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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Resolution Introduced in Chicago’s City Council to Endorse the Manufacturing Reinvestment Corporation Act

On March 23, 2022, Alderman Michael Rodriguez, Ward 22 representing Little Village, North Lawndale and surrounding communities, submitted a resolution to endorse the Manufacturing Corporation Reinvestment Act (HR5124). In short, this resolution acknowledges: The importance of the intersection between manufacturing and education and career and technical education in the City of Chicago towards building a […]
“Manufacturing Ecosystem” and a New Definition to Support Inclusive, Equitable Community Development

If you’re working in a space that is similar to the space Manufacturing Renaissance works in you’ve started to hear the words “manufacturing ecosystem” thrown around quite a bit. As a former ecologist, my interest was piqued at the notion. I quickly imagined the manufacturing ecosystem to mean the diverse mix of stakeholders, participants, practitioners, […]
Coalition Launches New Website to Advocate for Congressional Manufacturing Industry Investment

The Time is Now. The Website is Here. On February 4, 2022 MR and the Manufacturing Renaissance Campaign Coalition officially launched their new website dedicated to showcase the advancement of national manufacturing industry legislation, progressive policies and programming, and a call for significant investment in advanced skills training and education. Over 60 guests tuned-in as […]
U.S. Deputy Secy. of Commerce, Cook County Pres. voice support for more inclusive manufacturing sector

The Chicagoland Manufacturing Renaissance Council (CMRC), program of Manufacturing Renaissance (MR), continued to spotlight the growing movement for a more inclusive manufacturing sector at a Nov. 3 event that featured U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves. Nearly 150 attended from over a dozen states (and Australia) the event via Zoom, including members of […]
Program Highlights: Towards Expanding a Manufacturing Ecosystem

Manufacturing Renaissance completed its Career Pathway Services program year over the summer, concluding a dynamic period stretching September of 2020 through August 2021. Career Pathway Services consists of two program models: Manufacturing Connect (serving high school seniors) and Young Manufacturers Association (serving young adults 18-24). Though trainings were held online during the pandemic, data show […]
New Bill Proposes Major Reinvestment in Manufacturing Communities

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced the Manufacturing Reinvestment Corporation Act. The legislation will ensure that a revitalized manufacturing sector can create the products, processes, and transition opportunities that are necessary to […]
Rep. Schakowsky Shares Progress on Introduction of Key Legislation to Grow Manufacturing Sector This Summer

A growing movement for a stronger and more equitable manufacturing sector in this country is gaining momentum. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) has indicated she will introduce legislation in the coming weeks that will lay out plans and funding to support innovation, sustainability, supply chain resiliency, and equal opportunities and inclusion in the manufacturing sector. “We […]