The Coolest Thing in Indiana bracket showing a Kosciusko County show down between Maple Leaf Farms and Polywood. Voting for the winner is open now through 10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30. The winner will be announced at the Indiana Chamber’s annual luncheon Wednesday, Dec. 14.

News Release

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s second Coolest Thing Made in Indiana tournament is down to two finalists – and they are both from Kosciusko County.

In the semifinal – which had thousands of voters and concluded last night – Maple Leaf Farms of Leesburg knocked off Hiker Trailers from Columbus and Polywood of Syracuse topped Kidstuff Playsystems from Gary.

Maple Leaf Farms makes a roast half duck, while Polywood manufactures a 12-piece pit sectional.

“Our fully cooked roast half duck product has been a flagship product for the company for decades due to its high quality, convenience and versatility,” said John Tucker, co-president of Maple Leaf Farms. “Different from chicken and turkey, duck is a red meat, but unlike other read meats it is very lean and low in saturated fat. The main reason chefs and home cooks serve it is because it is downright delicious.”

“Roast half duck is a craft product with true Indiana-grown roots,” said Scott Tucker, co-president. “From the local farmers who grow grain for our duck feed to the farm families who care for our ducks to the team who hand prepares, there are many dedicated individuals who deserve the credit for it being in contention for this prestigious title.”

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce contest, which celebrates the state’s long manufacturing history, featured a 54-company field. There were a wide range of makers and their products entered from 43 Hoosier communities. The Hoosier Hysteria-style contest has quickly become one of the biggest of its kind in the country.

Public fan voting to crown a champion began this morning at www.indianachamber.com/coolestthing. Voting closes 10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30. The tournament champion will be announced Dec. 14 at the Indiana Chamber’s Best IN Manufacturing Luncheon.

Coolest Thing Made in Indiana sponsors are spirit sponsor Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership; gold sponsor Gibson; and silver sponsors Evonik Corporation, Insperity, Nucor Steel Indiana, SMC Corporation of America and The Horton Group.

For fairness, an online randomizer generated the initial matchups. Entry in the competition was free. To participate, a company did not need to be headquartered in Indiana, but the product entered must be manufactured in the state.

Learn more about the final two companies and vote at www.indianachamber.com/coolestthing.