For the second year in a row, a contest seeks to find the “Coolest Thing Made in Iowa,” and the list is as eclectic and as diverse as you might expect. For one, what other list is going to feature everything from Gushers to SPAM to pistols, balers, aluminum wheels, ice cream, and more?
Some background: the “Coolest Thing Made in Iowa” is a contest featuring 69 nominees on which individuals can vote. The first round of voting cuts the field down to a “Sweet 16” beginning this week, on May 8th. From there, the following week narrows down the 16 to the top eight. From May 16th-21st is the “Final Four,” and then the final round of voting commences from May 23rd – June 3rd.
What is “The Coolest Thing Made in Iowa” Contest?:
The contest is sponsored by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) and MidwestOne Bank. The assortment of items on this list is both hilarious and informative, for there’s a good number of products I had no idea were made in Iowa. The list even gives respect to the company/town that makes said products. Some of the nominees include:
- Blue Bunny Mini Swirl Novelties (Wells Enterprises, Le Mars)
- Gushers (General Mills, Cedar Rapids)
- KLIMB (Blue-9 Pet Products, Maquoketa)
- Regular Paring Knife (Rada Cutlery, Waverly)
- The Moose Fireplace Grill (The Moose Fireplace Grill, LLC, Red Oak)
Dubuque’s contribution to the list is SPAM, specifically the maple-flavored variety, which is made by Hormel Foods, located on Chavenelle Court.
The Contest Highlights Iowa Manufacturing:
The contest finds a nice mix of products that are household names and up-and-comers/small businesses, who undoubtedly gain a bump in business and notoriety by being included. The Des Moines Register specifically singles out Insane Impact of Des Moines, a company that manufactures a mobile LED trailer, as well as Subanto Autonomy System of Nevada, which retrofits tractors to operate without a driver.
A grand total of 69 nominees are currently among the field. The winner of the contest will be announced on June 11th, 2025. The purpose of the contest is to highlight the importance of manufacturing, perhaps the biggest pillar of Iowa’s economy. The Des Moines Register notes that manufacturing alone adds $43.8 billion to the economy, and employs more than 221,000 workers across the state.
The Winner of the 2024 Contest:
Last year, the ZR5-1200 self-propelled baler, manufactured by Vermeer Corp in Pella, was the champion of the inaugural contest. The baler is designed to automate much of the hay-baling process, which is an invaluable assist for livestock producers across the state. You can read more about the baler here…