Vote for Oregon’s coolest thing: 16 finalists announced

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- Oregon Business & Industry released the 16 finalists today for its fourth annual Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest. Public voting is now open using a bracket-style tournament format to determine the state's top manufactured product.

A selection panel chose this year's finalists from scores of nominations submitted by Oregonians over the spring and summer. The annual competition highlights manufacturing businesses across the state, with nominated products originating from communities ranging from Ashland to Boardman.

Voting for the first round will remain open until noon on Sept. 28, cutting the bracket down from 16 finalists to eight products. Members of the public will continue to narrow the field through multiple voting rounds on the contest website, with the winning manufacturer receiving formal recognition.

Food, beverage and household goods account for five of the finalist spots. The nominated items include Hazelnut Espresso Vodka from Crater Lake Spirits in Bend, Angel Soft Toilet Paper from Georgia Pacific in Wauna, Waffle Fries from Lamb Weston in Boardman, Deviled Egg Potato Salad from Reser's Fine Foods in Hillsboro and Sharp Cheddar Cheese from Tillamook in Tillamook.

High-tech and scientific products also earned positions on the bracket. These nominees include Zero Pressure Balloons from Aerostar in Tillamook, WaveCel Helmet Lining from Nuro in Wilsonville, Synthetic DNA on a Silicon Wafer from Twist Bioscience in Wilsonville and TK Series Smart Sensors from Overwatch Imaging in Hood River.

The remaining finalists feature specialized vehicles, tools and consumer manufacturing. Included on the list are the Ice Cream Vending Bike from Icicle Tricycle in Portland, the Panton Chair from Miles Fiberglass in Clackamas, the Seahawk Fastback boat from North River Boats in Roseburg, Wayfinder Ride-On Toys from PNW Assistive Technology in Eugene, Cast Iron and Steel Decorative Streetlights from VISCO in Eugene, the Model 1600 Over Snow Vehicle from Tucker Sno-Cat in Medford and the RMX Reverse Tanto Folding Knife from Work Sharp in Ashland.

Public voting will continue across multiple rounds on the contest website to narrow the bracket until a winning product is selected.