HondaJet named finalist in 'coolest thing' contest'

The NC Chamber has announced the finalists for its annual "Coolest Thing Made in NC" online competition, and the finalists include a product built at Piedmont Triad International Airport, the HondaJet Elite II by Honda Aircraft Company.

Also among the finalists are Texas Pete hot sauce, made by TW Garner Foods in Winston-Salem, and the custom handmade candles made by Lighthouse Candle Factory in Kernersville.

The public can vote daily on the website coolestthingmadeinnc.com .

This is the fifth year that the NC Chamber has held the popular, public-driven contest, which spotlights North Carolina's cutting-edge manufacturing industry. Manufacturing generates more than 17% of the gross state product and employs more than 10% of the state's workforce.

The online contest began with 145 nominees.