The Kentucky Association of Manufacturers has launched the "KAM 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Tournament Presented by Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance." The event, now in its third year, was inaugurated with the participation of Governor Andy Beshear. This online voting competition allows residents to select the coolest product made in Kentucky from a wide array of items manufactured within the state. The winner will be revealed in late April.
Nominations and votes can be submitted at CoolestThingKY.com. For three consecutive years, Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance has been the presenting sponsor of this tournament.
During a press conference at the State Capitol last week, KAM leaders and executives were joined by Governor Beshear to announce the commencement of this year's tournament. The event aims to highlight the diverse range of products made across Kentucky and acknowledge the efforts of thousands of Kentuckians involved in manufacturing.
Governor Beshear remarked, “I think Kentucky has always been cool, but it’s never been cooler to be a Kentuckian than it is right now.” He emphasized that more products from Kentucky are being shipped globally than ever before and encouraged nominations for favorite products to compete for the title.
Jeremy Ballard, General Manager of Production at Toyotetsu North America and Chair-Elect of KAM’s Board of Directors, expressed pride in participating: “Those of us fortunate enough to be involved with one of Kentucky’s manufacturing enterprises know firsthand what makers – manufacturers – do for their neighbors and communities around Kentucky.”
John Sparrow, Executive Vice President & CEO of Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance, highlighted how their organization witnesses impressive production daily: “This competition is a fun and exciting way to highlight the handiwork and people – our fellow Kentuckians – that make the Commonwealth home to so many high-quality products going to market here and around the world.”
Public voting is accessible on CoolestThingKY.com. Products advancing through each round depend on receiving top votes; totals reset at each stage's start.
The tournament schedule includes:
- Nominations open February 14-28.
- Fan Favorites round: March 11-16.
- First Round: March 18-23.
- Second Round: March 25-30.
- Semi-Finals: April 1-6.
- Finals: April 8-13.
The announcement for "KAM 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky" will occur during the week starting April 21.