Illinois Manufacturers' Association

ICYMI - Our friends at IMEC Illinois and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity are launching the 2025 Made in Illinois grant program, which awards up to $50k to small-and mid-sized Illinois manufacturers (5-250 employees) to support innovation and strategic advancements in manufacturing. This initiative aims to empower manufacturers with the tools they need to not only thrive but also to significantly contribute to the economic landscape of Illinois. Applications open on April 15 and will be accepted through April 30, 2025. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gxvZVRWe

Thanks to the lawmakers who joined us this morning for our monthly Illinois Manufacturing Caucus breakfast. Another great discussion on important issues impacting Illinois manufactures including pharmaceutical legislation and a lively discussion on the 340B program, with important participation from IMA member companies including Pfizer, AbbVie, PhRMA and Johnson & Johnson.

We are excited to be preparing for the announcement of our 2025 Manufacturing Hall of Fame in Illinois class, showcasing the amazing and innovative manufacturing sector, while recognizing and enshrining people, products, and companies that have made a substantial impact on Illinois. In addition to the Hall of Fame, the IMA and our partners at IMEC Illinois will honor companies, organizations, and individuals in eight categories for outstanding contributions within the manufacturing sector. Nominations are open now through April 11, 2025! Celebrate the leaders shaping the future of manufacturing in Illinois—submit your nomination today! 🔗 https://ow.ly/PfEa50VewQv 📅 Event details & registration: https://ow.ly/Uf1F50VewQt

Chosen by voters from an initial field of more than 250 entries, the Aerial Firefighting Helicopter Refill Pump made by MTH Pumps in Plano has been crowned the winner of the 2025 “Makers Madness” contest, earning the title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois! The Aerial Firefighting Helicopter Refill Pump was designed to reduce the refill time of helicopter-based water tanks from over a minute to as little as 30 seconds, increasing the number of water drops that aerial firefighters can place on a wildfire. This time advantage improves the chances of slowing or stopping fires from endangering lives, property and habitats. When wildfires in California left a trail of destruction, MTH Pumps helped by providing rapid and reliable water access for aerial firefighting teams. With nearly 411,000 votes cast throughout the eight-week competition, the Aerial Firefighting Helicopter Refill Pump was awarded the title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois, which was announced by Gov. JB Pritzker this afternoon during a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion. READ: Press Release Here: https://lnkd.in/g5rqpFHs WATCH: Full Awards Ceremony Here: https://lnkd.in/dBYnjRAt Congratulations to the Aerial Firefighting Helicopter Refill Pump for being named the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Illinois! #MakersMadnessIL

We're just a few hours away from announcing The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois! Stay tuned for our awards luncheon and big announcement - event kicks off today at Noon! #MakersMadnessIL

Much of the manufacturing base in Illinois – approximately 65 percent – derives from the five major subsectors of Food and Agriculture Manufacturing, Metal Fabrication Manufacturing, Heavy Equipment Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, and Transportation Equipment Manufacturing. The total annual economic impacts of these subsectors are $135 billion, $71 billion, $61 billion, $59 billion, and $44 billion, respectively. #MFGMattersIL

In the wake of the global pandemic—when Illinois manufacturers stepped up to meet the moment—the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) and Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC Illinois) formed a strategic partnership to strengthen and grow the industry. Since 2022, we've been working together to drive innovation and results across key areas like leadership, productivity, operations, cybersecurity, automation, supply chain, and workforce development. Together, we're building on Illinois’ proud manufacturing legacy to shape a stronger, more resilient future. Learn more: https://ow.ly/eU3j50Vvj9o

Join us Thursday, April 10 for an insightful virtual session on Working Capital Optimization led by Jeff Malek, Director & Team Lead at BMO’s Treasury Payments & Solutions team. Learn how to unlock resources, reduce short-term costs, and boost financial agility with: ✅ Practical strategies to optimize working capital ✅ A real-world case study of success ✅ Insights into fraud and payment trends affecting your cash flow. Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your financial game—register now!🔗 https://ow.ly/bQ5Z50VlZlg

On February 12, we were excited to announce the launch of our sixth annual “Makers Madness” contest, a bracket-style tournament in which voters across the state decide which product is The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois! Presented by Comcast Business, the competition celebrates the incredible work of manufacturers across Illinois, which have long served as the backbone of our state’s economy. Illinois manufacturers produce everything from life-saving vaccines and medical treatments to boundary-breaking electric vehicles and components used for space exploration. Join us as we take a look back at this year’s launch - and get ready to announce this year’s champion at Noon tomorrow, Wednesday, April 9! #MakersMadnessIL https://ow.ly/32jw50Vvj7V

The IMA Education Foundation's Workforce Summit is set to take place on Wednesday, June 4th at Richland Community College Community College in Decatur. Details and registration information will be released soon - SAVE THE DATE!