Earlier this week, on the day before National Manufacturing Day, the N.C. Chamber revealed the winners for this year’s “Coolest Thing Made in N.C.” competition — HondaJet Elite II by Honda Aircraft Company in the medium-to-large business category and Original Sharp Cheddar Biscuit Bites by Piedmont Pennies in the small business category.

The contest recognizes two winners: one for businesses with fewer than 100 employees, and one for businesses with more than 100 employees. Honda Aircraft Company’s product is manufactured in Greensboro and Piedmont Pennies’ is manufactured in Charlotte.

Now an annual tradition, the N.C. Chamber launched the competition in 2020 to honor North Carolina’s manufacturers and raise awareness about the limitless potential of modern manufacturing careers. As the exclusive state affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the N.C. Chamber knows that a strong manufacturing sector is central to North Carolina’s economic and competitive success. The state’s innovative manufacturing industry generates more than 17 percent of the gross state product and employs more than 10 percent of the state’s workforce.

“Congratulations to Honda Aircraft Company and Piedmont Pennies for winning the 2024 ‘Coolest Thing Made in N.C.’ title,” said N.C. Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido. “Tomorrow is National Manufacturing Day, and we would like to thank our entire manufacturing community for developing innovative and important products for our state, country and world.”

MFG Day, organized nationally by NAM and The Manufacturing Institute, champions the next generation of creators and kicks off a campaign to highlight the exciting careers in modern manufacturing.

Baxter International is serving as the presenting sponsor of the online competition, and Business North Carolina is this year’s media partner.

Join the contest’s social media campaign by following #CoolestThingMadeinNC. In addition to receiving a trophy, this year’s winning products will be featured in N.C. Chamber and Business North Carolina publications, podcasts, social and digital media, among additional statewide publicity efforts.