Editor's Note: Celebrating the cool things around us

How cool is that?

As the selection committee was picking the finalists for this inaugural Coolest Things Made in the Ozarks awards, I found myself asking that quite often. Product inventors are downright impressive, right? The 16 products you’re about to read about will no doubt have you feeling jazzed about these southwest Missouri companies and their coolest products.

Of course, inventions start with an idea, but after that comes the tinkering, stressing, capital raising manufacturing and marketing. But then there’s the celebrating. That’s why this award event was created, to bring recognition and celebration to local entrepreneurs and manufacturers.

Products made right here in the Ozarks are being used across the globe – and one is even in space.

We want to bring you in on the party. While the selection committee chose the finalists, we want readers to select the top four products. After you read the profiles, head to SBJ.net/CoolestThings to vote for your favorites. 

We hope you enjoy this special edition, and thanks to everyone who made this event possible.