December 2023

As this year comes to a close, we reflect on the momentum generated by significant pieces of legislation signed into law in 2021 and 2022 along with federal funding to support domestic manufacturing, foster job growth, innovation and equity.


We send a message of thanks to you, our manufacturers for your continued ingenuity and productivity. We look forward to the year ahead as we continue to work together towards a more resilient future. 


Wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday season!


- M3 Team at Cook County

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Introducing the Metals HUB


In Chicago's Southland, a network of metal manufacturers is growing. The Metals Hub - spearheaded by the Southland Development Authority and Cook County - seeks opportunities for individual metal, machinery, and equipment manufacturer firms and forms new flexible teams of manufacturers. The Hub connects Southland and regional manufacturers to new supplier relationships, markets, knowledge exchange, and access to technologies and resources.


With a historic $1 million investment from Cook County, the Metals Hub will advance the Southland’s position as a nexus of manufacturing and a driver of economic growth. Small-sized firms, like current and future members of the Metals Hub, constitute 70% of manufacturers both nationally and in Cook County. These firms are typically family-owned and closely integrated into the local economy.

For current members of the Metal Hub, the benefits of being involved are clear: “The Hub, has produced more new business than the networking in my trade association, for which I pay annually to be a member,” shared Henry Peterson of Machining Systems Corporation, a Metals Hub founding member located in Crestwood Illinois.


For more information,

Contact Harry Holtz, Metals Hub Director.


Pictured: Henry Peterson,

Machining Systems Corporation

Cook County Joins New Industry and Inclusion Cohort

The Urban Manufacturing Alliance (UMA), in partnership with The Century Foundation (TCF), recently launched Industry & inclusion 3.0 with a cohort of prominent regional workforce organizations; including the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development. The program aims to increase the diversity of the manufacturing workforce by reducing racial disparities in student outcomes including enrollment, depth of learning, and credential attainment. 


Click here to learn more.

RESOURCES

Join the Over 150 Local Manufacturers Who Have Applied: Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented

Utilizing $5 Million in committed funds from Cook County, the Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented program provides the opportunity for small to mid-sized manufacturers in Suburban Cook County to receive reimbursement (up to $25,000) for investments to improve productivity, workforce needs, leadership development, and growth trajectory...

to solve the most urgent priorities for success.

Pictured: Cook County manufacturers attend a Manufacturing Reinvented event in Evanston


Please contact Jamie Moore, Program Manager, Industry Development to learn more.

EVENTS

December

19

REGISTER

Expand Your Reach: Digital Sales Growth Opportunities for Manufacturers


11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Location: Online

Presented By: IMEC

Do you feel like you are missing out on the exploding B2B and Industrial eCommerce market? With a new sense of urgency for manufacturers to create a strong digital presence, join for a fun-filled and action-packed Digital Sales Growth workshop. This exciting program walks you through the necessary steps to implement an effective Digital Marketing and eCommerce strategy for your business.

January

9

REGISTER

Starting Government Contracting


1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Location: Online

Presented By: Illinois APEX Accelerator, Business Development Center at College of DuPage

Learn the basics of government contracting! This workshop is great for businesses that have done nothing with the government to those that need a refresher on what they should be doing. This webinar will discuss free bid lead/bid matching systems, how to register as a vendor - at all governmental levels (SAM, IPG, etc.), how to discover small business certifications that can help you succeed, and discuss subcontracting opportunities.

January

11

REGISTER

Export 101


9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Location: Online

Presented By: Illinois APEX Accelerator, The Joseph Center

The export market can seem confusing at first, but it also presents great opportunities for business expansion. This presentation will cover a basic overview of exporting and how you can take advantage of it for your business. This workshop will teach you about the benefits of exporting, what's needed in order to export, how to do it, and what resources are available to help you through the process.

January

17

REGISTER

Transformative Inclusion Journey:

A 21-Day DEI Challenge


9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Location: Online

Presented By: IMEC

Begin 2024 on the right note by earning a certificate that symbolizes your commitment to becoming a catalyst for inclusion. Your engagement will amplify our resolve to transform the manufacturing industry, reduce the equity gap, and level the playing field for all.

January

18

REGISTER

MxD In-Person Information Session


2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Location: MxD, Chicago IL

Presented By: MxD

Join an in-person information session to learn more about MxD. MxD invites you to take a staff-led tour of their facility, an experiential manufacturing environment to experiment and demonstrate digital manufacturing technologies. In partnership with the Department of Defense, MxD equips U.S. factories with the digital tools and expertise they need to begin building every part better than the last.

Keep in touch! Send questions, comments, or content suggestions to: M3@CookCountyIL.gov