Connecticut
Science Center Debuts Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut Exhibit » CBIA
A new Connecticut Science Center exhibit celebrates the success of the CBIA Foundation’s Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut challenge.
The inaugural competition celebrated the state’s rich manufacturing legacy and its world-class workforce.
Featuring 16 Connecticut-made products, the single-elimination, bracket-style competition allowed residents to vote on their favorite product.
After more than 115,000 votes were cast from August to October, General Dynamics Electric Boat’s Virginia-Class Submarine was announced as the first-ever Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut at the 2024 Manufacturing Summit.
Inspiring Innovations
All 16 finalists are featured in the new display in the center’s Invention Dimension gallery.
“The Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut competition was a way to showcase the incredible quality and variety of manufacturing in Connecticut,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima.
“It’s great to have that positive energy around such an important industry for the state and this exhibit is the perfect way to keep that momentum going.
“We hope these 16 products on display can help inspire a new generation to create the future of Connecticut’s economy.”
“The Connecticut Science Center is thrilled to present an exhibit showcasing the exceptional products featured in the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut competition,” said Connecticut Science Center president and CEO Matt Fleury.
“This special exhibit celebrates Connecticut’s rich manufacturing legacy and highlights the ingenuity, creativity, and excellence that drive our state’s industries.
“We hope to inspire our visitors with these remarkable innovations, crafted right here in Connecticut, and spark the imaginations of the next generation of makers and innovators.”
‘Collaborative Spirit’
The Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut was made possible through the generous support of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, CONNSTEP, and the Connecticut Office of Manufacturing.
“Thank you to the Connecticut Science Center for highlighting the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut,” said Connecticut chief manufacturing officer Paul Lavoie.
“We are proud of our long history of making the coolest and most sophisticated products known to humans in Connecticut.
“It is great to see that thousands of visitors will know that Connecticut is really cool!”
“The collaborative spirit of Connecticut’s manufacturing community is evident in these remarkable products,” said CONNSTEP president and CEO Beatriz Gutierrez.
“It’s an honor to see them celebrated at the Science Center, where they will spark curiosity and encourage future innovation.”
The Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut exhibit will be on display at the Connecticut Science Center through March 31, 2025.
Nominations are now open for next year’s Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut challenge.
New data is shedding light on the state of Connecticut’s economy and labor force.
On this episode of the CBIA BizCast, CBIA Foundation director Dustin Nord joins host Amanda Marlow to talk about new Connecticut Department of Labor data that highlights the mismatch between increased job openings and a shrinking labor force.
Connecticut job openings jumped 2.6% in May to 87,356—however, since May 2025, 37,700 people have left Connecticut’s labor force.
Nord breaks down some of the reasons for this mismatch and what needs to be done to address Connecticut’s economic challenges.
He also shares insights into a U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report showing Connecticut’s economy expanded 1.8% in the first quarter of 2026.
Episode Highlights:
- Job Openings vs. Workforce Shortage
- Unemployment Trends
- GDP Growth Amid Labor Challenges
- Affordability and Long-Term Competitiveness
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Connecticut
This Underrated Connecticut Town Is Getting National Recognition as One of the Best Places to Live
According to Islands.com, one Connecticut town is getting some well-deserved national attention, and it’s probably not the one you’d expect.
When people think about standout Connecticut destinations, places like Mystic, Greenwich, or New Haven usually dominate the conversation. But this time, the spotlight is on Cheshire, which was recently recognized as one of the best places to live in the state.
The national travel website points to Cheshire’s combination of small-town charm, outdoor recreation, local businesses, and great restaurants as some of the biggest reasons it’s become such a desirable place to call home. It’s also no stranger to high rankings. Cheshire was named the best place to live in New Haven County by Niche in 2025 and has also landed on Money Magazine’s list of the best places to live in America. Its public schools continue to receive high marks as well.
One of Cheshire’s biggest draws is its access to nature. The town is home to scenic orchards, beautiful greenhouses, and is known as Connecticut’s bedding plant capital. During the fall, local farms and orchards become popular destinations for apple picking, fresh cider, and seasonal treats. Outdoor lovers also have easy access to Roaring Brook Falls, Sleeping Giant State Park, and the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.
Of course, no Connecticut town earns national praise without having some great food. Islands.com highlighted Cheshire’s pizza scene, including Fuoco Apizza and Pop’s Pizza, along with Viron Rondo Osteria for Italian cuisine. Beer lovers can also stop by Counter Weight Brewing, while Sweet Claude’s Ice Cream and Shef’s Bagels round out the town’s lineup of local favorites.
Cheshire may not get the same attention as some of Connecticut’s bigger destinations, but this latest recognition suggests it deserves a spot on your list. Whether you’re looking for a weekend road trip or thinking about putting down roots, this quiet New Haven County town is proving it has a lot more to offer than many people realize.
7 of the Most Beautiful Towns in the State of Connecticut
Connecticut is overflowing with both manmade and natural beauty. In some places, the two intersect to create a magical, almost fictional feel. Here are 7 Connecticut Towns that look like they came straight from a storybook.
Gallery Credit: Lou Milano
5 Historic Connecticut Towns That Feel Frozen in Time
Connecticut is full of towns people rush past on the highway without realizing what they’re missing. Everyone knows the big names, but some of the best places in the state are the ones that don’t always make the travel lists. These towns are quieter, full of character, and worth slowing down for at least an afternoon.
Gallery Credit: Lou Milano
Look Inside the Largest Indoor Collaborative Artwork in the World
I visited the American Mural Project in Winsted, Connecticut for the first time recently, and for those who haven’t seen it, here’s a quick peek at what to expect when you gaze upon the largest indoor collaborative piece of artwork in the world
Gallery Credit: Photos by Large Dave
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