Save the Date: Manufacturing as a Strategy for Inclusion and Development
On Wednesday, November 3rd, 3-4:30 pm CST, the Chicagoland Manufacturing Renaissance Council will be featuring US Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves. Deputy Secretary Graves will share his latest thinking and moderate a panel of Chicagoland leaders in a discussion on the role of manufacturing as a strategic vehicle for expanding inclusion and equity, […]
CMRC’s Ministers for Manufacturing: The Faith Community Plays a Key Role in Development
Photo caption left to right: Rev. Anthony Haynes, David Robinson, Erica Staley, Tanesha House, Jim Piper, Rev. Timothy Wright III Ministers in the region who are working with Manufacturing Renaissance came together in September to build the faith community’s support for manufacturing as a tool for social inclusion and sustainable community development. The gathering of […]
Success Story: Mandrell Davis “…wants to do this.”
Participant, Young Manufacturers Association Mandrell Davis heard about the Young Manufacturers Association (YMA) from a pastor in a local church near where he lives in south suburban Robbins. YMA is Manufacturing Renaissance’s network and program for young adults aged 18-29 who are pursuing careers in manufacturing, are in-between jobs, in training, or are interested in starting a career […]
Profile: Jim Piper, CMRC Welcomes Newest Leadership Committee Member
As a kid growing up west of Cleveland, in Elyria, Ohio, Jim Piper was closely acquainted with the benefits of vocational education. His dad was an assistant principal at a school that provided many options for students to pursue a wide range of trades. ”My dad would tell these stories of kids having great success […]
Towards a New Paradigm of Development: MR’s Theory of Change
In recent months, Manufacturing Renaissance and many partners have come together to advocate for a stronger and more equitable industrial policy in this country. Meanwhile, the organization’s dynamic work in Chicago (and other communities) continues. Now, a new report shares what Manufacturing Renaissance has learned and how the manufacturing sector in this country can be […]
Green Town Hall: IVI-IPO’s Focus on Economic and Environmental Health
The growing focus on the connection between manufacturing and urgent environmental issues was a key topic at The Green Town Hall, a virtual event held on May 10 by IVI-IPO (the Independent Voters of Illinois and Independent Precinct Organization). David Robinson, Director of External Affairs for Manufacturing Renaissance, was one of three panelists at the […]
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: Re/Cast, Advisors in Ownership Succession
The Manufacturing Renaissance’s RE/CAST program provides advising services to companies that face ownership succession issues and want to stay open and thrive. One look at the demographics of Illinois manufacturing companies tells a compelling story about why ownership succession is a timely issue. Far more often than not, company ownership is older, overwhelmingly lacking in […]
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 […]