Illinois Manufacturers’ Association announces winner of ‘Makers Madness’ contest

Posted on April 11, 2024
The IMA says more than 300,000 votes were cast, and Illinoisans nominated more than 200 items. (Photo courtesy Illinois Manufacturers’ Association)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois has spoken.

The Komatsu mining truck, made in Peoria, has been declared this year’s “Coolest Thing Made in Illinois,” to cap off the fifth annual Makers Madness contests, put on by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association.

The IMA says more than 300,000 votes were cast, and Illinoisans nominated more than 200 items.

“Komatsu is honored to receive this incredible recognition, which is a testament to the talent and skill of our team, who are the best in the business,” said Dan Funcannon, Komatsu’s vice president for North America engineering and development. “We are proud of our contributions to Illinois’ strong legacy of manufacturing, where human ingenuity transforms raw materials into modern marvels.”

The rest of the “final four” in this bracket-style competition: Mullen’s dressing from Palestine, a Boeing drone refueler from Mascoutah, and an insulated outdoor building – the Mod Box – from Craig Industries in Quincy.

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…