What is the coolest product made in Illinois? There's a competition to find out

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - NFL Helmets, MLB bats, John Deere combines, Caterpillar Bulldozers — what do all those products have in common? 

They're made in Illinois, and they're all "cool."

The question the Illinois Manufacturers' Association wants you to consider is "which Illinois-made product is the coolest?"

"Maybe it's your favorite food or drink, Dave's home roast coffee for example. A piece of sports or recreational equipment, a vehicle or mode of transportation, household goods, common tools, maybe it's a product used to save lives," said Mark Denzler, President of the IMA. "The possibilities are endless."

For the fourth straight year, nominations kicked off for "The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois" online competition. The defending champ is Rivian's R1T Electric Truck, which got 800,000 votes last year in the closest-ever competition.

"Any product manufactured in Illinois can be nominated," said Denzler. "While qualifying products must be made in Illinois, the manufacturing headquarters doesn't necessarily have to be in our state."

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If you're a manufacturer, nominate your product. If you're a lawmaker, nominate a manufacturer in your district.

If you have friends or family that make a product, nominate them by going to MakersMadnessIL.com.  

Nominations end Feb. 19 (when voting begins) and the winner will be announced at the end of March by Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker.