Nissan Rogue reaches final 4 of 'Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee' contest

The Nissan Rogue reached the final four of the " Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee " competition, a press release announced July 9.

The product made at the Nissan factory in Smyrna has advanced through three rounds of competition in the inaugural Tennessee Manufacturers Association event with 45,000 votes, according to a press release from the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce.

Those interested in voting in the online Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee poll have until July 24 to participate through the event website: https://coolestthingmadeintn.com/vote .

Voters are choosing among four finalists:

• Eastman Tritan™ Renew - Eastman: Eastman Tritan™ Renew
• Eclipse Glasses - American Paper Optics: American Paper Optics Eclipse Glasses
• Phone As A Key (PAAK) - DENSO: DENSO Phone As A Key (PAAK)
• Rogue - Nissan: Nissan Rogue

Event organizers will announce the winner July 25 at The Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee lunch and the Smart Solutions for Smart Factories Expo at The Commons at PIE Innovation Center in Cleveland, Tennessee.Registration details for the luncheon, as well as sponsorship opportunities, can be found through this website: https://tnchamber.chambermaster.com/events/details/coolest-thing-made-in-tennessee-luncheon-2948%C2%A0

Other event organizers are the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services, Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association and Smart Factory Institute Tennessee. The organizers had over 100 submissions from Tennessee businesses for the Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee "light-hearted competition" after launching the event, according to the press release.

The press release included a statement from Bradley Jackson, president and chief executive officer of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Tennessee Manufacturers Association.

“We are thrilled to see such strong support for our local manufacturers and the incredible products they make right here in Tennessee,” Jackson said.

“As we narrow it down to the top four, I encourage everyone to continue voting and join us at our celebratory luncheon later this month as we honor the finalists and announce a winner.”

Manufacturing competition: Nissan Rogue makes finalists list of 16 for 'Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee' contest

TN lawmaker praises Nissan factory workers where he used to work

News that the Nissan Rogue reached the final four of the competition pleased state Rep. Mike Sparks , a Smyrna Republican and former eight-year assembly line worker at the Nissan factory.

"Congratulations to Nissan and all their employees who work hard each day to build great vehicles," said Sparks, who after leaving Nissan owned a MidTNAutos.com dealership. "I've always had confidence in the quality of Nissan products. At one time, my former car business had more pre-owned Nissans than the franchise store."

Sparks recalled Nissan treating him well for being among the hard-working employees.

"I was a company man," Sparks said.

Smyrna factory: Nissan gains 20-year deal with 50% tax reduction on new investments

Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Nissan Rogue reaches final 4 of 'Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee' contest