Mayoral Forum: A New Industrial Vision for Chicago

Mayoral candidates in Chicago came together on February 8 for a forum on a new industrial vision for an inclusive and thriving industrial sector. A wide range of issues were addressed at the forum, including the need for job training, federal investment in the manufacturing sector, ownership succession, and the importance of building a green […]
Advocacy Day: Community Leaders Standing For Inclusive Manufacturing in Springfield

Photo: Representatives of the CMRC and Ministers for Manufacturing Committee in front of the State of Illinois Capitol Building in Springfield, IL, 11/16/22. A strong message about the need for increased investment in the manufacturing ecosystem was brought directly to Springfield on November 16 at Advocacy Day, which was hosted by the Ministers for Manufacturing, […]
The American Federation of Teachers Endorses HR 5124—a bill promoting inclusion in manufacturing

For the two years, MR has been working with a small network of organizations to influence the discussions in the White House and in Congress on industrial policy and the commitment to ensure that the manufacturing sector is profoundly inclusive. (www.mrcampaign.net) Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky was inspired by our approach and drafted HR 5124 calling for […]
CMRC’s Quarterly Report: Highlighting the Work of A Multi-Stakeholder-Led Sector Partnership

The CMRC is a coalition-building initiative of Manufacturing Renaissance started in 2005. At CMRC’s bimonthly Leadership Committee meeting 10/24/22, Erica Staley presented the third quarter performance report for CMRC activity in 2022. The full report can be accessed here. Thanks to Leadership Committee member input into this evolving process, at the beginning of 2022, we came […]
Ministers for Manufacturing Leads Advocacy Day Trip to Springfield, IL on 11/16

Manufacturing Renaissance and the Ministers for Manufacturing committee co-chairs of the Chicagoland Manufacturing Renaissance Council (CMRC) will host a day trip in an executive coach bus to the Springfield Capitol on November 16, 2022. Our legislative host and guide when we arrive will be Rep. Kam Buckner and his staff. Rep. Buckner, a legislative leader and former chair […]
A Look at the Future: Students Visit the International Manufacturing Technology Show

For 74 students from John Marshall Metropolitan High School on Chicago’s West Side, the world of manufacturing opened up their eyes in new ways in September. Students attended the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), which was held by the Association for Manufacturing Technology in Chicago between September 12 and September 17. Staff from Manufacturing Renaissance […]
An International Exchange, and Friendship, Continues between Chicago and Australia

Above, Peter Botsman (right) looks on as Chaseley Walker, high school student from Australia (2nd from right) listens to two Austin Polytech students (first two from the left) share their experience in Mr. McIlrath’s math class (2011). Manufacturing Renaissance programs serve youth and young adults in underserved Chicago communities, but the reach and relevance of […]
Coalition Succeeds in Expanding ‘Inclusion’ Scope and Language in CHIPS and Science Act

Andrew Stettner, Senior Fellow at The Century Foundation, attends the signing ceremony of the CHIPS bill at the White House, 8/9/22 For more than a year, Manufacturing Renaissance has played an important role in forging and promoting national legislation that would help create jobs and boost competitiveness in this country. The organization has been instrumental […]
Welcome Newest Board Member, Lucy Minturn, Founder and CEO, FosterWorks

Young Manufacturers Association Member and Employee of FosterWorks, Isaiah McMullen and Lucy Minturn on the shop floor 2021. Lucy Minturn, Founder and CEO of FosterWorks in Chicago, brings a wide-ranging and diverse set of experiences to the manufacturing field. She purchased FosterWorks in 2020. A native of upstate New York, her career includes 15 years […]
Spotlight on Economic Democracy as a Strategy for Inclusive Development

Since the early 1980s, Manufacturing Renaissance has been inspired by and a student of worker ownership models, recognizing their potential for expanding wealth creation opportunities for communities that have traditionally been excluded from business ownership and wealth creation, especially in the manufacturing sector. Over the years MR has provided leadership in efforts to raise awareness […]