Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and Johnson Financial Group aim to answer that question. The organizations are the sponsors of the seventh annual Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin competition.

Voting officially kicked off on Monday in the competition that has 122 Wisconsin-based manufacturers vying for a spot in the final round of the competition.

Manufacturing employs one in six workers in Wisconsin and has a direct economic impact north of $60 billion each year. This contest is meant to showcase both the cool things manufactured in Wisconsin, and the rewarding careers making those cool things.

This year’s nominees include Milwaukee region standouts The Pink Bakery, an allergen-free baking mix company, Rapid Radicals, a freshwater treatment system, and SoFresh, the manufacturer of packaging that extends the life of perishable food.

The first round of voting for the contest goes through Tuesday, Sept. 27. The 16 nominees receiving the most votes in the first round will move on to Manufacturing Madness – a bracket-style tournament that features head-to-head matchups of the top Wisconsin-made products.

The ultimate winner will be announced at WMC’s Business Day in Madison event on Oct. 19.To vote, click here.