November 2023

As 2023 draws to a close, we are thankful for our network of manufacturers. Comprised of over 12 thousand businesses in the Chicagoland region with a collective output of over $99 Billion, and employing more than 410,000 individuals throughout the region, the Chicagoland region is home to the second largest manufacturing industry in the nation. We are also thankful for the many organizations that support our manufacturing industry, and our partners for sharing program updates, events, their knowledge and future goals.

 

While we are looking back at an amazing year, there is still more to come:

Discover updates, upcoming events and resources available below.

RESOURCES

Chicago Employer Action Lab


The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, HIRE360 and The Chicagoland Workforce Funder Alliance present the Chicago Employer Action Lab, a 10-month immersive learning experience, seeking to change the paradigm for both employers and employees by bringing together a cohort of employers who are committed to intentionally disrupting their current talent systems and practices in service of addressing their medium to long-term talent and business needs while also increasing opportunity for their frontline and entry-level workforce to build careers not just jobs. The program launches in March 2024, discover upcoming informational webinars in our featured events below.


Learn more: Chicago Employer Action Lab

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.

Join the over 150 local manufacturers who have already applied!


Apply or learn more: ccmfg.org


Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program


Commercial property assessed clean energy (C-PACE) financing is an innovative tool that provides low-cost, long-term financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, and resiliency projects in commercial buildings. Cook County commercial property owners can obtain up to 100% upfront financing from private capital providers for qualified upgrades such as HVAC, lighting and solar photovoltaic systems, and many more, in both existing buildings and new construction projects.

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


EVENTS

November

28

REGISTER

Partners in Progress: Manufacturing Updates & Supply Chain Resilience


11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Location: Online

Join the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center for this exclusive opportunity to be part of a crucial conversation involving economic, industry, and community resources all dedicated to helping manufacturers like you not just survive but thrive. This month’s interactive webinar will feature leadership from Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, IMEC, and IMA, presenting the top 5 things you should be aware of this month to prepare for a promising 2024 from our designated organizations. We will also take a deep dive into the critical topics of supply chain resiliency as it is important to your business’s future growth and productivity.

November

29

REGISTER

Chicago Employer Action Lab Informational Session #1


12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Location: Online

Learn more about the 2024 Chicago Employer Action Lab, a no-cost 10-month immersive learning experience, which seeks to change the paradigm for both employers and employees by bringing together a cohort of employers who are committed to intentionally disrupting their current talent systems and practices in service of addressing their medium to long-term talent and business needs while also increasing opportunity for their frontline and entry-level workforce to build careers not just jobs

December

1

RSVP

Smart Training Solutions for Manufacturers


9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Location: The Will Group,

4647 W Polk Street, Chicago, IL 60644

Employers are constantly faced with On-the-Job Training (OJT) to develop and maintain a globally competitive workforce. Many employers find themselves in a vicious cycle of implementing new training models that help a little but not enough, or not knowing how to measure a return on their investment. Smart Training Solutions (STS) is both a framework AND technology for OJT. With STS you can build dynamically updated training materials and proactively execute training within the natural flow of work.  


STS will be available at no-cost to manufacturers participating in the Good Jobs Challenge grant. Please contact Lisa Cockerham with questions and to RSVP.


December

6

REGISTER

Women in Manufacturing & Engineering


8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Location: mHUB

1623 W. Fulton Street, Chicago, IL 60612

Join mHUB’s 5th annual Women in Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME) event on Wednesday, December 6th. This half-day event will convene and celebrate influential women driving impact within the manufacturing and engineering sectors. The program will feature a keynote from a senior industry leader, as well as a panel discussion: Women Advancing Innovation and Inclusion in Manufacturing and Engineering.

December

8

REGISTER

IMA Annual Luncheon


10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Location: Sheraton Grand Chicago

301 E. North Water St., Chicago, IL

The Illinois Manufacturing Association Annual Luncheon will be in-person at the Sheraton Grand Chicago on Friday, December 8, 2023, with the popular Breakout Education Sessions held virtually each day of the week leading up to the event. The Annual Luncheon features keynote remarks, a celebration of the Manufacturer of the Year, and Member Milestone Anniversary Awards.

December

11-14

REGISTER

Defense Manufacturing Conference (DMC) 2023


11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Location: Music City Center

201 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203

Join MxD at the Defense Manufacturing Conference (DMC) 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee this December 11-14, 2023.


DMC is the nation’s annual forum for enhancing and leveraging the efforts of engineers, managers, technology leaders, scientists, and policy makers across the defense manufacturing industrial base. Leaders and manufacturing subject matter experts from government, industry, and academia exchange information and perspectives on defense manufacturing policies, strategic direction, best practices, funding opportunities, and the latest manufacturing innovations that will benefit our warfighters.

December

12

REGISTER

MGF2023: The DuPage Manufacturing Forum


11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Location: Hamilton Lakes Conference Center,

300 Park-Lake Level P2, Itasca, IL 60143

Join Choose Dupage at MFG2023, an event made for Chicagoland manufacturers. Connect with industry peers over breakfast, hear from local experts, and explore topics like sustainability, talent pipelines, growth plans, and tax incentives.

December

14

REGISTER

Previewing The 2024 State Legislative Session


8:00 AM to 8:30 AM

Location: Online

Join the Technology & Manufacturing Association for this virtual briefing with TMA State Lobbyist David Curtin and special guests Illinois State Senator Jason Plummer and State Representative Tim Ozinga to preview the 2024 session of the Illinois General Assembly and the impact it could have on TMA members.

December

14

REGISTER

TMA on Tap: Holiday Networking


4:30 PM to 6:00 PM

Location: Church Street Brewing

1480 Industrial Drive Unit C

Itasca, IL 60143

Join the Technology & Manufacturing Association for an Open Bar and Appetizers while getting to know fellow manufacturers from TMA at Church Street Brewing! This is an informal manufacturer's gathering designed to build and strengthen the manufacturing community in the area.

Manufacturers only please.

December

15

REGISTER

The Calumet Area Industrial Commission's 55th Annual Holiday Luncheon


11:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Location:

Mark your calendars for December 15, 2023, for The Calumet Area Industrial Commission's (CAIC) 55th Annual Holiday Luncheon. Highlights of the event include a keynote address from guest speaker George Wright, Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, networking opportunities, and recognition of achievements of CAIC members.

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