California-made products were recently featured on ABC10, CBS Sacramento, and Fox40, highlighting the creativity and innovation driving the state’s manufacturing industry. These TV segments lead up to CMTA’s 4th Annual Women MakingCA Conference on Thursday, March 13,...
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.
CMTA Celebrates Black History Month by Exploring Current and Past Innovators of Manufacturing
In honor of Black History Month, we're highlighting the lasting contributions of African American leaders in manufacturing. These trailblazers broke racial barriers and shaped the modern manufacturing landscape through their innovation and resilience. Their legacies...
Tesla Prepares for Optimus Bot Production in California: Manufacturing Minute: Manufacturing Minute
This week's Manufacturing Minute highlights key advancements in robotics, aerospace, and AI-driven manufacturing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmJpn0xrMjQ Watch the latest Manufacturing Minute episode in the video player above. Tesla's Optimus Bot...
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,...
PG&E CEO Announced as Keynote Speaker at CMTA’s Annual Membership & Board of Directors Meeting: Manufacturing Minute
This week's Manufacturing Minute highlights key developments shaping the future of manufacturing and innovation. https://youtu.be/mbhCd5z_rIA Watch the latest Manufacturing Minute episode in the video player above. CEO of PG&E Announced as CMTA Annual...
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...
Manufacturing Minute: Manufacturing Giant Bosch Awarded $225M to Expand Northern California Facility
In this week’s Manufacturing Minute, we highlight exciting economic developments and California’s leadership in growing the manufacturing industry. https://youtu.be/mqoklWrZSgA Watch the latest Manufacturing Minute episode in the video player above. Bosch’s...
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...
Press Release
Voting Begins for CMTA’s “Coolest Thing Made in California” Contest Powered by JPMorganChase
Popular Round voting is open to the public
Sacramento, Calif. – Over 140 California-made products are competing in the California Manufacturers & Technology Association’s (CMTA) 2nd annual contest, vying for the title of the “Coolest Thing Made in California.”
Voting to narrow down the contest into the “Top 16” products in what is called the “Popular Round” will occur from Monday, August 19 to Thursday, August 22, 2024. Members of the public have the opportunity to vote five times per day, per device during this stage of 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.
Popular Round Details:
- Voting Limit: The public can vote up to 5 times per day.
- Voting Method: Visit our official website here 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 16 bracket.
Coolest Thing Made in California Schedule:
- Popular Round Voting: Aug. 19-22
- 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.