In this peer roundtable discussion, manufacturers will come together to share experiences, challenges, and ideas related to building and sustaining a strong workforce. The conversation will focus on how organizations identify talent, strengthen talent pipelines, and collaborate with partners to meet current and future workforce needs.
Participants are encouraged to exchange insights, learn from one another, and explore opportunities for collaboration beyond the session. This discussion is designed to be informal, interactive, and driven by peer conversation rather than presentations.
• Share experiences, challenges, and ideas related to building and sustaining a strong workforce
• Discuss how manufacturers identify talent and strengthen talent pipelines
• Exchange insights and learn from peers across Kane County
• Participate in an informal, interactive discussion led by peer conversation, not presentations
Agenda:
8:30 AM – Registration & Networking
9:00 AM – Opening Remarks
9:15 AM – Roundtable Discussion
10:15 AM – Key Takeaways & Closing
*This series is for Kane county manufacturers only
This is the third session in a four-part series—be sure to register for the remaining roundtables.
This event is part of the Extended Kane County Manufacturing Grant Program, delivered by IMEC in partnership with the Kane County Economic Development Corporation (KCEDC) to support manufacturers across Kane County.
Presenter
Joanne Ruiz
Technical Specialist
Expertise:
Bachelor of Arts in Communication emphasis Public Relations from Purdue Northwest University
Master of Arts in Communication emphasis Interpersonal Communication Purdue Northwest University
Specialized Skills
Bilingual – English & Spanish
Export documentation training
Certified Trainer for Development Dimensions International (DDI)
Certified Training Within Industry (TWI)
Certified Job Relations (JR) and Job Instruction (JI) Trainer and Coach
TPM (Talent Pipeline Management) certification in May 2025 from the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Growing up in the manufacturing Midwest with both parents working at one of the biggest mills in the area, I witnessed first–hand how vital manufacturing is for families and communities as it allows for income equality.
My manufacturing career began as a customer service representative at a steel manufacturer where I managed automotive accounts. In this role, I encountered and overcame many obstacles while shipping products across U.S./Mexico border. I utilized different resources and conducted extensive research in order to understand the process of shipping, export documentation requirements, and traveling across borderlines. Throughout this process, I learned that communication was key to meeting customers’ expectations. I grew to understand the organization from different angles, which equipped me with the knowledge to help employees learn different skills to communicate more effectively and empower them to become successful.
As a bi-lingual professional with IMEC, I am able to help manufacturers excel with a more engaged workforce. My focus is mainly on employee engagement and workforce development where I get to help employees voice their needs and feel empowered within the organization – especially Spanish-speaking employees. By collaborating with supervisors and implementing trainings like Training Within Industry (TWI), regardless of language barriers (English/Spanish), organizations end up with a more engaged team of employees, improved productivity that boosts their bottom line.
Results:
I created a standard operating procedure for How to Ship to Mexico after encountering numerous obstacles with shipping across borderlines. Asking the right questions, working with different departments, collaborating with stakeholders, I established procedures along with a troubleshooting guide for the entire company, which lead to reduced shipping time and cost savings.
