© 2025 WSIU Public Broadcasting
WSIU Public Broadcasting
Member-Supported Public Media from Southern Illinois University
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
91.9 FM has returned to full power. Thank you for your patience and support!

Illinois trade group is looking for The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois

WSIU Public Broadcasting | By Kevin Boucher
Published March 2, 2022 at 3:25 PM CST
Image of a milling machine
Michael Schwarzenberger: blickpixel via Pixabay
/
Pixabay | https://bityl.co/B9i2
Illinois is home to nearly 4,000 manufacturers providing jobs for over 500,000 workers.

Through the 20th of this month, the Illinois Manufacturers' Association is accepting nominations for the third annual Makers Madness bracket-style contest. The public can vote on the product to earn the title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. 

Association President Mark Denzler says he hopes this year's competition will highlight the diversity of Illinois' factories.

"They're partners in sustainability efforts, making ground-breaking progress in the production of electric vehicles. Allowing us to explore not only our world, but the universe. Illinois products today are in the Mars Rover, and the international space station."
Mark Denzler

Denzler adds Illinois companies producing COVID-19 vaccines have helped in the fight against the pandemic. To nominate an Illinois-made product, browse to: https://makersmadnessil.com/
Tags
Illinois Manufacturers AssociationEconomyIllinois
Kevin Boucher
Kevin Boucher is a retired broadcaster. Most recently he was a news reporter for WSIU radio. He grew up watching nature programs including Mutual of Omaha’s wild kingdom and the many Jacques Cousteau specials which sparked his passion with nature. Kevin also is an avid hiker and loves seeing and writing stories about the many fascinating plants and animals we share our planet with. Kevin is married and has lived in Murphysboro since 1976, after living in many places, including Japan, as the son of a Navy officer.


See stories by Kevin Boucher
Related Content
Donate Today Promo
WSIU – Powered by You
As a WSIU donor, you don’t simply watch or listen to public media programs, you are a partner. By making a gift, you help WSIU produce, purchase, and broadcast programs you care about and enjoy – every day of the year.