MADISON – Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) – the combined state chamber and manufacturers’ association – partnered with Johnson Financial Group to announce this year’s Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin: Search and Rescue 1000 Island Airboats, manufactured by 1000 Island Airboats in Marion. The airboat was crowned the winner at WMC’s annual Business Day event on Thursday in Madison.
Nearly 150 products were nominated for the contest this year, representing the breadth and diversity of the state’s manufacturing industry. After an initial popular vote round and a bracket-style tournament known as “Manufacturing Madness,” four finalists competed to ultimately take home the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin trophy, which was produced by two Wisconsin manufacturers: EK in Fall River and EFCO Finishing Corporation in Menomonee Falls.
The contest, celebrating its 10th year, draws attention to Wisconsin’s vibrant manufacturing industry. The industry contributes over $73 billion to the state’s economy, accounting for just under 20 percent of the GDP, and employs nearly one in six Wisconsin workers – more than any other economic sector.
WMC was the first organization to host a “coolest thing made” contest. Now, 25 other states have similar competitions hosted by manufacturing, commerce, or chamber associations. The Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin culminates each October, in celebration of Manufacturing Month.
WMC has partnered with Johnson Financial Group for each of the ten years of the statewide contest, and the competition has drawn nearly 2 million votes from the public since its inception.
“Congratulations to 1000 Island Airboats on their hard-earned victory,” said WMC President & CEO Kurt R. Bauer. “For us, this contest goes beyond crowning a champion each year. The Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest showcases the strength of our manufacturers – the jobs they create, the investments they make in their communities, the impact they have on our economy, and of course the cool products they manufacture. This year’s nominees and finalists demonstrate these contributions, and we’re proud to have 1000 Island Airboats represent the excellence of Wisconsin manufacturing.”
“Thank you to the exceptional men and women who continue to drive Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry forward – the innovators, builders, and problem solvers shaping our state’s future each day,” said Johnson Financial Group President & CEO Jim Popp. “We’re also grateful to WMC for its ongoing commitment to celebrating the strength and resilience of Wisconsin manufacturers. Congratulations to 1000 Island Airboats and all this year’s nominees – your leadership and ingenuity are keeping Wisconsin at the forefront of American manufacturing excellence.”
1000 Island Search and Rescue Airboats, built in Marion, are especially designed for winter conditions. Utilized by municipalities and federal agencies to rescue individuals that are lost or in precarious winter conditions, the airboats can effortlessly transition from open water to ice and back again in heated comfort.
“The lives of our customers—and the people they’re rescuing where no one else can reach—depend on the work we do every day” shared the 1000 Island Airboat Team. “Whether it’s a small volunteer department or the U.S. Coast Guard, we’re honored they place that level of trust in us.”
