January 2024

What are your priorities for 2024? M3 Chicago and our partners are here to support. Join us at the 2024 M3 Manufacturing Forum to share insights and learn about available resources and programs to support the investments you are making in your business and people. Discover more events and resources below.


- M3 Team at Cook County

RESOURCES

Cook County Expands Manufacturing Reinvented Grant Program into City of Chicago

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced the expansion of Manufacturing Reinvented, a $5 million grant program supporting manufacturers with the implementation of projects to improve a business’ competitiveness and resiliency, into the City of Chicago. The program, which launched in 2022, was previously offered exclusively in suburban Cook County.


Cook County is providing this investment with funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The application portal is open countywide beginning January 24th, with applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Read the full press release here.


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


University of Illinois - Chicago's Industrial Assessment Center

The UIC Industrial Assessment Center is a Department of Energy Funded program which provides free energy and waste assessments to qualified industrial facilities. If your facility qualifies, the IAC team will schedule a one day energy and pollution site assessment, and deliver a report on energy and pollution saving measures.

Learn more about the eligibility qualifications and apply today here. 

Discover Reliable Suppliers, Meet Deadlines, and Access Nationwide Opportunities for Your Business

This cutting-edge supply chain center, supported by IMA and IMEC, is designed to connect Illinois manufacturers with suppliers across the United States. Designed to cater to mid-sized manufacturers (SMMs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the supply chain center provides comprehensive support to strengthen supply chains. With a focus on promoting local sourcing and diversity within the industry, this solution aims to propel Illinois’ manufacturing sector to new heights. Learn More Here

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Chicagoland Workforce Funder Alliance and Talent Rewire present Chicago Employer Action Lab

Employer representatives are invited to join Talent Rewire’s Chicago Employer Action Lab. This no-cost 10-month immersive learning experience is designed to change the paradigm between employers and employees in addressing medium to long-term talent and business needs, while increasing opportunities for frontline and entry-level workforce to build careers, not just jobs. The deadline to join is mid-February. Contact Tea Sefer, Program Manager, to learn more and to get registered today!

Join the Illinois Government Contracting Summit, Hosted by Illinois APEX Accelerator

Join the Illinois APEX Accelerator this March for the first annual Illinois Government Contracting Summit, the premier networking and training event for small business owners and interested parties looking to leverage government contracts.


This year’s theme, “Get the WIN” is for small businesses seeking to perform services and sell products to the federal, state and municipal government within Illinois. During this summit, there will be breakout training sessions and exhibitor networking opportunities that focus on skill areas needed to improve your business’s chance of winning contracts or expanding existing contracts with the government customer. Learn more and register to attend today!

FEATURED EVENT

Save the Date: 2024 M3 Manufacturing Forum

Join M3 Chicago for our inaugural M3 Manufacturing Forum at mHub on February 20th.

 

Hear from fellow manufacturers about how they have invested in their businesses with the support of Cook County programs and partnerships and discover how your business too can benefit from these opportunities. Connect with industry peers for a networking breakfast and explore topics such as automation, innovation, growth, and talent solutions. 

February

20

REGISTER


2024 M3 Manufacturing Forum


8:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Location: mHub, Chicago, IL

Presented By: M3 Chicago

EVENTS

February

6

REGISTER

Maximizing Manufacturing Potential with Data, Cost Reduction, and Profitability


9:00 AM to 9:45 AM

Location: Online

Presented By: Technology & Manufacturing Association

Join TMA for a presentation with TMA Member mode40! We will discuss the power of data collection and how it can impact your businesses profitability. Core concepts of Industry 4.0 can reduce costs, identify high-value processes, improve quality, improve employee productivity, empower informed decisions, workforce optimization and upskilling/training.

February

6

REGISTER

Using AI for Data-Driven Decision Making


10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Location: Online

Presented By: IMA, IMEC

Join IMA and IMEC for an in-depth exploration of data-driven decision-making and artificial intelligence tailored specifically for manufacturers. Join for an insightful session that delves into the intersection of data, technology, and strategic decision-making within the manufacturing landscape.

February

8

REGISTER

Integrating New Arrivals in the Workplace: Considerations for Illinois Employers


10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Location: Online

Presented By: State of Illinois DCEO

Join DCEO for an employer-focused webinar to learn more about how to recruit and integrate refugees and new arrivals into your workforce in IL. Immigrants and refugees are a growing labor force segment, yet there are often unique challenges and opportunities employers may need to consider. This webinar will address these considerations and share available resources from the State, the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, and Tent Partnership for Refugees.

February

15

REGISTER

Untapped Talent Solutions: The Path to Full Staffing with Amazing People in Manufacturing Luncheon


11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Location: Precision Zone, Wheeling, IL

Presented By: Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, IMEC

Join the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce and IMEC for an exclusive manufacturing event that will bring together experts to explore innovative strategies for achieving full staffing with top-tier talent.

February

15

REGISTER

Cybersecurity Essentials: Toolkit for Small Businesses


1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Location: Online

Presented By: IMEC

Join IMEC for an informational webinar discussing the digital tools that form

the cybersecurity backbone for small enterprises.

February

28

REGISTER

Roundtable: Apprenticeships and Registering with the Department of Labor


8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Location: Technology & Manufacturing Association, Schaumburg, IL

Presented By: Technology & Manufacturing Association

Do you have an implemented apprenticeship program, but are not registered with the Department of Labor? Join TMA for this roundtable lead by Dr. Nakeya Womack, Apprenticeship and Training Representative at the U.S. Department of Labor, and Leigh McConnell, Director of Training and Workforce Development for TMA, as they walk through registering your program with the DOL.

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