Latest news with #CoolestThingMadeinIowaContest
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Gabe on the Go: Cuddling with goats in Cumming
CUMMING, Iowa — Howell's Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch started out as just that — a greenhouse and pumpkin patch. But now, the attraction has become so much more — and it's a place you can visit year-round. The late spring and summer months are goat cuddling 'season' at Howell's. Visitors are able to cuddle with baby goats, which some visitors have expressed almost feels like therapy. More stories: Gabe on the Go There are also two massive playgrounds and lots of space for little ones to run around and play. A silo has been turned into a 'corn pool,' essentially a giant sandbox that is instead filled with corn. In addition, kids will find a station to make mud pies. Goat cuddling attracts adults and kids, but adults will also enjoy the greenhouse where flowers and plants can be purchased. Next to the greenhouse is a farm market where visitors can continue to shop. Later in the year, flower fields will also be part of the visitor experience, including a sunflower field for the late summer and fall months. Other fall activities will include the namesake pumpkin patch, corn maze, and other activities. Howell's is open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM. Hours extend to 6 PM in September and October. They are closed on most holidays. For more information, visit their website here. Gabe on the Go: Cuddling with goats in Cumming Sausage plant planned for Perry, 500 new jobs to be created Inside look at Final Four in Coolest Thing Made in Iowa Contest Forecast: Thursday raindrops, then heat Gov. Kim Reynolds signs bill aimed at growing rural hospital workforces Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Inside look at Final Four in Coolest Thing Made in Iowa Contest
DES MOINES, Iowa — There's just one week left of voting in the Coolest Thing Made in Iowa Contest, and now's the time to learn more about the Final Four before casting your vote. This is the second year of the contest, hosted by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) and Midwest One Bank. Last year, the Vermeer Automatic Hay Baler won the first contest. This year, four companies from around the state are left in the running following weeks of community voting. Viking Pump is based in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and has spent over a century designing pumps for fuel, asphalt, oil, and more. The CHC Chocolate Pump has been changing the game for over a decade and is an unsung hero in the chocolate industry. 'We started with a couple small manufacturers in and around the Chicago area, and then have grown that out to some of our larger customers So, this has basically become the standard chocolate pump for some of the biggest chocolate makers around the world. It includes Hershey's, Mars, and others,' said Chad Wunderlich, Viking Pump Business Development Manager. Gov. Kim Reynolds signs bill aimed at growing rural hospital workforces The Moose Fireplace Grill out of Red Oak, Iowa is a newer product, at just over a year old. The Moose combines the cooking ability of a grill and the recreation of the fireplace into one unit. The founder says coming this far in just a year is amazing. 'To me the way, and this is that's truly is from the bottom of my heart, the number of people that have supported us and come out and voted for us. It just takes my breath away,' said Mark Allen, Moose Grill Founder. Country Maid out of West Bend, Iowa, became a household name through the Butter Braid. Originally sold at a farmers' market, the Butter Braid has grown into a leader in fundraising dealership across the country. Butter Braid has helped raise more than $320 million for local causes. 'What started in a garage in West Bend, Iowa has grown into a product that supports schools, teams, and communities across the country through fundraising. This recognition isn't just about a pastry—it's about people. It's about purpose. And it's about the power of community rallying behind something that makes a real difference. We're so grateful to everyone who has voted, shared, and supported us on this journey. It reminds us why we do what we do every single day,' said Ashley Akridge, Country Maid COO and Marketing Director. Finally, a well-known Iowa product, John Deere. The CP770 Cotton Picker was introduced in 2021 and continues to be a leader in cotton harvesting technology. The picker is larger, faster, and more efficient than previous models. The model features smart tech that offers guidance to farmers in the fields. The final round of voting started on May 23 and goes through June 3. The winner will be announced during the Iowa Association of Business and Industry Taking Care of Business Conference on June 11. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nominations open for Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Coolest Thing Made in Iowa Contest is taking nominations for its second year of the competition. The Coolest Thing Made in Iowa Contest is put on by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry and MidwestOne Bank. Kelsey O'Connor, the Marketing and Communications Director for the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, said that even more submissions and votes will be cast during the contests second year. 'The first year the contest was really successful. So, we had almost 70 nominations that competed to be named the coolest thing. And we also saw over 76,000 votes cast. So that's a really great participation rate. And we're looking for even more in our second year,' O'Conner said. O'Conner said that the contest highlights manufacturers that produce products in Iowa. 'With all the talk these days about tariffs and the uncertainty and the uncertainty in the economy, this is a great time to be celebrating products that are made here in the state and to highlight the creativity and the entrepreneurship that happens within our own backyards. And a lot of people just really aren't aware of all the products that are made within the state,' O'Conner said. Vermeer won the first year of the contest with an automated hay baler. Mindi Vandenvosch, the Vice President of Operations at Vermeer, said that the contest was a great opportunity to showcase a Vermeer product. 'A huge honor to be the first to win that award. And I just think it was a really neat opportunity for our team to get excited about and proud of who Vermeer is, as well as just seeing the cool things that Iowa has. We got a lot of cool companies in Iowa that make some really cool things.' Vandenvosch said. To learn more about the Coolest Thing Made in Iowa Contest, check out the contest website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
