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.

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.