Announcing the 2023 Hottest Thing Made in Arizona Competition

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 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,” Arizona Manufacturers Council Executive Director Grace Appelbe said. “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.

The AMC also today begins taking 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, a monthlong celebration of the state’s makers and innovators. Nominations are now open for both awards at HottestThingAZ.com.

Arizona Chamber of Commerce Launches Third Annual ‘Hottest Thing Made in Arizona’ Competition

Phoenix, AZ – The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, in collaboration with the Arizona Manufacturers Council (AMC), has officially kicked off the third annual “Hottest Thing Made in Arizona” competition, a statewide initiative aimed at showcasing the most innovative products crafted within the Grand Canyon State.

Open to manufacturers of all sizes—from global giants to local artisans—the contest celebrates the vibrant diversity and rapid growth of Arizona’s 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.”

Since its inception in 2023, the competition has highlighted an impressive array of products, including solar-powered travel trailers, advanced aerospace systems, and precision-engineered bolts. Notably, the inaugural winner was the Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopter, while last year’s title was awarded to the Dexcom G7, a groundbreaking continuous glucose monitor that assists individuals in managing diabetes.

In addition to the Hottest Thing Made in Arizona competition, the AMC has also opened nominations for the 2025 Arizona Manufacturer of the Year Awards. These awards recognize excellence across several categories, including:

• 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 emphasized.

Winners of both the Hottest Thing Made in Arizona and the Manufacturer of the Year awards will be revealed at a special awards luncheon in October, coinciding with the AMC’s Manufacturing Month programming—a monthlong celebration dedicated to honoring the state’s makers and innovators.

Nominations for both awards are now open and can be submitted at HottestThingAZ.com.

As Arizona continues to emerge as a leader in manufacturing, this competition not only highlights the state’s innovative spirit but also fosters a sense of community among its manufacturers, encouraging collaboration and growth in this vital sector.