October 2023

Introducing M3 Chicago


Your go-to source for regional manufacturing news, events, and insights. With each update, M3 Chicago will provide content to help manufacturers expand, collaborate, network, innovate and access critical resources.

Celebrating Manufacturing Month

Every October, we celebrate manufacturing as the foundation for building a strong local, national and global economy. As manufacturers seek to fill 4 million high-skill, high-tech and high-paying jobs over the next decade, we recognize that these careers provide a lifetime of opportunity. This month, discover some of the programs and events our regional partners are hosting to support industry innovation, resiliency and inspire the next generation of makers to join in and develop their talents.


Learn more about Manufacturing Month here.

MAKING AN IMPACT

Makers on the Move Illinois Tour

M3 Chicago is a proud sponsor of Makers on the Move. Join us in celebrating at a Cook County tour stop!


Designed to showcase modern manufacturing which is high-tech, clean, diverse, and sustainable, the Illinois Manufacturers' Association and Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) will be embarking on an eight-day tour across Illinois to celebrate Manufacturing Month. The Makers on the Move bus will visit manufacturing facilities, colleges, and high schools across the state to highlight the innovative manufacturing sector and amazing job opportunities that are available today. 


Learn more about Makers on the Move and view the full tour here.

FROM OUR PARTNERS

MxD Workforce Needs Survey


MxD, a Department of Defense-sponsored Manufacturing Innovation Institute, wants your input! Complete their workforce needs survey to help identify target digital manufacturing and cybersecurity job roles and skills for certification program development. MxD plans to bring innovative certification programs to manufacturing employers and workers in 2024. Participants will be entered into a raffle to receive a $20 Amazon gift card!

Survey Closes

October 31


Complete the Survey

RESOURCES

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


IMEC Launches Supply Chain Center

IMEC is proud to announce their new Supply Chain Initiative. This innovative solution is designed to cater to all mid-sized manufacturers (SMMs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) throughout Illinois, providing them with comprehensive support to strengthen their 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

EVENTS

Makers on the Move


Through October 13

See full event schedule here for event times and locations


Join M3 Chicago, IMA, and IMEC while connecting with fellow local manufacturers and industry partners at a Makers on the Move tour stop. Full event details and stops are listed in the event schedule here, discover stops in Cook County below!

October

12

REGISTER

Makers on the Move

- Demgy Tour Stop


1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Location: Demgy

701 Lee St, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

October

13

REGISTER

Makers on the Move

- UESCO Tour Stop


8:30 AM to 9:30 AM

Location: UESCO

5908 W 118th St., Alsip, IL 60803

October

12

REGISTER

Made in South Holland:

The Importance of Manufacturing

to Our Community


12 PM to 1:30 PM

Location: South Holland Community Center

501 East 170th Street, South Holland, IL 60473

Join the South Holland Business Association for an exciting and informative event featuring a panel discussion involving South Holland manufacturers and local educators expounding on the importance of manufacturing to the South Holland and Southland region economies.

October

17

RSVP

Cook County Manufacturing Partnership - West


8:30 AM to 9:30 AM

Location: The Will Group

4647 W Polk St., Chicago, IL 60644

Cook County in collaboration with the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership invites westside- area manufacturers to attend the kickoff meeting to discuss workforce needs and the latest industry trends. Learn about $4M in available funding from the Good Jobs Challenge grant for workforce training that will be designed to meet your business needs.

October

18

REGISTER

Illinois Manufacturers' Association Environment and Energy Conference



9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Location: Governors State University, Hall of Honors

1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484

Join the Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) for a comprehensive event where state environmental and energy experts lead discussions and provide valuable guidelines on the top environmental issues affecting Illinois manufacturers and the way they do business across the state.

October

19

REGISTER

Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2023 Manufacturing, Technology, Healthcare Forum and Expo


8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Location: University Center of Lake County

1200 University Center Drive, Grayslake, IL 60030

Join the Lake County Chamber of Commerce for the 2023 Manufacturing, Technology, Healthcare Forum & Expo, featuring guest speakers from the Technology and Manufacturing Association (TMA), IMEC, along with a host of professionals providing commentary on leading industry announcements.

October

25

REGISTER

Empower Your Workforce:

Shaping the Workforce of

Tomorrow in Will County


7:30 AM to 9:30 AM

Location: Joliet Junior College

1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet, IL 60431

Join the Will County Center for Economic Development, Joliet Junior College, and IMEC for an exciting conversation concerning manufacturing workforce in Will County. Panelists will share invaluable insights and strategies, shedding light on key areas for successful internship and apprenticeship programming.

October

26

REGISTER

Roundtable: Hiring and Keeping

Your Employees



11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Location: Technology & Manufacturing Association

1651 Wilkening Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173

Join the Technology and Manufacturing Association (TMA) for a collaborative roundtable to discuss recruiting techniques. Jody Contreras from Chatfield Global will be the expert in the room to help guide conversation around workforce recruitment and retention topics.

November

1

REGISTER

Arlington Heights Manufacturing Education and Advocacy Program



8:00 AM to 9:30 AM

Location: Makerplace

112 . Belmont Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

The Village of Arlington Heights and the Arlington Economic Alliance invite you to join for the first Arlington Heights Manufacturing Education & Advocacy Program. This free program will discuss resources available to local manufacturers. 

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