The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) has announced the four finalists for the title of 2026’s Coolest Thing Made in Iowa, and Pella Corporation’s Steady Set Windows are among the last products standing. The windows, manufactured at Pella’s many production sites, including Carroll, have transformed window installation, so the process no longer requires potentially dangerous ladder work on the outside of buildings and significantly simplifies installation. The Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest is now in its third year and was created to highlight the wide range of industrial and consumer products built in our state. Joining Pella’s Steady Set Windows in the final round are the Mi-T-M ePowerStation out of Peosta, the Weiler D1075 Blasthole Drill produced in Knoxville, and Ironclad Tornado Shelters & Gun Safes made in Earlham. There is now one final round of public voting, which is open through Friday, May 15, and the winner will be announced on June 3 during ABI’s annual Taking Care of Business Conference in Coralville. ABI President Nicole Crain says, “The excitement continues to build as we narrow the field to four incredible products. We’re proud to showcase these companies and the communities where these products are made.” Iowans can vote once per day at www.coolestthingia.com. Two other locally made products, Leer Inc.’s Beer Cave Coolers from Carroll and Spalding’s Arena Renegade Basketball Hoops from Jefferson, had advanced to the second-to-last round but didn’t quite make the finals.
