Popular Round Voting Now Open
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brandon Charochak
Mobile: 717-315-9850
Email: brandon.charochak@myscmc.org
COLUMBIA, S.C. –South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce (SCMC) today announced popular round voting is now open for the more than 120 South Carolina-made products nominated for the 5th Annual Manufacturing Madness, a contest in which voters decide the Coolest Thing Made in South Carolina.
“We take great pride in what we manufacture right here in our backyard,” said SCMC President and CEO Sara Hazzard. “Manufacturing Madness is one of our favorite times of the year. It gives our members, and voters across the world, a unique opportunity to celebrate South Carolina-made products – from all terrain vehicles to planes used by the military and everything in between – and the hard working South Carolinians that develop them.”
Voting for the popular round is open through Thursday, February 26 at 5:00 p.m. Participants may vote for up to five products per day at www.scmanufacturingmadness.com.
Manufacturing Madness is a statewide, bracket-style competition that celebrates the strength of South Carolina’s manufacturing industry by showcasing the wide array of products made here, as well as the companies and people behind them. South Carolina’s manufacturing industry contributes more than $300 billion in annual economic impact, supports 30% of all jobs in the state, and generates one-third of South Carolina’s general fund revenue.
“The impact our manufacturers have far beyond South Carolina is exciting,” said Hazzard. “It demonstrates that the innovation, creativity, precision and skill of our companies, and the dedication of our employees, distinguish us from our neighbors and so many of our competitors across the country. And that’s why I’m more excited than ever to officially tip-off the voting round of the fifth annual contest to determine the Coolest Thing Made in SC.”
Since its launch in 2022, Manufacturing Madness, sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, has garnered more than 750,000 votes from over 120 countries around the world. Previous winners include:
- 2025 – High Noon Sun Sips, Gallo (Fort Lawn)
- 2024 – The Talon, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., South Carolina Manufacturing (Timmonsville)
- 2023 – The F-16 Fighting Falcon, Lockheed Martin (Greenville)
- 2022 – Steel, Nucor Steel Berkeley (Huger)
2026 Contest Timeline:
- February 9 – 19: Nominations
- February 23 – 26: Popular round voting
- March 2 – 5: Top 16 bracket voting
- March 9 – 12: Top 8 bracket voting
- March 16 – 19: Top 4 bracket voting
- March 24: Winner announced at the State House with Governor Henry McMaster
###
South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce
South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce is the unified voice for businesses across the Palmetto State. This new organization is one of the largest and most powerful advocacy organizations in the history of South Carolina. The merger of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance and the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce brings the business community together to speak with one unified voice, bolster its presence in Columbia, expand its reach across South Carolina and align its goals.
