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. 

Global leader in launch and space systems Rocket Lab joins CMTA

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Rocket Lab to the organization today. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Long Beach, Rocket Lab is a space company that designs, manufactures, assembles,...

Voltek Ace Joins CMTA

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Voltek Ace to the organization today. “Our small and medium-sized manufacturers make up a large sector of California’s economy, with 64% of the Golden State’s...

BlueForge Alliance and CommerceWest Bank Join CMTA

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed two new associate members, BlueForge Alliance (BFA) and CommerceWest Bank, to the organization today. “I am excited to welcome our two newest associate members to CMTA, both...

CMTA Hosts Manufacturing Roundtable with Senator Wahab in Fremont

The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) hosted a Manufacturers Roundtable with Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab in the City of Fremont. Wahab represents Senate District 10, covering the cities of Hayward, Union City, Newark, Fremont, Milpitas,...

California Holiday Gift Guide: Unique Presents from the Golden State

Celebrate the Holidays with California-Made Gifts   The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by supporting California’s vibrant manufacturing community. With over 34,000 manufacturers creating everything from handcrafted treasures...

CMTA Update: New 2025 Laws for California Manufacturers

Sacramento, Calif. – Hundreds of new California laws are about to go into effect starting January 1, 2025. As a Golden State manufacturer and employer, are you ready for the latest rules set on businesses? As a CMTA-member exclusive benefit, continue to read for new...

Nexamp Solar Joins CMTA

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new associate member, Nexamp Solar, to the organization today. “I am honored to welcome our newest associate member to CMTA,” said Lance Hastings, CEO & President of...

Press Release

Voting Starts for the Coolest Thing Made in California Competition

Sep 4, 2023

Sacramento, CA – Hundreds of California-made products have been nominated to the Coolest Thing Made in California competition, now it’s time to let the public decide which innovative product will secure a spot in the highly anticipated Top 16 bracket. From Monday, September 4 to 8, members of the public will have the chance to cast their votes five times per day in the Popular Round.

Hosted by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), the Coolest Thing Made in California competition aims to celebrate the spirit of innovation and creativity that defines the Golden State. California boasts 30,000 manufacturers and 1.3 million employees that contribute $310 billion to the state’s annual GDP. The competition highlights the remarkable products that have originated from the diverse and dynamic landscape of California.

Popular Round Details:

  • Voting Open: September 4-8
  • Voting Limit: The public can vote up to 5 times per day.
  • Voting Method: Visit our official website CoolestThingCalifornia.com and follow the simple steps to cast your votes for your favorite product.
  • Voting Impact: The popular round votes will determine which products move on to the Top 8 bracket.
  • Winners: After weekly elimination rounds, the winner will be announced at the MakingCA Conference hosted by CMTA on National Manufacturing Day, October 6. 

Coolest Thing Made in California Schedule:

  • Popular Vote: Sept. 4-8
  • Top 16 Vote: Sept. 11-14
  • Top 8 Vote: Sept. 18-21
  • Top 4 Vote: Sept. 25-28
  • Winner Announced: Oct. 6, National Manufacturing Day

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.

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