The Florida Chamber of Commerce has announced the top four finalists in its “Coolest Thing Made in Florida” competition, a contest aimed at showcasing the significance and variety of manufacturing across the state.
The semifinalists represent different regions and industries. Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions from Alachua County produces large underground mining loaders with both diesel and electric power systems, which are exported to countries such as Mongolia and Indonesia. Chromalloy, based in Palm Beach County, creates FAA-approved jet engine replacement parts for aerospace engines. These components are designed in Palm Beach Gardens, cast in Tampa, and machined in Oldsmar. Blue Wind Technology from Brevard County manufactures wind turbine nacelles using advanced composites; their products contribute to cooling more than three million homes and advance sustainable energy technology. Arthrex, located in Collier County, focuses on orthopedic surgical devices including an implant called the DualCompression Hindfoot Nail that supports bone healing with a nitinol core.
“These finalists demonstrate the extraordinary talent, innovation, and global competitiveness of Florida manufacturers,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “From aerospace and energy to healthcare and heavy machinery, these companies are helping grow Florida into a top 10 global economy.”
Voting for the final round is open from September 10 through September 23 at CoolestThingMadeinFlorida.com. Each voter can select one product per day.
The winner will be revealed during the Florida Chamber’s Future of Florida Forum (F3) and Annual Meeting on October 28 in Orlando. Registration for this event is available at FLChamber.com/Future-of-Florida-Forum with a 10% discount using promo code COOLESTTHINGMADEINFL10.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce describes itself as the largest federation of employers, chambers of commerce, and associations in the state. It has worked for over a century to unite businesses to promote economic opportunity and job growth.
