July 2024

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How do you connect with fellow manufacturers?

Strong partnerships and collaboration are essential for driving innovation and growth in our industry. As we come together for networking events and engaging presentations, let’s harness the collective strength of our community to tackle challenges and seize new opportunities. Together, we can elevate the manufacturing landscape in Cook County. Dive in to discover exciting opportunities to connect and more this month!

2024 Illinois Defense Manufacturing Industry Day

Join the IMEC and Illinois Defense Manufacturing Consortium and for a pivotal event designed to supercharge collaboration, innovation, and growth within the defense manufacturing industry.

This is your chance to connect with fellow manufacturing leaders and engage with OEMs through personalized matchmaking sessions, network with peers, and discover cutting-edge advancements in defense manufacturing technology. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity that will shape the future of manufacturing in Illinois.

M3 Chicago is a proud sponsor of the 2024 Illinois Defense Manufacturing Industry Day. Be sure to stop by our table at the event to discover Cook County's innovative programs designed to support local manufacturers.

August

15

8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Location: Rosemont, IL

*Registration is limited. Priority will be given to Illinois manufacturers actively involved in or capable of joining the defense supply chain.

M3 Chicago On The Road

Join fellow manufacturers for dynamic networking events featuring engaging presentations from M3 Chicago, IMEC, and Skills for Chicagoland's Future. Discover valuable Cook County-funded programs designed to boost your operations and productivity, grow your business, and develop your workforce through enhanced engagement, leadership training, and apprenticeships.

Don’t miss out on these exciting opportunities to connect and learn—mark your calendar and be part of the future of manufacturing in Cook County

Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented Grant

Join the ranks of over 200 Cook County manufacturers who have leveraged Manufacturing Reinvented, a $5 million grant program designed to support projects that boost business competitiveness and resiliency. Eligible businesses can receive up to $25,000 in reimbursement per completed project.

Ready to transform your business? Jamie Moore, Program Manager, Industry Development, to learn more and apply today.

Cook County Manufacturing Apprenticeship Accelerator

The Cook County Manufacturing Apprenticeship Accelerator, in collaboration with Skills for Chicagoland's Future aims to tackle one of the biggest challenges for manufacturers: hiring and retaining talent.

This program connects manufacturers in Chicago and suburban Cook County with pre-screened candidates to fill their open positions. Skills for Chicagoland's Future also provides supportive services to new hires and apprentices during their first 90 days, including career counseling, transportation assistance, work uniforms, and childcare referrals.

Excited to strengthen your workforce? Learn more here.

Cook County BRITE Grant Program

Ready to boost your energy efficiency and save money? The BRITE (Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment) program assists suburban Cook County small businesses, including eligible manufacturers, in discovering energy efficiency savings through free on-site assessments.

Additionally, the County offers $6 million in grant funding to help businesses implement assessment recommendations, with a maximum award of $300,000 per applicant.

For more information about the BRITE program and to review eligibility requirements, click here or email BRITE@cookcountyil.gov.

Cook County Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program

Commercial property assessed clean energy (C-PACE) financing offers low-cost, long-term funding for energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, and resiliency projects in commercial buildings. Cook County commercial property owners can receive up to 100% upfront financing from private capital providers for upgrades like HVAC, lighting, and solar systems in both existing buildings and new constructions.

For more information, click here or contact Krista Elam, Cook County Bureau of Economic Development Program Manager.

Cybersecurity Compliance Resources

Seeking the latest updates to ensure you are maintaining Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance? Visit the DOD CMMC Resource Page to discover resources to assist government contractors with understanding and complying with CMMC and cybersecurity requirements for manufacturers.