On October 8, 2024, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Manufacturers’ Summit, bringing together industry leaders, business owners, and policymakers to explore the future of manufacturing in Minnesota. It was a day filled with good discussion and some great takeaways for large, mid-sized, and small manufacturers.
The state’s innovative spirit was also on full display with the inaugural “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” award. The ceremony celebrated the creativity and craftsmanship behind some of Minnesota’s most exciting products. From cutting-edge technologies to iconic household items, the finalists showcased the very best of what Minnesota manufacturers have to offer.
The final four
After whittling down the state’s 64 top nominees, the voting committee landed on these four products:
- Action Trackchair by Action Manufacturing (Marshall, Minn.): An all-terrain wheelchair designed to empower individuals with mobility challenges, allowing them to explore the outdoors like never before. With a powerful motor, it can easily navigate sand, mud, snow, and even water up to ten inches deep. The chair offers adjustable seating and intuitive joystick controls, ensuring a comfortable ride on any adventure. Various models and accessories make it a versatile choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Beckman Boot by Red Wing Shoe Company (Red Wing, Minn.): A timeless piece of footwear and iconic symbol of Minnesota, the Beckman Boot is a tribute to more than 120 years of tradition. Named after the company’s founder, Charles Beckman, the boot is made from high-quality leather sourced from a 152-year-old tannery. Using a combination of vintage and modern techniques, the Beckman Boot is sold in retail stores across Europe, Japan, and the United States.
- Innovative National Aquarium Wetland by Midwest Floating Island (St. Paul, Minn.): This innovative project was created for the Inner Harbor outside the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Made from recycled soda and water bottles, these floating wetland islands mimic the natural tidal marsh habitat of Chesapeake Bay. They include 32,000 native plants that provide vital micro-habitats and help cleanse the water. With air-regulated pontoons, these islands offer a sustainable solution for waterways and serve as a unique educational attraction for visitors.
- Scotch Magic Tape by 3M (Maplewood, Minn): Invented in 1961, Scotch Magic Tape is a staple in homes, schools, and offices worldwide. Its invisible application makes it ideal for everything from repairing cherished photos to securing important documents. With its easy-cutting design and trusted adhesive technology, Scotch Magic Tape remains a household essential, known for its reliability and versatility.
And the winner is…
One of the most dynamic and inspirational products ever created—3M’s Scotch Magic Tape—ultimately won the top prize as the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota for 2024. Despite some of the cutting-edge technology on display throughout the month-long competition, it would always be an uphill battle taking on 3M in this inaugural event.
3M’s Scotch brand global portfolio director, Kathy Magill, accepted the award for 3M and Scotch Magic Tape. She gave a brief history of Scotch tape at 3M, explaining how the masking tape version of the product was invented in 1925 for automotive manufacturers looking to paint two-tone vehicles. She then spoke briefly about the number of innovations those first iterations of Scotch tape have inspired.
“The fact that [adhesive tape] has continued to evolve and inspire other innovations is really amazing for both 3M and the state of Minnesota,” Magill said. “Next year, the Scotch brand turns 100 years old, which is really exciting for us as we plan how to celebrate that milestone. It’s incredible that a product like Magic Tape, created in the 1960s, is still so relevant today.”
After witnessing the breadth and quality of the nominations, Minnesota Manufacturers’ Council Chair, Ross Widmoyer, concluded the event by encouraging all the nominees to return in 2025.
