Buffalo, NY. September 20, 2023. –
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) is excited to announce the recipient of the Foundation of Manufacturing Excellence’s 2023 Industry Award for Manufacturing Advocate, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development. This award was announced at the 2023 MEP National Network Forum in Buffalo, NY by Carrie Hines, Executive Director of the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence, and accepted by Christine Nappo, Director, Sector Strategies at Cook County Bureau of Economic Development.
The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development was nominated for this prestigious annual award by IMEC in recognition of their long-standing partnership and the Bureau’s work for the over 5,000 manufacturers in suburban Cook County. For example, in the face of the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development turned to IMEC to ensure the industry’s resilience. Their collaborative efforts not only provided invaluable insights into the urgent needs of manufacturers, but also led to the development of innovative programs and policies to support their recovery and future success.
Understanding the pressing concerns of manufacturers during the pandemic was crucial for devising effective support strategies. The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development and IMEC conducted a comprehensive phone survey, reaching out to all manufacturing firms in suburban Cook County. More than 1,000 manufacturers responded, providing valuable insights into their most critical challenges resulting from the changed landscape. This data became the foundation for the Bureau’s commitment to assisting manufacturers in rebounding, resetting, and positioning themselves for a successful future.
Recognizing U.S. Department of Commerce NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) as the ideal partner, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development formalized a multi-year agreement with IMEC. To bring the agreement to life, the Bureau collaborated closely with County leadership and Commissioners and successfully secured $5 million in funding for the Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented Program. This program was specifically dedicated to providing technical assistance that addressed the urgent needs identified by County manufacturers.
At the time of the Bureau’s nomination, 179 applications had been received. The bulk of applicants (49.16%) were companies with less than 20 employees. Participating manufacturers can be fully reimbursed for projects in areas ranging from online sales and lead generation to automation and cybersecurity.
President Toni Preckwinkle of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, when asked about the award, said “We are profoundly honored to be recognized nationally for our unwavering commitment to the manufacturing sector, a vital industry employing nearly 200,000 individuals within Cook County. Our partnership with IMEC has been instrumental in our shared mission to foster data-driven solutions that effectively address the evolving demands of this critical sector. We eagerly anticipate the continuation of this collaborative journey to benefit the residents and businesses that call Cook County home.”
For more information on this grant opportunity, visit https://www.ccmfg.org/.
About the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC)
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, the Illinois affiliate of the U.S Commerce NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network, is a non-profit economic development organization dedicated to supporting growth and development in Illinois. IMEC provides technical assistance, training, knowledge, and resources to empower small and midsized manufacturers through the state. For more information, please visit www.imec.org.
Media Contact:
Jaclyn Kolodziej – Marketing Manager
Phone: 608-201-5076
Email: jkolodziej@imec.org
