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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, […]
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Get to Know IMEC’s Board of Directors: Alex Nadtochiy
From immigrant beginnings and odd jobs to leading a top manufacturing firm, Alex Nadtochiy brings a global perspective, hands-on experience, and a passion for building to his new role on the IMEC Board of Directors.
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IMEC and Illinois District Export Council Partner to Educate Manufacturers on Supply Chain, Export, and Tariff Strategy
IMEC and the Illinois District Export Council have partnered to help Illinois manufacturers strengthen supply chains and expand global trade through a new educational webinar series.
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Governor Pritzker Awards $1.3 Million to 29 Manufacturing Companies Through Made in Illinois Grant Program
This year, 29 small and mid-sized manufacturers across Illinois are receiving a combined $1.35 million in capital grant funding.
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Two IMEC Leaders Earn TPM Talent Supply Chain Manager Credential to Support Illinois Manufacturing Workforce
On May 7, 2025, Joanne Ruiz and Amy Clary, officially earned the designation of TPM Talent Supply Chain Manager, joining a national network of professionals working to solve workforce challenges […]