Mississippi Makers’ Challenge Returns for Fifth YearExternalInboxClay Mansell

TJ Werre, Director of Communications, Mississippi Business Alliance

The Mississippi Business Alliance is pleased to announce the return of the Mississippi Makers' Challenge, sponsored by Hancock Whitney. Now in its fifth year, the competition gives Mississippi manufacturers the opportunity to showcase their products while engaging employees, families, customers, and the public in the race to earn the title of The Coolest Thing Made in Mississippi.

"What makes this contest special is not only the wide variety of products submitted each year, but the fact that manufacturers of every size have an opportunity to compete," said MSBA President & CEO John McKay. "We've seen products from some of our state's largest manufacturers go head-to-head with products from small businesses, and both have advanced to the final round. We take great pride in this competition and look forward to seeing how it plays out over the coming months."

This year's competition will feature a new format. Rather than opening with a nominated products voting round, the first 32 products submitted will automatically earn a spot in a tournament-style bracket. If more than 32 products are nominated, MSBA will expand the bracket accordingly. Here is the contest timeline:

Product Nominations

July 7 – July 31

Round of 32

August 3 – August 7

Round of 16

August 10 – August 14

Round of 8

August 17 – August 21

Round of 4

August 24 – August 28

Winner Announcement

September 9 at the MSBA General Assembly

The Mississippi Makers' Challenge has attracted attention well beyond the state's borders. Over the past two years, the competition has generated more than 200,000 votes from more than 39,000 visitors to msmakerschallenge.com from around the world, highlighting the innovation and global impact of Mississippi manufacturing.

"Hancock Whitney is honored to serve as the title sponsor of the Mississippi Makers' Challenge for the fifth straight year," said Hancock Whitney Commercial Banking Vice President James Kaigler. "Since its inception, this contest has highlighted the best of Mississippi's manufacturers. As a Mississippi-born and headquartered business, we take great pride in supporting this event and celebrating how our state's manufacturers contribute to our local, national, and global economies."

The four finalists will receive a Finalist banner and be recognized during the awards presentation on September 9. The overall winner will receive a Winner banner, a trophy, and the coveted championship belt.

To nominate a product and view the official contest rules, visit msmakerschallenge.com.

Product nominations must be submitted by 3 p.m. on Friday, July 31.