Kernersville product a finalist for NC's 'coolest thing'

The NC Chamber has announced the 11 finalists for its annual "Coolest Thing Made in NC" online competition, and the finalists include a product made in Kernersville, Lighthouse Candle Factory's custom handmade candles.

Lighthouse Candle Factory owner Rebecca Overman said she was thrilled to make the finalists.

"Our company has a rich 27-year history of making the most fragrant, longest lasting and most even-burning candles available. Our proprietary wax blend, proprietary two-day pour process and more than 80 fragrance options make our handmade candles unique," she said.

Also among the finalists are Texas Pete hot sauce, made by TW Garner Foods in Winston-Salem, and the HondaJet Elite II, make by Honda Aircraft Co. at Piedmont Triad International Airport.

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, and there were approximately 25,000 votes in the previous rounds of the competition.