East Central Reporter

Adam Niemerg, representative for Illinois' House District 102, said that voters could support "several products from our area" in the Makers Madness competition to name the Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. He made this statement in a March 5 Facebook post.

"Voting is now open in the Makers Madness competition to name the Coolest Thing Made in Illinois," said Niemerg, State Representative, according to Facebook. "We have several products from our area that you can vote for. Good luck to everyone!"

According to a report from WIFR.com, the 2025 "Makers Madness" competition marks the sixth iteration of the event sponsored by the Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA). This year, over 250 products made in Illinois were nominated. Residents of Illinois can vote to select the top 16 projects until March 16, with winners announced on March 18. The competition will proceed in a bracket-style tournament until April 6, culminating with the announcement of the Coolest Thing Made in Illinois and an awards ceremony on April 9 at the Governor’s Mansion.

Screenshot of State Representative Adam Niemerg's March 5 Facebook post | State Representative Adam Niemerg's Facebook page

The contest features items such as Boos Block real wood butcher blocks by John Boos & Co. in Effingham; clean renewable fuel from Illinois crops by Adkins Energy LLC in Lena; automotive glass by Fuyao Glass in Mt. Zion; and the BIG ELI Ferris Wheel by Eli Bridge Company in Jacksonville. According to the Illinois Manufacturers Association, residents can explore these nominated items and vote up to five times per day per device.

In 2024, according to IMA's website, the Komatsu Mining Truck was named the Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. Manufactured in Peoria, it has a capacity of up to 400 tons and meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 emissions standards with a reduced carbon footprint. It is utilized in construction and mining. Other finalists included Mullen’s Imitation French Dressing, the MQ-25 Stingray drone refueler, and the Mod Box by Enviro Buildings.

Niemerg was elected in 2020 to represent Illinois' 102nd District. A lifelong resident of Illinois, he holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. He identifies as fiscally conservative with a focus on lowering taxes, advocating for limited government, and pushing for pension reform. As noted in his official biography, he is pro-life and supports the Second Amendment.