MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Bartlett-based company's eclipse glasses are in the final round of the "Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee" 2024 contest.
The Tennessee Chamber and Tennessee Manufacturers Association(TMA), partnered with the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services, Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association and Smart Factory Institute Tennessee to launch the contest.
According to TMA, the competition was created as a fun way to showcase the impressive diversity of products manufactured in the state and to promote manufacturing careers.
From food and drinks to appliances, machinery and more, over 120 products were nominated for the chance to be named this year's “Coolest Thing Made in TN.”
The nominated products compete in a popular vote round to determine the top 16 Tennessee-made products. The top 16 products then advance to compete to win the ultimate contest prize - being named the Coolest Thing made in TN.
This year's finalists include American Paper Optics' eclipse glasses, Eastman's Tritan Renew, DENSO's Phone As a Key (PAAK) and Nissan's Rogue.
Earlier this year, ABC24 got an inside look at American Paper Optics, where workers at the Bartlett factory were making 500,000 pairs of eclipse glasses a day in preparation for April’s total eclipse.
“Running as many as we can at one time,” said APO CMO Jason Lewin.
The company makes all its products in the Memphis area, and distributes them worldwide.
This year’s winner is expected to be announced on July 25 at the “Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee” luncheon in Cleveland, TN.
If you're interested in submitting your vote, go to coolestthingmadeintn.com/vote.
