INDIANAPOLIS – A firefighting equipment manufacturer whose products are known globally and a nationally-recognized public relations firm were honored today as top winners at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s Best in Business Awards Luncheon at the Indiana Convention Center.
Elkhart Brass Manufacturing claimed the championship of the annual Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana contest, while Borshoff, an Indianapolis advertising and public relations agency, was named the Indiana Chamber’s TikTok Small Business of the Year.
The awards were presented during the 2026 Chamber Day at the Statehouse, held in partnership with the Indiana Chamber Executives Association.
Elkhart Brass earned the “Coolest Thing” title for its XD Glow‑in‑the‑Dark Smooth Bore Nozzle, a firefighting innovation designed to improve safety and efficiency by allowing fire departments to quickly identify the correct hose for specific conditions. Founded in 1902, Elkhart Brass produces more than 2,000 firefighting and fire protection products used worldwide.
The Coolest Thing contest featured 49 competitors from 36 Indiana communities, with thousands of online votes cast throughout the contest determining the winners for each round. Shipshewana-based Stone Horses, which entered its model horse art, took the runner-up honor, while Goulding & Wood Pipe Organ Builders of Indianapolis and Harpsicle Harps of Rising Sun rounded out the final four.
“This competition continues to draw strong interest from around the state and showcases Indiana’s deep manufacturing roots,” says Vanessa Green Sinders, Indiana Chamber president and CEO. “The quality, creativity and real significance of some of these products make it clear why Indiana manufacturing continues to stand out. We congratulate Elkhart Brass Manufacturing for their title run and making their glow-in-the-dark nozzle, which plays a key role in firefighters’ ability to save lives.”
Adds Chris Martin, Elkhart Brass vice president of marketing, “Elkhart is a manufacturing heavy region, and we’re proud to be a part of that. This is a lifesaving piece of equipment. It could make or break an incident for a fire department. In addition to that, it’s now the Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana. To win this contest against a lot of great competition is a true honor, and something we’re not taking lightly.”
Borshoff was recognized as the 2026 TikTok Small Business of the Year for its leadership, business success and community involvement. The award honors companies with 100 or fewer employees.
Founded in 1984 by Myra Borshoff, the firm has grown into one of Indiana’s most visible women‑owned businesses and leading communications agencies.
Borshoff’s client list reads like a “Who’s Who” of Indiana’s top companies in a host of industries, including Eli Lilly and Company, AES Indiana, Cummins, the NCAA and Indianapolis Zoo.
Internally, the firm’s leadership awards – the “Shoffies” – recognize each employee’s contributions to the agency. There are also policies that loudly resonate with the team. Borshoff instituted a Bring Your Baby to Work program, welcoming employees to bring newborns to the office to care for them in an effort to combat increasing childcare costs.
“We’re proud to have been a part of the Indiana community for more than 40 years,” offers Borshoff CEO and partner Katherine Coble. “This award is special to us because it’s recognition of the work we’ve done to build our business but also our history of contributing to our community.”
The other finalists for the award were Braden Business Systems of Fishers – a provider of high-quality technology solutions, office equipment and IT services, and Bloomington-based Master Rental, a full-service equipment and party rental store.
“Small businesses are critical to the state’s economic success, which is why so much of our advocacy is focused on helping this sector thrive,” notes Sinders. “It was an honor to celebrate Borshoff for its tremendous impact and the other finalists who also are enriching their local communities.”
Chamber Day at the Statehouse was presented by Thompson Thrift, with the awards luncheon sponsored by Charter Spectrum TV/Internet/Voice.
