, a boutique electric guitar maker, to the organization today. Kauer Guitars was established after a lifetime of woodworking in 2007 by Doug Kauer....
Sacramento Popcorn Maker Carmazzi Caramel Corn Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed Carmazzi Caramel Corn, California’s Lil’ Drops of Sunshine, to the organization today. A secret family recipe passed down from four generations to Karen Carmazzi and her son...
California Assemblymember Tim Grayson Honored as Inaugural Recipient of CMTA’s Legislator of the Year Award
The award was presented to Grayson at CMTA’s Annual Board & Membership Meeting in Palm Springs Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) announced today it honored California Assemblymember Tim Grayson, representing...
Manufacturing Minute: The U.S. Department of Energy Awards Funding to California Manufacturers
Find out California’s manufacturing news in the latest Manufacturing Minute episode with CMTA’s Vice President of Communications, Ananda Rochita. Manufacturing Minute is powered by Tri Tool Technologies. This week's Manufacturing Minute brings significant strides in...
Manufacturing Minute: Stratolaunch’s Hypersonic Test Vehicle Takes First Flight in California
This week's Manufacturing Minute, powered by Tri Tool Technologies, highlights significant developments in the aerospace and technology sectors. Boeing, a board member of CMTA and member of the Aerospace and Defense Alliance of California (ADAC), secured a...
Melrose Nameplate & Label Co. Joins CMTA
Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed Melrose Nameplate & Label Co. to the organization today. Melrose Nameplate & Label Co. is a leading manufacturer of graphic products, diecut components, and user...
Government Relations Update: New unemployment insurance bills you need to know about
The deadline for new bills is up! Learn what bills may affect your California Manufacturers in your Government Relations update from Ananda Rochita. 📝 CMTA is tracking over 200 bills 💰 Learn what bills may cost California’s manufacturers 🗓️ Almond Day is Official! Do...
CMTA Empowers Women in Manufacturing at 3rd Annual Women MakingCA Conference & Awards Presented by Union Pacific Railroad
Showcasing diversity, innovations, and opportunities in manufacturing for Women’s History Month Sacramento, Calif. – In partnership with Union Pacific Railroad, the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) proudly hosted its 3rd Annual Women...
Tri Tool Technologies Partners with CMTA to Champion California Manufacturing
Sacramento, Calif. – Tri Tool, a leading provider of precision portable machine tools and custom engineering services, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association's (CMTA) "Manufacturing Minute" for the year 2024....
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.