News Summary
The Business Council of New York State has revealed eight finalists for the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in New York contest, including a representative from the Southern Tier. Voting has started, allowing the public to engage and select the best innovative products from a variety of businesses across the state. The competition aims to celebrate New York’s manufacturing industry and highlight unique products. The final winner will be announced during the Annual Meeting Awards Dinner in September.
Binghamton, NY – The Business Council of New York State Inc. has announced the eight finalists in the 2025 “Coolest Thing Made in New York” contest, featuring a diverse range of products from across the state, including one representative from the Southern Tier. Voting for the contest commenced on July 28, 2025, with the initial pool comprising 36 competing businesses, highlighting the state’s robust manufacturing sector.
As of the week of August 11 through August 17, the competition has narrowed down to eight finalists through two completed rounds of head-to-head matchups. These businesses will now face off to determine which four will progress to the next round of voting, ultimately leading to the selection of the 2025 winner.
The sole business from the Southern Tier to reach this stage is the Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment, Inc. (AVRE) based in Binghamton. AVRE is showcasing its innovative blind-made copy paper produced using state-of-the-art equipment operated by individuals who are blind or visually impaired. This initiative not only emphasizes the company’s commitment to inclusion but also highlights the capabilities of a workforce often overlooked in traditional manufacturing contexts.
Currently, the voting process is active and allows the public to participate by casting votes once per device each day at the dedicated contest website, madeinny.org/2025-coolest-thing-made-ny. The voting structure is organized into several phases: with the Final 16 voting running from August 4-10, the Final 8 occurring from August 11-17, Final 4 from August 18-24, and finally the Final 2 voting taking place from September 1-18. This structured approach encourages continued public engagement through each round.
The contest aims to showcase New York’s vibrant manufacturing industry and the unique products that emerge from it, contributing to the economy and job market. This year’s competition features a mix of 33 distinct products, including items as varied as hot sauce and specialized fishing pliers. After the initial nominations, the most represented region was Central New York, which contributed seven of the competing products.
The final winner of the 2025 contest will be revealed during The Business Council’s Annual Meeting Awards Dinner, scheduled for September 18, 2025. Last year’s champion was a vehicle-mounted thermal camera produced by NightRide Thermal Inc. from Brooklyn, exemplifying the high caliber of innovation present in New York’s manufacturing sector.
In summary, the “Coolest Thing Made in New York” contest provides a platform for both manufacturers and the public to celebrate the ingenuity and craftsmanship of New York’s products. As the competition progresses, support for local businesses and the exploration of career opportunities in the manufacturing sector are brought to the forefront, illustrating the dynamic relationship between industry and community in New York State.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Central New York Community Foundation Appoints New Board Members
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New York State Hosts Second Annual Coolest Thing Contest
Additional Resources
- MyTwinTiers: Southern Tier Business Makes Final 8 in Coolest Thing Made in New York Contest
- Wikipedia: Coolest Thing Made in New York
- Democrat & Chronicle: Coolest Thing Made in New York Contest 2025
- Google Search: 2025 Coolest Thing Made in New York
- Press Connects: Best Trails for Hiking & Biking in NY’s Southern Tier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New York State
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
