IMEC and Commerce Bank recently wrapped up the Lean Meets Finance event series, a four-city program designed to help Illinois manufacturers connect operational improvement with stronger financial performance. The series included events in Peoria, Glen Ellyn, Champaign, and Quincy, offering practical insights to help organizations strengthen both their operational and financial performance.
Throughout the sessions, participants received clear, actionable guidance on how Lean principles and financial process improvements complement one another. The program blends Lean manufacturing principles with financial workflow automation and risk mitigation to help manufacturers uncover hidden waste, boost cash flow, and make smarter decisions faster. Participants learned how Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and Payment Cycle Reviews spotlight inefficiencies and provide a clearer path toward stronger operational and financial alignment. The series also highlighted how modern contract and financial tools from purchase orders to capital tracking support improvement efforts and help manufacturers create measurable impact.
“At IMEC, we see strong alignment between Lean tools like Value Stream Mapping and Commerce Bank’s Cash Cycle Review process,” said Jeremy Smith, IMEC Technical Specialist. “Both methods aim to break down complex workflows into clear, measurable steps, whether that’s material flow on the shop floor or cash flow within financial systems. By mapping these processes, manufacturers can identify delays, reduce manual touchpoints, and design smarter systems that improve both efficiency and financial outcomes. It was a pleasure partnering with Commerce Bank to bring these ideas to the manufacturers we serve.”
Reflecting on the series, Susan Aiello, C.T.P., A.A.P., senior vice president of treasury management at Commerce Bank, said, “Commerce Bank was pleased to collaborate with IMEC on the lean processing event series, sharing insights and best practices to help manufacturers find efficiencies in their financial operations. Manufacturers face a number of challenges — rising material costs, complex supply chains, labor shortages, and economic uncertainty — which all impact the financial health of an organization. Using a consultative approach, Commerce specializes in helping organizations maximize working capital and reduce error-prone manual workflows, providing a competitive edge in a competitive environment.”
The multi-city series offered participants a deeper understanding of how Lean practices intersect with financial workflows. The conversations helped manufacturers think more strategically about the factors that impact performance across their businesses.
About IMEC
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) helps Illinois manufacturers build sustainable, competitive futures. IMEC provides hands-on solutions, expert guidance, and practical tools to improve efficiency, strengthen operations, and drive growth. In 2025, IMEC supported over 3,700 companies, helping create or retain 6,871 jobs and generating over $905 million in economic impact. For more information, visit www.imec.org.
About Commerce Bank
With $32.3 billion in assets1, Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBSH) is a regional bank holding company offering a full line of banking services through its subsidiaries, including payment solutions, investment management and securities brokerage. One of its subsidiaries, Commerce Bank, leverages 160 years of proven strength and experience to help individuals and businesses solve financial challenges. In addition to offering payment solutions across the U.S., Commerce Bank currently operates full-service banking facilities across the Midwest including the St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan areas, Springfield, Central Missouri, Central Illinois, Wichita, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Denver. Beyond the Midwest, Commerce also maintains commercial offices in Dallas, Houston, Cincinnati, Nashville, Des Moines, Indianapolis and Grand Rapids, and wealth offices in Dallas, Houston and Naples. Commerce delivers high-touch service and sophisticated financial solutions at regional branches, commercial and wealth offices, ATMs, online, mobile and through a 24/7 customer service line. Learn more at www.commercebank.com.
1As of September 30, 2025
