September 2024

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300+ Manufacturers Attend the 2024 Illinois Defense Manufacturing Industry Day

Manufacturers and industry partners celebrated the latest innovations and collaboration in DoD-supported manufacturing alongside 300+ manufacturers at the first Illinois Defense Manufacturing Industry Day on August 15, 2024 in Rosemont, IL.

Attendees gained insights into the DoD procurement process, learned about collaborative partnerships supporting defense industry growth, received DoD supply chain perspectives from fellow manufacturing leaders, and participated in matchmaking opportunities.


Interested in learning more on how your business can leverage contracting opportunities within the DoD supply chain? Discover essential resources from our partners below.

Resources for Manufacturers Interested In Government Contracting

The Supply Chain Center promotes local sourcing and diversity within the industry, connecting Illinois manufacturers with suppliers across the U.S.


Visit IMEC's Supply Chain Center here.

Illinois APEX Accelerators provide manufacturers with the assistance they need to sell products or services to federal, state, and local governments.


Find your local APEX center here.

The U.S. SBA provides resources, certifications, and readiness guidance to small businesses interested in pursuing government contracts.


Access SBA's

resources here.

FEATURED EVENTS

Join Fellow Manufacturers at IMTS, the Largest Technology Show in North America

M3 Chicago is proud to sponsor the Opening Night Reception, hosted by GACC Midwest to kickoff the International Manufacturing Technology Show at McCormick Place in Chicago. Opening night brings together professionals from the German, US, and global manufacturing industries. 


Join us for a night of good food and excellent networking! Use our exclusive promo code IMTSR24 to unlock a reduced rate for opening night here.


September

9-14

REGISTER

International Manufacturing Technology Show




Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, IL

Presented By: The Association For Manufacturing Technology

IMTS - the largest manufacturing technology show and marketplace in the Western Hemisphere - returns to Chicago this September. Join fellow creators, builders, sellers, and drivers of manufacturing technology and discover advanced manufacturing solutions that include innovations in CNC machining, automation, robotics, additive, software, inspection, and transformative digital technologies that drive our future forward.

EVENTS

September

10

SIGN UP

Chicago Southside Job Fair






Begins at 11:00 AM 

Location: Rowan Park, Chicago, IL

Presented By: OAI

OAI invites manufacturers to participate at the upcoming Chicago Southside Job Fair. This event is a prime opportunity to connect with a diverse pool of talented job seekers from the Southside community.

September

17-18

REGISTER

MxD's 10-Year Anniversary Celebration & Annual Summit



8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 

Location: Chicago, IL

Presented By: MxD

Join MxD in celebrating a decade of transformative work at the Manufacturing x Digital Annual Summit and 10th Anniversary reception. Day one of the Annual Summit is open to all. Day two of the Annual Summit is open to MxD members only. 

September

19

REGISTER

Tackling the Tough Ten: Strategies for the Hardest CMMC Requirements



1:00 PM to 2:00 PM 

Location: Chicago, IL

Presented By: IMEC

Connect with cybersecurity experts as IMEC breaks down the ten most challenging aspects of CMMC compliance. This webinar offers practical strategies, expert tips, and resources to turn these hurdles into milestones on your compliance journey.

September

25

REGISTER

TMA Morning Mixer





10:00 AM to 2:00 PM 

Location: South Elgin, IL

Presented By: TMA

TMA invites you to connect with fellow manufacturers for coffee, pancakes and conversation at this morning networking event in South Elgin, IL. TMA BOD Chairman Craig Zoberis will lead as the event's guest speaker.

September

26

SIGN UP

University Park Hiring Event 






10:00 AM to 2:00 PM 

Location: University Park, IL

Presented By: OAI

OAI, in collaboration with the Village of University Park, invites manufacturers to connect with job seekers from the South Suburban area and fill your open positions with talented local candidates. This hiring event will attract a diverse group of job seekers across various industries and experience levels. By attending, you’ll have the chance to showcase your company, meet potential employees face-to-face, and enhance your recruitment efforts in the region.

October

1

REGISTER

Cook County Manufacturing Apprenticeship Accelerator Informational Webinar



1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Location: Online

Presented By: M3 Chicago,

Skills for Chicagoland's Future

Join M3 Chicago and Skills for Chicagoland's Future for a comprehensive overview of the Cook County Manufacturing Apprenticeship Accelerator program.

October

2-3

SIGN UP

CMISP Manufacturing Day






1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Location: Chicago Southland, IL

Presented By: OAI, CMISP

Join OAI and CMISP in celebrating Manufacturing Day this October! Join as the SOUTHWORKS Integrated Education and Workforce Initiative kicks off for the 2024-2025 year by organizing Manufacturing Day tours for high school groups in the Chicago Southland. Manufacturing Day is a unique opportunity to showcase the innovative manufacturing happening in the Chicago Southland and inspire the next generation of industry leaders. Participate in hosting a tour and be part of this exciting event. 

M3 CHICAGO RESOURCES

Jumpstart your Business Improvement Projects!

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.

Tackle your workforce challenges

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.

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.

Low cost, long-term financing for energy efficiency projects

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.

FROM OUR PARTNERS

How are you Incorporating Data into your Supply Chain and Processes?

MxD needs your input to identify gaps in technology that serve as barriers to enabling valuable business solutions. All information provided will be anonymous and used for internal purposes only.


MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) is funded by the Department of Defense to advance economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Help determine the future of Cook County programs

Cook County seeks your input on the future of programs supported by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), federal legislation that provided Cook County with a historic investment of $1 billion.


Cook County used these funds to develop innovative programs and resources to address the most pertinent needs of the community at the time. This funding is set to be exhausted in 2026.


Ensure your voice is heard by completing the Community Voices Survey, or by attending an upcoming local town hall.

LEARN MORE AND TAKE THE SURVEY

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