Chicago Metro Metal Consortium and IMEC announce Manufacturing Matchmaking events
Chicago, Illinois (PRWEB) October 19, 2014 -- The Chicago Metro Metal Consortium, organized by the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development in partnership with IMEC, announces a series of “Manufacturing Matchmaking” events in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties to increase sales opportunities for firms in primary metals, metal fabricating, metal working and machinery industries.
The series of matchmaking and networking events, to be held throughout northeastern Illinois, will represent “speed-dating” opportunities for suppliers and end users. Participating firms from across the region have a structured opportunity to network with potential customers and suppliers by sharing information, samples and more. The first event is scheduled for December 9th in Chicago.
“On behalf of the Chicago Metro Manufacturing Metal Consortium, we are pleased to partner with IMEC to launch this series of events across the region which will support the growth of the metal manufacturing cluster in northeastern Illinois,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
Manufacturing participants are confident this format helps connect them with the right partners. Jim Mechowski, Sales Manager for IVP Plastics describes his experience at a recent matchmaking event in Illinois saying, “Finding new regional manufacturing partners allows a fast track to success, and we have found those partners through the matchmaking forums.”
In addition to the benefits of one-on-one meetings with manufacturers , David Boulay, President of IMEC, expresses the importance for the regional strength of the manufacturing communities. “Strengthening regional supply chains is a wise strategy for businesses to mitigate risks and costs, resulting in growth opportunities for our workforce and communities. We are excited about the Consortium’s efforts to convene around the supply networks that are the lifeblood of manufacturing and our economy.”
The Chicago metro region is one of the nation's top metal manufacturing regions. Currently, there are more than 3,700 metal and machining firms in the region employing more than 100,000 people and generating $30 billion in annual revenue. The Chicago Metro Manufacturing Consortium’s goal is to assist companies involved in metals and manufacturing increase their revenues and productivity.
The first event in the series will take place on December 9th at the University of Illinois at Chicago Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60607 from 9:00AM to 1:00PM. Participation is free but advance registration is required. All appointments are scheduled on a first come, first served registration basis; organizers will try to accommodate all requests. For additional information and to register, please visit http://www.imec.org/Chicago-Manufacturing-Matchmaking.cfm.
Additional program support is provided by the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, IMEC and Made in Illinois – highlighting the diversity of products made in the state and celebrating the companies that manufacture them.
Lead Organizations:
Chicago Metro Metal Consortium
The Chicago Metro Metal Consortium brings together more than 40 organizations and governments, including the seven counties of Northeastern Illinois and the City of Chicago, to focus on the region’s cluster of more than 3,700 metal manufacturing firms. The Consortium was one of just 12 recipients nationwide to receive an “Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership” (IMCP) designation through the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2014 and seeks to support economic development strategies focused on workforce development; supplier networks; research and innovation; infrastructure and site development; trade and international investment; and operational improvement and capital access. Kendall County and IMEC, both committed partners of the CMMC, serve as co-chairs for CMMC’s Supplier Networks Subcommittee.
Cook County Bureau of Economic Development
The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development fosters economic development through business growth, attraction, and retention programs, supports job creation and workforce development, and makes sustainable community investments connecting housing, employment development, and transportation. Guided by Partnering for Prosperity, Cook County’s economic growth action plan, the Bureau has a focus on regional economic development and supporting the growth of target industry clusters like metals.
IMEC
IMEC was established in 1996 with the goal of improving the productivity and competitiveness of Illinois’ small and mid-sized manufacturing firms. A non-profit economic development organization, IMEC is funded in part by the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and through fees paid by Illinois manufacturers for IMEC’s services. IMEC has 11 offices statewide and 40 full-time manufacturing improvement specialists.
Amy Fitzgerald, Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, http://www.imec.org, +1 (309) 677-2977, [email protected]
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