Quincy Reporter

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association has launched its fifth annual Makers Madness competition to determine the coolest thing made in Illinois. Nominations are now open for the competition, which aims to showcase the state's manufacturing excellence.

According to the Illinois Manufacturers' Association, the Makers Madness competition is a way to highlight the innovative and creative products made in Illinois. It celebrates the manufacturers who contribute significantly to the state's economy and showcases their talent and craftsmanship.

"We are excited to launch the fifth edition of the Makers Madness competition," said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. "This is an excellent opportunity to recognize the incredible products made in Illinois and the companies behind them."

The competition is open to all manufacturers in Illinois, regardless of their size or industry. Nominations can be submitted through the Illinois Manufacturers' Association website, where individuals can also find more information about the competition and its rules.

The Makers Madness competition follows a bracket-style format, similar to the NCAA basketball tournament. The public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite products in each round, narrowing down the field until a winner is determined.

Last year's winner was the "Illini Solar Car" from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The solar-powered vehicle showcased the state's commitment to renewable energy and technological advancements.

"The Makers Madness competition is a fantastic way to recognize the incredible talent and innovation present in our state," said Dr. Robert Jones, Chancellor of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. "Winning last year's competition was a great honor for our university and highlighted the hard work and dedication of our students and faculty."

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association hopes that the Makers Madness competition will not only showcase the state's manufacturing prowess but also inspire the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

"We want to encourage young people to consider careers in manufacturing and show them the exciting opportunities available in this industry," said Denzler. "By highlighting the amazing products made in Illinois, we hope to inspire the next generation of manufacturers."

Nominations for the Makers Madness competition will be accepted until a specific deadline, which will be announced soon. The public will then have the chance to vote for their favorite products, and the winner will be announced at a special ceremony.

So, if you know of a cool product made in Illinois, make sure to nominate it for the Makers Madness competition. This is an excellent opportunity to recognize the state's manufacturing achievements and support local businesses.

As Denzler concluded, "We look forward to seeing the incredible products that will be nominated and celebrating the manufacturing excellence in Illinois."

For more information and to submit nominations, visit the Illinois Manufacturers' Association website.