Bend’s Epic Aircraft flies its E1000 GX into the final four of the 2024 ‘Coolest Thing Made in Oregon’ contest

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The second round of voting in the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest concluded Sept. 30, narrowing the list of finalists to four. They are an airplane (made in Bend), a multitool, a chainsaw chain and ice cream.

Voting began last month with 16 finalists representing a wide variety of products manufactured throughout the state, from Pendleton to Tillamook. The semifinal round of voting, which will narrow the finalists to two, has begun. It will conclude at noon on Monday, Oct. 7.

The Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest, now in its second year, is presented by Oregon Business & Industry in partnership with Here is Oregon. Oregonians can download a printable bracket and learn about all of the Coolest Thing finalists on OBI’s website here. They should go here to vote for their favorites.

An expert panel chose this year’s finalists from among more than 100 products nominated by Oregonians over the spring and summer. The manufacturer of the winning product will receive formal recognition and enjoy bragging rights for producing Oregon’s coolest thing. At least until next year, when Oregonians will identify a new coolest thing.

The four remaining finalists and the company locations:

• Epic Aircraft’s E1000 GX (Bend)
• Leatherman’s Multitool (Portland)
• Oregon Tool’s Diamond Chainsaw Chain (Portland)
• Tillamook’s Ice Cream (Tillamook)

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OBI is a statewide association representing businesses from a wide variety of industries and from each of Oregon’s 36 counties. In addition to being the statewide chamber of commerce, OBI is the state affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Retail Federation. Our 1,600 member companies, more than 80% of which are small businesses, employ more than 250,000 Oregonians. Oregon’s private sector businesses help drive a healthy, prosperous economy for the benefit of everyone.