Finger Lakes Textiles has advanced to the final round of the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in NY competition with Arctic Gear, its line of American-made winter hats produced in Waterloo.
The manufacturing division of Mozaic is one of two finalists in the statewide contest organized by The Business Council of New York State. Public voting in the final round is open through Sept. 24.
Arctic Gear hats are made by an inclusive workforce that includes people with disabilities, veterans and other employees. Workers handle knitting, sewing, inspection and finishing at the Waterloo operation.
Finger Lakes Textiles has manufactured textile products in the Finger Lakes for more than 35 years. The company says it produces more than 1.2 million pieces of winter headwear each year for commercial customers and the U.S. military.
The operation also works with businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies to manufacture other textile products. Mozaic said the work creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities, veterans and others who face barriers to employment.
Allen Connely, president and CEO of Mozaic, said the finalist recognition reflects the talent and craftsmanship of the company's workforce while drawing attention to inclusive employment and domestic manufacturing. He called the organization “incredibly proud” to see Finger Lakes Textiles recognized among the state's leading manufacturing innovators.
The Coolest Thing Made in NY competition highlights products manufactured across the state and lets the public select a winner. Supporters may vote once per day on each device through the contest's online voting page.
Finger Lakes Textiles is a division of Mozaic, a chapter of The Arc New York. The company said Arctic Gear sales support jobs and communities in the Finger Lakes.
The Arc New York says its 35 local chapters support more than 60,000 people with disabilities and their families and employ more than 30,000 people.
Voting is available at the Coolest Thing Made in NY contest website until the final-round deadline on Sept. 24.
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