Kendall County has officially opened nominations for its 2026 Made in Kendall awards, aiming to shine the spotlight on exceptional local manufacturers and makers. Businesses can be nominated across three different categories: Industrial Product, Consumer Product, and Community Maker. According to the Kendall County press release, County Board Chairman Matt Kellogg expressed the county's pride in its manufacturing legacy and enthusiasm for acknowledging those who not only deliver standout products but also serve as excellent employers within the community.
Nominations are being kept straightforward and accessible; interested parties need to simply fill out an online form for one of the categories on the county website. Board member Dan Koukol, who serves as the Chair of the Economic Development and Administration Committee, stated, "All of our manufacturer's deserve recognition for what they contribute to the Kendall County." Tangent Technologies and MTH Pumps were last year's Made in Kendall recipients, with MTH Pumps going on to score the "Coolest Thing Made in Illinois" honor from the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association.
The process to nominate is currently ongoing, with a December 15 deadline. Winners of the Made in Kendall designation are expected to be publicly announced during a county board meeting in January 2026. Those selected will receive a plaque and a formal commendation from the board. The initiative is backed by Nicor and Waubonsee Community College, who have partnered with Made in Kendall in recognition of local innovation and manufacturing excellence, as per the Kendall County.
For any persons or entities interested in recognizing a local Kendall County manufacturer or maker, details and nomination forms are available online at the Kendall County's website. It's an opportunity for local businesses to gain recognition and to possibly follow in the footsteps of previous awardees who've successfully showcased the economic and creative contributions that these manufacturers bring to the table – and perhaps even to emerge as a leader on the larger Illinois manufacturing scene.
