
The championship for the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut competition has arrived. The final matchup is The Lee Company’s Satellite Propellant Isolation Valve versus Waterbury Button Company’s Santa Claus Brass Button.
“People are getting really engaged,” CONNSTEP president and CEO Beatriz Gutierrez said on WTNH News 8’s CTBuzz with Natasha Lubczenko. “I think it gives us a lot of pride, particularly because it showcases our ingenuity and creativity.”
Gutierrez said so many companies are taking to social media to call their employees and their families to participate in the competition, which helps remind residents of the importance of manufacturing in Connecticut. “This is our call to fame,” Gutierrez said.
Showcasing the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut Competition!
Join the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand new 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut exhibit at the Manufacturing Celebration of Innovation on November 5! Celebrate this year's Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut winner and all of the amazing products and companies included in this year's competition.
Every certification has a story behind it. See how Connecticut sheet metal manufacturer
Chapco, Inc. partnered with CONNSTEP to achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification ahead of schedule, strengthening its quality management system and positioning the company for continued growth.
"I am honored to be named a Women of Innovation finalist for the second time,” Anna Mumford, Cybersecurity Consultant at CONNSTEP. “To be recognized alongside so many inspiring women who are advancing STEM and driving innovation across Connecticut is truly meaningful. Cybersecurity is more than my profession, it's a passion.”
The Connecticut Technology Council has announced the 47 finalists for its 21st annual Women of Innovation Awards, recognizing women across the state who are advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through leadership, innovation, and mentorship.
"There are many organizations that could execute on these projects, but what I appreciate is the way CONNSTEP handles them from start to finish.
Their commitment to Connecticut's manufacturing and business communities is evident in the support they provide. As a small, family-owned manufacturer, having CONNSTEP as a resource is like having an AI model for your business—it helps you see what's possible and provides the guidance to make that vision a reality."
James King
President, Eljen Corporation
CONNSTEP, Connecticut's leading manufacturing solutions provider, announces the election of two new members to its Board of Directors: Michael Scotto (left) and Christian Colon (right).
“CONNSTEP’s mission is to provide the guidance and expertise Connecticut’s small and medium-sized manufacturers need to grow, navigate compliance, and remain competitive,” said Beatriz N. Gutierrez, CONNSTEP President & CEO.
“Our Board plays a critical role in advancing that mission, which is why we are thrilled to welcome Michael Scotto and Christian Colon. Their combined leadership and expertise in the aerospace manufacturing sector add tremendous depth to our organization and will provide valuable insight as we continue supporting Connecticut’s manufacturers.”
“U.T.R. could not be the U.T.R. that it is today without the help from CONNSTEP in achieving our AS9100 certification.”
Raffaele Prisco
Owner, U.T.R. Engineering Works LTD.
Manufacturing News & Updates
CBIA Affiliate News
- Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut: Championship Matchup
- 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut Bracket Revealed
- The Lee Company Acquires Two Facilities
- Marion Manufacturing Acquires Bristol Manufacturer
- Employment Law Changes Manufacturers Can’t Ignore
- Pratt & Whitney Awarded $1.3B F135 Contract
- Down the Drain but Not Forgotten: PFAS Compliance in Wastewater
- Latest Tariffs Target State’s Largest Trading Partners
- District Director Catherine Marx Leaves SBA
- Ulbrich Invests $9M in Wallingford Expansion
- Chapco Showcases New Deep River Facility
- Pursuit Acquires Aeroengine Components Manufacturer
Local News
- Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut contest down to two
- 2026 Coolest Thing Made In Connecticut
- Electric Boat breaks ground at new Waterford campus, renovating Crystal Mall property
- Farmington manufacturer planning move to Bristol
- CT manufacturer plans hiring as aerospace market rebounds
- NSF awards 12 new Regional Innovation Engines to fuel research, jobs and economic growth nationwide
- With $75M, CT-based acquisition firm targets family-owned machine shops to build aerospace supplier
- Otis to relocate HQ to West Hartford
CONNSTEP Events & Trainings
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Manufacturing Resources
Connecting manufacturers with advanced technologies to drive efficiency and growth. CT SMARTE links Connecticut’s small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) with technology partners offering practical advanced manufacturing solutions. This free program includes energy assessments, workforce development, technology workshops, trainings and funding opportunities.
- Data driven modeling
- Smart Manufacturing (SM)
- High Performance Computing (HPC)
- Energy assessments
- Training and funding resources
Grant programs designed to help Connecticut manufacturers acquire the skills, tools, and resources needed to keep pace with today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing ecosystem.
Master Digital Thread Manufacturing
Unlock your potential at the cutting-edge Digital Thread Manufacturing Lab.
In a world where production schedules wait for no one, we know that finding time for development can be a challenge. The MFG Skills Hub was built to meet manufacturers exactly where they are—on the shop floor, in the front office, and everywhere in between.
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