Arizona Chamber and Manufacturers Council launch “Hottest Thing Made in Arizona” contest

The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Arizona Manufacturers Council (AMC) are gearing up to celebrate Manufacturing Month in October by launching “The Hottest Thing Made in Arizona” contest to honor the state’s creativity, innovation, and talent.

Arizona has the country’s fastest-growing manufacturing sector, with more than 630,000 skilled workers and an annual economic contribution exceeding $77 billion.

AMC Executive Director Grace Appelbe says the contest will serve as a tribute to our state’s vibrant and innovative manufacturing community.

“Every October, we celebrate Manufacturing Month to highlight the creators and innovators who have helped make Arizona’s manufacturing sector the envy of the nation,” Appelbe said. “This year we want to hear from Arizonans across the state about what made-in-Arizona product they believe deserves the spotlight. I expect we will learn a lot more about some outstanding products that are helping to create jobs, have loyal customers, and are revolutionizing industries.”

The AMC is the official state affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers.

Nominations for The Hottest Thing Made in Arizona are open to the public. There are no limits to the number of products that a person can nominate.

Here are the criteria for nominations:

1. Arizona-Based Production: Nominated products must be made in Arizona, although the manufacturer’s headquarters do not need to be located within the state.
2. Comprehensive Details: Nominations should include the product name, manufacturer’s name, and the nominator’s contact information (name, email, and telephone number). The nominator’s information will be kept confidential but may be used for verification purposes or follow-up questions.
3. Online Submission: Nominations must be submitted exclusively through the official contest website at hottestthingAZ.com. Written, emailed, or other forms of nominations will not be accepted.

Once nominations close, the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite products. Voters can cast one vote per day per valid email address. The top-3 products with the most votes will advance to the final round, where vote totals will be reset.

There is no cost to participate, and membership with the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry or the Arizona Manufacturers Council is not required.

The first round of nominations is underway.

The winner will be announced October 26 as part of the Made in Arizona tour, an annual AMC Manufacturing Month event that features a statewide bus tour and on-site, behind-the-scenes visits by business leaders and elected officials to some of the state’s finest manufacturers.

Also included as part of Manufacturing Month, the AMC on October 10 will hold its signature event, the Manufacturer of the Year Awards & Summit at Grand Canyon University Arena.

Awards will be presented for Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Sustainability, Small Manufacturer of the Year, Medium Manufacturer of the Year, Large Manufacturer of the Year, and Manufacturing Champion of the Year.