The Made in Kendall recognition program promotes local manufacturing and celebrates the manufacturers and makers that contribute to Kendall County’s economy. The program highlights products made locally that demonstrate exceptional quality and craftsmanship, while reinforcing the county’s strong commitment to supporting manufacturing and encouraging industry growth.

The Made in Kendall nomination period goes from October to mid-December each year. Recipients are announced at a Kendall County Board meeting, followed by a reception honoring both current and past recognition recipients. 

Nominations are accepted in three divisions: 

• Consumer Product
• Industrial Product
• Community Maker

Criteria

Consumer Product and Industrial Product nominations are evaluated using the following criteria: 

• Product value
• Product quality
• Product durability
• Product design 
• Product uniqueness

The Community Maker designation is awarded based on:

• Community involvement 
• Public recognition and regard
• Uniqueness of the product or service 

Eligibility

Consumer Product and Industrial Product divisions:

• Products must be made in Kendall County; manufacturer headquarters do not need to be located in the county. 
• Products must be produced during the calendar year in which they are nominated. 
• Assembled or finished products completed in Kendall County are eligible. 
• All nominated products are subject to verification by the Made in Kendall committee.

Community Maker division:

• Businesses or makers must have been in operation for a minimum of six months. 

Nominations

Nominations must include:

• Product name
• Manufacturer name
• Brief product description
• Name, email address, and phone number of the nominator
• Photos of the product, if available

Individuals may submit up to three nominations per category per year and must be residents of Kendall County. Nominator contact information will remain confidential and used only for verification or follow-up purposes.

Made In Kendall Nomination Forms

Made in Kendall - Community Maker Nomination Form

Made in Kendall - Industrial Product Nomination Form

Made in Kendall - Consumer Product Nomination Form