Random Lake’s Jolly Good Soda is the ‘Coolest Thing’ in state

A beverage made near a lake has been named the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce last week announced the annual contest’s winner this year is Jolly Good Soda manufactured by Krier Foods in Random Lake, according to a WMC release.

Jolly Good was crowned the winner at WMC’s annual Business Day event last Thursday in Madison.

“The employees who help produce Jolly Good every day are extremely proud of the company’s family heritage, Wisconsin ties and being able to put a smile on our friends, families and neighbors,” Krier Foods’ Senior Vice President of Business Development Zach Malin said.

More than 130 products were nominated for the contest this year. After an initial popular vote round and a bracket-style tournament known as “Manufacturing Madness,” four finalists competed to ultimately take home the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin trophy, which was produced by two Wisconsin manufacturers: EK Machine and EFCO Finishing Corp.

The other final four products were military medals and insignia by Medalcraft Mint, Inc., in Green Bay, the Revo long-range wireless ice fishing sensors by Vulture Systems Inc., in Menomonee Falls and the X739 Signature Series Lawn Tractor by John Deere of Horicon.

The annual contest draws attention to Wisconsin’s vibrant manufacturing industry and the rewarding careers available throughout the state. The industry contributes nearly $72 billion to the state’s economy and employs nearly one in six Wisconsin workers — more than any other economic sector, the WMC said in a release.

WMC and Johnson Financial Group have partnered for nine years to host the statewide contest, and the competition has drawn over 1.5 million votes since its inception. This year, about 150,000 votes were cast to determine the winner.

“Wisconsin manufacturers contribute more than just their products to the economy,” WMC President and CEO Kurt Bauer said. “Our manufacturers create jobs, invest in their communities, and support their workforce. The Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin contest showcases the depth and strength of manufacturing, including the diversity of products made right here in our backyard that are used all over the world. Congratulations to all the manufacturers who participated and the entire team at Jolly Good.”

For more information, visit https://jollygoodsoda.com.