Polaris takes home the title of the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota

By Doug Loon
President and CEO
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

Throughout the program, we’ve celebrated the innovation, creativity, and ingenuity of our state’s talented manufacturers. From cutting-edge technologies to delicious treats, Minnesota continues to produce countless amazing products.

Last year, the winner was 3M’s Scotch Magic Tape, which celebrated its 100th year and proudly took the trophy home to Hutchinson, where it’s made. In creating this contest, we wanted to make sure even the trophy reflected Minnesota manufacturing. So, a special thank-you goes to Clow Stamping in Merrifield for crafting our one-of-a-kind award again this year.

Now, on to this year’s finalists — you’ve seen them on the screen and across the state throughout the competition. The finalists for 2025 were selected by public vote, and tens of thousands of votes poured in from around the state. The finalists truly represent the best of what Minnesota manufacturers can do.

Our four finalists were:

• SR Series G7+ aircraft from Cirrus Aircraft in Duluth
   
• MRZR Alpha military vehicle from Polaris in Roseau
   
• Trackchair from ATZ Manufacturing in Marshall
   
• Vistabule Teardrop Trailer from Minnesota Teardrop Trailers in St. Paul

After a short video highlighting these incredible products, it was time to announce the big winner.

And the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota is… the Polaris MRZR Alpha!

Polaris’ Adam McCullough accepted the award, saying:

“First off, we want to thank the Chamber for hosting this amazing event and putting on the competition. Polaris is proud to be a Minnesota company—founded 70 years ago in Roseau—where we continue to build ATVs, snowmobiles, and side-by-sides that so many Minnesotans enjoy. The MRZR Alpha is an extension of that legacy, providing a mobile solution to our service members and allied nations around the world. It’s an honor to be recognized this way. Thank you to everyone who serves, and to everyone who voted.”

On next week’s episode of the Minnesota Business Podcast, I will be joined by Greg Norfleet, Director of Paid Leave at DEED, to discuss the new program and preview the upcoming Compliance Conference on October 21. Have a great weekend!  Minnesota Business Podcast.