The North Carolina Chamber of Commerce revealed the winners of the 2024 “Coolest Thing Made in NC” contest on Thursday ahead of National Manufacturing Day with two standout products emerging as the top picks through public voting.

The NC Chamber hosts the Coolest Thing Made in NC contest annually to celebrate North Carolina’s manufacturers. The competition invites the public to nominate and vote for their favorite made-in-North Carolina products. After three rounds of voting, the winner is revealed on the eve of Manufacturing (MFG) Day, which is held annually on the first Friday in October.

In the category of large businesses, the HondaJet Elite II came in first place. The HondaJet Elite II is an industry-leading Very Light Jet (VLJ) with the highest cruise speed and altitude in its class, as well as the greatest range.  Its top speed is 422 knots (486 mph) and its maximum range is 1,547 nautical miles (1,780 mi). 

“Honda is honored to receive this recognition from the people of North Carolina—the birthplace of aviation,” said Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Hideto Yamasaki. “There was quite an assortment of excellent products in the running this year. It was pretty stiff competition. We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who has supported us and our jet in achieving this accolade.”

Honda Aircraft Company’s global headquarters has been in Greensboro since the company was established in 2006. This facility is equipped with everything needed to take a HondaJet from the drawing board to the customer and beyond, with Research and Development, aircraft production, sales, and a customer service facility all on one campus.

In the small business category, Piedmont Pennies Original Sharp Cheddar Biscuit Bites secured first place. Piedmont Pennies was launched as an MBA class project to help the world “Stay Cheesin” during COVID-19, according to the website. The business now bakes full-time in Charlotte and sells its items online and in retail stores across 20 states.

“Here at Piedmont Pennies, we are so fortunate to win The Coolest Thing Made in NC for the small business category,” said Becca Wright, founder and owner of the company. “This win really isn’t about our product or our company, while both are amazing, it is about our people. The Penny Partners (retailers) who carry our product and supported our growth, the Penny Pals (loyal customers) who’ve been with us since Pennies was a grad school project, and the Penny Pinchers (teammates) who strive every day to bake quality products so you can spend quality time with those you love.”

Wright expressed gratitude for the supporters who voted for her product. She added that proceeds are currently going to Samaritan’s Purse to help with Hurricane Helene disaster relief efforts in Western North Carolina.

This year’s nomination pool was the largest of the five years the Chamber’s contest has been running. The state’s innovative manufacturing industry generates more than 17% of the gross state product and employs more than 10% of the state’s workforce. 

“Congratulations to Honda Aircraft Company and Piedmont Pennies for winning the 2024 ‘Coolest Thing Made in NC’ title,” said NC Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido. “Tomorrow is National Manufacturing Day, and we would like to thank our entire manufacturing community for developing innovative and important products for our state, country, and world.”