Franklin's Nomination For 'The Coolest Thing Made In Wisconsin'

FRANKLIN, WI — Over 150 things were nominated to the first round of voting for The Coolest Thing Made In Wisconsin contest. Franklin's contribution: Carmex.

Indeed, Carmex, the worldwide best-selling lip balm, is Franklin's nomination. The well-recognizable product will compete against fried chicken, outboard motors, donuts and more to be named one of Wisconsin's coolest things, according to a news release.

Alfred Woelbing started the Carmex company here in Wisconsin in 1937. In the early days, he hand-mixed and poured the lip balm by hand in his home kitchen. He was seeking to quell his cold sores, according to Carmex's website.

The product was then sold to pharmacies across the region.

Woelbing, a Wisconsin native, outgrew the home business and opened a facility in Wauwatosa. After production and demand continued to grow, he started a factory in Franklin, where the company now makes most of its products, Carmex's website said.

People can vote for Carmex to get it past the first round at www.madeinwis.com. It will compete against 150 other products made in Wisconsin for a shot at being one of the 16 "Coolest Things Made In Wisconsin."

Votes can be cast once per day. First-round voting ends Sept. 21.

The contest has been going on each year since 2016. It's organized by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce and Johnson Financial Group, according to a news release from organizers.

Click here to vote for Carmex on the contest website. The final winner will be announced Oct. 14 after three more voting rounds.