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!
The IMEC Illinois mission and support for small and mid-sized manufacturers is more important than ever before. The shifting supply chains are opportunities and challenges that we help these companies navigate successfully. I truly appreciate the Illinois Manufacturers' Association tremendous support of a federal policy that just makes sense and brings a great return. Thank you.
Eliminate the federal corporate income tax so companies and/their trade association dues can fund these partnership networks via their own dollars National Association of Manufacturers - NAM Marc DeCourcey Alan Cobb Harry Moser Mark Manuel Tom Emmer
So IMEC is being eliminated?
Our company has paid IMEC for consulting that helps us retain and attract talent, strengthen our team, and improve our online presence. Hurting MEP and IMEC hurts US businesses.
You are appreciated David Boulay, Illinois Manufacturers' Association & IMEC Illinois!
Thank you for showing your support for MEPs and small manufacturers!
MEP’s made a huge difference for thousands and thousands of SME’s; especially when challenges call for solutions which SME’s are new to. MEP’s are key to successful a manufacturing strategy! Keep up the funding support!!
I couldn't agree more.
Evidence that the tariffs are not so much about re-shoring the production of goods as they are about creating a mafia mechanism for control and grift.
Management Consultant; Quality Assurance and Curriculum Advisor, Food Industry Technician Development Program, FIT, Sponsored by the Food Production Solutions Association; Member Board of Directors Gasvoda Group.
4dVery disappointed, IMEC has been a valuable resource and training partner for two different companies I’ve worked with