Illinois Manufacturers' Association

Today’s the last day to vote in the final Top 4 round of the IMA’s 2025 Makers Madness competition presented by Comcast Business ! Voting is open through 11:59 p.m. tonight. Vote NOW and help us determine The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois! #MakersMadnessIL www.makersmadnessil.com

IMA member Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. made history last fall as the first employer in the nation to earn the Spectrum Certified® designation in partnership with Stannum Core Solutions LLC. Founder Ben Schatzel is redefining workplace inclusivity with its 6-Step Spectrum Certified® Process, helping employers hire, train, and retain neurodivergent talent while optimizing business efficiency. With only 37% of neurodivergent individuals employed, this initiative is more than an inclusion effort—it’s a strategic advantage. Schatzel is on a mission to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers—read more about how Stannum Core Solutions is reshaping workforce development in USA Today. 🔗 https://ow.ly/SMcw50VqTpa

Just a few days remain to vote in the FINAL ROUND of the IMA’s 2025 Makers Madness competition presented by Comcast Business! Help us choose The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois – voting is open through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 6. VOTE NOW! #MakersMadnessIL www.makersmadnessil.com

Calling all Illinois students! The IMA and IMEC Illinois are once again hosting a design contest for the Makers on the Move 45-foot charter bus wrap, open to Illinois students of all ages! Winners of the contest will not only have their design featured on the bus for the entire week-long, state-wide tour, but you will also win the offer for the bus to stop at your school! *New this year*: Ace Sign Company will help students bring their designs to life with three optional technical assistance sessions (virtual or in-person) to guide your creative process. Interested students must complete the submission form available here: https://ow.ly/Tiew50Vu8QB to receive dimensions of the bus and design format instructions that must be used for submission (AI is preferred). Designs are s due by Friday, May 9th at 5:00 pm to Sarah Hartwick (shartwick@ima-net.org). Please share far and wide to reach all interested Illinois students and local schools! ------------------------ Key Dates: 🖌 Design due: Friday, May 9, 5:00 PM (Submit to Sarah Hartwick at shartwick@ima-net.org) 📅 Technical Assistance Sessions at Ace Sign Co.: 📍 April 15 | Project Overview (3:30-4:30 PM) 📍 April 22 | Design Prep (3:30-4:30 PM) 📍 April 29 | Final Review (3:30-4:30 PM)

This week, the U.S. Department of Commerce began notifying Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)s in ten states across the country that they are being eliminated. Elimination of the MEP program (including IMEC Illinois) runs counter to the Administration’s goal of building a strong American manufacturing sector and supply chains. Designed to work exclusively with small and mid-sized manufacturing companies, the MEP program is a key partner in strengthening the American manufacturing sector. We encourage the President and U.S. Department of Commerce to fund this important program. Nationally, according to the Department’s own data released days ago, the MEP program helped create and retain 1.7 million American manufacturing jobs in 2024. In Illinois alone, the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) helped create or retain 7,736 jobs with an aggregate impact of $872 million - a 19:1 return on investment!

Help us honor the best in Illinois manufacturing!🏆 The Manufacturing Excellence Awards, presented in partnership with IMEC Illinois recognize outstanding contributions across eight key categories, from innovation and sustainability to workforce development and community impact. These awards will be presented alongside the IMA’s 2025 Hall of Fame inductees at our second annual Manufacturing Hall of Fame & Excellence Awards Luncheon on Thursday, June 26, at The Westin Chicago Lombard. 🏅 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

This full-day, high-energy program will connect our manufacturing community with peers in the industry, safety champions, government regulators and leading attorneys who will provide important updates, suggest practical solutions and offer innovative ideas to help keep employees safe, reduce risk and lead to better EHS outcomes for your company. Learn more about this year’s program session and register to join us now: https://ow.ly/mLr350VqRcU

How can manufacturers stay competitive in today’s evolving landscape? Find out on April 17th at the Made in America Summit, hosted by the The Executives' Club of Chicago and sponsored by Bank of America and CDW. This in-person event will bring together industry leaders to discuss the latest challenges and opportunities in U.S. manufacturing, including the transformative role of AI and technology. Highlights Include: 🔹Fireside chat & expert panel discussions 🔹Insights from top executives, including Don Doyle (CDW) & Sedrick Ware, MBA (Kimberly-Clark) 🔹 Moderated by Kara Demirjian Huss (TCCI Manufacturing, IMA BOD Member) Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore what’s next for U.S. manufacturing. Secure your spot today! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ggCF3YWa

The IMA Education Foundation is working with State Representative Dave Vella on legislation that establishes a pilot program for manufacturers who are interested in opening their own onsite childcare center. Based on policy work in other states, the IMA is continuing discussions with early childcare education stakeholders to ensure a strong proposal that will lead to real results in increasing childcare offerings for employees in daycare deserts across Illinois. Learn more about HB 1251 via the link below: https://ow.ly/GTfW50VqQYF

The collective buying power of members allows the IMA to offer group rates and discounts on a variety of products and services. Learn more about the IMA’s ship and save benefits today! https://lnkd.in/gWifDkwh