FirstBank has always been an avid supporter and promoter of local businesses and manufacturing companies. This is why we’re especially excited to partner with the Colorado Chamber of Commerce on their Coolest Thing Made in Colorado contest, an annual competition celebrating the state’s manufacturing industry. It’s a unique opportunity for Colorado manufacturers to put their best creations on display.

Fun fact: Over 5,900 manufacturing firms contribute more than $28 billion to Colorado’s economy and employ over 150,000 Coloradans.

Do you manufacture products or know someone who does? Here’s what you need to know:

• The nomination period runs from June 16, 2025, through July 25, 2025.
• An independent panel of judges will select the top ten finalists to be recognized on October 23, 2025, at the Coolest Thing Made Awards banquet where winners will be announced.
• The top winner will receive the Coolest Thing Made in Colorado trophy and the title and recognition of the Coolest Thing top winner for 2025. All finalists will also receive complimentary, custom marketing reels from an Emmy-award winning video production company.

There is no cost to participate in the contest, and membership with the Colorado Chamber is not required. Anyone can nominate a product, and self-nominations among companies are encouraged.

Submit your nomination here:

Nominations – BEFORE CONTEST OPEN

Nomination rules:

• The product must be manufactured in Colorado.
• The company does not have to be located in Colorado, but the product must be manufactured in a Colorado-based facility.
• The product must be made using a manufacturing process. For example, a restaurant that makes “made to order” pizzas would not qualify, but a food manufacturer that mass-produces frozen pizzas would.
• If a nomination does not meet the above criteria, it will not be entered into the contest. Due to time constraints, we are not able to notify nominators of these circumstances.
• Finalists can nominate each year. Only winning companies are prohibited from participating in a future Coolest Thing contest for one year, while each winning product is indefinitely prohibited from being nominated again.
• Companies may only have one product featured.
• All individuals are encouraged to submit their favorite product. Self-nominations from companies are also encouraged.

Last year, the contest garnered hundreds of nominations from various industries, including medical devices, spacecraft insulation, and beyond. Among the finalists, Tour Engineering’s Freedom Trax motorized off-road attachment designed for manual wheelchairs claimed the title of Coolest Thing Made in Colorado for 2024. 

This is just one of several ways FirstBank helps bolster area businesses. Read our success stories and find out how we can help companies grow by going to efirstbank.com/goodbusiness.

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Certain restrictions and requirements apply. This contest is in no way administered by FirstBank. You understand that you are providing your information to the Colorado Chamber of Commerce and not FirstBank. Any questions, comments or complaints regarding this contest shall be directed to the Colorado Chamber of Commerce and not to FirstBank. This email may contain links to external websites. FirstBank does not manage these sites and assumes no responsibility for the content, links, privacy policy, or security policy.

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Published: June 6, 2025