DECATUR — Eight products made in the Decatur area are in the running for the title of "coolest thing" made in Illinois.
The second annual "Makers Madness" by the Illinois Manufacturer's Association officially opened Wednesday for voters to decide the "top coolest thing made in Illinois."
The bracket-style tournament features 311 products that were previously nominated and voters have until midnight Sunday to help decide which will move onto the top 16.
Items from the Decatur area are:
- Custom tooling and heavy-duty adjustable anchor from Deco Manufacturing
- Rail car graphics from Dyna Graphics
- Heat exchangers from Mason Manufacturing
- Illinois license plates from Macon Resources
- Cat D11 Dozer and Cat engine block from Caterpillar Inc.
"Among this year’s nominees are massive machines, delicious food and beverages, iconic sporting equipment, advanced technology allowing us to see galaxies, innovative medical advancements and numerous products used in the fight against the global pandemic," the statement read.
Consecutive rounds of voting continue until a winner is named and honored in an awards ceremony on March 24. Voting for the contest can be accessed at makersmadnessil.com.
"The men and women working on factory floors drive our economy, and they deserve our recognition and gratitude every day," said Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, in a statement. "This contest is about celebrating their achievements.”
PHOTOS: Illinois Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey
PHOTOS: Illinois Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey
February 2019
Rep. Darren Bailey is shown on the House floor at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on Feb. 20, 2019.
April 2020
State Rep. Darren Bailey stands in front of the Clay County Courthouse on April 29, 2020, in Louisville.
April 2020
State Rep. Darren Bailey tells reporters during a video news conference April 24 that he agrees with Gov. JB Pritzker that COVID-19 is a public health crisis. But, he said, the governor overstepped his statutory authority by continuing to issue executive orders after April 8.
May 2020
State Rep. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, talks with protesters outside the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield after he was removed by a House vote for refusing to wear a face covering during the session going on inside the arena May 20, 2020.
May 2020
State Rep. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, stands to leave the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield, where the Illinois House of Representatives voted 81-27 to remove him from the House floor for not wearing a mask on May 20, 2020.
May 2020
Illinois state Rep. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, wears a face mask as he confers with a staff member at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield during the spring legislative session Thursday, May 21, 2020.
May 2020
State Rep. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, left, listens to Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, as they speak before the Illinois House of Representatives voted 81-27 to remove Bailey from the House floor for not wearing a mask May 20, 2020.
May 2020
State Rep. Darren Bailey talks to protesters calling for the government to reopen Illinois as they rally outside the Bank of Springfield Center on May 20, 2020.
July 2020
Rep. Darren Bailey, left, R-Xenia, and his attorney, Thomas DeVore, speak to reporters on July 2, 2020, outside the Clay County Courthouse in Louisville.
January 2021
Darren Bailey receives the oath of office as the state senator for the 55th Senate District during a ceremony in Springfield in January 2021.
Contact Garrett Karsten at (217) 421-6949. Follow him on Twitter: @GarrettKarsten
Garrett Karsten
Reporter
