Webinar Recordings
OSHA COMPLIANCE OUTLOOK: Key Updates & Priorities for 2026
In this webinar, Brian Bothast, Safety and Occupational Health Specialist with the Peoria OSHA office, will break down OSHA’s upcoming National and Regional Emphasis Programs and what they mean for Illinois manufacturers.
Webinar Recordings
SAFETY IN MAINTENANCE: Protecting Workers and Ensuring Reliability
This webinar will highlight key practices and precautions to help safeguard your workforce while maintaining operational reliability.
Webinar Recordings
MASTERING JOB METHODS: Unlocking Continuous Improvement with TWI
This webinar will equip you with the tools and insights needed to lead your team more effectively and achieve measurable improvements in productivity and quality.
News
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.
Webinar Recordings
ENGAGING MULTI GENERATIONS: Strengthening Skills through Training Pathways
This webinar explores practical ways manufacturers can address workforce gaps through structured training pathways, including internships and apprenticeships.
Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs
Closing the Gap How Veterans Strengthen Manufacturing and Cybersecurity Talent Pipelines
Hiring veterans is not charity—it is strategy, delivering reliable talent, enhanced security, and stronger communities while filling critical roles in manufacturing and cybersecurity.
Webinar Recordings
2026 GROWTH BLUEPRINT: Readiness, Realignment & Smart Marketing for Manufacturers
A high-level guide for manufacturers to spot growth barriers, align marketing and sales, and apply practical tech/AI strategies for success in 2026.
Blogs
How Illinois Manufacturers Can Cut Quoting Time by 30% Using Better Excel Workflows or Microsoft Access
Illinois manufacturers can cut quoting time by 30% by streamlining Excel workflows or moving to a scalable Microsoft Access system tailored to their operations.
Webinar Recordings
NAVIGATING GLOBAL TRADE: Understanding Tariffs & the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Classification Through Cookies
This interactive session uses the cookie recipe as an accessible but powerful analogy to decode how HTS classification, tariff exposure, and global sourcing decisions directly impact your bottom line as an Illinois manufacturer.
Blogs
Building a Stronger Workforce: The Value of Apprenticeships in Manufacturing
Apprenticeships offer manufacturers a strategic solution to workforce challenges by developing skilled, loyal employees from within, boosting engagement, and significantly improving retention—especially when supported by expert partners like IMEC.
News
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.
Success Stories
Legacy. Innovation. Efficiency.
When Frantz Manufacturing Company recognized the need to modernize its outdated AS400 system, they turned to IMEC for guidance. Through the structured IMEC ERP evaluation and selection process, Frantz identified the best-fit system to improve efficiency, planning, and long-term growth.
Success Stories
Empower. Engage. Elevate.
Safety Storage, Inc. partnered with IMEC to strengthen supervisory leadership and communication, resulting in $120,000 in annual savings, higher productivity, improved engagement, and reduced turnover.
Success Stories
GIESECKE & DEVRIENT
To address the growing need for skilled maintenance talent, Giesecke & Devrient (G+D) partnered with IMEC to develop and launch a U.S. Department of Labor–registered Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship Program. The initiative has enhanced workforce skills, reduced downtime, and established a sustainable talent pipeline for long-term operational success.
Webinar Recordings
UNLOCKING WORKFORCE OPPORTUNITY: How Apprenticeships Build Skills, Careers, and Communities
Join us for this engaging 45 minute webinar to explore the power of apprenticeships in today’s manufacturing and workforce landscape. Apprenticeships are a time-tested model that allows individuals to earn while they learn, while helping employers develop a pipeline of highly skilled, loyal employees.
Webinar Recordings
DESIGNING SMARTER MANUFACTURING: How Winning Manufacturers Put Historical Data at the Center of Their Business Transformation
Discover how top manufacturers are transforming their operations by unlocking the power of legacy data.
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.