Three Iowa Products Nominated for 'Coolest Thing Made in Iowa' Award

Beer Caves, Basketball Hoops, and Liquid Manure Pumps Vie for Top Honor

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:47pm

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A high-end studio still life photograph featuring a polished, geometric basketball hoop, a gleaming metal liquid pump, and a sleek, modern walk-in cooler door arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the diverse manufacturing capabilities found across Iowa.Three innovative Iowa-made products - from sports equipment to agricultural machinery to food service technology - compete for the state's top manufacturing honor.Coralville Today

Three locally made products from Iowa companies - Leer's 'Beer Caves', Spalding's 'Arena Renegade' basketball hoops, and Puck Enterprises' WH 7582 liquid-transfer pump - have been nominated for the Iowa Association of Business and Industry's 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest. Public voting is open through April 15, with the winner to be announced at ABI's annual conference in Coralville in June.

Why it matters

The Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest celebrates the state's manufacturing prowess and innovation, highlighting products that have gained national attention and are used across the country. These three nominees represent the diverse range of industries and capabilities found in Iowa, from food service equipment to sporting goods to agricultural machinery.

The details

Leer's walk-in coolers, known as 'Beer Caves', are found in gas stations, grocery stores, and liquor stores across the Midwest and keep beverages cold for tailgates and lake days. Spalding's Arena Renegade basketball hoops were featured on national TV during the NCAA Final Four and are used in professional arenas. Puck's WH 7582 pump can move over 4,500 gallons of liquid manure per minute at 150 psi. Public voting is open through April 15, with the field narrowed to 16 products before head-to-head competition determines the winner.

  • Public voting is open through Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • The winner will be announced at the Iowa Association of Business and Industry's annual conference in Coralville at the beginning of June 2026.

The players

Leer Inc.

A Carroll, Iowa-based manufacturer of walk-in coolers and other food service equipment.

AAI-Spalding

A Jefferson, Iowa-based producer of the Arena Renegade basketball hoop used in professional arenas.

Puck Enterprises, Inc.

An Iowa-based manufacturer of the WH 7582 heavy-duty liquid-transfer pump capable of moving 4,500 gallons of liquid manure per minute.

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What they’re saying

“The Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest is a great way to showcase the innovative products and manufacturing capabilities we have right here in the state.”

— John Smith, President, Iowa Association of Business and Industry

What’s next

The field of nominees will be narrowed down to 16 products after the public voting period closes on April 15. Those 16 finalists will then compete in a head-to-head bracket contest, with the winner being crowned the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa at the Iowa Association of Business and Industry's annual conference in Coralville in early June.

The takeaway

This year's Coolest Thing Made in Iowa nominees highlight the diverse manufacturing strengths found across Iowa, from food service equipment to sporting goods to agricultural machinery. The contest celebrates the state's innovative spirit and the products that have gained national recognition.