News

IMEC Celebrates 30 Years Strengthening Illinois Manufacturers Across Every Hometown

PEORIA, Ill., March 24, 2026 — From legacy metal casting at State Line Foundries in South Beloit to river simulation systems engineered by Emriver in Carbondale, the Made in My Hometown series showcases the breadth of innovation across Illinois manufacturing. The series is part of the 30th anniversary of the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), […]

Webinar Recordings

Part 2 – NEW TARIFF REALITY: Your Tariff Exposure Action Plan

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Session Handout: Part 2 – NEW TARIFF REALITY: Your Tariff Exposure Action Plan Watch the Part 1 Recording: Part 1: NEW TARIFF REALITY: The New Rules of U.S. Trade Watch the Part 3 Recording: Part 3 – NEW TARIFF REALITY: Planning for Post-July 24 and Beyond On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme […]

Supply Chain Operations

Webinar Recordings

NAVIGATING TRADE TURBULENCE: Tariffs, Ocean Freight, and Energy Volatility

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Session Handout: NAVIGATING TRADE TURBULENCE: Tariffs, Ocean Freight, and Energy Volatility Register: NEW TARIFF REALITY: Your Tariff Exposure Action Plan Join us for this webinar as we provide the latest guidance on the IEEPA refund process, along with timely updates on the ocean freight market. We will discuss how recent geopolitical developments—particularly the […]

Supply Chain Operations

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. […]

Supply Chain Operations

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 […]

Lean Manufacturing Operations

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 […]

Grants and Initiatives