Pastor Donald Meeks, 1st Choice Outreach Ministries, Matteson, IL 1952-2022
The Chicago Manufacturing Renaissance Council (CMRC) shares profound condolences with the family, friends, and community of Pastor Donald Meeks of 1st Choice Outreach Ministries and Trustee of the Village of Matteson, IL. Pastor Meeks passed away on July 4. Pastor Meeks was a Co-chair of the Ministers for Manufacturing committee of the CMRC representing the […]
Welcome to the Team! New MR Board Member John Scheflow
John Scheflow, who recently joined the Board of Directors of Manufacturing Renaissance, has had a wide-ranging career as an attorney as well as a variety of personal experiences and memories that connect him to the Renaissance. “I saw in Manufacturing Renaissance the opportunity to put my professional skills to use,” he says. “I think their […]
Check out our latest Newsletter – May 2021
Have you seen our latest news? Montez King, NASA, success stories, new partnerships, training, economic dev’t opportunities, national policy and more!
Success Story: Brandi’s Road to Success
Brandi S., participated in the Manufacturing Connect (MC) program as a high school student to get work experience and learn professionalism skills, graduating in 2013 from Austin Polytechnical Academy with career goals of being a medical assistant. In the Fall of 2013, Brandi registered for school at a local college with a major of medical […]
Update: Cook County Early Warning Network
The Cook County Early Warning Network was set up in 2020 to help small and mid-sized manufacturers in Cook County that are facing financial distress because of COVID-19. Companies that can benefit from the program typically have fewer than 40 employees. The program is funded by the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development in partnership […]
Profile: MR’s Newest Board Member, Montez King
Montez King, who joined the Manufacturing Renaissance board in March 2021, is Executive Director of the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS), a nationally-recognized validator of performance through practical experiences that reflect the manufacturing industry. NIMS provides excellent, industry-developed and validated standards, credentials, training frameworks, methods, and tools that dynamically respond to our fast-paced, technology, technology-driven […]
Next MC Youth Training Starting 3/15/21 – Limited Space!
The Career Pathways Services programs Manufacturing Connect (MC for in-school youth) and the Young Manufacturers Association (YMA for young adults) online training programs launched new cohorts on February 16th and February 18th. MC’s first cohort include 16 youth representing 13 high schools and community organizations across Cook County. Among these, are: Morgan Park, Prosser, Curie, […]
Success Story – Power Couple!
Kyana was an active participant in the Manufacturing Connect (MC) program since her freshman year at Austin College & Career Academy. Kyana had multiple work experiences throughout her H.S. career and entered into an internship with Ferrara Candy after graduating in 2019. Kyana was trained to work in the kitchen as a Mogul Operator, responsible […]
BLACK CONTRIBUTIONS TO MANUFACTURING HISTORY
Black History month observances tend to honor civil rights and cultural heroes. Less often discussed are the many Black contributors to the manufacturing industry, including the millions of Black people who became a critical part of the manufacturing work force through the Great Migration between 1915 and 1970. Men like our Executive Director’s grandfather, Walter […]
Laystrom Manufacturing Co. Wins THE FABRICATOR’s Industry Award for 2021
Long-time MC program partner and CMRC Leadership Committee Co-chair Colin Cosgrove and Laystrom Manufacturing Co. was recognized this month as a model company for outstanding performance which is thanks in large part to prioritizing creating a great work culture. Congratulations Colin and the Laystrom team! Read more here.