TCOM again makes semifinal round of 'Coolest Thing Made in NC' contest

For the second year in a row, TCOM LP's lighter-than-air aerostats have made to the second round of the N.C. Chamber of Commerce's "Coolest Thing Made in NC" online contest.

The NC Chamber announced Thursday that TCOM's aerostats were among the 16 products selected as semifinalists after the first round of voting in the "Coolest" contest's medium-to-large business category. Another 15 products were selected "Coolest" in the small business category.

The Chamber said there are 16 nominees in the medium-to-large category because of a tie vote for 13th place. It did not say which products tied for 13th.

The only other local product among the contest's original 145 nominees — flow meters produced by Hoffer Flow Controls — did not make into the semifinal round.

Sean Lavin, a Pasquotank County commissioner who works for TCOM in Weeksville, said he and his co-workers are "very excited about how far we're advancing in the completion."

"Obviously we are all proud of the work we do here in northeastern North Carolina and we're glad to share that with the rest of the state," he said.

The two closest manufacturers to Elizabeth City to also make it into the semifinal round were Greenville-based Nags Head Hammocks 50th Anniversary Double Oatmeal DURACORD Rope Hammock and Avient, which produces Dyneema, an ultra-lightweight specialty fiber that's stronger than steel and used in applications such as ballistic personal protection, marine and sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and outdoor sports.

The NC Chamber said 12,600 votes were cast in the contest's first round of voting over a seven-day voting period. The second round of voting, which will narrow candidates to five in each category, is already underway and will end at 9 p.m. on Sept. 11. The two winning products in each category will then be announced on Oct. 3, the day before National Manufacturing Day.

TCOM LP made it to the semifinal round in the medium-to-large category in last year’s contest as well. The company, located off Toxey Road in Weeksville, specializes in the production of unmanned tethered aerostats that are deployed for long-term defense operations that require intelligence gathering, surveillance and aerial reconnaissance, otherwise known as ISR.

John Graziano, corporate communications director for TCOM, said the company is "thrilled" to have made it to the semifinal round for the second straight year.

"Every company named this year is worthy of the award, and we’re honored to be named alongside the innovative and practical products made in North Carolina," he said. "We look forward to the next round of voting."

NC Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido, who recently visited TCOM, said the 31 finalists chosen by public voting "highlight the diversity of North Carolina's incredible manufacturing industry." He noted the products making it to the second round include generators, food and beverage products, chillers and jets.

The Elizabeth City Area Chamber encouraged local residents in email Friday to vote "early and often" for TCOM in the contest. It also encouraged them to get friends and family to vote for the aerostat-maker.

"TCOM aerostats have proudly been manufactured here in Elizabeth City since 1971, and are competing alongside other amazing products and services made in North Carolina. We need your support to get them to the Top 5 finalists," the local Chamber said.

To vote in the "Coolest Thing Made in NC," go to coolestthingmadeinnc.com.