CHICAGO, Sept. 13,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IMEC and World Business Chicago
(WBC) announce a new partnership aimed at aligning strategies and
resources to strengthen Chicago's
manufacturing sector and drive inclusive economic growth. As global
trends reshape the manufacturing landscape—from evolving technology
and shifting supply chains to workforce dynamics—this partnership
is focused on preparing Chicago
for the future of manufacturing while leveraging the city's deep
industrial roots.
The partnership will focus on key initiatives designed to
elevate Chicago's position as a
global manufacturing hub. This includes the third annual
Manufacturing Month Series in October, where IMEC will serve as a
planning partner, participate in tours of local manufacturers, and
provide the keynote address at the DPD-WBC Manufacturing Award
Ceremony. The series will spotlight more than a dozen manufacturers
and bring together industry stakeholders. Additionally, IMEC and
WBC will co-host three manufacturing roundtables through the end of
2024, creating a platform for industry leaders to engage in
meaningful dialogue on topics like leadership, workforce
development, and the rapidly evolving technology landscape that is
reshaping the sector.
"Our nation is experiencing a pivotal manufacturing moment,
driven by shifting geopolitics, supply chain realignments, and the
transition toward next-generation technologies," said David Boulay, President, IMEC. "This partnership
with World Business Chicago allows us to address these changes
head-on by supporting small and mid-sized manufacturers—the
backbone of Chicago's
manufacturing ecosystem—while preparing them for what's
next."
Chicago has a rich
manufacturing tradition, and this partnership aims to harness that
legacy while looking forward. The collaboration also addresses key
challenges such as the demographic shift, as retiring boomers pass
ownership to a more diverse next generation, and the need for
increased productivity through investments in skills and
automation.
"We're thrilled to collaborate with Illinois Manufacturing
Excellence Center to build on our shared vision of supporting local
manufacturers," said Kyle Schulz,
Chief Growth Officer, World Business Chicago. "As the manufacturing
sector evolves, it's critical that we focus on workforce
development, embracing new technologies, and ensuring that the next
generation of manufacturing is driven by innovation and
inclusivity."
As part of the partnership, IMEC and WBC's Research Center will
jointly develop bi-monthly infographics analyzing subsectors of the
Chicagoland manufacturing economy, and they will release a
co-branded digital newsletter to engage a network of over 250
manufacturers, agencies, and partners with insights and
updates.
For more information on upcoming events and related research
follow the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center and World
Business Chicago online.
About Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center:
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) serves as
the state's U.S. Department of Commerce NIST Manufacturing
Extension Partnership center. IMEC is a team of industry
improvement specialists dedicated to providing Illinois
Manufacturers with the solutions, tools, and resources to create
sustainable, competitive futures. IMEC drives growth through
enterprise excellence, helping organizations become more effective
and efficient through tailored solutions and support. In 2023, they
assisted over 2,500 companies and helped create or retain over
5,200 jobs, resulting in over $650M
aggregate impact to the Illinois
economy. For more information,
visit https://www.imec.org.
About World Business Chicago:
World Business Chicago (WBC) is the City
of Chicago's public-private economic development agency
focused on driving inclusive growth and job creation, supporting
businesses, and promoting Chicago
as a leading global city. WBC's mission is to position Chicago as the most business-friendly global
city by advancing equitable economic growth that benefits all
Chicagoans. www.worldbusinesschicago.com
Contact: Megan Altmyer, maltmyer@imec.org
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/imec--world-business-chicago-announce-strategic-partnership-to-drive-the-future-of-manufacturing-in-chicago-302247957.html
SOURCE IMEC