Manufacturing Matchmaking series leveraging key industries, partners in southwestern Chicagoland
Chicago, Illinois (PRWEB) April 14, 2015 -- The Chicago Metro Metal Consortium, in partnership with IMEC, has announced the second date in the series of “Manufacturing Matchmaking” events for Chicagoland manufacturers to increase sales opportunities for firms in primary metals, metal fabricating, metal working and machinery industries. The matchmaking event is scheduled for May 14th at the Bolingbrook Golf Club, 2001 Rodeo Drive, Bolingbrook, IL. Registration is open now through April 23rd by visiting http://www.imec.org/events.cfm.
“With thirty manufacturers participating and several successful connections made as a result, our first matchmaking event was a big success,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “On behalf of the entire Chicago Metro Manufacturing Metal Consortium, we are pleased to partner once again with IMEC to increase opportunities for metal manufacturers throughout the entire northeast Illinois region.”
This series of matchmaking and networking events represents “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 in the series was held in Chicago in December 2014.
Manufacturing participants have been encouraged by the amount of connections made at the event and the opportunity for new business relationships to transpire. One manufacturer remarked about the unique approach saying, “Several of the companies I met with can provide a service that my company requires. The connection gave me a direct contact and company background information that is difficult to obtain via the internet.”
Advanced registration is required for all participants. Manufacturers may register for $50 per company and non-manufacturers may participate in a vendor capacity for $150. All manufacturer-to-manufacturer 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/Events.cfm.
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.
Additional program support is provided by the Will County Center for Economic Development, Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation, PNC Bank, Chicago Metro Metal Consortium. 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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