Arizona’s Manufacturing Prowess Celebrated: Nominations Open for "Hottest Thing Made" and Manufacturer of the Year Awards
Phoenix, AZ – August 18, 2026 – The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Arizona Manufacturers Council have officially launched the nomination period for two prestigious statewide competitions aimed at recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements within Arizona’s thriving manufacturing sector. These awards, including the highly anticipated "Hottest Thing Made in Arizona" competition, underscore the state’s growing prominence as a hub for innovation, production, and economic development.
The fourth annual Hottest Thing Made in Arizona competition, generously sponsored by Grand Canyon University, is once again calling for nominations from manufacturers of all scales. This inclusive competition welcomes entries from global corporations, burgeoning small businesses, artisan producers, and independent makers, all vying for the coveted title. The competition provides a unique platform to showcase the diverse range of products conceived, designed, and manufactured within the Grand Canyon State.
Winners of both competitions will be honored at a grand awards luncheon on October 13th, a cornerstone event of the Arizona Manufacturers Council’s annual Manufacturing Month programming. This ceremony serves as a testament to the hard work, ingenuity, and economic impact of Arizona’s manufacturing community.
Grace Appelbe, Executive Director of the Arizona Manufacturers Council, emphasized the significance of these competitions. "Arizona manufacturers are building everything from advanced aerospace and defense systems to semiconductors, life-saving medical devices, and everyday products that shape how we live and work," she stated. "This competition is our chance to show people just how much is being made here, recognize the skilled teams behind those products, and have a little fun deciding which one deserves the title of Hottest Thing Made in Arizona."
The return of these competitions comes at a time of unprecedented growth and investment in Arizona’s manufacturing landscape. The state continues to attract significant domestic and international attention, solidifying its position as a global manufacturing powerhouse.
Illustrating this momentum, TSMC recently announced an staggering additional $100 billion investment in its Phoenix operations, bringing the company’s total planned Arizona investment to an astounding $265 billion. This expansive commitment includes plans for six semiconductor fabrication facilities, two advanced packaging facilities, and a dedicated research and development center, marking a monumental economic impact for the region.
Further bolstering Arizona’s manufacturing credentials, Amkor Technology’s planned $7 billion advanced semiconductor packaging and testing campus in Peoria was recently lauded as the No. 1 economic development deal in North America for 2025 by Site Selection magazine. This ambitious project is projected to generate up to 3,000 new jobs, underscoring the state’s ability to attract and sustain large-scale, high-tech manufacturing operations.
Past winners of the prestigious Hottest Thing Made in Arizona competition highlight the breadth and sophistication of the state’s manufacturing capabilities:
- 2023: Boeing’s AH-64 Apache helicopter, a symbol of advanced aerospace engineering.
- 2024: The Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor, showcasing innovation in medical technology.
- 2025: Honeywell Aerospace’s 131-9 auxiliary power unit, a testament to cutting-edge aerospace components.
In parallel with the "Hottest Thing Made in Arizona" competition, nominations are also open for the 2026 Arizona Manufacturer of the Year Awards. These awards recognize companies, industry leaders, and their remarkable achievements across seven distinct 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
Appelbe further emphasized the importance of these awards in celebrating the human capital driving Arizona’s manufacturing success. "These awards recognize the companies and people translating Arizona’s manufacturing momentum into real products, high-quality jobs, and stronger communities," she stated. "Whether they employ thousands of people or a few dozens, Arizona manufacturers are solving difficult problems, investing in their teams, and proving that our state can compete with anyone."
The "Hottest Thing Made in Arizona" competition promises an engaging experience for the public, featuring a series of online voting rounds. This allows employees, customers, and communities across the state to actively participate and rally behind their favorite Arizona-made products, fostering a sense of pride and community involvement.
Manufacturers eager to showcase their products and achievements can submit their nominations for the "Hottest Thing Made in Arizona" competition directly at HottestThingAZ.com. The Arizona Manufacturers Council encourages all eligible companies to participate and contribute to the celebration of the state’s vibrant and rapidly expanding manufacturing sector.
