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The West Virginia Manufacturers Association (WVMA) will take nominations for their inaugural Coolest Thing Made in WV Contest. This online voting tournament showcases the world-class products manufactured here in the Mountain State. Nominated companies compete head-to-head through open voting that will decide who takes home the title. Paid advertising is prohibited - this competition is a pure people's choice contest.
“If you are a West Virginian, you know the sense of pride that we have for products made here at home,” said Bill Bissett, WVMA President. “It is our hope that this contest not only shines a bright light on West Virginia manufacturing, but also creates a sense of pride in our industry. We are interested to see who comes in first place.”
Nominations are open to the public August 1 – August 15 (Saturday to Saturday). Open Voting runs August 17 – September 7 (Monday to Monday, 4 weeks). The Top 5 Made in WV Products will be announced on September 21 with the overall winner announced on National Manufacturing Day, which is Friday, October 2, 2026.
For more information, please visit: https://www.coolestthingwv.com/.
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As manufacturers, we understand that reliable infrastructure is not an abstract policy discussion — it is the foundation of whether a business can operate, grow, and create jobs in West Virginia.
Water infrastructure is central to that reality. Beyond the needs of workers to have access to water at manufacturing plants, employers nearly always need some amount of water to make their products, provide fire protection, and meet the basic requirements of staying in operation. When water systems fail, production slows or stops, safety is compromised, and economic activity suffers.
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As someone from the opposite side of West Virginia from Berkeley County – I remain stunned by the amount of economic development that our Eastern Panhandle has witnessed in recent times. Every trip I make to the region as the head of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association, I see new employers as well as existing companies expanding who are investing in our state. If it is true that success begets success, your part of the Mountain State is a perfect example of that popular saying.
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Walk into any home in West Virginia, and you will find something locally made, from kitchen cabinets to car parts to cat litter, and lots more. These products are part of everyday life, just like the paychecks earned in the making of these products.
All these products and jobs face a challenge: Having adequate, reliable and affordable electric power to run our manufacturing plants in the near future. Regardless of size, it is a real concern for companies that make products that we use every day, ship around the world, and contribute to the Mountain State’s economy.
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By Bill Bissett, Ed.D.
While people outside West Virginia know about our state from the memorable “Country Roads” song by John Devner, there are other positive aspects to the Mountain State’s reputation. We continue to be a national leader in energy production, which is great for our economy, but it is just as important that we remember the critical relationship between energy and manufacturing, as the future looks bright for both industries.
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Today, the Board of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association (WVMA) announced a unanimous endorsement of U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito for reelection. WVMA represents manufacturing companies across the Mountain State as well as other businesses who are dependent on manufacturing for their success.