Turning up the heat: Arizona kicks off "Hottest Thing Made in Arizona" contest, seeks nominees for 2025 Manufacturer of the Year

The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Arizona Manufacturers Council today kicked off the third annual Hottest Thing Made in Arizona competition, a statewide contest spotlighting the most innovative products made in the Grand Canyon State.

Open to manufacturers of all sizes, from global brands to small businesses and artisan producers, the contest is designed to celebrate the diversity and strength of Arizona’s fast-growing manufacturing sector.

“Arizona’s manufacturing industry is setting records and leading the nation in job growth,” said Grace Appelbe, executive director of the Arizona Manufacturers Council. “This contest is a chance to show off the creativity and ingenuity that have made our state a top destination for world-class innovation, talent, and investment.”

Launched in 2023, past finalists have included everything from solar-powered travel trailers and aerospace systems to precision-engineered bolts. The inaugural winner was the Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopter. Last year's title went to the Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor, a wearable device that helps people around the world manage diabetes.

Also launching today: nominations for the 2025 Arizona Manufacturer of the Year Awards, which recognize excellence across the following categories:

• Small Manufacturer of the Year
• Medium Manufacturer of the Year
• Large Manufacturer of the Year
• Excellence in Innovation
• Excellence in Sustainability
• Champion of the Year
• Arizona Success Story

“These awards are about more than just impressive products — they’re about recognizing the people, companies, and ideas that are powering Arizona’s economy and driving the future of U.S. manufacturing,” Appelbe said.

The winners of the Hottest Thing Made in Arizona and Manufacturer of the Year awards will be announced at an awards luncheon in October as part of the AMC’s Manufacturing Month programming.

Nominations are now open for both awards. Submit your picks today at HottestThingAZ.com.

###