Naperville businesses vying for ‘coolest thing made in Illinois’
Two Naperville companies are competing to earn the title of the “coolest thing made in Illinois” in the 6th annual Makers Madness contest sponsored by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association.
More than 250 unique products from across the state were nominated for the contest, including two Naperville businesses.
Dukane Precast, with locations in Naperville, Aurora and Plainfield, makes state-of-the-art insulated wall panels around high-R foam insulation while the Radiator Grille Store, of Naperville, creates “innovative and easy-to-install performance car and sports car radiator and condenser protection products,” according to its entry.
The two companies are competing in a bracket-style tournament that celebrates manufacturers across the state.
Voting is now open at www.makersmadnessil.com to see which of the products will advance to the top 16. Each voter can cast up to five votes per day through 11:59 p.m. March 16.
The rounds will narrow down manufacturers in head-to-head matchups. The event ends with an awards ceremony at the Illinois governor’s mansion April 9.
The made-in-Illinois products range from agriculture and energy storage equipment to life-saving medical products, pantry staples, sweet treats and a variety of vehicles, a contest news release said. Last year’s champion was the Komatsu mining truck made in Peoria.
Naperville golf courses announce 2025 tournament series
A variety of golf tournaments are planned by the Naperville Park District this year, from the Partner Best-Ball Challenge that kicks off the season April 12 to the Turkey Shoot in November.
The Springbrook and Naperbrook golf courses will host the 2025 Brooks Tournament Series, consisting of 11 tournaments played at either or both of the park district’s courses. The events are for local, amateur golfers, and each one will have handicap and eligibility requirements, a news release said.
They tournaments are:
- Partner Best-Ball Challenge, April 12 at Naperbrook, 22204 W. 111th St.
- Brooks Team Championship, May 17-18 at Naperbrook and Springbrook, 2220 W. 83rd St.
- Senior Partner Championship, June 4 at Springbrook.
- Naperville Junior Amateur Championship, July 7 at Naperbrook.
- Men’s Amateur Championship, July 19-20 at both courses.
- Women’s Invitational, Aug. 11 at Springbrook.
- Glen Ekey Senior Amateur Championship, Aug. 20 to Aug. 21 at both courses.
- Senior Fall Scramble, Sept. 11 at Naperbrook.
- Brooks Four-Ball Match Play, April 28 to Aug. 24 at both courses.
- Fall Scramble, Oct. 11 at Springbrook.
- Turkey Shoot, Nov. 22-23 at both courses.
For more information, go to www.golfnaperville.org.
