Reviews
Coolest Thing Made in NY Winner!
Oct
The Winner and the Contest
An Auburn-based company, EarthPlanter, has earned the title of “Coolest Thing Made in NY” in the second annual contest held by The Business Council of New York State. The company’s winning product was its innovative self-watering planter, which is designed with a special reservoir to efficiently hydrate the plants. This victory was officially announced at The Business Council’s annual meeting in Bolton Landing, celebrating a unique and practical item made within the state.
EarthPlanter’s Journey to the Top
The competition began over the summer with nominations in June and July, starting with a field of 36 different products. Through a popular vote, this group was narrowed down to a final 16 for a tournament-style competition. EarthPlanter successfully advanced through each round, first by out-voting Groton-based SureShot Tee, followed by a quarterfinal win against the custom boatmaker Scarano Boat Building from Albany, and then securing a spot in the finals by topping Bluefors Cryocooler Technologies of Syracuse.
The Final Showdown
In the final round, EarthPlanter was pitted against a formidable opponent, Corning Inc. The product from Corning was its highly advanced ultra-low expansion glass, a critical component used in the construction of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile. Despite the impressive nature of Corning’s glass, EarthPlanter’s self-watering planters captured the most votes, ultimately securing the “Coolest Thing Made in NY” crown and highlighting the community’s support for the local Auburn business.
Company History and Ownership
EarthPlanter is currently a division of Bo-Mer Custom Manufacturing, a company owned by Tom Herbert. The planter business did not originate in New York; it was first launched in New Hampshire before being acquired by Bo-Mer in 2010. Since moving to Auburn and becoming part of the local manufacturing community, the EarthPlanter brand has experienced a period of remarkable growth and success under its new ownership.
Impressive Growth and Market Impact
Since the 2010 acquisition, EarthPlanter’s business has blossomed, recording an annual growth rate between 30 and 40 percent. This expansion has been supported by Bo-Mer’s purchase of a new 35,000-square-foot facility. The company’s reach extends across North America, with over 200,000 planters installed for more than 2,500 cities and towns and 500 colleges and universities. Its clients include its hometown of Auburn, which recently received a grant to purchase more of the self-watering planters.