Webinar Recordings
Part 1 – NEW TARIFF REALITY: The New Rules of U.S. Trade
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Session Handout: Part 1 – NEW TARIFF REALITY: The New Rules of U.S. Trade Watch the Part 2 Recording: Part 2 – NEW TARIFF REALITY: Your Tariff Exposure Action Plan Watch the Part 3 Recording: Part 3 – NEW TARIFF REALITY: Planning for Post-July 24 and Beyond On February 20, 2026, the U.S. […]
Blogs
Sustaining Continuous Improvement: Strategies for Long-Term CI Success
Why do so many Lean initiatives lose momentum and how can manufacturers sustain results? Mark Loscudo shares four practical pillars for building continuous improvement systems that last.
Webinar Recordings
SUSTAIN CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: Strategies for Long-Term CI Success
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Session Handout: SUSTAIN CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: Strategies for Long-Term CI Success Watch: DRIVING CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: Unlocking Potential With Value Stream Mapping Many Lean initiatives show impressive results at first, only to see gains fade over time. Sustaining continuous improvement requires more than one-time changes. It takes deliberate strategies, cultural alignment, consistent follow-through to make […]
News
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. Baker, MBA; David Boulay, Ph.D.; and LaVon M. Johns, Esq., LEED AP to its Board of Directors. The appointments further strengthen the organization’s governance and […]
News
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 talent through hands-on internships. Developed with support from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the program provides manufacturers with a clear framework […]
Blogs
What SMMs Need to Know About Implementing CMMC
With CMMC now embedded in DoD contracts, small and mid-sized manufacturers must act quickly to assess gaps, plan implementation, and secure their place in the defense supply chain.
Blogs
From Labor Gaps to Long-Term ROI: How Apprenticeships Pay Off for Small and Mid-Sized Manufacturers
Structured apprenticeships help small and mid-sized manufacturers reduce turnover, boost productivity, and build the skilled workforce needed for technology-driven growth.
Blogs
Fit for Purpose: Framing Problems That Truly Deserve Automation
Not every manufacturing problem deserves automation, the key to high-impact results is defining the right problem before selecting a solution.
Whitepapers & Reports
Your Strategy Isn’t the Problem. Leadership Depth Is.
Many manufacturing performance challenges attributed to strategy or market conditions are actually symptoms of insufficient leadership depth.
News
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.