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IMEC to Host Defense Industry Day to Strengthen U.S. Industrial Base and Expand Opportunities for Illinois Manufacturers
Manufacturers, defense leaders, and economic development partners will gather June 16–17 for Defense Industry Day hosted by IMEC to strengthen the U.S. industrial base and expand defense supply chain opportunities.
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Meet the Finalists: 2026 Manufacturing Excellence Awards
Manufacturers across Illinois are navigating workforce challenges, rising costs, and constant change. Across the state, companies, educators, and industry partners are finding new ways to adapt, grow, and lead. On […]
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5 for 5: Illinois Secures 5 High-Profile Wins in 5 Weeks
Originally published by the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, this article features IMEC President David Boulay and highlights recent manufacturing and economic development wins across Illinois.
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IMEC Celebrates 30 Years Strengthening Illinois Manufacturers Across Every Hometown
PEORIA, Ill., March 24, 2026 — From legacy metal casting at State Line Foundries in South Beloit to river simulation systems engineered by Emriver in Carbondale, the Made in My […]
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SomerCor Expands Board of Directors, Emphasizing Strategic Partnerships
CHICAGO, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SomerCor, a nonprofit U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Certified Development Company (CDC) and leading provider of SBA 504 financing, today announced the appointment of Adrienne H. […]
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IMEC Launches NextGen Makers Internship Program to Strengthen Illinois Manufacturing Workforce
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) today announced the launch of the NextGen Makers Internship Program, a structured, employer-driven initiative designed to help small and mid-sized Illinois manufacturers develop skilled […]
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Cook County Announces Grant Program for Casting and Forging Businesses
Cook County has launched Cook County Forging Growth, a grant and cohort program helping local casting and forging manufacturers modernize operations and compete for new opportunities.
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Inprentus Awarded NASA SBIR Phase III Contract to Support Advanced Space Optics Manufacturing
Illinois-based precision optics manufacturer Inprentus has been awarded a NASA SBIR Phase III contract, highlighting how advanced manufacturing capabilities are enabling next-generation space science and aerospace innovation.
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IMEC and Commerce Bank Deliver “Lean Meets Finance” Event Series to Support Illinois Manufacturers
IMEC and Commerce Bank completed a four-city Lean Meets Finance series that helped Illinois manufacturers connect Lean practices with financial process improvements to boost efficiency, strengthen cash flow, and improve overall performance.
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IMEC and Kane County EDC Announce Extended Manufacturing Grant Program for Local Manufacturers
New Opportunities Available to Strengthen Operations, Workforce, and Competitiveness in Kane County.
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Illinois Manufacturers to Celebrate Manufacturing Month with “Makers on the Move” Statewide Bus Tour
From Oct. 3–10, Makers on the Move showcases innovation and rewarding careers in Illinois manufacturing.
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Get to Know the IMEC Board of Directors: Anthony Browning
Anthony Browning, Plant Manager at HELLA Electronics in Flora, IL, blends innovation, automation, and community impact in his work. Now, he brings that vision and dedication to service as the newest member of the IMEC Board of Directors.
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How Illinois manufacturers turn automation into a jobs engine
Upskilled workers, improved efficiency come with continuous improvements.
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Budzinski wants to protect manufacturing extension partnership amid proposed federal cuts
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski led a roundtable at Wagner Machine Company in Champaign to champion the critical role of the MEP program, administered in Illinois by IMEC, and to voice strong opposition to proposed federal funding cuts that threaten small manufacturers’ growth and resilience.
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Smart policy for manufacturing: Why support for small firms pays off
Small and mid-size manufacturers are the foundation of American industry. They make up 99% of all manufacturing companies, provide good jobs in every community and anchor supply chain resilience. Yet, […]