What’s the coolest thing made right here in the Black Hills? Soon, the community will get to decide.
Elevate Rapid City and the Black Hills Manufacturing Alliance are launching the first-ever Coolest Thing Made in the Black Hills competition — a friendly, bracket-style contest that highlights the products and companies shaping our region’s future.
For Manufacturers: Why You Should Enter
The competition is open to any manufacturer in the Black Hills region, and the benefits of entering go far beyond bragging rights:
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Visibility: Your product will be showcased in front of thousands of community members as the public votes round by round.
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Pride: Give your employees and customers something to cheer for by putting your work in the spotlight.
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Recognition: Stand out as an innovator and show the community what local manufacturing can do.
The submission window is open until August 27, and all it takes is a simple submission to be part of the fun.
For the Community: Why It Matters
With more than 150 manufacturing establishments employing over 3,000 people, manufacturing is one of the fastest-growing industries in the Black Hills. This competition is about more than just choosing a winner — it’s a celebration of the creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation that drive our economy.
By voting, the public gets to learn about the incredible variety of products made here — and take pride in the fact that the Black Hills is home to some of the most unique and innovative manufacturers in the country.
What’s Next
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Submission Window Open: August 11–27
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Voting: September (open to the public)
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Winner Announced: October 2 at the Manufacturing and Trade Summit during National Manufacturing Month
Be Part of the Celebration
Whether you’re a manufacturer ready to showcase your work, or a community member eager to vote, the Coolest Thing Made in the Black Hills is your chance to celebrate the industry that makes our region stronger.