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. 

Op-Ed: AI Needs Carefully Crafted Regulations That Foster Innovation

-This commentary was originally published in Capitol Weekly's September Issue, written by Lance Hastings and Samantha Corbin. Hastings is the President and CEO of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), and Corbin is the Senior Policy Advisor...

WEBINAR: Data-Driven Solutions for ESG in Manufacturing

Webinar presented by Adastra and CMTA Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) hosted an exclusive webinar with associate member Adastra, exploring data-driven ESG solutions in manufacturing on Sept. 24, 2024. CMTA's Vice...

Supply Chain Operating System Startup for Manufacturers Joins CMTA

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member, Soff, to the organization today. Based in San Francisco, Soff is a supply chain operating system for manufacturing companies. The startup company works to unify...

How AB 52, Manufacturing Tax Credit, Will Expand California Jobs

California manufacturing generates more than $394 billion annually and employs more than 1.3 million people with over 30,000 firms. Our manufacturers are the most significant contributor to the United States manufacturing industry, making up 11% of the manufacturing...

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.

##

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.

Share This