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. 

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...

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...

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...

Press Release

Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis to Present the Coolest Thing Made in California Award on National Manufacturing Day

Sep 13, 2023

Sacramento, Calif. – Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis announced today she will join the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) on National Manufacturing Day to present the award for the Coolest Thing Made in California. The inaugural competition hosted by CMTA aims to celebrate the spirit of innovation and creativity that defines the Golden State.

“California is the birthplace of many iconic creations and groundbreaking technologies. From aerospace to agriculture, biotech to clean tech, entertainment to the internet and beyond, our state’s inventive spirit has left an incredible mark on the world,” said Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis. “I look forward to presenting the Coolest Thing Made in California award and seeing the amazing products that make it into the competition’s Top 4.”

California boasts 30,000 manufacturers and 1.3 million employees that contribute $310 billion to the state’s annual GDP. The winner of the Coolest Thing Made in California will be announced at CMTA’s inaugural MakingCA Conference in Sacramento on October 6, 2023.

“CMTA’s first-of-its-kind Coolest Thing Made in California competition brought forth hundreds of avant-garde products made right here in the Golden State,” said Lance Hastings, CEO & President of CMTA. “We are proud to showcase the products that make-up California’s manufacturing industry.”

California-made products will advance in weekly elimination-style rounds until there’s a Top 4, and voters will select the winner. The top 16 vote-getters from 100 nominations advanced to the Coolest Thing Made in California bracket. All nominations and votes were cast by the public at the contest website – CoolestThingCalifornia.com – set up by CMTA.

 

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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 CMTA’s website.

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