IMA launches third annual Makers’ Madness competition

Posted on March 2, 2022
The winner will join the Caterpillar mining truck and a heated traffic signal as the coolest products made in Illinois. (Photo courtesy: IMA)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Depending on your definition of cool, the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is again inviting you to put up a nomination for the “coolest product in Illinois.” That’s what Makers’ Madness is all about.

Illinois Manufacturers’ Association president Mark Denzler has announced the third annual competition, to coincide with the postseason basketball tournaments synonymous with the month of March.

From electric vehicles to yummy snacks and beverages, there’s no shortage of possibilities.

It’s a fun diversion from a tough couple of years. “Many manufacturers across Illinois have had to cut back or even pause production, threatening jobs or making it more difficult for consumers to obtain everything from cars and cell phones to laptops and hair dryers,” Denzler said.

The winner will join the Caterpillar mining truck and a heated traffic signal as the coolest products made in Illinois.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…