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. 

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...

PG&E and Acena Consulting Join CMTA as Associate Members

Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) is proud to welcome two new associate members, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Acena Consulting to the association. Both companies bring significant expertise that...

Press Release

Voting Begins for CMTA’s “Coolest Thing Made in California” Contest Powered by JPMorganChase

Aug 19, 2024

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.

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