The Georgia Chamber of Commerce and Synovus have announced nominations will open for the Coolest Thing Made in Georgia contest on June 2. Designed to showcase the state’s innovation and craftsmanship, the competition is looking for business owners, manufacturers and creators to enter their products into a social media bracket. Public voting will then advance teams in head-to-head voting, think March Madness brackets.
“The Coolest Thing Made in Georgia is a celebration of the talent, ingenuity, and entrepreneurial spirit that will shape our state’s future,” said Chris Clark, President & CEO of the Georgia Chamber. “This initiative recognizes the groundbreaking ideas and products being created right here at home—ideas that will fuel our economy for years to come. 2025 is the start of a new chapter in Georgia’s economic story. By spotlighting the innovators and makers driving our industries forward, we aim to inspire the next generation of creators and solidify Georgia’s place as a leader in innovation and enterprise.”
Nominees need to submit a business license number to be eligible for the competition, so fans of products will have to encourage owners to participate. Final approval of nominees will come from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Voting will be limited to one per day per email address, with 5 rounds of voting determining the final winner.
“With the Coolest Thing Made in Georgia, the Georgia Chamber is celebrating that Georgians who have the incredible talent, creativity, and innovation that will drive our economy in the future,” said Ed Elkins, Chair of the Georgia Chamber and Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Norfolk Southern. “We look forward to engaging with Georgia’s next generation of doers, and celebrating the Coolest Thing Made in Georgia at our Congressional Luncheon.”
Presented by Columbus-based Synovus, the winners will be announced at the Georgia Chamber Congressional Luncheon in Columbus on August 20. Nominations close on June 20 and voting will begin on July 7. The winner will also be celebrated on numerous media channels, offering some additional publicity to those that enter the competition.
“The Coolest Thing Made in Georgia is a reminder that innovation starts with individuals who care deeply about making an impact, and that’s precisely the kind of spirit that helps strengthen local economies,” said Kevin Blair, Chairman, CEO & President of Synovus. “Being the presenting sponsor of this competition is our way of celebrating the people, businesses and ingenuity behind Georgia’s most inspiring ideas and advancements.”
