JACKSON – The Mississippi Manufacturers Association is pleased to announce the beginning of the fourth annual Mississippi Makers’ Challenge Sponsored by Hancock Whitney. The goal of this contest is to find the Coolest Thing Made in Mississippi, and it is open to all statewide manufacturers.
“We are thrilled to start our fourth year of the Mississippi Makers’ Challenge,” said MMA President & CEO John McKay. “We hope our manufacturers use this contest as a way to showcase their products to the public as well as engage their teams to show support for the cool things they make every day.”
Here is a timeline of the 2024 challenge:
PRODUCT NOMINATION ROUND
January 27 – February 7
NOMINATED PRODUCTS VOTING ROUND
February 10 – February 21
ROUND OF 16
February 24 – February 28
ROUND OF 8
March 3 – March 7
ROUND OF 4
March 10 – March 14
WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT
Thursday, March 20 at the Mississippi State Capitol
This year’s finalists will receive a ‘Finalist’ banner, while the winner will receive a ‘Winner’ banner, a trophy, and, new this year, a championship belt.
“As the proud sponsor of the Mississippi Makers’ Challenge, Hancock Whitney is thrilled to spotlight the incredible products crafted by the talented individuals and companies that, like us, call this great state home,” said Hancock Whitney Senior Vice President James Kaigler.
To nominate a product and for a list of contest rules, go to msmakerschallenge.com. Nominations must be made by 3 p.m. on Friday, February 7. Voting opens for all nominated products at 8 a.m. on Monday, February 10.
PAST WINNERS
2024: Destin Collection, Kevin Charles Furniture – Tupelo
2023: Next Generation Jammer, Raytheon Technologies – Forest
2022: TM1000, Taylor Power Systems - Clinton
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For more than 70 years, the Mississippi Manufacturers Association has represented the interests of Mississippi’s manufacturers at both the state and national levels. As the Voice of Industry, MMA represents manufacturers in the Mississippi Legislature and U.S. Congress. MMA promotes a strong manufacturing environment within Mississippi and is a central source of information and assistance in industrial management. To learn more about MMA and manufacturing in Mississippi, please visit www.mma-web.org.
Since the late 1800s, Hancock Whitney has embodied core values of Honor & Integrity, Strength & Stability, and Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility. Hancock Whitney offices and financial centers in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas offer comprehensive financial products and services, including traditional and online banking; commercial and small business banking; private banking; trust and investment services; healthcare banking; and mortgage services. The company also operates combined loan and deposit production offices in the greater metropolitan areas of Nashville, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia. More information is available at www.hancockwhitney.com.