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. 

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...

Fourth-Generation Walnut Manufacturer Joins CMTA

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) proudly welcomes Grower Direct Nut Co., a leader in the walnut industry with a rich history in sustainable farming and innovative processing techniques, as a new member of the...

Press Release

16 Products Advance in CMTA’s “Coolest Thing Made in California” Contest Powered by JPMorganChase

Aug 23, 2024

Voting to eliminate eight products begins Monday, August 26

Sacramento, Calif.Almost 85,000 votes later, 16 products advanced and will go head-to-head, competing for the title of the “Coolest Thing Made in California.”

Over 135 products were nominated for the 2nd annual contest hosted by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) and powered by JPMorganChase. Voting to narrow down the contest into the “Top 8” products will occur from Monday, August 26 to Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Sacramento Region Manufacturers in the Contest:

Bay Area Manufacturers in the Contest:

Los Angeles Area Manufacturers in the Contest:

San Diego Manufacturers in the Contest:

Central Coast Manufacturers in the Contest:

Mojave Manufacturers in the Contest:

Hosted by the CMTA, the “Coolest Thing Made in California” contest highlights the vital role manufacturing plays in California’s economy, which employs 1.3 million people and contributes $310 billion to the state’s annual GDP with its 30,000 manufacturers. The competition aims to highlight the remarkable products that have originated from the diverse and dynamic landscape of California.

Top 16 Voting Round Details:

  • Voting Method: Visit our official website here and follow the simple steps to cast your votes for your favorite product.
  • Voting Impact: The top 16 round votes will determine which products move on to the Top 8 bracket.

Coolest Thing Made in California Schedule:

  • Top 16 Round Voting: Aug. 26-29
  • Top 8 Round Voting: Sept. 2-5
  • Top 4 Round Voting: Sept. 9-12
  • Winner Announced: Oct. 18 at CMTA’s MakingCA Conference during Manufacturing Month

For more information about 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 CMTA’s website.

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