Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce: Brats, Bikes and Boats? What’s Wisconsin’s coolest thing made

Contact: Leah Supensky, 608-258-3400

Three of Wisconsin’s hottest name brand companies will slug it out for the coveted title: “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin.”

Will it be brats, bikes or boats?

In a competition sponsored by WMC, Wisconsin’s chamber of commerce, and Johnson Financial Group, the voters considered over 200 nominees and narrowed the field to the top three “coolest things made.” Wisconsin voters will commence the final cut in online voting starting Oct. 1 at www.madeinwis.com.

The Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin will be announced at WMC’s State of Wisconsin Business luncheon at Monona Terrace in Madison on Oct. 18.

Earlier this month, more than 20,000 votes were cast for the nominees. Every product received a vote, and more than 30 products received hundreds of votes.

The three top vote-getters are:
Motorcycles, Harley-Davidson, Inc., Milwaukee
Brats, Johnsonville Sausage, LLC, Sheboygan Falls
Littoral combat ship, Fincantieri Marinette Marine, Marinette

“We are excited about the prospect of letting the people decide the burning question of: What is Wisconsin’s coolest thing made?” said WMC President/CEO Kurt R. Bauer. “Will they choose the classic brat? Or, the iconic Harley-Davidson? Or, the littoral combat ships that are the pride of the U.S. Navy?”

Peter X. Engel, Executive Vice President of Johnson Financial Group, said manufacturing is critical to a strong economy and we should celebrate our heritage.

“We make great products in our state,” said Engel. “Hundreds of them are world famous. Some of them are obscure. But, we are a state that makes things – cool things – and that should be celebrated.”

The three top products emerged from a fierce statewide competition featuring food, vehicles, beer, lawnmowers, shoes, and many, many premiere products.

“Wisconsin makes the greatest products on earth and we should be proud of our heritage,” Bauer said.