The lighter-than-air aerostats made by TCOM LP have made it to the second round of the N.C. Chamber of Commerce’s “Coolest Thing Made in NC” online contest for the second year in a row.
Thursday, the NC Chamber of Commerce said that TCOM’s aerostats were one of 16 items that made it to the second round of voting in the “Coolest” contest for medium- to large-sized businesses. There were 15 more items chosen as “Coolest” for small businesses.
The Chamber said there are 16 nominees in the medium-to-large group because the vote for 13th place was tied. What goods tied for 13th place was not said.
Flow meters made by Hoffer Flow Controls were the only other local product among the original 145 finalists that did not make it to the semifinals.
Sean Lavin, a commissioner for Pasquotank County who works for TCOM in Weeksville, said that he and his coworkers are “very excited about how far we’re advancing in the completion.”
“Obviously we are all proud of the work we do here in northeastern North Carolina and we’re glad to share that with the rest of the state,” he added.
Greenville-based Nags Head Hammocks and Avient, which makes Dyneema, the two closest manufacturers to Elizabeth City that also made it to the semifinal round. Dyneema is an ultra-light specialty fiber that is stronger than steel and is used in things like outdoor sports, ballistic personal protection, marine and sustainable infrastructure, and renewable energy.
It took seven days to vote in the first round of the race, which was said to have 12,600 votes by the NC Chamber. The second round of voting has begun and will end at 9 p.m. on September 11. It will cut the number of candidates to five in each group. Then, on Oct. 3, the day before National Manufacturing Day, the winners in each area will be named.
Just like the year before, TCOM LP made it to the semifinal round in the medium-to-large group. The business is in Weeksville, just off of Toxey Road. Its main product is unmanned tethered aerostats that are used for long-term defense operations that need to collect information, keep an eye on things, and do aerial reconnaissance, or ISR.
John Graziano, who is in charge of corporate relations at TCOM, said that the company is “thrilled” to have made it to the semifinals for the second year in a row.
“Every company named this year is worthy of the award, and we’re honored to be named alongside the innovative and practical products made in North Carolina,” said he. “We look forward to the next round of voting.”
Gary Salamido, President and CEO of the NC Chamber, recently visited TCOM. He said that the 31 finalists chosen by the public “showcase the diversity of North Carolina’s amazing manufacturing industry.” He said that generators, food and drink goods, chillers, and jets are some of the products that made it to the second round.
In an email on Friday, the Elizabeth City Area Chamber told people in the area to vote “early and often” for TCOM in the race. It also made them want to get their friends and family to vote for the company that makes aerostats.
“We are proud to say that TCOM aerostats have been made in Elizabeth City since 1971. They compete with other great North Carolina-made goods and services.” “We need your help to get them to the Top 5,” the Chamber of Commerce said.
To cast your vote for “Coolest Thing Made in NC,” visit coolestthingmadeinnc.com.