Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs
From Spreadsheets to Smart Decisions
A practical guide to Power BI dashboards for manufacturers ready to connect data, improve visibility, and make faster decisions.
Blogs
Beyond Spreadsheets: A Practical First Step with Power BI
Manufacturers rarely lack data. The challenge is making information from multiple systems accessible, trusted, and actionable. Learn how a focused Power BI dashboard can improve visibility and support better decisions.
News
Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center Names Michael M. Cabonargi President and CEO
IMEC welcomes Michael M. Cabonargi as President and CEO, bringing more than three decades of leadership experience to the organization as it begins its next chapter serving Illinois manufacturers.
Webinar Recordings
BEYOND GENERIC AI: Building a “Brand Brain” to Power Manufacturing Growth
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Session Handout: BEYOND GENERIC AI: Building a “Brand Brain” to Power Manufacturing Growth Slide Deck Webinar Recording: MAXIMIZING COMPANY VALUE: 8 Drivers Every Manufacturer Should Assess Upcoming Webinar: […]
Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs
NAVIGATING DISRUPTION
Learn how small and mid-sized manufacturers can use data, technology and strategic partnerships to improve supply chain visibility, strengthen resilience and better prepare for disruption.
Blogs Tooling-U SME AI and Smart Manufacturing
AI Is a Starting Point. Smart Manufacturing Is the Bigger Opportunity.
Build a stronger foundation for Smart Manufacturing. The Tooling-U SME AI and Smart Manufacturing helps teams understand AI, data, and digital technologies shaping the future of manufacturing.
Webinar Recordings
Manufacturing Growth: SEO, GEO & Digital Advertising Strategies That Drive Leads
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Session Handout: Manufacturing Growth: SEO, GEO & Digital Advertising Strategies That Drive Leads The way manufacturers generate leads online is rapidly evolving. Traditional SEO is now only one […]
Webinar Recordings
NAVIGATING INVISIBLE BOUNDARIES: Enhancing Communication when Working Across the Globe
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Session Handout: NAVIGATING INVISIBLE BOUNDARIES: Enhancing Communication when Working Across the Globe Global collaboration brings incredible opportunities but also hidden challenges. Communication, leadership, decision-making, and feedback styles often […]
Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs
HARD TECHNOLOGIES FOR HARD ROI
Discover how small and mid-sized manufacturers can strategically deploy robotics and advanced process controls to stabilize production, address workforce challenges, and achieve measurable returns.
Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs
Advance McHenry County
See how targeted investments helped 74 McHenry County manufacturers strengthen their businesses and generate an estimated $50.6 million in economic impact.
Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs
Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented
See how strategic investment helped Cook County manufacturers strengthen their operations, workforce, and growth strategies, generating $737.8 million in aggregate economic impact.
Webinar Recordings
BlueForge Workforce Summit
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Session Handouts: Partners in Progress 2026 Shaping the Future of Workforce Development The Evolving Role of Supervisors and Middle Managers Join IMEC for a focused virtual workforce summit […]
Webinar Recordings
BRIDGE THE GAP: Working Across Generations in Manufacturing
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Session Handout: Bridging the Gap Working Across Generations Slide Deck In today’s manufacturing workplaces, it’s common to see four or even five generations working together — from seasoned […]
Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs
Strategic Automation Investment
Discover how strategic, targeted automation investments can help manufacturers address workforce challenges, improve productivity, support reshoring, and strengthen long-term competitiveness.
Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs
2025 Made in Illinois Impact Report
See how strategic investment is helping Illinois manufacturers modernize, strengthen their workforce, increase productivity, and build a more competitive future.
Webinar Recordings
CMMC Paused, Not Dead: Navigating the DoW’s Phase II Suspension
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Session Handout: CMMC Paused, Not Dead: Navigating the DoW’s Phase II Suspension On July 13, the Department of War hit pause on CMMC Phase II — the third-party […]
Discover Reliable Suppliers and Strengthen Your Supply Chain
Our cutting-edge supply chain center is designed to connect Illinois manufacturers with suppliers across the United States. Tailored specifically to support the Buy America Initiative, this initiative fosters local sourcing and empowers manufacturers to access a diverse network of reliable suppliers.
Career Pathways in Manufacturing
We created Career Pathways in Manufacturing to strengthen workforce and economic competitiveness, securing a resilient economy for the future.