DES MOINES, April 7, 2026 – Iowa’s manufacturers are back in the spotlight as the race to name the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa officially kicks off. The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) today announced this year’s nominees and opened public voting for its third annual statewide competition, presented by ABI member Nicolet National Bank.
In our area: Agri Drain Corporation in Adair was nominated for their Smart Drainage System; Leer, Inc. in Carroll was nominated for Beer Caves walk-in coolers and freezers; Ironclad Shelter Solutions in Earlham was nominated for their Tornado Shelter and Gun Safe; ConAgra in Council Bluffs was nominated for Marie Callendar’s Pot pies; Vanmark Equipment in Creston was nominated for their Potato Peeler; Schwig Outdoors, LLC, in Atlantic, was nominated for the Coolest Thing Made in Iowa, for their Floating Garden Box; and, Puck in Manning was nominated for their WH 7582 tandem axle pump trailer.
The contest shines a light on Iowa’s largest industry — manufacturing — which contributes more than $44 billion annually to the state’s economy, accounts for roughly 16% of Iowa’s GDP, and employs more than 215,000 people.
The 2026 nominees come from 51 cities across the state, with products ranging from agricultural equipment and consumer goods to food and beverage items, construction materials, and cutting-edge technology innovations — offering a firsthand look at Iowa manufacturing in action.
Public voting is now open at www.coolestthingia.com and will continue through Tuesday, April 15. During the initial round, voters may select up to four products. The top 16 vote-getters will advance to a bracket-style tournament, competing head-to-head for the title. In each round, individuals may vote once per day (every 24 hours) per device.
The 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa will be revealed live during ABI’s annual Taking Care of Business Conference, June 2–4, in Coralville and Iowa City.
